I read wonderful reviews too. However, this was far from our experience. Absolutely zero design help. No design person on staff to assist with any planning or ideas. No evidence of a CAD program to produce a blueprint or a dimensional drawing to work from. We were given a 10,000 page Delta plumbers catalogue to pick out shower and faucet options. When it came to lighting placement, we were not advised to relocate existing locations, and one light poorly illuminates the toilet area. We were given only one brand catalogue for the powder room vanity choice. We searched online for other vanities; the prices MKB allowed for items, we learned were low. From the catalogue supplied, we asked about different finishes and counter tops. We had to go to the vendor in order to see the product (30 minute drive). We had mentioned we wanted a medicine tower cabinet in the middle of our vanity. We asked MKB to call the maker of existing cabinet to see if they could match it. After repeatedly inquiring on our part he said it would be custom, and quite expensive. No other alternatives were offered. Everything was left up to us to find. We have no medicine cabinet at all. Mondeau Plumbing is MKB vendor. We were told Delta was a good choice for well water. We chose Brilliant Stainless in February, but were not told that everything was special order, and more costly. To check the order status I called Mondeau. On March 22nd, discovered one piece was back ordered. Thereafter, we received notice it was discontinued. When the faucets were installed, it was discovered that the levered drain was not the correct piece needed, subsequently re-ordered pop up type. Shower valve arrived in the wrong finish, again reorder. Shower head arrived but no arm/flange for the head to connect to the pipe in the wall had been ordered.
Work started in February 6th. The existing master bath granite top vanity was moved into our bedroom, where it was not sufficiently protected. Used it as a work station, and splattered drywall mud on it. A tile saw used in the garage, left excessive dust and water everywhere. Thin set mud stuck on our interlocking brick. Tile cutting done first in front of one of our windows. Had to be asked to move away from the window to avoid damage. We were told a crooked wall would be corrected. It was not, so when the floor tile was installed it was out of alignment with the remaining walls. Hardwood floor in our home was scratched and a newly installed Oak threshold was a poorly stained to match. Much of the trouble and numerous mistakes were a result of no FOREMAN present. Facets of the work were started by one, but finished by another. Most importantly, NOTE- these workers are NOT certified LICENCED professionals. They come and go as they please, sometimes working as little as one hour. A full day did not exceed 6 hrs. At times they were careless and sloppy. Although the plumbing and electrical got done, the drywall and painting was poor. The drywall dust mess dragged on unnecessarily for weeks. Many wasted man hours, paint and materials. Four different men going over and over the same work, with unsatisfactory results. They failed to reproduce the highly finished ceilings that were present before tear out, and left rippled walls. The angled shower bench doesn't match the angle of the back top and is made obvious by the glass enclosure. The metal tile edging was improperly installed without the required "reveal" or overhang, leaving an unsightly joint with the drywall. These issues remain unresolved. In addition, there was no design help to decide a top for the shower wall and seat. We were told we could go to granite places to see if we could match our existing countertop.
Work was rushed and completed in an unconventional order. There was never during the entire process a timeline or schedule offered, despite requests. 44 days of no workers showing up, most without any notice. Most days we were told they were sent to other job sites, again leaving us with no one. A pattern developed where Mike would send his workers to start new and continue other jobs sites, apparently to get the next check to keep the ball rolling. NOTE- at each request, Mike was given his due money in good faith, even though the progress of the work had fallen behind. Note- MKB was PAID IN FULL without delay. However we remain with many visually obvious mistakes in the workmanship.
The glass shower encasement had to be redone as it was measured incorrectly. A 4-5 week wait. At the first installation attempt, it was the glass guys that made us aware of optional colored trim that we ended up going with. Same for the linear shower drain. Not offered the option for the drain that allows a piece of tile placed on it so it looks like the floor. However, we did request and got.
The shower valve is not the one chosen or ordered. We agreed to use
it for now. After paying in full in July, Mike agreed to order the valve read more
