We hired NB Builders as our remediation team for our home after the Eaton Canyon fires, expecting professionalism during what was already a stressful situation. Unfortunately, what began as a seemingly competent engagement quickly deteriorated into the most distressing and time-consuming contractor experience our family has ever had.
Throughout the project, we encountered serious issues with honesty, communication, and conduct.
For example, David, the project manager ensured us that everything would be taken care of through insurance. Their charges turned out to be significantly higher than any of the remediation companies our friends and neighbors hired. Even though the insurance paid out an incredibly large amount (they showed us that our payout was the most they gave of any remediation claim from the fires), because they did not approve of the full amount, David threatened us with a mechanic's lien on our home. The tone of NB/David/Noam's communications was persistently intimidating and threatening, and felt entirely inappropriate.
When we raised concerns about miscommunications and discrepancies in the scope of work, the response became aggressive rather than collaborative. At one point, our husband was subjected to hostile and profane language from Noam, which was deeply unprofessional and unacceptable.
Additionally, a pipe was damaged during the course of the project. Based on timing and circumstances, we believe this damage was caused by their work, yet they became incredibly defensive, sarcastic, and hostile in our communications.
Thankfully our insurance started directing final payouts to our mortgage company, which helped give us leverage and required accountability, so that they could not continue to try to extort us if they wanted a payout.
After our experience, we also learned that legal disputes involving their company's leader, Noam, are a matter of public record, which confirmed and raised further concerns about this company.
Remediation work requires not only technical competence but integrity, accountability, and respectful communication, especially when families are already under stress. Regrettably, our experience with NB Builders reflected the opposite.
We have learned a costly lesson. In the future, honesty, trustworthiness, and a company that clearly seeks transparency and accountability from the outset will be core criteria. read more
