You think to yourself, this is too expensive, it isn't worth it and we should just go with someone cheaper. Think again. PHL offers a level a service way above the rest. From the rebar reinforced 48" deep piers going into 24" footings to the professionalism and kindness shown by all the employees, working with these guys has been a complete pleasure.
A little background on us: my mother is a hardworking nurse of 40+ years and I am a physician. We have experienced all the typical horror stories of contractors not being honest, professional nor courteous. Most importantly: not being transparent and sticking to the agreed upon plan. So, when we decided to renovate our attic, we got a structural engineering assessment. It stated that in order to realize our renovation dreams, our 110-year-old house was in need of a new foundation and replacement of a brick basement wall. After what we had been through in the past and now hearing that, you can imagine why we would be hesitant and nervous about a job of this magnitude.
Here is where Pete, Beto and PHL come in and change perspective. Firstly, let's talk about the punctuality of the entire crew. From the scheduling of the estimate to the first day of work until the last day of the job, these guys never faltered. They were always here when they said they were going to be here (8am-5pm, M-F) and sometimes put in extra time to meet their outlined goals.
In regards to goal setting and meeting deadlines these guys estimated 8 weeks (40days) for the foundation and wall replacement and 2 weeks for the skirting. The job was completed in 8 weeks and the quality and attention to detail was impeccable.
The quality of work was phenomenal. There were doors and windows in our house that never quite closed perfectly and floors that creaked to announce a teenager might be sneaking out late at night (I may have been that teenager). These are the things you get used to in an old house, but after the leveling process, the pouring of the 45 new piers and the replacement of the rotten beams and floor joists, the doors close smoother and the floors no longer creak. It was like the house was brought back to how it was built. There is an overall sturdier feel to the old gal.
The jobsite was always left in immaculate condition. Since the job was executed while we were living in our home it was nice to come home and not feel like we were living in a construction site. Everyday they would clear the jobsite of any debris and trash and leave their materials neatly organized and ready for their next day of work. On Fridays we typically received a small report on the job from either Pete or Beto outlining the stage of completion and any possible hiccups they encountered and any alterations to the work timeline. Any questions we had, and there were plenty, were always answered promptly and thoroughly. I had so many concerns, but Pete and the guys were so patient and kind to us. Ready and willing to put us at ease.
Pete has an excellent eye for design and a wonderful attention to detail. When selecting skirting he suggested cedar shingles for our wrap around porch and my mother absolutely loves them. The basement wall that they replaced looks original to the house. Do you know why? Because Pete and his team cleaned and reused the original brick in the design to create a beautiful wall replacement that feels natural and looks as if it was always there.
It made us sad that they don't do other types of work because we would definitely hire them to finish our home renovation. It was truly a wonderful experience. But alas, they have a niche, one that they are extraordinary at. If you need a new foundation and you want someone who cares about their work and will go above and beyond PHL is the way to go! read more