The first star is because Paul is very enthusiastic and personable. He is EXCITED about building.
The second star is because, to my great relief, a garage did, in fact, rise up out of the ground next to my house. It has floor, walls, roof, windows and doors, and they all work. The subcontractors seemed competent at almost every step. They worked well and the result will be terrific.
I say "will be" because seven months in, the project is not completed.
His original estimate was about $82,000, which we thought was good for what we wanted. Then we got a written estimate of $94,000. So far we've paid over $105,000.
A team of excavators stood in my yard waiting on day one because although the project is between the house and the oil tank, Paul didn't foresee that the gas line would have to be moved before digging could start.
The wrong windows were installed (I didn't want grids). I didn't even say anything because it wasn't worth the delay, hassle and possible more expense.
The garage door isn't the design I asked for.
Worst of all, when I came home and found blue siding being put on the addition of our gray house, I DID get Paul on the phone right away; instead of considering that I may be right, that it was the wrong color, he started explaining that I was wrong. I had to check my own notes and remind him the name of the color I had asked for!
Beware the "true-up sheet"! Paul explained that if I ask for changes along the way, or something unforeseeable occurs, those costs will appear in the true-up sheet. We said "yes" to one optional item (about $1400) but we made no changes along the way. The listings are so vague, I feel we must have paid for the excavators' overtime, the extra siding, and whatever other mistakes I wasn't even aware of.
We have been given further estimates to finish the project.
Paul designed a garage and breezeway that would extend beyond the existing driveway; he should have known that the driveway would need to be amended.
The excavation tore up a portion of our irrigation system. He should have known that would happen and included the repair in the estimate.
The patio was also partly torn up, and we're being asked to pay extra to have it fixed.
I did check his reviews before we started, and called the references. Looking back, I'm surprised we found them all so positive because the subs and other professionals on this job were frustrated with him also. More than one got mad about something, (that I know of) and one other said to ME, "This ALWAYS happens with Paul...good luck!"
We've had extensive work done before on houses in other states. We know to expect reasonable delays or added expenses. Unfortunately, Paul's approach is so rushed and sketchy, he ends up making guesses and assumptions. Always better to ask, take notes and be sure. At this point, since we're being asked to pay more to finish the project, why would we even go through Paul? We're finding other people to do the rest.
We haven't passed the final inspection. Nobody from The Smart House showed up when the inspector came.
Paul has a DESPARATE need for organization. read more
