When it came time to replace the roof, I solicited bids from five roofing companies rated highly in the Seattle area. Wilsea Construction, Inc., a small family-owned and -operated business, was recommended to me by the owner of John Michael Roofing, a top-ranked roofer whose plate was full. While Wilsea's bid didn't come in the very lowest, the owner - William Mejia, who once worked for JMR, where he shined - inspired the most confidence in me while offering one-stop-shopping. Unlike the only roofer that undercut William's quote, William responded swiftly and clearly to each of my questions. He is an excellent communicator, professional and personable. When William discovered that the mortar holding together the bricks on our chimney had disintegrated, he offered to include its replacement in his quote. He was even able to oversee the installation of new gutters. (Our original wood gutters fell off over a decade ago.) Most of the other roofers referred me to gutter specialists. Wilsea not only lived up to my positive first impression, I grew happier and happier about my decision throughout the project. William's crew included his younger brother Eliseo, cousin Emanuel and nephew Christian. Despite starting the job in the middle of a heat wave, the young men worked long hours each day to complete the job in a week, arriving promptly at 8:00 each morning and at the end of each day cleaning up after themselves. Unlike other roofers who suggested their bids were simply estimates - our 1914 house actually had three old roofs, two stacked on top of the original, possibly hiding wood rot and other issues, they said - William conducted by far the most thorough investigation upfront - on top of the roof as well as from inside the attic - committed to avoiding big hidden costs later. Most importantly, William's crew did a quality job, including William who completed the portions that required fine craftsmanship. And whenever an issue arose, they resolved it with a positive, can-do attitude, even if it meant extending their already-long work days. My 96-year-old mother passed away the morning the job, which I had booked six weeks in advance, started. So the little things, including how polite, considerate and friendly each member of William's crew was, were also appreciated. And the pride their family took in a job well done. Today, our own family has a beautiful new roof, chimney and gutters and I couldn't be happier - or recommend Wilsea Construction, Inc., more highly. read more
