Thaler Improvements Inc

Three words of advice: "Run, don't walk." After interviewing several GC's we selected Thaler Improvements based on the presentations made by Thaler's foreman, Jesse. Prices were mid range and competitive but we liked Jesse's passion and verve, and his commitment to our project. And, we believed the chemistry would work. Because the plan was for my husband to be on site everyday throughout the process, we knew that good chemistry would be key in a project of this scope. Unfortunately, it would not be good for long. The demolition went okay and during this process the Foreman made several spot-on calls and good recommendations for smart changes to the architectural plans. So far, so good during the first few months. Communication began to erode as the foreman quickly became frustrated with my husband's presence and his questions. As the days passed it became clearer that the Foreman functioned best as an independent worker and was not skilled in supervising others. Several of the sub contractors were directing their questions to my husband and myself when I was on site, and, though we tried to make a point to keep the GC informed of these conversations, he later positioned it that we were trying to bypass him. And while he (the GC) was aware of all these issues he did not effectively manage nor correct the situation. The lack of transparency escalated and secrecy became the norm; the GC and Foreman would move out of earshot to discuss all aspects of the job. One pivotal point was when we discovered they had installed an A/C unit that was sub standard to the one called for in the plans. When the GC was confronted he first positioned it as the specified unit, just unbranded and the Foreman added he was trying to save us money. There had been no previous dialogue on this topic and no change order presented. We demaded Thaler Improvements remove the A/C unit and install what our plans called for. It was in the finishing phase that Thaler Improvements gets a hard "F" grade across the board.. With regard to interior painting, it was a lousy job with lousy prep. The paint sub blamed it on the crappy carpentry, and while he was not without blame, he was also not wrong. The joints on the crown molding and baseboard throughout our home continue to separate after several attempts at repair. The joints on the door casing were equally poor workmanship with equally poor paint jobs. The wood staircase which is a focal point is a huge screw up. I was stunned to come home one day to find white quarter round strips at every edge of every ebony wood tread and the side walls. This was not according to plan, but the foreman had to hide all of his carpentry mistakes! Adding insult to injury the quarter round strips were different lengths with different mitres even on the same treads. Some were painted and some were missing paint! Every time I take the stairs I am sickened at the sight of the quarter round. I could go on, and on, and articulate the high end kitchen cabinet mistakes including the door coming off in my hand as I opened a cupboard, the massacred front door installation, the damage to the wood floors that we later had to pay someone else to replace, and, the unnecessary destruction of our driveway, but I think you get the picture. Thaler Improvements ceased communication and stopped showing up despite commitments to us and to our attorney that he intended to finish the punch list. I repeat, "Run, Don't Walk" if you come across this contractor.

I would highly recommend them. He did what he said he would do. He was creative when we ran into difficulty. We had a huge problem with the sink that we ordered. He was able to make some changes. He has great attitude. These people are great and trustworthy. He is a good guy. We had a great experience. I would use them in the future.