J R Home Improvement

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JR was professional, friendly, and did the work well and on time.

The business owner showed up and reviewed the work to be done, discussed it with me and did general survey of the building exterior to see if any additional work might be needed. I told him we were going out of town and would be back with him in a month. A week or two ago I tried to contact him by phone and email to discuss an estimate, but no reply to date. I tried again by phone this week with no results. I'm going to find someone else.

I wish I could break this reveiw down into segments. For the attic vents and fan, A-. for the painting B-, for the work on doors and windows, C, For cleanup and general site maintenance D. The Good: As others have mentioned, JR is a very personable and likeable guy. He was prompt with his quote and very reasonable with his price. Based on other reviews here I considered not choosing him, but once I met him I felt comfortable that he was up to the job. He did an excellent job painting and he went to the trouble to build a set of attic vent covers that complemented the roof line of the house when he couldn't find any that were the right shape. He suggested installation of the attic fan which proved to be an excellent idea. My house is not going to make the cover of House & Garden, yet JR seemed genuinely interested in making it look its best. He was also very responsive to questions and promptly returned calls and emails. Scheduling the work was not an issue as I was not in a rush and JR started the job within a day of the date promised and completed the job in a reasonable time. The Bad: As others have mentioned, cleanup is not JR's forte. He left globs of plaster, grout, and/or caulk to harden in the kitchen sink and bits of it all over the kitchen floor. Ditto in the bathtub. Overspray on exterior light fixtures and windows and paint spatters on deck were not cleaned. The deck boards were removed for access to the wall and then reinstalled haphazardly. The gutter installed on the front of the house leaked and when JR came back to repair it he pulled it away from the wall, scraping the paint off where the gutter hit it. He reused an old piece of dented and extremely soiled downspout at the rear of the house instead of installing new. Additionally, I found the old deadbolt parts lying on the deck. During the work I found numerous screws, rivets, nails and such lying about near the driveway and elsewhere - even after a gentle warning that I'd had too many nails in my motorcycle tires. In general, I'd say that my strongest complaint is a lack of attention to detail. The first day on the job, for example, after JR & Son left for the day, I found a gallon of Killz with the lid just sitting on it not sealed. If I'd sccoted it aside to get my motorcycle out of the garage it would no doubt have sloshed all over the place. As it was, it would have dried out by the time JR returned. Examples: The paint on the doors, even after a second coat, is still spotty and needs another coat (which I will do myself). The garage window casings were not painted at all, nor were the garage walls cut in at the rear and sides where they are not visible unless you walk around back to look. Cracked the door while attempting to chisel the opening for deadbolt. Failed to install molding at the bottom of 2 windows where it was clearly needed and did put molding on side and tops (caulked when asked to). Caulk/stucco on window frame in bathroom where repair was made. Did not paint the exterior door to the air conditioner closet at all. These are niggling details that I'm sure JR would have corrected had I been inclined to complain, but who wants to pick nits and complain? I'd rather just turn 'em loose and have it handled professionally first time round. In summary, I think this contractor did an adequate job but could have done a better job of general site maintenance, attention to detail and care with some items, and cleanup. If you don't mind supervising a little, I could recommend. These kind of issues are to be expected, i suppose, when dealing with a one-man operation as opposed to a contractor running a crew. And the price would reflect that. I do think I got my money's worth overall.

The cost of the services was reasonable, less than I expected. He was extremely well-mannered and very careful about keeping things covered and clean. He did the job willingly and pleasantly. He was a very nice man to deal with.

I contacted JR initially to give me a quote on a door and some intereior ceiling work based on his A rating on Angie's list. I am in the middle of a fairly extensive renovation on my property and had gotten a quote from Paramount Fence (I wish I had used them) for my fence project. While JR was at my place he gave me quotes on a number of projects including the fence (which was next on my list). He indicated he knew Kip (from Paramount-whom I was very impressed with) and that he built fences the same way, however, his quote was quite a bit less. He assured me that the material was comparable to the Paramount quote and that he quoted the job to "try and get all my work". JR has a very likeable disposition and seemed very knowledgeable so I agreed to hire him for the fence, then we could take it from there for other projects. I paid him half of the quoted price for the fence (to purchase materials). He agreed to have his son and another young man, come and clear the old fence and debris in the rear on 7/20 or 7/21 and he was to build the fence 7/23-7/26 while I was out of town for the weekend. The boys did not show up until 7/22 which was really not a big deal to me, JR called and said that he was running behind on another job he was on and said that they were on schedule for completeing my job by 7/26. JR expected the clearing process to take only one day but when I left on Friday (7/23) they were not even 1/2 done and there was debris everywhere. By Monday 7/26 when I returned there was no fence, only posts and still debris everywhere. I tried to extend grace because it was so brutally hot and I understood that the time to work out side should be limited due to the heat. Over the next week little by little the fence got built. I had to go out of town again on Thursday the 29th overnight. JR called Friday 7/30 while I was on my way back, and said he'd like to meet me to settle up the final invoice and that the fence was done. I arrived home only to find that the gate in the back was shodly built and not properly hung, there was a foot gap between the post and the house on another gate, with no fencing to cover it. The original post that was the first one of the fence, had not been removed, but another had been put in as the "front post" and that left a 2' gap between my fence and my neighbors yard so I could see right in to their yard, and my dog could just go in to their yard through the opening. There is a huge gate on one side that was not properly hung or supported so I couldn't open it. The original fence posts had been attached to the house on either side, however, after removing the original posts the new posts were installed "free standing" about a foot from the house, instead of being attached like the original ones had. All the posts were about 2' higher than the fence, instead of being level with the fence. I was very sad to arrive home to what I believed was going to be a completed job, but clearly was not. I am a single woman and have saved to do these home improvements and felt so discouraged. JR arrived and could tell I was upset, he agreed that the posts should have been cut and that gap between the house and the one gate should have been covered with fencing, He said the big gate was just very big and there was really nothing he could do as far a the gate itself but said he would install a wheel on the bottom once I get my pavers in that would support the weight. I had to point out that they missed replacing one of my posts and had actually installed one that left a gap between my property and my neighbors and offered a solution to rig a "corner" panel to cover the gap. He agreed the back gate was just a disaster and agreed to rework it completely. I agreed to pay most of the balance and withheld an amount equal to the rear gate, he agreed that was fair and said he would be back at 8:00 the next morning to fix the rest of the problems. About 9:00 I got a text that he was running behind and would be there about 10:30. I had a number of things to do so went about my day, when I returned about 3:30, JR was just packing up his truck. He made all the agreed upon repairs, and I'm happy to say the rear gate looks great. He did nail supports to the house and tied them in to the posts that were "free standing" away from the house, he cut the posts level, and closed the gap between the gate and the house as well as constructing a "corner" to close the gap between mine and my neighbors yard. I paid him the balance that was due (and used a $100.00 coupon from Angie's list to settle up). I did appreciate him coming out and correcting the problems as he said it was his birthday. I spent the entire next day cutting heavy vines from beneath the back fence, they had chopped them down in the back, but then just built the fence on top of them. I also had to clean up small pieces of fence that were all over. Overall I think he did what was agreed on, but the work was not "finish" quality. The hardware he used is "heavy-duty" construction yard stuff, not very pretty and not what I would have chosen, but I guess it's functional. Where the gates or hardware didn't fit quite right instead of fixing it they just cut holes in the wood or cut curves in the structure, of course it's fencing material so where the cuts are there is no sanded surface just splintery cut wood. On the back fence where JR rebuilt the gate it looks nice but where the screws are that attach the hardware to the fence there isn't "backing" so the screws poke out the other side a couple of inches and the closure is misaligned so it's very difficult to open. I'll probably pay someone to come make the adjustments I think are needed. I just feel like the job was sort of piece mealed together. I'd like to use JR again because he seems to be a nice guy and I know some contractors are just trying to survive in this economy, but I'm a little gun shy, his work feels a little like a "bull in a china shop". The fence is not acceptable. I am going to file a complaint.

Our first impression with JR was positive during the initial visit. He confirmed he was knowledgeable of what it would take to get the job done, and provided a very reasonable price. However, on the first visit, he showed up without the brick pavers, and then came back later that week with bricks that did not match well. We ended up looking for (and finding) the bricks. JR came back and started the regrouting job. He had selected what he said was the right product, and spread the grout all over the deck, both between the bricks and on top of them. After it dried, it looked terrible, but JR assured us her would be able to get the grout off the top of the bricks and they would look good. He then applied a sealer which made everything very shiny. Then he came back and applied acid, and it took off a lot, but not all of the grout. Then he tried to sand it off and finally he tried to pressure wash it. This ended up taking out some of the grout he had put between the bricks, which made it look like we now have two colors of grout on our deck. We had made the mistake of paying JR the $1000 after he had put down the grout, trusting him to clean it up. However, this proved to be a big mistake. Although he came back a couple of times after we paid him, he has now not responded to our repeated attempts to contact him, and we will now need to either live with the results or hire someone else to either replace the deck or somehow figure out how to get this grout off the top of the brick pavers. If JR had said he was unsure of how to do this at the beginning of the job, we would have never used him. It is now clear to us that he did not know what he was doing.

If you need something done by a professional courteous and very reasonable contractor, JR is your man! JR explained everything thoroughly and showed up to do the work on time. He went over and beyond when doing the prep work for our painting job. The person who had painted before him did a horrible and sloppy job and at no extra charge JR fixed these imperfections and did a beautiful job in our home!! We will definitely be using him again for all of our needs!! I We really hit the jackpot when we found him!!! Thanks Angie's List Michelle Farley Orlando FL

J.R. was fantastic. He arrived promptly and gave me a more-than-fair estimate. I initially paid for some of the custom materials via PayPal, and booked him to work. He spent four days at my house doing a variety of repairs, all of which were done to perfection -- everything from seamless exterior stucco patching and painting to creating two custom exterior doors. I have several dogs and he was great with all of them. He was courteous, prompt, professional and his work is outstanding. I have already recommended him to two of my neighbors.

Terrible, damaged ceilings, dust in my cupboards, dust in my refrigerator, black marks on my wood floor, and days of clean up after them. Very disappointed and very upset that I had to spend more money on hiring other people to do the work correctly. JR and his son have no respect, are careless, and don't have common sense to how work should be performed. BEWARE DO NOT, DO NOT, DO NOT, HIRE THIS GUY.

We had an excellent experience working with J R. From the first phone call he offered to come make a free estimate later that same day. He was always extremely punctual and timely in returning calls. In person he is extremely pleasant and friendly yet maintains appropriate professionalism. He gave me a range of an estimate ($250-$480) because he said he would not know the extent of the damage until he opened the damage area and was able to inspect the structure within. I had spoken to other handymen prior, and they said the same thing but refused to give and estimate at all for that reason. And after he opened the structure he gave me a an accurate estimate and stuck with it, and it was right in the middle of the range he promised. When I called him to arrange a day to start working, he was there the first thing in the morning the following day. He did excellent work, and even did some extra for no extra charge that wasn't even in the contract (he re-mortared some of the brick exterior that he thought may have contributed to some of the problem. After my excellent experience with J R, I will absolutely be using him for all of my future handyman needs.

JR arrived on time and performed his work in a timely professional manner. We are very pleased with his work and professionalism.

JR actually saved me money from the original estimate after purchasing the door and he was able to pass he savings onto me. I am definitely using JR again for my home improvement needs.

John came out late Monday afternoon, gave us an estimate, and was here first thing the next morning to do the work. He did a great job. He was very professional and great to work with. We will definitely be utilizing his services again in the future.

JR was a pleasure to work with. He was professional on the phone (and in person) and offered to come out to my Winter Park town home the same day. He and his son were prompt, thorough, friendly and very neat. They made sure to clean up as well. Overall, I am extremely pleased how smooth the process was from start to finish. I would definitely hire JR again, and have already recommended him to a friend.

We really liked dealing with JR and his son. They were early for appointments, gave quick and accurate estimates, did the work in a timely manner and cleaned up very well when the job was complete. They were knowledgeable and used quality materials. We will be using them for many household repair projects in the future. A real find!!

Excellent work performance, good communication, supplied/purchased the needed, very reasonable rates. Prompt and courteous.

We asked John for an estimate on the door. He came down and looked at it. He gave us a price for labor and materials. He was willing to have us get the materials and he would do the work or he get the materials and include that in the price. The whole transaction was convenient, quick and efficient.

Very good. Efficient. Handled obstacles that we were not prepared for -- offered to do it at no charge. He was efficient and quick. Very personable with my family as he was doing the work also.