LOUISIANA BUILDERS INC

I was dreading this project because I haven't had much experience with renovations or home improvement projects. Since I was going to live in the condo during this work, I was especially anxious about having workmen in my home. Mr. Pohlmann assured me at the start of the job that his workmen and sub-contractors had worked with him for many years and were all trustworthy. This turned out to be completely accurate. I felt completely safe and even enjoyed these craftsmen. All were polite and careful with my things. There were no radios and no smoking without my having to ask. This job started on time and ended on time at about the estimated price in spite of my numerous requests for changes during the project. Mr. Pohlmann was patient with my changes and explained the pros/cons of each request for changes. He watched the bottom line and explained alternate ways to achieve the same result with each request. When there were the inevitable differences of opinion between sub-contractors about the best way to complete an item, he resolved the issues and explained the reasons for the disagreement. Accurate invoices were submitted every week for payment as we agreed. I read the negative Angie's List review by a previous LA Builders client before hiring this contractor. I selected this particular contractor after meeting with him in spite of this review because he has done excellent work for a friend. I recommend Mr. Pohlmann and LA Builders wholeheartedly and without reservation. If you would like additional information about my experiences with this contractor, you may contract me at smittendorf@cox.net.

Louisiana Builders, Inc. worked for us for over 30 years with excellent results, particularly after significant damage was incurred in Hurricane Katrina when their assistance and remedial work was exemplary and invaluable. The project that ended this relationship began with Contractor recommending/hiring a subcontractor to shore and level an entire 4300 sq. ft. Victorian residence, supplementing almost 100 foundation piers with pilings then rebuilding/replacing an entire front porch, down to and including the foundation. Early stage renovation went well but we began noticing deterioration of workmanship quality: Doors were not hung/fit properly and did not open and close as they should. Work was performed over newly refinished hardwood floors with no protective covering, resulting in serious cosmetic damage to floors. Attempted and quot;fixand quot; was to apply paste wax over recently applied polyurethane. Bathroom components, including a very large marble slab countertop were done improperly yet and quot;passed offand quot; as excellent work. Drywall work was uneven and prep work for cabinet installation had to be corrected several times. Demolition work was carelessly done resulting in destruction of existing millwork and damage to walls in adjacent rooms. Closet construction work was performed in a room and quot;in useand quot; and full of clothing and personal items; very little care was given to covering items to protect them from sawdust, etc. resulting in a real mess. When confronted with deficiencies, contractor's attitude was negative, then more negative, finally deteriorating to sullen and defensive. Remediation was done reluctantly. The job cost was based on time and materials plus 20%. We noted Louisiana Builder Owner billed his own time as a mechanic for work he performed himself, adding his 20% and quot;profitand quot; to his own time. When questioned about this matter we were told and quot;everybody does thatand quot; and and quot;I've always done thatand quot;. We objected to the charges. Contractor walked off the job before completion of bathroom project and before commencing the laundry room, necessitating hiring of a new contractor and subcontractors for all elements of the project. As Louisiana Builders rented dumpster was being removed it tore a 30-ft plus limb from a magnolia tree which required immediate attention from an arborist. Louisiana Builders owner adamantly refused to reimburse us for that expense., almost $1000. Shortly after quitting the job, Mr. Polhmann, owner of Louisiana Builders, called our home one evening screaming and cursing at us announcing and quot; IT'S OVER... IT'S ALL OVER, DO YOU UNDERSTAND??and quot;, then embellishing his commentary with some serious profanity. All in all, an extremely unpleasant, unnecessary experience.