Doran Consulting and Contracting

Let me start by highlighting that I am the reviewer who posted about A quality work on June 27th 2012 for Doran Contracting and Consulting. I had a great impression of Kevin from this experienced and when I purchased an investment property that required work, I was happy to have Kevin return to bid for the HVAC unit. His bid was $500 higher than another and thousands below two other recommended and well reviewed vendors. My experience with him in the past and his demeanor led me to take the comfortable route of working with him again. This will go down as one of the worst financial decisions of my life. To give some highlights.... 1. Kevin showed up on-time to look at the job 2. Kevin offered a 10% discount if I paid in full 3. I foolishly paid in full, however he was coming recommended from an attorney who used him on his large condo association and he had been easy to work earlier in the year when I had an issue 4. Kevin's demo team showed up with Kevin to remove old pipes first week of November. 5. Kevin did not show for close to one month until I was begging in late November that the unit needed heat as winter was setting in. 6. Kevin partially installed the furnace the first week of December so the contractors would have "basic heat". This meant no filter, no external venting of the CO2, no insulation on the ducts, no boots at the return or supplies (literally duct taped in); main trunk was just 10 inch flex; no thermostat, no parts or labor for the Air Conditioning (copper coil, condenser, lines and parts to the furnace) and just generally very shoddy workmanship. 7. The chase begins for the month of December to finish the work since the unit is being rented January 1st. The list of excuses and lies was incredible. From the "I'll be there today" to "my kids school called and they asked PTO members to come in today because of the school shooting in Newtowne to provide support for the kids". No joke, he used a national tragedy of murdered children as an excuse. He then "had some trouble in Florida and would be back in two weeks to finish my job". He is still in the MA area performing work for a Lennox dealer so the excuses are false. The list goes on of B.S. from this loser. So here is my synopsis. Kevin D. Doran is a thief and a manipulative liar. He is a shoddy tradesman who performs his duties unlicensed (In MA you need a Plumbing & Sheet Metal license for HVAC, I come to find out he has neither). He abandoned my job and stole $5000 in materials and labor that I never received. Lessons learned... 1. Progress payments, no incentive for good work, contractor holds all the power after a full payment 2. Never working with unlicensed contractors again 3. If they say they don't believe in Social Media review sites like Yelp and Angie's List, there is a reason for it 4. Kevin D. Doran is a failed business man and should never be trusted

First of all, let me note that Kevin Doran came highly recommended to me by a contractor that I used for several jobs. I was very impressed by him and was excited to have him working with me on my rental properties. I received a quote from Kevin Doran for this furnace replacement in August 2012. There was a 10% discount for paying in full ahead of time, but I opted to pay the entire amount after meeting with him to cover reworking some piping on another existing boiler in the adjoining house and remove that oil tank as well per our discussion/meeting. Kevin's team started the work promptly by removing the old furnace and putting the new furnace in and hooking up some of the existing vents, as well as putting in the direct vent piping for the furnace. However, the work ceased at that point. Both myself and my contractor tried numerous times to call or email Kevin, but he would not return our calls or emails. It is now a full year later and I've given up trying to contact him. The job was never completed. I had to hire someone to remove the old furnace debris and garbage left by the workers and my contractor hooked up 1st floor and basement vents that were never connected (after pipes froze in the basement). The oil tanks are still there. I joined Angie's list to find a reputable heating company to come out and help me balance this furnace and get proper heating to the basement and get a quote for oil tank removal. Note concerning this listing - The phone number given here does not allow you to leave a message, the 1-800 number I had for them is disconnected and the email provided in my quote (accounting@doranconsultants.com) bounces back. Also, the website listed is NOT for Kevin Doran and his company. I would love for Kevin to contact me and remedy this situation - I'd gladly update this review - but I'm highly doubtful he will. I think he and his company have disappeared without a trace.

Kevin came highly recommended by a colleague. Called his phone at noon, described the problem (HVAC was not cooling), indicated he was in the Charlestown area on a job and could make it to Somerville at the end of the day. Asked for time, he said between 4 and 4:30. I pulled in the driveway at 4:10 and he was kneeling beside my compressor and indicated the problem was fixed with universal parts he keeps in his truck. Showed the capacitor that was damaged after 8 years in service, gave me a few tips on maintenance and cleaning for best performance, checked the unit in the house and sure enough cool air was blowing. All this before a Boston heatwave when I was told by "top HVAC in my area Angie's vendors" it would be a two week lead time. Honest, Punctual, Affordable, Knowledgeable about his trade, seriously what more could you ask for. A+ for Kevin.

Kevin Doran was recommended by a friend. He turned out to be exactly what I needed: someone to come in and give me a frank assessment of the current system, perform the necessary maintenance, and give me options for enhancing it. All in a simple, professional and easy-to-understand manner. He and his team showed up right on schedule, and got the work done quickly and simply. I'll be using him again in the future.