NorthEast Classic Engineering

I have docked a star (ideally would dock only half a star but can’t do it here), simply because it took a lot longer than anticipated to complete the project and lack of clear communication around delays. But that apart the Quality of construction, finish provided, suggestions provided to enhance the appeal of the house are top notch. The work speaks for itself , every time I walked to the property I was blown away, from the artistic sketches to the finished product was gorgeous. Having lived in the house now for 3-4 months, have found it easy to communicate and get some small things addressed and have had people tend to it right away.

The design and installation of our new septic system was managed in a professional and knowledgeable manner. There was constant and helpful communication at all stages of the project particularly when town roadblocks to completion dates were unfairly and in some cases completely wrong. Jim and his crew worked hard to keep our project on track and schedule. Jim's knowlege of septic engineering and regulations were on display through every bump in the road and helpful to our getting to completion . We would recommend his services to anyone looking for a professional project management team.

The builder was with us during every step of our retirement home build project. He was recommended to us because he was able to do everything from perc test to job completion. He was a wealth of knowledge and responsive to all our inquiries.

• Failure to call Dig Safe prior to starting construction. In October 2019 NCE started digging without contacting Dig Safe, in violation of MA 220 C.M.R. 99.00. A gas leak was created that required National Grid and the fire dept. to be called, and construction ceased. I contacted Dig Safe and they came and marked the line after which I informed NCE and construction resumed. • Interior plumbing leak and failed inspection. In November 2019 NCE performed plumbing work necessary to connect to the new septic tank. Shortly afterward I discovered a leak from the sewer line in my basement, which NCE came and patched. In December the town plumbing inspector failed the job because the patch was inadequate. In May of 2020 the plumbing work was finally done and re-inspected. The plumber told to me that a significant reason for the delay was NCE’s refusal to pay him for the work done in November of 2019. Total elapsed time: 6 months. • Sump discharge pipe diverted water toward septic tank. In November 2019 NCE installed a new underground sump drain pipe. Soon afterward a sinkhole formed next to the septic tank due to the sump water being directed toward it. The town Board of Health requires sump water to be directed away from the septic system. I contacted NCE but no response. In December two more sinkholes formed and water was pooling up against the tank. NCE then attempted to fix the problem, but they only extended the pipe a few more feet, resulting in a new sinkhole forming on the lawn. I then took care of it myself by installing an above-ground pipe to route the sump water to the back yard. • Gravity feed pipe installed incorrectly. In February 2020 a Public Health Inspector of the town Board of Health informed NCE that he wanted to check that the gravity feed pipes were installed correctly. In May NCE checked the pipes and reported to the Inspector that the pipes had been installed correctly. The Inspector came on site and found that one had been installed incorrectly. The pipe was then re-installed by NCE, and was approved by the Inspector. Total elapsed time: 4 months. • Exterior grading unacceptable, water pooling over the leaching field. In November 2019 I informed NCE that there was significant water pooling over the leaching field. NCE responded that the lawn would be re-graded and additional soil would not be necessary. In May of 2020 NCE attempted to regrade the lawn, but with the next rainfall there was once again significant pooling over the leaching field. NCE then finally agreed to add soil and regraded for the final time. Total elapsed time: 6 months. • Failure to provide the As-Built plan in a timely manner. In November 2019 the septic inspection was performed by a Public Health Inspector of the town Board of Health. In February of 2020 the Inspector informed NCE that he was waiting for the As-Built plan, stating “this case is well beyond what Title 5 allows in section 310 CMR 15.021 (4).” The As-Built plan is required for the BoH to issue the Certificate of Compliance, without which a bank will not issue a mortgage to a prospective buyer. In March, after getting no response to a certified letter, the Inspector informed NCE that the BoH was putting their license on probation, which finally got a response from NCE. In April I contacted NCE and was told that the completion of the As-Built plan was dependent on the completion of the plumbing inspection. After the inspection was complete I was told that it was dependent on completion of the landscaping. After the landscaping was complete I was told that it was dependent on my making the final payment on the contract. I informed NCE that due to their record of foot-dragging, I would not make the final payment until the town had received and approved the plan. In June the plan was finally submitted and approved. Total elapsed time: 6 months.