ITALY AMERICAN CONSTRUCTION, INC

I signed the contract in May 2014. However, things did not start to happen until July 2014. I was told ordering and factory manufacture delayed the project. However, it was not until I called that I was informed of this. The old railing left holes in my fiber cement siding. I was told that someone from the company would be out to fill in these holes. No one has been out to do this. When I inquired about this to the sales manager, he more or less dismissed the issue and said "Oh, yeah, someone would be out." No one has been out to do this. It was also verbally suggested to me that I write letters of glowing satisfaction to the company of the work they had done. That suggests to me that you are not comfortable with previous homeowners satisfaction surveys. However, I will say this company was willing to work with me and what I wanted to have done while another major company in town totally dismissed what I wanted done and subsequently, lost my business.

The salesman was prompt, explained all my options and addressed my concerns. He returned all my calls during the process. These are simple things that I was amazed most of the others I contacted did not do. The work started on time, the crew looked organized, did a good job and cleaned up well. Their boss answered concerns I had along the way. I've waited almost a year before posting because I know all cement looks great a week after it's poured. The real test is after a winter and some use. I am still pleased with the work. The water drains as it should. No crack or other problems. I would recommend Italy American and will call them again for other work.

It's surprising to read the reviews now after fighting tooth and nail with Italy American for the past 5 months. I cannot comment on the quality of the build, since our project is still not completed. What set out to be a 4-6 week project has turned into a communication nightmare. We signed an agreement to start the build back in October and promptly cut them a check for $10,000 to start drafting final drawings and submitting for city approval. A walk through/introduction with the project lead did not occur until December 2nd. Since then, and its now almost February, we have a framed in shell and a terrible mess in our yard. To say dealing with this company has been a challenge would be a severe understatement. Back to why the reviews are surprising - every challenge we have had with them are specifically listed as positive, "A", reviews on their site. They are not responsive. They do not stay in any type of communication, even after we have repeatedly begged for it. They do not clean up the job site - our backyard has become their dumpster - we have asked multiple times for them to clean it up to no avail. We have dogs and children that cannot use the yard because of the scattered debris. We wish could add pictures to show the mess... Please be careful and fully vet these guys before signing on. Ask to contact previous customers. You might be surprised to hear that the glowing reviews listed on this page are not what they seem. Good luck! Fingers crossed our project gets finished...at this point, we're not overly confident.

Very smoothly work done professional good communication very satisfied with new porch.

Things went very smoothly all things consider I am very happy. I had multiple quotes and Italy American was competitive with my other quotes, quality of work is superb, also very professional. The only slighltly tiring thing was the project took a lot longer than we initially anticipated but most would not fall on them, permitting issues with the city and some special order items took a little extra time but patience is important in a project similar to this. Most importantly the garage and driveway turned out excellent and their communication skills/frequently are perfect.

Italy-American has been great from start to finish. Michael responded promptly right from the start, in response to the request for a quote, and all throughout the project. He kept me informed at each stage of the project and has been very courteous and very professional. His crews (demo, build, siding, etc) have all worked very hard, very fast, and very clean. They have been also very professional. I would recommend Italy-American, particularly working with Michael, to everyone.

Bathroom needed to be handicapped friendly but not necessarily ADA. It was a compartment sytle bath - with half wall dividing. Italy American took bathroom down to studs. Removed unused jacuzzi tub, extended current shower. Removed wall. Relocated electrical and heat ducts. Relocated toilet. New Bathroom features No threshold entry into shower - linear drain installation. All new fixttures. High comfort toilet, 35" cabinets, granite countertops, Grohe fixtures, decorative grab bars. Very open, bright and comfortable with warm finish on cabinets as well as Euro shower doors. All Italy's American's employees who worked in our home were absolutely fantastic. Great craftsmen!

It went splendidly! This company has been built on honesty and excellent workmanship. Tony was very professional, knowledgable and friendly, as he answered our many questions and concerns in detail. The estimate was a tad bit more than the estimates from other company's, which was surprising as we had always heard Italy American was expensive ( not true ). All the workers were masters in their fields. These guys rarely took a break and everyone works so cohesively. They all performed like the professionals they are, in frigid temperatures and snow. The manager Matt was here many times during the project and made it very clear that their goal was to make us very very happy. Any concerns regarding personal preference were quickly addressed. We are recommending them to everyone we know, but their work speaks for itself! They aim to please and indeed they do!

Michael was professional, prompt and courteous. It is apparent his third generation business is very important to him as are his customers. Highly recommend them.

They were wonderful. They worked with us to arrange to have financing for the addition. We were not able to start the project at this time, but we will defintitly go with them when we're ready to d the project. Ilona, the office manager, worked very hard to arrange the loan for us. Tony came out three times to look at the project and talk to us about it. The are a great family and really wne tabove and beyond . Over the course of a year, they really worked with us to try to start the project. During the winter, the cost of projects go up. It wasn't their fault, but the costs increased. We will try to start it in the spring.

They refuse to follow up on their Out source Companies employees ....they say its due to Discrimination ....no its not if they are here Illegally..... People (consumers) like me should know where these workers are coming from . It's Companies like Italy American who under cuts little companies right out of business...STOP before you hire someone who does nothing for the little guy and American workers..Thank you

I should say that the contractor that worked with Italy American was great. Very good work. We couldn't be happier with the way the actual job came out. That said, we had a terrible experience with the architect/sales person that quoted the job. He was constantly late or absent for appointments, he was terrible at communicating expectations with us and the contractor, and delayed the job almost four months. He set unrealistic expectations for his company and himself and then obviously never delivered on them. We contacted Italy-American because of their positive reviews on this site and because they were close by. They were also the only one of four contractors we contacted that seemed like they wanted the job. There may have been some apprehension because we live in a blighted Detroit neighborhood (maybe they thought we didn't have the money for the job, or they were worried about equipment being stolen). Dan the architect was our main contact with the company. Even though he was late for the first appointment, we were impressed that he was able to give us a quote on the spot (2 of the 4 contractors we had come out never even got back to us about a quote). We were also impressed with the catalog he brought of other jobs that they had done that looked very similar to what we wanted done. We called him back and said that we wanted to move forward. Dan setup an appointment with us for the following week. In order for my wife and I to meet with him, we set it up in the evening. I work late, so I had to leave work early to do this. Dan never called, but after an hour or so we called him to see if he was still coming and got his voicemail. He called back a little later and said that he got held up. He finally did show up at about 8pm or so and stayed late to work out the agreement. At the time he said that we could pick out the siding that we wanted when he had some examples for us to see. It wasn't until the job was almost over when we found out that he put down for us to have exactly the opposite of what we asked for (at that point it almost seemed like he was doing it to spite us). At this meeting he set the expectation that the job should take a couple of weeks to get started and that it should be completed by the end of July. We met in early June. Knowing that contractors are usually pretty booked throughout the summer. I was pretty impressed that he could draw up the plans and have the actual construction done in about a month and a half. Come to find out this was a pipe dream. We sent Dan off and he promised to get back with us in a week with the blueprints drawn up so that we could take them to the city for a building permit. After 3 weeks went by, we still had not heard from him. After calling him a couple of times, we found out that they were still not complete. About a week or so later he finally came by with the plans for us to approve them. Then he had to make copies of the plans. We got the plans at about the time that he had originally said that the entire job would have been done. Instead of dropping the plans off at our house, Dan had my wife go to the offices to pick up the plans. Dan told us that the offices were open until 6pm. So my wife stopped by at 5:30pm. So of course the door was locked and no one was there or so it seemed. Dan later explained that since there was a car in the parking lot, that obviously there was someone there. When we did get the plans there was an extra bill in the envelop with no explanation for the extra charge. I was pretty upset at this point. First we had been delayed at this point over a month. My wife was pregnant at the time and we needed to get this done to make room for the new child. There was much work to be done after the contractors left and the summer (my wife is a teacher and doesn't work in the summer) was almost over. I called Dan's supervisor and explained my frustrations. She said that she would look into the issue and get back to me. She called back a day later than when she said she would. I missed her call and called her back. A week later the owner of the company called me and wanted to know why we hadn't talked to Dan about the permit yet. Apparently Dan's supervisor (below the owner) was having health issues and that was why she hadn't gotten back to me. I told the owner, Frank that at this point they had lost my confidence that they could get this job done before my wife had our baby. I requested that they give me a contract that promised me a start date and an end date. I originally wanted a consequence for not finishing by a certain date (but gave Frank the liberty to set clauses and his own date and was open to negotiating the consequence). Frank refused consequences, but did provide the contract. I relented (mainly because I couldn't find another contractor at this point that could get it done any sooner- I looked) and signed. About a week or two after the contract was signed by the owner, Dan, myself, and my wife. I called Dan a few days before the job was supposed to start because... of course I hadn't heard from him. He literally laughed at me when I asked him if we were still going to start on time. He then said "No." In a snotty voice that implied that I was stupid for expecting that. He apparently overlooked that the plans wouldn't work the way that he had written them. Frank had him rewrite the plans so that our floor wouldn't cave in. So thank you Frank. Our house is almost 100 years old and the beams were not wide enough to support the weight of the addition the way the plans were drawn up. So the job did start about a week after the contract said it would. Dan had said that a crew of four or more men would be working on the house and that they should have the job done in about four days. What actually happened was that we had one contractor that had a little help the first two weeks. It took him and the siding crew (who were a little strange) about a month. The owner showed up unexpectedly asking for payment, but since we didn't have a number for how much we had to pay we put it off until Dan got back with us. At 6am on Saturday morning we were woken by the dumpster guy coming to collect his dumpster. Then at 8am we were woken again by the contractor to do one last thing to finish the job. We were not told to expect either of these visits.

We met with the sales guy, Frank, regarding the doorwall/windows project that we called about. Based on discussions and showing him pictures of exactly what we wanted the project to look like, he provided an estimate of approximately $14,500 (written down on a brochure, no details). We were please with the price and then began discussing our other projects. Frank was very interested and took a look at the roof, siding, patio, and front door...and came back with a "packaged deal" amount of $52,000 for everything. Based on that, we told him that we'd need to think it over and we'd get back to him -- he said the offer would expire in 3 days. I told him that we would need at least a week to decide. After a few days my husband and I decided that we only wanted to do the windows and so we called to discuss the specifics with Frank and inquire about the price/job/quote in writing. Upon figuring out that we did not want the "packaged deal" Frank was quick to say that he didn't have the estimate available and he needed to check the price, since he quoted as a "packaged deal". At that point it became a game for Frank...he started saying that muttins were extra and that's not what was quote, etc. From that point forward, I considered Italy American to be out of the running -- any company that doesn't write an actual quote and pulls the old "bait and switch" is not worth my time.

Made an appointment with Italy American construction on around the 14th or 15th of August 2014 with whom I assume is the secretary and or receptionist of their office. We wanted to get a estimate for our basement to be remodeled after our basement flood. We needed a later appointment since my wife and I both work during the day. A 5:00 pm appointment was made for 8/27/2014. On Monday 8/25/2014 a person named Marty called and told me that he was doubled booked for our 5:00 pm appointment and I needed to switch times. I took the day off because I was having a new water heater installed. When he heard me say that I would be home he wanted to make a earlier appointment. We agreed on a 1:00 time. I immediately called him back remembering that my wife would not be home and that I could not reach her. I explained that the reason I made a 5:00 appt. in the first place was so both of us would be there to discuss the renovation. Marty told me to call back to let him know if I still wanted the 1:00 appt. After talking to my wife and agreeing to come home early from work to be home at 1:00 on Wednesday, I called Marty back approximately 45 min later and talked to the secretary explaining my last conversation with Marty. She proceeded to tell me that 1:00 was already booked. I explained Marty said it was opened. Of course now I am mad and I told the secretary that she needs to coordinate hers and Marty's schedule because this is not good business. She did not like my attitude and quickly said she would give Marty the message. No return call from no one on Monday or Tuesday. On Wednesday morning 8/27/2014 Marty calls and ask me if we are still on for 1:00. . I said I haven't heard from him so I figured he was not coming. Then I told him my wife is at work anyway. He proceeds t ask me" Is your wife the CEO". At this point I just wanted to tell him to go F**** himself. I already called another contractor and told him we don't need him. I think Italy American is Old School were the woman's opinion doesn't matter. I think Marty is a poor representative for Italy American and it is time for him and his arrogant attitude to retire! Big F for Italy American!

I called on 7/26 and made an appointment for Wednesday 7/30 at 6PM. I raced home from work to make it on time, but no one ever showed up. I called and left a message, but no one called me back. After I posted this review, the owner called me and offered to come out himself the next day. He came early in the morning before I had to go to work, and then took the time to go over everything with me and make an estimate on the spot. He was very professional and kind, and I'm impressed.

All we did was really get estimates. Everybody was pretty thorough. The price was a little high.

Although the salesperson was knowledgeable he seemed more interested in telling me what I needed as opposed to asking what I wanted. The price quoted was reasonable but it took weeks to arrive.

1st class service and clean-up. All permits and planning was excellent.

He came out very fast and gave us a Estimate.

It was a nightmare. Several things occurred throughout the work experience. There was a tube coming from the air conditioner and someone had rerouted the tube to go into my basement which caused water damage. I have pock marks in slabs of concrete that they did. I contacted the contractor to let him know and he stated that it was caused by a harsh winter. My neighbors don't have any issues due to the harsh winter. They are willing to come to repair it but are requiring me to pay more for the repairs.

Just one guy came out to do the work. They did remodeling for my neighbor. They did her whole kitchen, and she was absolutely thrilled.

They responded to my request immediately and everything is working great now. A's all the way across.

The quality of work was as good as it gets. Rave reviews by neighbors and friends. Unfortunately after this winters thaw, noted a good section of driveway now 18 months old in various stages of Spalling. This is when concrete begins to break up by a flaking top layer that exposes the cement below. Ultimately this may result in structural damage or the overall integrity of the entire driveway being compromised. The overall cause usually is environmental factors and poor installation. I doubt considering the driveway is only 18 months old, that the environmental factor cause should of had anything to do with Spalling Cement. I did not seal the driveway last year because I was never told I had to. I guess I never expected 18 month old concrete needing to be sealed. Called Italy American Construction Company expecting them to back up their work but unfortunately I was met with "Spalling was due to Michigan weather and salt." When I asked if they were going to replace the cement, I was asked by a representative of Italy American Construction "Mike", "and just who was going to pay for this, you?" Clearly they have no intentions of backing up their work if they can get away with it. I have sections of driveway that were laid down more than 20 years ago, no Spalling there what so ever. I used Italy American Construction because I wanted a company who I was told backed up their work. I had several quotes prior to utilizing Italy American that were less in price. I shopped quality of work because I'm proud of my home and want it looking its best. I now have a driveway that still looks as clean and white as the day it was poured that is now Spalling. Italy American is now having the Cement Company look at the driveway to determine if they had a poor mix. I don't expect this company to take the blame nor pay for a new driveway. I will keep this website among others updated with any new developments, good or bad. I will never use Italy American Construction Company again to do any home improvement what so ever and will never refer them to any friends or family as I have been doing these past 18 months.

Both jobs were completed on time and with professionalism. I am currently using this company again to replace the Storm doors in the front and back of my house. Also they are replacing some of my siding which had been damaged.

exceptional work. Very responsive, and excellent quality. They even matched our existing cabinets very well. great work and I would highly recommend Italy America.