handyman service, plumbing, remodeling, home remodeling
 + 2 moreDescription of Work: Handyman Connection of Charlotte was hired to perform two remodel projects at our home, a 1974 brick ranch on crawl and partial basement. The remodel was in 2 parts and included: 1 - convert 5x5 pantry room to a 1/2 bath and add a pantry closet in the existing laundry room. Scope of project was to install frame wall and door opening for pantry, sheet rock, mud, sand both rooms, add plumbing for toilet and sink, set new toilet and vanity/sink, move/install wiring, install hardibacker floor, install doors, install all trim and bring project to paint ready. Homeowner (me) to perform all demo and install tile floor. Project 2 Hall bath remodel - install frame wall and door opening in hall bath to create a closet, sheet rock, mud, sand both rooms and sheet rock over existing ceiling, move plumbing to accomodate dual sink vanity, install new toilet to existing flange, install new tub and surround and perform all related plumbing work, move/install wiring, install hardibacker floor and bring project to paint ready. Homeowner (me) to perform all demo and install tile floor. Work was not completed on either project as mutually agreed by contractor and homeowner. We were promised that an electrician and plumber would perform their trades and Handyman Connection would do remaining work. Electrician hired for all electrical work but no plumber hired for plumbing as Handyman self-performed using Pex & PVC. Handyman did not look under house for floor joists and related plumbing access. My wife had to point out that floor joists would cause plumbing to move over 3.5" due to floor joist location, causing vanity to move same. Vanity purchased could not be used because of code (our concern, not Handyman Connection). Pedistal sink purchased but could not be used because holes drilled in floor for water supply and sewer drain were done in wrong area, causing us to spend more money on smaller vanity. Wife had to perform some finish sanding/drywall work in order to meet our part of the agreed deadline for tile install. Hall bath project inluded repair of flooring where existing tub was placed. Handyman Connection craftsman did good job in this area. Plumber not hired on this remodel as promised and new tub rough in was not done when tub and surround installed. Plumbing moved by Handman Connection for new dual vanity using Pex and PVC (crossed water lines and caused us not to have hot water; they came out at 10 pm after insistance by homeowner). Assured drywall would be completed by specific date in order for us (homeowner) to complete tile work. Handyman Connection did not meet this deadline nor were they even close to prepping wall. Tub plumbing was performed under the house and behind the wall of surround; not ideal conditions and craftsman complained he could not use plumber's putty for tub drain as it should have been assembled prior to install. Shower head set lower than agreed/marked. Vanity install was not done by plumber and lines are loose and not secure to wall in order to use water shut-off valves. Vanity not secure to wall properly. Handyman Connection missed centering plumbing for sinks by approx. 2" on one and 3.5" on the other, resulting in use of flex down tube to meet P-trap. Homeowner asked that something be done and, eventually (after much reminder) a longer P-trap was used to take tension off drain (we were told to keep an eye on it). Sanding on ceiling after paint primer coat resulted in copious amounts of sheetrock dust (floor not covered) and craftsman wiped sheet rock dust with wet rag in attempt to clean, resulting in rubbing dust in brown grout of tile floor recently installed. Also wiped down vanity cabinet with wet rag that was already full of sheet rock dust (now reconsituted) and smeared it all over vanity face causing what we feel is an on-going issue with finish (not resolved in our minds). Overall, the craftsmen were very courteous and professional as well as good at their crafts. However, they are not plumbers or drywall professionals. They did their best with what management threw at them. Management consistently failed to communicate until a meeting as called by homeowner. Some improvement was seen but, overall, management did not inspect job in timely fashion and typically was told by homeowner of progress and needs. Management did not fulfill a key committment made to hire a plumber and never conveyed why it was not done. Attention to detail by management seems to be an area for critical improvement. Person who sold us the job, also managed the job, is very likeable and we were impressed by his attention and professionalism prior to job start. However, we are sorely disappointed and cannot, in good conscious, recommend this company for anything but handyman services. Remodel work seems to be a stretch for them. 20 July 2011 - Electrical contractor hired by Handyman Connection of Charlotte just called to inform me he has not been paid by Handyman Connection for the work he was subcontracted to perform. How sad. Reduced overall rating to reflect our displeasure.