GMD CARPENTRY INC

This was not a good story. Since this additional work was a surprise to us we were not prepared to spend another significant amount to have our house painted properly. The initial estimate, which was scribbled in long hand and not detailed) for this extra work added 50% to the cost of the original paint job. We were shocked. And once we checked Angie's list and realized that this contractor had a poor rating we protested to the painter. We believe that the painter then spoke to the carpenter. We then complained, directly focusing on the high price and our concern over his work quality. He responded by reducing his price by 15% (by cutting some scope items) while agreeing to give us an extended guarantee. I asked for both a new estimate and a written warranty. What I received was another scribbled estimate and a two word warranty with no terms. Throughout this entire conversation his attitude was callous and pushy. In fact, he tried to make us feel as if this were our problem - not his. Unfortunately, we could not walk away because the painters crew was waiting for the carpentry work to start before they finished their prepping job. Once they started we found his workers were very young and seemingly inexperienced. Compared to the painters crews his staff was very amateurish. Clearly, his attitude for his employers (us) rubbed off on his workers. The quality of work was fair as we found nicks and poor nailing/screwing (e.g. on deck boards) in various areas. Once brought to his attention, it was a struggle to get him to fix the problems. We expected someone who cared about the finished product. This did not seem to be the case. Of course, we met his payment expectations (up front and on time) throughout the course of the project. We are hopeful that we will not need to contact him in the future to fix other issues (per the warranty). This entire experience was difficult for us both,

GMD Carpentry-Roofing and Home Improvement was retained to do extensive work on a flat roof and deck and railing in August 2008. Approximately 6 months later they were retained to replace two leaking skylights in another part of the house. Our initial interactions with the company were satisfactory. They performed the work when they said they would and they were neat. Two years later we find that the skylights leak and the flat roof is leaking as well. Despite repeated calls over a two month period of time and conversations with both brothers/owners who promised to "be there tomorrow" no one has appeared. In desperation, we have contacted two other (independent) roofers who assessed the problems and declared that the skylights were not installed with the proper flashing. While the leaks can be temporarily stopped with some patching, the only suitable solution will be to remove the skylights completely and reinstall with the proper metal flashing. One roofer suggested patching for the time being since the skylights themselves are not one of the better brands and will ultimately have to be replaced. So, while we may have had a positive experience with the company initially, we find, a reasonable time later, that they do not stand by their work and what might have looked fine when it was completed, is quickly proving to be inferior work. No where in our contract with this company did it state caveat emptor. We assumed, incorrectly, that they would stand by their work. It is strange that in a small town, a local business would disregard follow-up with a customer. We cannot believe that despite the (pleasant and non-threatening) numerous calls (including the final call which, in desperation, we mentioned that we would be contacting Angie's List and the BBB) and numerous reassurances that they would "be there tomorrow", GMD does not realize that it is indeed "a small world after all". Good businesspeople provide "customer service" both before and after a job is complete. (particularly in this technologically sophisticated world we live in)

I found the work to be sloppy and unfinished. Myself and the paint crews had to end up fixing some of their "fixes". The head guy was unhelpful when it came to a dispute over money for their services between us and the painting company.