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Prime Construction & Remodeling

Patios, Pavers and Hardscaping, Stone and Gravel,

About us

Prime Construction & Remodeling LLC is a full service design and construction firm servicing the entire state of New Jersey. With a commitment to communication throughout the construction process, our goal is to establish long term relationships by exceeding expectations and building trust through exceptional performance. Our business standard is reflective upon our core values – professionalism, honesty and integrity. That’s why our biggest business is repeat business.

Services we offer

Prime Construction & Remodeling is a full service design and construction firm. We offer our clients a single source for both their design and construction needs and guide them throughout the entire design-build process. “One stop shopping” provides our clients with the continuity required to achieve exceptional architectural, interior and kitchen and bath construction and design.

Amenities

Free Estimates
Yes


Accepted payment methods

American Express
Check
Discover
MasterCard
PayPal
Visa

Reviews

1.82 Reviews
Number of StarsImage of DistributionNumber of Ratings
5
0%
4
0%
3
0%
2
50%
1
50%


Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
1.8
value
3.5
professionalism
1.8
responsiveness
1.8
punctuality
2.7
Showing 1-2 of 2 reviews

Anthony C.
08/2023
1.0
remodeling
  + -1 more
They don't pay their sub-contractors and apparently they do this all the time. My father and I did a job for him and his father, both named Frank Stricchiola, and they never paid us. 6 months later he is still unresponsive. His last correspondence was that he was sick and had family issues, this was his excuse to other customers on other review sites. Do not trust these people they will either do horrible work, or if you sub for them they will not pay you.
Description of Work: We were hired as a sub-contractor working for Prime construction and remodeling on a commercial job site in NJ. We were doing post-construction cleanup.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
1.0
value
1.0
professionalism
1.0
responsiveness
1.0
punctuality
1.0


Lauren F.
10/2016
2.0
masonry, pavers, gravel, hardscaping, patios
  + 2 more
I hired Frank Jr. of Prime Construction & Remodeling to completely remove, dispose of & replace my front stone patio, steps, landing & walkway. The price was $23,000 ($20,000 if I paid in cash) including all new footings, the Bluestone of my choice and Cambridge wall blocks for the risers and small wall around the landing. Frank Jr. knew the replacement was necessary because the previous owners had built a layer over the original patio as a shortcut fix instead of completely removing it and rebuilding it the right way. Beginning last September several laborers performed the work with Frank’s father, Frank Sr. there on many days. After the old tiles were removed from the patio Frank said the original footing was in such good shape that I should not replace it and would save $3000. I was very concerned about leaving the footing as it was as I wanted it done completely and correctly. Frank Jr. then said he couldn’t make it as strong as it was now and I would have his 5-year warranty for protection so I reluctantly agreed. The underground work seemed to go well although one event caused me some concern. After the bags of premixed Quikrete mortar were delivered, my handyman noticed them and said it was always better to set steps, etc. by mixing your own mortar. I learned some masons reported Quikrete’s quality had gone down so I sent Frank a text about it and finished with, “I’m sure this isn’t what you want to hear but is there a good reason the mortar isn’t being mixed as the job is being done? Thanks!” He replied, “Because that’s not how I do it. This is what I use and quite honestly I’m not changing how we do things because of what your handyman or online says.” Once the foundation type work was finished, the installation of the treads and tiles began. I had to ask for several of the treads on the steps and patio perimeter to be replaced as they had large, noticeable chips on their front edges. Although Frank told me the chips were there because bluestone is a natural, imperfect stone, he did agree to replace most but not all of them. The tread from the top step was chipped and had also been cut too short to properly meet the tread thahad been set in cement next to it. The large gap between the two had been filled in with mortar and looked bad. And it was in the main location of my top step leading to the patio in front of the main door to my house that also connected the wall around the landing. Although Frank Jr. agreed to pull it up and replace it, it made me wonder why the main worker had installed a noticeably chipped and too short step tread; hoping it would be overlooked. Frank Sr. twice brought back chipped tread replacements from the stone yard so I went on the 3rd trip (and found one) and saw most became chipped because workers threw them from piles; not because they were made of natural stone. Frank Jr. told me he had to start other jobs before mine was finished because clients were complaining. I wasn’t upset with some delay; just concerned that new workers were on their own without Frank Sr. who was now rarely present or the main one who was now often away on other jobs or working on my job in more of a hurried way. When the patio section was finished, the majority of the grout and Bluestone was very discolored with square shaped stains around the tiles. The grout on the landing was also discolored but without stains on those tiles. I asked Frank about these issues and he assured me they were normal and he would do an acid power wash in the spring that would remove all of the discoloration and stains. It seemed strange as the work was brand new and these problems hadn’t occurred with the grout and Bluestone on the walkway but I felt I had no choice but to wait until he did the power wash and hope the problems were solved. And if they weren’t, the warranty would protect me. Shortly after the work was finished I noticed the grout around a previously replaced landing tile was breaking down; appearing sand-like and the joint (between the landing and steps leading to the walkway) was separating. I called Frank Jr. and he said he would fix them when he did the power wash. Frank Sr. had previously said I needed to have railings for the walkway and steps so he gave me a brochure of the brand they used to pick a style and measured the length of all of the areas. His estimate was about $4000 for the amount of 4”X 4” PVC he would use and possibly didn’t include labor so I said I’d wait as it was too much for me to spend when I was paying for the whole masonry job. A few months later, I hired a contractor (who brought in another railings contractor to provide and install aluminum railings (which Prime didn’t offer) at each set of steps. They were only 2” X 2” and I agreed when the contractor said they would look more streamlined than using PVC which was more suitable for a deck than on bluestone in the front of the house. Unfortunately, when the railing on the front steps was installed on March 16th, one wall block underneath a riser cracked. I sent Frank Jr. photos and called to ask how it could be fixed. He said he’d come over in a few days to see it along with the repairs and power washing he had said he would do in the spring. The next day I looked at the wall block to figure out why it cracked and saw the only place the railing could have been installed (due to location of a downspout pipe from the gutter above) was 2” back from the front edge of the tread on that step. And that’s where the hole had been drilled. Because the tread only came out 2” over the edge of the wall block (which is normal), the hole had to be drilled and the spindle placed near the front part of the wall block (as opposed to the middle where it wouldn’t have cracked). Now, both Frank Jr. and Sr. knew of this downspout pipe and had measured extensively around it to build the steps and to provide the estimate to order and install the railings. The aluminum railing I had installed was only 2” X 2” and that size was too large for the tread and wall block that was built; to not crack during installation. If I had ordered the 4” X 4” railing that Frank Sr. wanted to order it would have taken up the entire 4” area between the front edge of the step and the downspout and would have also cracked the front edge of the tread as well as more of the wall block as the hole would have been 2” larger than the one there now. The way to have avoided this was for the downspout to have been moved which I later learned was easily done. On March 24th, (when I still hadn’t heard from him) I sent Frank Jr. a text saying I wasn’t sure if he was busy or avoiding me for some reason but I would just like to know that he would come over as soon as possible to see what needs to be done and repair it, He replied he wasn’t avoiding me. That he came down with the flu and would touch base when he was back on his feet. On May 18th, I sent a text that said, “Hi Frank-can you please let me know what is going on? I need to get these things taken care of and you not calling me back is making things really difficult for me.” He replied, “Hi Lauren. I’m not ignoring you. I’m taking care of personal s**t. I will call you later today”. So apparently he had recovered from his flu within the 8 weeks but chose not to come over to finish the work or even contact me to say he had another reason to delay or even give me an idea if or when he would. I was just supposed to stay in limbo and have no idea if or when my stained, discolored and separating grout and tile was going to be addressed. I replied, “I am doing the exact same thing so I get it but I honestly can’t deal with anymore. I’ll be on acall from 4-5:00PM so please call before or after.” The next day he replied and came over. He walked around looking at the discolored grout and stains on the tiles. Although he didn’t mention anything I also saw him looking at the areas where the joints had separated since the last time he had been here. Then Frank Jr. looked at the cracked wall block and said I should just let it go as the few small pieces that had cracked off could be glued back on. Because it was in a noticeable area and everything was brand new, I still wanted to have it replaced and for him to give me the estimate. He said he would charge me between $500-600 for the repair but would write the estimate for the railing contractor at $750 so he could get the extra money. I said I just wanted the estimate to be exactly what it would cost him. Then all of a sudden he said the damage voided the warranty for the entire job. I said, “It does?” feeling very nervous and thinking that can’t be right as he said it was minor cracking that only looked less than perfect. Then he said that if I told the railing contractor the damage voided the warranty, it would cost $5000 to reinstate it and he would split it with me. I said I’m not going to tell him that and even if I did, he wouldn’t pay it. I said if they had of told me the downspout should be moved, this would have been prevented. Frank Jr. rejected any responsibility and said the contractor could have just secured the spindle on top of the tread with an adhesive or fastened it with screws or nails and not drilled a hole at all. Although I even knew that wouldn’t make the railing secure enough to be safe or last long without coming loose and wouldn’t even be up to code, I didn’t reply as I couldn’t prove it and just wanted to have the remaining repairs and power wash done. Frank Jr. said he could have them done in the next two days. I said I’m leaving on vacation tomorrow so he said he would wait until I returned so I could be there and approve the work. I agreed and said I’d contact him when I returned. On June 3rd I sent him a text saying, “I’m back from my trip. Can we set a date to do the power wash and regrouting. Also can you please send me the estimate to repair the step so I can give it to the contractor? Thanks, Lauren.” Frank replied, “Hi Lauren. I will be in tou
Description of Work: early-mid next week. Currently handling some family things.” When I hadn’t heard from him, on June 16th, I called and left a message at 10:53am and then followed with a text at 2:09pm that said, “Hi Frank, can we please take care of this? I feel like I honored your request to handle your family situation but that was two weeks ago. Thanks.” I didn’t hear from him. I called again the next day and again he didn’t answer. On June 23rd, as I had given up hope that he would get in touch with me, I sent this text, “Good morning Frank-while I’d rather not involve Angie’s List or take other steps to get the work done that you agreed to do, it seems I’ll have to go in that direction unless you set up a date by the end of the day tomorrow. Thanks.” Then (after nothing else had worked) he immediately replied. His text said, “What are you saying involve Angie’s List? What are you talking about? I told you I’ll repair the other guys mistakes. You have to wait tho. I have s**t in LIFE that I have to take care of. So tell me what you’re talking about involving Angie’s List? I think you’re talking about giving me a bad review? That’s nice Lauren. I only jumped through 1000 hoops to try and appease you. But it doesn’t matter. If you can’t wait till I’m good and ready then hire someone else. Everything you’ve contracted me for last year I completed. You hired an incapable fence guy who ruined my job. I don’t have to fix anything contractually. So if you can’t wait then look for another contractor and it won’t be anywhere even close to tomorrow evening. And if I do fix the step for you it will be a last work we do together.” I replied, “It’s not just about fixing the railing contractor’s mistake. It’s also to replace the original grout that cracked; some that turned to sand & to power wash the stains so I can finally seal all of the bluestone. I also still need the estimate (from you) to repair the step to give to the contractor & the longer I wait the harder it will be to get the money. That happened back in March. You told me you would be in touch by early June. I’ve heard nothing & you haven’t answered my texts or returned my calls &; it’s now June 23rd. I had every reason to think you would no longer follow through especially after I went through these delays with you two other times. You can’t just leave someone hanging and expect them to just believe you’ll finally do it. This work will not take very long and I don’t see why personal problems (which everyone has) prevent your workers from doing the work. Are they not doing work on all your other jobs? If they still are, then why can’t mine get done?” Frank replied, “First off you have no idea what is going on with me and the fact that you want to assume everyone else is the same is pure ignorance. Secondly, early June was last week. Threatening to review me negatively was the worst thing you can do. I’ll take care of grout and power washing. I won’t be providing estimate any longer. I don’t work for people that use my reputation as leverage for moving to their schedule. Especially with total disregard for their life. So good luck. I’ll let you know when I’ll have 1 guy there for some grout and power washing.” So even though he said he’d send a guy to finish the work, he wouldn’t commit to a date and it might never happen I knew I had to get other estimates. The first, Greg Baehr (who had 30 years of experience) of Baehr Masonry, LLC. said he thought he could simply cut out and replace the wall block. If not he could pull up the railing and tread and replace the block. When I asked if the cracking and that repair would void a warranty, he looked at me like I must be kidding and said, “No, it wouldn’t void any warranty. This kind of cracking and repair wouldn’t destabilize any of the other work. Not unless the other work wasn’t done properly.” I then asked for an estimate to power wash the stains and repair the grouting. He walked onto the patio to look around and then said that power washing wasn’t going to remove those stains, they were most likely caused by the wet grout spillover not being wiped off quickly enough and were probably permanent. As he walked further he felt a large bluestone tile move and then bent down and knocked on it. He then knocked on the tiles around it that weren’t loose and said “do you hear that hollow sound when I knock on them? That means they didn’t bond properly when they were set. He asked if I knew if before the tiles were set in the cement, did they brush the backs with something? He said that step was necessary to be sure they bonded to the cement. He said it wasn’t enough to just set them in cement. I didn’t know if they had but at least one more tile was loose. And most had the hollow sound when they were knocked on. And he pointed out that several were uneven which is a tripping hazard. He apologized for having to give me bad news but issues kept presenting themselves. When I asked about the separations occurring between the treads and the tiles and the way the grout was cracking and actually missing parts where the treads met, he looked around for a while and then pointed to the wall blocks used in the front of the patio underneath the perimeter treads. He had several questions so I showed him photos of the job (taken as it was performed) and told him about Frank saying the patio footing didn’t need to be replaced. He said he knew what the problem was. He said that even if the main footing was in good condition and secure, that by setting the wall blocks in front of the footing and securing treads on top of both, because they were two different units and the wall blocks were only set on the ground; not on top of another footing that should have been poured to connect and secure the units together and underneath – that because the ground moves; especially when the patio starts to settle a little, the treads straddled on top of both began to move causing the joints to separate and the grout to crack. He said this will continue to occur and water will get into the openings and it won’t hold up the way it’s supposed to. He also found cracks in the grout and joints separating at the steps, landing and walkway and hollow sounds on some of their tiles. I was stunned and devastated to learn of these major issues although it made a lot of sense and explained the problems that had begun to occur. He also pointed out the water that had pooled on the landing (which occurred whenever it rained) and said that was caused from the landing not being pitched correctly. He said the water will freeze in the winter and become a safety hazard and I could be sued if someone slipped on it. The next mason contractor, Lenny Patrizio of L. Patrizio Construction & Paving (without my sharing Greg Baehr’s opinion) pointed out the same issues and gave similar reasons for them. He said the tile on the landing should have actually been built about 3” higher that it was in order for it to be pitched properly. I then spoke to Martin Chiarolanzio, my town's Construction Official and Zoning Administrator about the masonry work. He looked at many of the photos and said it was clear that a 6” footing should have been poured to connect the patio’s original footing and to support the new wall blocks (which were 6” in depth) before the treads were placed on top to connect the new bluestone tiles installed on top of the patio. And because that had not been done and the wall blocks were merely set on the ground, with no support underneath, he said the problems that were occurring were not surprising; consistent with the opinions of the other two mason contractors. He also pointed out in another photo that only the old slate on top of the walkway appeared to have been removed. He asked if I realized the old footing underneath had been left there and only a thin layer of new concrete was likely poured on top before the new bluestone tiles were installed? I said, “No, the walkway as well as the patio, steps and landing and all of their footings were always supposed to be completely removed and newly built. And that only the footing under the patio was subsequently discussed and left in place due to Frank’s insistence it wasn’t necessary. At no time after the contract was signed or while any of the work was being performed did Frank ever discuss also leaving the old footing under the walkway instead of replacing it. And he certainly didn’t mention having me pay less money for him not removing the walkway footing. I then looked at the original contract and the new one Frank made after I agreed the patio footing could remain. I now saw he had also added the word “flooring” next to walkway on another line to make it read like that footing would also not be replaced. Before I hired Frank he said he “always” replaces all of the footings because you can never be sure what’s underneath and it guarantees things are built correctly. And here he convinced me to leave the patio footing, didn’t pour one for the wall blocks and then didn’t replace the one under the walkway without telling me. Frank never contacted me again or sent anyone over to do what he agreed to do. I no longer trust him to repair any of the work or remove it all (as will likely be required) so I’ve written this review that is required before an Angie’s List Complaint Resolution Process can begin. I’m also requesting forms to file a complaint with the Division of Consumer Affairs that oversees the licenses for contractors.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
2.0
value
4.0
professionalism
2.0
responsiveness
2.0
punctuality
3.0

$18,500

Response from Prime Construction & Remodeling
Hi (Member Name Removed) We would like to point out a few important points regarding your review of our services: 1) I have never had day-laborers on any of my jobs. The men working on your job site and all of my other job sites work(ed) for me full time. 2) We discussed every aspect of your project. You took pictures of everything. Though my crew is experienced in quality craftsmanship, we accommodated our construction dynamic to include your directions to my crew during the installation of each individual blue-stone tile and where it should go. We discussed the reason we gave you a discount on the footings was because the originals were in good shape. Your project was inspected by your town inspectors and passed all phases without issue. 3) The integrity of your structure and the installation of all materials were done correctly and passed all phases of inspections. We do not skip steps or cut corners. We take pride in doing things the right way, the first time. The outside contractors & handyman that you have hired since are obviously poking holes in work that is not theirs. Outside contractors and handymen bad-mouthing work that is not their own work is unfortunately very common. 4) We held extensive walk-throughs prior to payment and prior to completion. No issues of any kind were addressed. This project was done over (1) One full year ago; September/October 2015. Not anywhere close to the date you stated in your complaint. Our contracts state that obvious and basic maintenance is required after all completed projects. These include, repairing damages done by outside contractors - especially prior to winter snow accumulation, regular cleaning and power washing, being aware of what ice melting products your snow removal guy uses on natural stone, etc. Judging by the pictures attached to your complaint, I can see that the damaged step and subsequent hole created by your railing contractor was never repaired properly. Being that this happened prior to the 2015/2016 winter season - you have allowed the elements to penetrate your steps structure, steps foundation and quite possibly the landing structure below it. 5) Our business which includes myself, my father and our crew always treated you with respect. We executed your project the right way. We did not do anything in any way that lacked integrity or bad judgement. We switched building materials out for you constantly to appease your taste. Our two suppliers explained to you multiple times that bluestone is not a perfect product and that it is a natural stone. We had multiple conversations about bluestone, explaining that it is a natural stone, thus natural imperfections are normal. Regardless of these conversations, we still switched out countless tiles for you to suit your taste. We did this without charge, because we strive for our clients to be very happy with the finished product. 6) The issue for your complaint now, over a project completed more than 12 months ago, is because we would not validate your warranty. The reason we stated we would not validate this warranty was because you had a Hand Rail Company install a railing that damaged the bluestone steps, damaged the cement blocking below it, and created a hole that will accept water and snow over time. This could potentially damage the integrity of the entire step structure and the landing below it. Specifically stated in our contract is that any work done to our project that causes damage will void warranty. I know you would like to be able to call us to replace anything that you do not like in the future by using the excuse that our craftsmanship was the issue; when really it is due to a combination of the damages done by another contractor and you wanting something new for free. At some point (Member Name Removed), we have to stop doing things for free just to be nice and start doing what is right. With that, I am sorry you felt the need to use the review process as a weapon against us. We wish you the best, both personally and professionally. Sincerely, Frank Stricchiola President Prime Construction & Remodeling LLC

    Contact information

    28 Maple Ave, Morris Plains, NJ 07950

    www.prime-construction.com

    Licensing

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    Service Categories

    Patios,
    Pavers and Hardscaping,
    Stone and Gravel,
    General Remodeling,
    Masonry,
    Decorative Concrete,
    Basement Remodeling,
    Epoxy Flooring,
    Sunrooms and Patio Enclosures,
    Cabinet Refacing and Refinishing,
    Interior Painting,
    Exterior Painting

    FAQ

    Prime Construction & Remodeling is currently rated 1.8 overall out of 5.
    Prime Construction & Remodeling accepts the following forms of payment: American Express,Check,Discover,MasterCard,PayPal,Visa
    Yes, Prime Construction & Remodeling offers free project estimates.
    No, Prime Construction & Remodeling does not offer eco-friendly accreditations.
    No, Prime Construction & Remodeling does not offer a senior discount.
    No, Prime Construction & Remodeling does not offer emergency services.
    No, Prime Construction & Remodeling does not offer warranties.
    Prime Construction & Remodeling offers the following services: Prime Construction & Remodeling is a full service design and construction firm. We offer our clients a single source for both their design and construction needs and guide them throughout the entire design-build process. “One stop shopping” provides our clients with the continuity required to achieve exceptional architectural, interior and kitchen and bath construction and design.

    Contact information

    28 Maple Ave, Morris Plains, NJ 07950

    www.prime-construction.com