LOCKE WOODS INTERIORS

The original contract was for work to begin in October and be complete in about 4 weeks. Just before the start date, we were told something else had come up, so the job would be done in November and completed by Thanksgiving. That didn't happen. The start date was moved again; this time to early December with assurances that the work would be complete before Christmas. They did start work in December but it was mid January before the job was done. Furthermore, we had been told this job would be done personally by the owner and his son, but at the last minute, they contracted the work out to a private carpenter. The fellow who did this job was excellent. He had very high standards and consulted us daily about issues that came up or changes that he felt would be better for the job. He was careful and meticulous and did a fantastic job. The work began by gutting the bathroom. We were glad to have a second bathroom downstairs that we used during the entire renovation process. It took several weeks to level the floor and square the walls, refurbish the plumbing and update the electrical systems. The walls were back in just before Christmas. There was a delay over the holidays when no work was done, and then the final stages were completed in January. The room was painted and the new sink, toilet, tub, tub surround, electrical fixtures, and cabinets were installed. We had a contract for the work that was done detailing the cost of all items plus time and labor. We paid 50% up front plus money for the purchase of custom items, and the remainder was due upon completion. Everything worked fine until the end when we were presented an additional bill amounting to 15% above the agreed upon price. The explanation was that there had been cost overruns due to the complexity of the job. We had not been told that extra work was being done during the time of the renovation, and, with the exception of one small job we had asked to add, we had not approved any additional expenditures. I was very unhappy that the extra cost was sprung on us at the last minute. I believe that could have handled better. The bottom line is that the work that was performed was excellent and we are very pleased with the bathroom. I was not at all happy with the administrative issues (putting off the start time twice, running longer than promised including over the winter holidays, not consulting with us during the process about additional costs.)

We had used LockeWood Interiors several years ago for a bathroom renovation, so we approached them again in early 2012 when we were planning our kitchen renovation. Had a very nice chat in the showroom. I explained that we wanted to get started as soon as possible, and I was told that would be no problem. A few days later, the boss came out to look at the job. He stated that he had the basics but would need to come back a second time to fill in some details. When I had not heard from him in 2 weeks, I called but got no response to the voice message I left. I emailed several times with no response. Finally, about 7 weeks later, I got a call asking to set up the second visit. At that point in time, we had already agreed on a contract with another contractor and work on the project was set to begin in about a week. I thought it incredibly irresponsible for Lockewood to start the process and not follow through.