Shells Only Complete Home Improvements

4.2(
42
)

About us

SHELLS ONLY COMPLETE HOME IMPROVEMENTS | Shells Only is a full service construction company. Over the years, Shells Only has listened to our clients and recognize their need for a builder who can do it ALL. From initial concept, through detailed architectural design, to obtaining approvals, construction and final project completion – SHELLS ONLY Complete Home Improvements is your one stop source for every construction need. With over 40 years of experience building dormers, extensions, new homes, and remodeling countless kitchens, bathrooms, you can trust Shells Only Complete Home Improvements will make your dreams a reality. Shells Only, We do it all!

Business highlights

Emergency services offered
50 years of experience

Services we offer

SHELLS ONLY COMPLETE HOME IMPROVEMENTS | Shells Only does it ALL: project managers, We do it all!, and carpenters to work as a TEAM. They know how to do your construction efficiently, correctly, designers, on budget, on time, plumbers, sheetrock pros, too! Contact Shells Only Complete Home Improvements today to start your new home improvement project. Shells Only, with the highest quality. Shells Only even has a dedicated department for obtaining building permits. Our own truck fleet

Amenities

Emergency Services

Yes

Accepted Payment Methods

  • CreditCard
Reviews
4.242 Reviews
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Number of StarsImage of DistributionNumber of Ratings
5
74%
4
5%
3
5%
2
2%
1
14%
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Showing 1-25 of 42 reviews
Jeff G.
May 2025
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$166,000
Done right without issues. Available when needed. Responsive. Pleasant. Professional
Doreen B.
Sep 2019
2.0
We used Shell Only for 2 large home renovations. While our foreman, Denny, and his team were excellent, the quality of the product was not. Particularly the laminate flooring that was used throughout our house during the second renovation. At the time we chose the cabinets, windows and fixtures we were also asked to choose the color of the floor. We live in a Levit home on a concrete slab and had a wonderful PERGO floor prior to this. So we were expecting no less. What we got was a terrible product right from the beginning. We trusted Shells and if they told us to choose a different floor we would have. The floor pulled apart and showed bumps from the cement underneath. Shells came and tried to nail it down. My family and I have to live with this floor. Shells never did the right thing by us, which would have been to refund the cost of the floor in this part of the house or replace it. I would not recommend this company because they do not stand by there work and do not have the character or professionalism to make things right.
Martha C.
Dec 2017
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
The entire process went pretty good. We did a major renovation with a large addition. They have a large crew that gets the job done. They are great when standing behind their products and construction. Would reccomend
Adrianna C.
Jul 2016
1.0
unknown
John G.
Apr 2016
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$30,000
unknown
Response from Shells Only Complete Home Improvements

"Thank you for the positive review. We hope you enjoy your extension for years to come."

Patricia K.
Nov 2015
1.0
$7,000
Ordered job in April,  job did not start until middle of June.  Kept telling me materials were not in.  While taking out tiles and removing existing sink  and counter top, water was leaking onto the floor.  Before I noticed the situation, my floating floor was soaked.  Had to wait about a week before they returned, and it was a disaster from there.  I am a teacher, and I wanted the job done before school was out.  The tile people came, and did an awful job.  I then again had to wait weeks before they came back, also they ran out of tiles during mid job, also holding up the refinishing.  Again they sent over someone during my summer break, and I had to come home to make sure it was done properly.  Again, it was not, and not to mention, although they sent someone to fix my floor, it was not guaranteed to be perfect.  I did not have enough slats for them to fix the now warped floor.  Back splash tiles were uneven, and they actually tiled them on to my refrigerator.   All and all, started in April, with a payment up front of course, job finally completed in September.  They gave me back $900 for a job they know they screwed up on.  Did I want the money, no, just wanted a new looking kitchen, and thought I had hired a professional team.  I would never use them again!
Response from Shells Only Complete Home Improvements

"[Member Name Removed], We were made aware that you were unsatisfied with your experience with Shells Only; we’d like to take this opportunity to address your issues. As you were aware, the tile you selected for the project was special order and unfortunately because we are not the manufacturer we could not control the arrival date. In regards to the water leak, the day you notified Shells Only our plumber arrived that day to address your concern. He discovered the leak was a result of a corroded 3/8” copper tubing nut on your dishwasher. As you’ll remember our plumber showed and left the defective part with Mr. [Member Name Removed] and yourself. Even though the leak was caused by a preexisting issue with your dishwasher, we repaired it for you free of charge. Had you made us aware of the leak when you initially noticed it a day earlier, we would have repaired it before it damaged the floating floor; this is what our 24-hour Emergency line is for. We offered to repair the flooring but you declined our offer. The same thing when you mentioned that you were unhappy with the tile work we offered that same day to address your concerns and again you declined. Shells Only was more than willing to do whatever was necessary to make you happy, as is the case with all of our clients. We would have preferred the opportunity to address the issues making you 100% happy with the project but at your request you selected to accept a refund in the amount of $900. If you would like to return the monies and have us complete the job we’d be more than happy to do so. You can reach us at 631-422-9190 or just stop into our showroom at 355 Sunrise Highway since you are local to us."

Gary F.
Oct 2014
5.0
$200,000
Their price was too high. They were very good and prompt. They were very nice to work with except that they were too high. They were on time when they saw me.
Allen Z.
Oct 2014
3.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$200,000
To be fair, the owner just called me and explained how chaotic it was
after hurricane sandy. Since that was probably the case for all
construction companies I have updated this post and rating to be more
accurate. I might even use Shells Only in the future after speaking with the
owner.
Nancy W.
May 2014
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$60,000
Our experience with Shells Only was positive from the first visit by their salesman Al, to the final day of work under the supervision of Ryan, the job foreman. Despite dire warnings and predictions from friends and neighbors regarding 'contractors' in general, we were pleasantly surprised and somewhat amazed when every facet of the project was completed on schedule. Each and every trade involved was competent and knowledgeable in addition to being friendly and helpful to us, the homeowners.
Not only was the project completed on time, there were no 'surprises' regarding extra costs or additional work. Shells Only did exactly what they were contracted to do, for the price agreed upon, and they did it extremely well. I have had some experience in construction, and speaking with the various trades on our job I was able to see firsthand the pride that went into their work, and the high quality of the materials used. In some cases materials of a lower quality could have been employed, with the homeowner no wiser. Any problems noted along the way were quickly rectified. This company, in my opinion, is dedicated to performing top notch work that they can be proud of.
We are more than pleased that we chose Shells Only, and would recommend them highly to anyone wishing quality construction from a solid, professional, and well organized company.
Michael S.
Apr 2014
3.0
$46,600
Called for quote for extension on house shell and foundation only, that is it. Ken called me very nice man, punctual and polite. The quote received though was way above what the other three quotes received quoted. Upon calling them back to tell them that I will not be using them, they were a little condesending about the other contractor (who's names not released) it was impossible to do it for that price. Now it is funny how poeple don't know who you are or vice versa like you do not know anything, but I came from a line of contractors, and work for a utility as a chief construction inspector and have a cousin who is very successful out east not in my area unfortunately and shells only said they were only making 8% profit, impossible. They make way more. So in the end prices are very high for work needed. They were very professional besides this.
Response from Shells Only Complete Home Improvements

"[member name removed], Thank you for your feedback. I know we have talked since this draft was posted to Angie's List and we look forward to our continued collaboration on your project."

Elaine A.
Dec 2013
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$33,000
We contracted Shells to remodel our kitchen so far the process has painless . Jim the salesperson came over and there was no pressure which my husband and I love. We then went to the showroom to pick out what we wanted our kitchen to look like. The next step was for him to come over and recieve a check for the first deposit of the materials which we thought was a lot of money 4,000 then back to the showroom to pick out the rest of our Items for our kitchen. Give him another check for 6,500 I guess this was to order the cabinets and the other supplies. Then we were told when the job starts the project manager will come to the house to get a certified check in the amount of 12,500 to put a dumpster in the front of our home. Then we will pay him as he goes in certified checks the amounts are already predetermined. But we look forward to our new kitchen. We will update you when the work is done.




Response from Shells Only Complete Home Improvements

"Thank you so much for the positive review! We are pleased that your Kitchen remodel was a success! We love to hear feedback from our customers and look forward to servicing you, your family and your friends and neighbors for years to come!"

Jason M.
Nov 2013
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$44,000
Great job. They were punctual, cleaned up, they matched the outside so well it looks like its always been there. They didn't cut corners, all inspections passed first time. They even repaired some of the issues in the basement and first floor where they felt they needed more structural support. I am thoroughly impressed with their professionalism and workmanship, and will definitely use them again and would refer them to anyone. It was a nice suprise to have them send someone to measure for hours, and then present me with a very detailed architectural drawing and then sit and make changes, work with me and my family, to get everythign exactly how we wanted it BEFORE they started. Much different then my past experiences where a contractor eye-balled it, costs ran up, and when it was done, then we had to make changes because we ran into unforseen issues....Shells Only had all their ducks in a row before a single two by four was cut, and everything went smoothly because of it.
Response from Shells Only Complete Home Improvements

"Thank you for such a glowing review. Please know that Shells Only prides itself on doing exactly what you mentioned in your review...we "do not cut corners", we "always go the extra mile" and always "look for ways to improve your experience" with us. We also love the fact that you would feel confident to recommend us to friends, neighbors and family. Your positive feedback is appreciated and if there is ever anything else we can do for you, please feel free to contact us! Thank you."

Mark M.
Jul 2013
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$1,000
Professional showed up on time nice to deal with. Price was slightly above average I thought
Response from Shells Only Complete Home Improvements

"Thank you very much for the positive review! Shells Only always does our best to provide "excellent service" as well as offering the best price. Unfortunately in this instance we did not garner an A rating on price, but please be aware, we always provide "quality", "top-rated" products which may account for the slight price increase you experienced. We thank you for your business and we look forward to continue to service your friends and family into the future. Thank you."

Jose L.
Jul 2013
1.0
I don't understand. An insurance company would never pay without a written estimate and this is unacceptable. This company should not be on Angie's list if they are not going to give out that information. How am I going to give my insurance company documentation? She never gave me a reason why they don't give written estimates.
Response from Shells Only Complete Home Improvements

"[removed member name], We are sorry that you had trouble contacting us and obtaining the information you requested. Please be assured this is not typical of how we treat our customers, in fact, if you look around Angie's List Shells Only has an A rating. So, hopefully what happened to you was just a simple misunderstanding. If you give us a chance to make it right we assure you that you will not be dissapointed. Thank you very much."

Jason V.
Jun 2013
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$60,000
Shells Only built a second story addition shell with interior walls framed and siding all over house and new garage roof and new stairs. I was pleased with work performed and minor issues were taken care of promptly.
DEBORAH B.
May 2013
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
Shells Only Of Suffolk Inc. was very professional. We were happy with them and they were very reasonable. They did a really good work.
Response from Shells Only Complete Home Improvements

"Thank you so much for your review! Shells Only is so pleased that we were able to accomodate your requests. Shells Only has been performing work for folks like you for over 38 years on Long Island, please do us favor and spread the word...we would really appreciate it!"

Cliff H.
Feb 2013
1.0
As a displaced Hurricane Sandy homeowner, I have dealt with many contractors over the past 3 months - Shells Only was the worst.
Shells Only was the most unpleasant, and unhelpful as they quoted Company Policy, passed me around from Receptionist, to Sales Reps asking increasing detailed questions regarding my readiness to commit to Shell Only prior to ever receiving even a high level estimate of work. They refused to provide any information without proof that the funds were already available to perform the work, AS WELL as a committment to have Shells Only perform the work. It was a and quot;Commit to us and only then will we consider giving you a quote for the workand quot;. Very odd customer service model.
They were completely unsympathetic to the fact that due to the extensive nature of the damage to our home from the storm, the process required we obtain a series of quotes from various contractors and provide that information to the insurance company prior to settling on a claim amount. Until we are able to get quotes (like the one refused by Shell's) the claim cannot be settled.
While it has been difficult to get qualified contractors to provide estimates due to timing and availability - most have worked with us to provide what information they can and help move the process forward. I was shocked when the rep on the phone said they would not provide any assistance until we and quot;committed to have Shells Only do the work, by signing an agreement. They would be and quot;happyand quot; to help once we had blueprints in hand to specify the new work, and would sign their agreement. Until then - sorry.
If this is how Shells Only responds to their community (to a community racked by the storm, and in need of help not company policy) - this is not a company that will ever see my business.
Response from Shells Only Complete Home Improvements

"(deleted member name), We are so sorry for your recent losses due to Super Storm Sandy. As you may or may not know, Shells Only Home Improvements has been performing work for Long Island Home Owners for over 38 years and during this time we've probably had a few instances where we couldn't meet our customers needs and for this we apologize. But, to be sure, we always do our best to make it right. In closing, if there is anything we can do to show you the value Shells Only can bring to your next home improvement project, we would appreciate the opportunity to do so. Thank You! Thank you."

Raymond N.
Dec 2012
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$40,000
We interviewed four contractors.  Shells was the only company to return all of our phone calls / answer all of our questions before we chose them to do the job.  They were the most thorough with explaining the entire process.  They offered the same quality material as the other contractors, and the least expensive.  They installed a new roof, siding, windows and built a portico.  The job started and finished as promised.  The crew was professional and neat.  The staff at the showroom was very helpful as well.  We would definitely use them again if needed.
Response from Shells Only Complete Home Improvements

"We thank you for the kind words and the positive review. Shells Only is proud that we can offer the exact same service, price and quality you recevied to the rest of its Long Island customers and, we have been doing exactly that for over 38 years! Again, we thank you for your positive response and we are happy that you received the service you expected. Please spread the word to family and friends, we would appreciate it!"

Laurie A.
Aug 2012
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$17,000
Overall--great. So beautiful. We were referred to Shells Only by a co-worker who had a total renovation of his home, including adding a 2nd floor. All interior and finshed done by S.O.
We had an in-home consultation with the owner. Measurements and general discussion regarding the bathroom and kitchen renovationsWe went to their location to design and plan the bathroom.
We were assigned a and quot;Project Managerand quot; (that's what I called him) who was there to keep every single detail moving in a timely and professional manner. He will answer any questions or concerns. S.O. gives you a and quot; Day to Day to scheduleand quot; for every day they are at your house. They will tell you the amount of money due in advance. (I wrote the amount due on the and quot;day to day work scheduleand quot;).They accept certified bank checks that you can get in advance. No need to run to the bank every time a check is due.
We are very very happy with our new bathroom .Neighbors and family love it too. We are planning to have a total kitchen renovation by Shells Only as soon as we can put the funds together.It took us 13 yrs to finally get this bathroom done because of past bad experiances.
Their name implies that they do and quot;shellsand quot; but they do it all. Their contractors were very very profesional and prompt.
Robert M.
May 2012
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$65,000
They did quite a bit of work. They were very good and I was pleased with whatever they did. Everyone who seen it said it looked beautiful. I could not have asked for more pleasant workers. They were very considerate when they came to work inside on the bathroom. They were very neat and when they left I could not say that they were here. They are a wonderful company with really nice people. They gave me a very good price for all the work that they did. They came when they said they were coming. The salesmen who came were wonderful people and I cannot praise them enough. I would use them again in the future.
Daniel C.
Jan 2012
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
Very helpful
Michael B.
Sep 2011
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$150,000
I hired Shell's Only to renovate my existing 1 1/2 story cape, by removing the existing second floor and replacing it with a new second floor addition. There was also some misc renovations on the first floor.

Shell's has been fantastic through this entire process. I met with their sales team early in the process to estimate the job, and they were very thorough in the review of my plans and provided a very reasonable estimate in comparison to other builders that bid on the job.

Once I choose Shell's and got the approval from the town to proceed with the construction (permit and variance in my town), the next step was a design process, where I met with their design team and we picked out things like siding, roofing, bathroom tiles, fixtures etc... I was impressed early on in the process at the quality of the materials that were included in my quote. I was expecting to have to spend more money to upgrade to porcelain or granite, but they were included already.

The job started early August on time, and we're 2 weeks into the building process, and I am blown away at the speed and workmanship so far.

As many long islanders know, this weekend hurricane Irene said hello. Well I can tell you I was a nervous wreck, since Shell's had just started to frame the second floor the week before Irene hit. On August 25th I was speaking with the supervisor about what preparations they were going to take to protect my home. In hindsight I think the supervisor was teasing me, but he basically said they were going to throw a few tarps over the roof, which would keep the water from coming in. I thought to myself... really?

Well let me tell you, I showed up on Friday as I normally do, to watch the process and there were 4 crews at my house. Normally there is only 1 crew working, but today there were 4 crews. They escalated my job process and put all hands on deck, and worked until 8pm to ensure that the framing, hurricane strapping, roofing, plywood on the sides, and the weather wrapping were all installed before the weekend. And yes, they also put the tarps on the roof as he said he would lol...

All in all, I am extremely pleased with our decision to use Shell's Only, and I highly recommend them.

edit 11/7/2011: Just wanted to come back and update my report now that we are almost finished. Shells has continued to provide great service and we are almost back in our home as the renovations should be completed within the next week.

edit 1/13/2012: Last update. We moved back into the house mid-November. The house is great and we are very pleased.
Caroline E.
May 2011
1.0
After waiting two weeks to hear back with a proposal I began to call to try to find out when the proposal could be done. The first time I called, i was told that Dennis was with a client and would call back in 30 minutes...he never called. The next day I called again and was told he was with a client...and that he would call back within 20 minutes...he then called back 3 hours later (8pm) from his cell phone(the number was blocked), left the office phone number, from which I could not call him back as he was of course not at the office. SO...I called back the next day. I was first told that he was not in the office but when I explained to the lady that he had called at 8pm last night with no way for me to return his call and speak to him, she then found him and he finally got on the phone. He then went on to tell me that the work we wanted completed did not fall into the price range that we wanted it to fall into so he didn't even bother doing the proposal AND didn't bother to let us know that they were not interested in the job...how long was he prepared to let us just wait??? DON"T RELY ON THIS COMPANY!!!!
JAMES C.
Apr 2011
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
Though the company sounded great, they had the highest estimate out of the four contractors I took bids from. I'm sure their work is also great from the reviews I read from Angie's List, but in this economy I needed to have a company that would fit inside my budget. In a nutshell, with companies looking for work these days to stay afloat, if this company had come in around the same as the others, I would have hired them...no question.
Brian B.
Mar 2011
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$88,000
Had Shells Only come in for an estimate on a 2nd floor dormer (shell and completed). As far as the estimate went, they had the most professional presentation of any company that we got estimates from. Salesman followed up with us and was able to show us a 3D computer rendering of what our house would look like (very cool). Overall I was impressed with the sales presentation and design work done by him. After several estimates we found them to in "the middle of the road" with their estimate quote. We did not use them because we have chosen to complete another project first. We will call them back for future estimates on other planned work.
Showing 1-25 of 42

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FAQ

Shells Only Complete Home Improvements is currently rated 4.2 overall out of 5.
Shells Only Complete Home Improvements accepts the following forms of payment: CreditCard
No, Shells Only Complete Home Improvements does not offer free project estimates.
No, Shells Only Complete Home Improvements does not offer eco-friendly accreditations.
No, Shells Only Complete Home Improvements does not offer a senior discount.
Yes, Shells Only Complete Home Improvements offers emergency services.
No, Shells Only Complete Home Improvements does not offer warranties.

Contact Information

355 Sunrise Hwy, West Babylon, NY 11704

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