Vailes Bros Inc-Remodel

Description of Work: The project being reported involves a brick carport that was built onto the left end of my house; with columns and walled-openings on its left side and backside; with decorative iron gratings in the side openings; fitted with a concrete-slab floor using extensive re-bar; with an added stoop for step-down from a house side-door to the carport-floor; the carport was fitted with two large ceiling vents that also provide access to the carport attic; construction included accommodations for a deck that is to be added. The Vailes Brothers company was very cooperative in the original planning, and was tolerant when I made significant changes along the way. EXAMPLES: (1) changed width from 28-FT to 32-FT; (2) since I was concerned about clogging in the underground rain drain that the company had already installed under my driveway, Vailes dug it back up and replaced the conduit's five square-elbows with rounded joints, and then added clean-out access ports (if clogging were to occur); (3) because a young helper for the brick mason had carelessly ruined a water-faucet outlet, the company did extensive work to find a replacement for the rare, discontinued insert that was damaged. By the way, the masonry work itself was exactly perfect---the mason is a master. Because of challenging window and door and house-roof dimensions on the end of my house, a design problem existed; to solve the problem, Robert Vailes put a clever innovation into the carport-ceiling design. This eliminated the awkward problem and resulted in an attractive appointment to the carport. Since I was having serious family medical problems at the time of the planning and construction, I was remiss in communicating some details to the Vailes site-manager in a timely manner. Understanding this situation, the company "bent over backwards" to make modifications so that the final outcome was acceptable to me. The site manager, Mr. Robert "Cotton" Cooley, can only be classified as EXCELLENT. He is thorough, patient. courteous, communicative and professional. EXAMPLE: After the heavy, large cupola was carefully set in place on the carport roof, I thought the cupola looked slightly too tall; Cotton laboriously removed it, resized it, then again added contour edging to match shaping of the roofing shingles---and re-installed the cupola again for my inspection. The concrete-floor slab has been in place for over 5 years without cracking. Although some pocketing has occurred where rain water blows in onto the slab and freezes, the fault is mine for not having put sealer on the slab periodically. I live and learn. If you contract with Vailes Brothers Inc. and adequately communicate your wanted design features to them, you will be happy with the results. If, perchance, you have a complaint, Vailes will attend to it. If Vailes should sub-contract some small part of the job, and you are not satisfied, Vailes will make it right. Remember, they can't read your mind! Any slight dissatisfaction that I might have (concerning this carport project) was caused by my own inability to communicate my wishes in a timely manner. So plan early and think it through with Robert Vailes before the construction begins. Then, watch what is happening so that you can report your concerns quickly enough for corrective action. The Vailes price estimate may seem a little above average, but, I believe that you will get your money's worth in quality work and cooperation. I am not in any way related to the Vailes family or its construction company Charlie Wright Waynesboro VA