Projects Unlimited

This project was a disaster. We had met Mr. Garcia when he installed a couple of entry doors for us through Home Depot's installer program. His carpentry work on the doors was adequate; enough that we would consider rehiring him. (It is not easy to find reliable contractors in Northwoods Wisconsin, especially if you live far away.) A couple of years later, when we wanted to undertake this more ambitious project, we contacted him for an estimate. He indicated that he was both able and experienced in projects like these. However, events seem to contradict this. He started on the project in April 2008, but the project began slowing down almost immediately. Days would go by with no action, then later weeks. By July, all activity seemed to have halted--right in the middle of the "busy season" for a lake home. Phone calls went unreturned, or promises would be made that were then not kept. We were left with all kinds of raw materials, lumber, junk, tools, and dust for the entire guest season. When September came, we told him we were dismissing him from the job. His wife--who runs the office, we believe--pleaded for a second chance, and so we agreed to a "fish-or-cut-bait" meeting with Mr. Garcia. We set the meeting for a Saturday in late September, and drove up--300 miles each way--specifically to meet with him. No show. That was the last straw (should have been much earlier.) We hired another contractor to finish the job, and they did so in 4 weeks from start of work. They also found numerous serious errors in Mr. Garcia's work, including no header for a new window he installed in the bathroom, and an improper liner for the new walk-in shower. We liked Mr. and Mrs. Garcia personally, but have no confidence in his quality of work, professionalism, or capability other than basic carpentry.