BIG DAVE'S SERVICES

Handyman Services, Kitchen and Bath Remodeling, Plumbing,

About us

Why Choose Big Dave’s? To state it as clearly as possible, we’re not the right fit for everyone. We’re not the fastest. We’re not the cheapest. But our clients say, we are the best! We absolutely insist on doing things right the first time. No excuses. Period. If you are demanding, hard to please, and/or persnickety, we’ll get along great. We refuse to settle for anything less than the very best, and our clients appreciate our attention to even the smallest detail. Contact us today to get the process started!

Business highlights

22 years of trusted experience
Emergency Services Offered

Services we offer

Custom Cabinetry, Full Service, Design/Build New or Remodel Kitchens, Baths, Home Offices, Closet Systems and Much More. Finish Carpentry Services for Residential and Commercial. Custom Millwork, Handyman and Concierge Services for Most Interior Renovations and Repairs.

Amenities

Warranties
Yes
Emergency Services
Yes


Accepted payment methods

American Express
Check
Discover
MasterCard
PayPal
Visa

Reviews

4.7111 Reviews
Number of StarsImage of DistributionNumber of Ratings
5
68%
4
6%
3
5%
2
8%
1
12%


Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
4.9
value
4.7
professionalism
4.8
responsiveness
4.7
punctuality
4.8

Filter reviews by category

Showing 26-111 of 111 reviews

Sal A.
11/2016
5.0
countertops, handyman service, plumbing, home remodeling
  + 2 more
He and one of his staff did the job in a half day. They implemented his solution and stayed on his original estimate, even though he advised me of an hourly contingency rate if additional work were necessary. The work looks great and the re-installation is sturdy and should last for the life of the countertop and sink.
Description of Work: We had a kitchen sink that was detaching from the granite countertop. The clips that were supposed to have kept the sink attached had failed over time. Dave looked at the situation and came up with a solution that was much better than the original "by the book" installation.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
4.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
4.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$400

Cynthia L.
11/2016
5.0
home remodeling
  + -1 more
Good quality work and good, highly-responsive service! I would highly recommend Big Dave.
Description of Work: Kitchen countertop, tile backsplash, faucet, under cabinet lighting.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$6,470

Jason F.
11/2016
1.0
handyman service, doors
  + 0 more
I waited 3 days with no response, so I called him. He said he had gotten busy and would get back to me the following day. He didn't. I waited a few more days and called again, and he gave me the same story. Still nothing several days later. I tried a third and final time, and he basically said the same thing, that he'd get back to me when he could. It seems he doesn't need the work, despite the fact that this would have been a decent-paying small job for his company. If he didn't want the job, couldn't handle it due to complexity or schedule, then he should have been up front and said so. He was very nice in person, but that made me all the more disappointed in his failure to respond or follow up on the job. I cannot recommend anyone use this company, and I'm stuck trying to find someone who can do and who wants the job.
Description of Work: I contacted Big Dave's to replace 11 interior doors, including a door connecting the home to the garage. He was prompt in returning my call and scheduling the initial meeting to review the home and measure the doors. He asked me not to purchase doors from Menards or Home Depot or Lowes and instead said he only wishes to install doors purchased through vendors with whom he is comfortable. He promised he would send me links to vendors he recommends in the following 2 days and would then schedule the work to install the doors upon their arrival.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
professionalism
2.0
responsiveness
1.0


James B.
10/2016
5.0
bathtub refinishing, handyman service, home remodeling
  + 1 more
Dave was a referral from a referral. He led us to quality materials and helped us pick out what we needed He started when he said he was going to start, his guy (Adam, he's aces) showed up every day when he said he was going to show up. He worked consistently and diligently. He was respectful of our home and property. They cleaned up after themselves and in general did a neat professional job. The couple of little glitches that surfaced after the install were addressed immediately and effectively. I'm getting older and so can't do some things I used to be able to do. I'm really glad I found Big Dave to do those things I can't or don't want to do anymore. I recommend Dave to anyone who wants quality work done in a timely manner. You might find a cheaper quote but I don't think you'll find a better value for your money.
Description of Work: Removed and replace shower/tub surround and slide-by doors.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$5,000

Hopeful W P.
10/2016
5.0
bathtub refinishing, home remodeling
  + 0 more
Big Dave did a great job. Answered my many questions and provided solutions for my design wants.
Description of Work: Replace the tub surround and finish the window in the tub area.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$3,500

Rachel D.
10/2016
5.0
handyman service
  + -1 more
Dave did an excellent job answering all of our questions and was responsive to our emails and calls. Our only complaint is that the stains on the bay window did not match closely as promised (with one looking completely unfinished).
Description of Work: Replace concrete walkway and install a new handrail.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
4.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
4.0
punctuality
5.0

$3,500

Daiva P.
10/2016
5.0
handyman service
  + -1 more
The entire process was wonderful. Dave was professional, checked in on the site when the plastering was being done by sub-contractors and made sure everything was being done correctly and to our specifications. Could not have asked for a better process or result. We ordered our tin on line and that was a process but that was not related to Dave if we had gone with the company Dave had used before perhaps we would not have had such issues. We love out tin ceiling in our living room and could not have asked for a better experience.
Description of Work: Framed in soffit, had it plastered and then installed tin ceiling once we had painted the room.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$5,300

Sherry G.
10/2016
5.0
handyman service
  + -1 more
Did a really good job. Having issues with bath fan dripping during shower when windows are open all night. Dave has been working very diligently with manufacture (broan) & menards. Tried another fan of same make/model, same issue. Tried some things suggested by Broan. Still an issue. Next step is to try another fan. Dave works to make sure you are happy.
Description of Work: Installed entry doors, made single closet door into opening 4 sliding double doors & installed, installed outdoor outlet, installed new bath fan, various other small touch ups around interior of house.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$3,000

Jeff F.
10/2016
5.0
handyman service, replacement windows
  + 0 more
It was a pleasure working with Dave due to his responsiveness and professionalism.
Description of Work: Our windows manufacturer went out of business a long time ago and Dave was able to arrange for repairs.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro

David J.
09/2016
1.0
countertops, handyman service
  + 0 more
Not well wasted my time by coming out. The never giving a quote even though I called twice and twice he said he would send out a quote. Don't higher this guy he is not honest all he had to do is say he didn't have time to do the work.
Description of Work: Counters kitchen

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
professionalism
1.0
responsiveness
1.0
punctuality
1.0

$700

Response from BIG DAVE'S SERVICES
In researching my contact with [Member Name Removed] we did meet on July 13 at his home under the premise of furnishing and installing materials for counter top replacement. Upon arrival, I learned that Mr. [Member Name Removed] had ordered an inappropriate counter top from a local big box store that would not work and could not be fitted properly with his existing countertop configuration, which had a tiled backsplash and a slab style wood butcher block top. The countertop on order was a plastic laminate material with an integrated backsplash, which could not be properly fitted to his tile backsplash that extended down the wall all the way to the horizontal butcher block surface. I told Mr. [Member Name Removed] that we would not be interested in installing the counter top he had on order, but that if he made an alternative selection from other materials and would extend the scope of work to also rebuilding of his backsplash after his butcher block top was removed, we would provide an estimate. We never received the information required from Mr. [Member Name Removed] to estimate the countertop and backsplash job, which would have included counter top material desired, make, model, color etc., as well as tile make model and color. After leaving the ball clearly in his court, we awaited a response that never came. Without a clear scope of work and specifications on which materials are to be used in a project, a contractor or service provider cannot accurately provide a quote. We had neither. We assumed he had either delayed the project or had found someone else to do the work. Now, several weeks later, I see Mr. [Member Name Removed] is upset about our not providing a quote on work I had told him at our first meeting we would not do with the materials he had on order. I am truly sorry about any misunderstandings, but we do not provide quotes on jobs we don't agree to do.

Anne B.
07/2016
5.0
handyman service, woodworking
  + 0 more
When I called Dave to arrange for an estimate, he immediately asked if the drawer that had fallen apart was the silverware drawer. It was. He arrived to give me an estimate a couple of days later, measured carefully and took photos. Because the previous homeowner had purchased budget cabinets (particle board with walnut exteriors), Dave explained that it would be necessary to replace the drawers, and because of the age of the kitchen, there probably would not be stock drawers available. I was in agreement. He had both drawers replaced with maple, and I opted for a self-closing feature as a small luxury. I thought the charge was appropriate. I also asked Dave about replacing a hinge on one of the cabinets that gets a lot of use; he researched and found something similar (but not identical) online. This would have been acceptable, but then he suggested that ordering the similar hinge might not be necessary; he could swap out the problem hinges with a cabinet that was used much less-frequently. This was the perfect solution It took a couple of weeks for the drawers to be constructed, and Dave kept me updated about when I'd expect them. When he came to install them he again was right on time and measured again to ensure that they had been constructed as specified. I was extremely impressed with Dave's attention to detail, his punctuality, and his interim reports on when I could expect the drawers. I can recommend him without reservation.
Description of Work: Repair or replace kitchen drawer that was pulling apart apart and another one beside the sink that had deteriorated from water damage.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$400

MICHAEL Y.
07/2016
5.0
handyman service
  + -1 more
Great job. Work was done well and on a timely basis.
Description of Work: Replaced 2 gutter downspout.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$200

JILL S.
12/2015
2.0
handyman service
  + -1 more
I agreed to $85 per hour, because Dave it would be justified by efficiency and he would quote a flat fee. Dave did not provide the quote as of Wednesday, but instead sent me an email (which I can post) trying to convince me to do unneccesary work, thinking I was either not so bright or inexperienced. Dave's email provided no numbers or estimated labor hours, except for a bathroom floor quote quote was three times the market rate and at least twice the $85/hour rate and insisted I must do it his way and buy ugly tile from him at 1 250% markup When questioned, Dave proclaimed ?I do it right? to justify the inflated quotes. However,r prior installations in my rental units comply with manufacturer?s specs and have never had broken tile. You could not explain his process or what it is you do ?right? for three times the cost. We had looked at the frame of a 5X7 drop ceiling together in a bathroom. I wanted to replace ceiling tile with retro PVC tile, a job that would not take more than a day. Dave reluctantly agreed the frame was in perfect condition, except for two small water spots he pointed out which would be painted. Dave's email (sent in lieu of a quote) then misrepresented that tiles could not be replaced on the ceiling because they no longer made that size, despite the fact had already measured ordered the tiles for installation. The drop ceiling allows access to plumbing, as I explained. Dave claimed we must tear out and rebuild the ceiling and misrepresented facts. Dave also represented that , and that wall tile in a bathroom need to be removed if a single tile or a few tiles "might" be was missing; any contractor needs availability of materials and solutions on the Internet. Dave insisted needed to delay a quote to take two contractors through for quotes for services I did not need, including granite countertops for a small retro unit with vintage features, include metal edging on 70 year old cabinets in the retro/chic style units. I had told him I ordered replacement edging and retro laminate in the style of the apartment that any handy man could cut and install, or we could have cut to size. Where the granite quote was to fit in, I do not know. It was a big time drain and I really felt this contractor did not quote in good faith and thought women are not experienced and will not research materials and processes. I am taking the time to write this because I imagine this is the frustration Angie felt that prompted this list.
Description of Work: I hired Big Dave to hang wall mount screen in my office and I hired him specific turnover work in a rental unit after estimating it a flat fee based upon the agreed upon hourly rate of $85.00, which is hire than the market rate, but the work was to be done on a rush basis for a rental unit and Dave agreed to quote a flat fee. The total budget for the work was about $3,000 to 4,000, but I had to stop at $170.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
2.0
value
1.0
professionalism
2.0
responsiveness
1.0
punctuality
5.0

$2,500

Response from BIG DAVE'S SERVICES
There are a few facts missing from [removed member name]’s review above. We did, in fact agree to install 2 wall hung TV brackets and install replacement TV sets at her office on Friday, Dec 4, with brackets and TV set she furnished. My technician arrived on time and as scheduled, and successfully installed both TV brackets and one of the two TV sets. The second TV set arrived broken and unusable. She said she would have a replacement TV set delivered, and we agreed to return to install that second TV set when it was available. The total charges were billed to her at $170 as agreed, and that invoice remains unpaid as of today. I also agreed to meet at her rental dwelling the following morning to perform a site walk through to determine the work to be completed, what materials she had on hand and what additional materials would be needed. Arriving on time for our scheduled meeting, we walked through the apartment in question, and we discussed a number of different ideas on approaches to work that she wished to have completed. She indicated her preference to supply materials, and subject to her providing to me specific makes and models of the materials she wished to use in advance for my approval, I agreed to provide an estimate for installing materials she would provide. To date, she has not provided specific makes and models for her supplied materials, and I terminated our relationship and my willingness to provide an estimate in a phone conversation I had with her on Wednesday morning, December 9. She did not take that relationship termination well, as evidenced by her review. I’ll save her the trouble of posting our email conversation as I have included it below. The first message was a punch list of tasks to be completed while we were on site together, and emailed to me at the end of our initial meeting. Flooring Bathroom Spray tile and paint including medicine cabinets; remove nails Wall finishing Tile floor Finish shower Replace ceiling tile Replace suk and toilet Attach decorative mirror Woodwork Touch up Kitchen Imount clock Tepair or Replace counter and sink Replace outlet covers Replace bedroom , bathroom Having not heard from her on Monday with the specific product information she had told me she would provide, I sent the following e-mail to her at 10:35 AM on Tuesday morning In thinking about the project at [removed address], I have a few alternatives for your consideration. When the existing vanity and sink are removed, we will likely find a number of the plastic tile either missing, cut or damaged. It's not really a big deal if another vanity cabinet is installed as we can cover over any damaged or missing tiles in that area, but installing a pedestal sink creates an issue with appearance of the tiles in that area. Further considering the tub surround installation left a fairly significant "bump out" on the walls adjacent to the tub, I think considering adding beadboard over the top of the plastic tiles would not only disguise the bump out, but also would provide a new clean surface on which to install a pedestal sink. Attached is a picture of beadboard in a bathroom area. Beadboard can be either stained and varnished or can be painted. As far as bathroom flooring goes, the least expensive alternative would be to install a sheet vinyl floor. Most likely, the cost to do so would be $500 or less. If we went to a ceramic tile, depending on which tile would be chosen, the bathroom floor would likely run $1500 and up. Attached are two mosaic ceramic tile patterns that would work best in a small bathroom such as yours. These mosaic tiles come in a variety of colors. I'd suggest tile not larger than 8"x8" for that small space. Large tiles, (12x12 inches or larger) though they are very popular now, are really best for much larger spaces than your approx 5 foot by 5 foot floor. Big tiles look out of place in a small floor where many would need to be cut in half or less to fit properly. Here is a link to one of my favorite suppliers who has a local showroom you can visit, if you wish. http://www.daltile.com/ The laminate flooring you have in the basement will work OK for the living room, bedrooms, hallway and perhaps the kitchen. According to the manufacturer's instructions, we will need to install a proper pad/underlayment, as well as provide a gap at the floor intersections with the walls. We'll remove and replace the existing base shoe to conceal the gap. I insist on following manufacturer's installation instructions so that you will have a long lasting product and enjoy whatever warranty the manufacturer offers without any installation labor issues. The ceiling grid as it is currently installed won't work for plastic tile installation, as the spacing for the tiles is wrong. My suggestion would be to either tear it down and then install properly spaced plastic ceiling grid and plastic tile, or to tear it down and patch the hole(s), paint the ceiling and not have to face future replacement of tiles. It's likely the patch and paint job would come in a little less costly than rebuilding the grid and installing new plastic tiles. Let me know your thoughts on flooring, ceiling and wall treatments over the tile so I can complete that part of your estimate for you. I did speak with my refinishing technician regarding sprucing up the doors and woodwork. He would like to do a walk through with me to provide an estimate for that part of the work. If you would trust me with a set of keys for the unit, I will make arrangements with him to do the walk through and provide costs to you. Another person I would like to walk through is my counter top fabricator. Again, with a set of keys, I will make arrangements with them. I can generally have a new custom countertop fabricated and installed in about 2 weeks from the time it is ordered. I will ask them about the difference in cost for applying an old fashioned metal edge look, if you wish. The best approach to any fairly substantial renovation like yours would be to do the heavy construction work first, then leaving flooring and painting until the end of the job. So we would do whatever bathroom renovations are to your liking first, then paint and install the flooring. If we can come to an agreement soon, I can start as soon as the end of this week. If we select in stock products, there should be no issue in completing the work within 3 weeks of starting. Special order products would add time to that schedule. I promised you a link to a solid surface manufacturer for tub/shower alcoves. My favorite one is Onyx Collection and here is their link. http://www.onyxcollection.com/ I need product information from you on whichever bathtub refinishing system you want to use. My guess is the manufacturer will only recommend applying their tub finish over a clean, stripped tub, and not on a previous refinishing coat. Once I have the make and model of the product you wish to use, I will provide an estimate for you. Again, I insist on following manufacturer's installation instructions. I will shortly be sending your invoice for the TV work we did at your office last week. Let me know when you have the replacement TV and we'll swing over and install it. I'll await your reply. She replied almost 12 hours later at 10:33 PM with the following email, in which she significantly reduced the scope of work to be completed, and still did not provide requested makes and models of materials she said she would provide: My building manager will let you in to measure tomorrow before 2:00, and we will need to order materials and start by Monday. His name is [removed name]. I will send you his number. I really need a quote tomorrow and to get started. I have other projects, and need to shoe the unit. I will get a flooring contractor to expedite this, and have you do the work below if you can please get back to me. I narrowed revised scope of work is as follows and guessed on the labor. Please adjust : Fix shower and do beaded edge - 2 – 4 hours Spray bathroom tile and do beaded edge; replace tiles with ones we order before spraying Paint inside of medicine cabinet. 4 hours Take tub in and out for floor tile contractor. (2 trip charges, plus one hour – 4 hours) Measure ceiling tiles; order correct size, cut as needed or new ceiling – not to exceed 6-8 hours llaor Kitchen Install counter edging and laminate after doing measure; I have located materials - about $500 Swap out fixtures and light switches; hang blinds 2 hours When I sent my email on Tuesday morning, I was unaware of the significant change in scope she had formulated and sent me late Tuesday night. Aside from the lack of necessary timely information on owner supplied materials to properly estimate the things she wished to have done, her budget expectations and timeline were not realistic. According to the Remodeling 2015 Cost vs. Value Report (www.costvsvalue.com), the average cost in Milwaukee to perform a mid-range bathroom remodel totals $17,580. Her budget of $3,000 to $4,000 isn’t even 25% of the average cost. Hence, my decision to terminate our relationship. While we perform much of our client’s projects with our in-house technicians, we also bring in necessary expert specialty contractors or technicians to do what they do best on projects that require their services. While I am sure she can find a lower cost contractor, the odds are significantly against her in getting a mid-grade level or up project results for the budget she proposed. Based on my observations in her apartment, poor results, shoddy workmanship and economy grade materials are acceptable. We don’t do shoddy nor wish to compete in the low end of the market. The source for the 2015 Cost vs. vale report is: © 2015 Hanley Wood, LLC. Complete data from the Remodeling 2015 Cost vs. Value Report can be downloaded free at www.costvsvalue.com

MICHELE W.
10/2015
5.0
handyman service, doors
  + 0 more
IT WENT GREAT, THE CONRACTOR WAS FAST & MADE SURE OUR DOOR CLOSED RIGHT. HE KEPT IN CONTACT THROUGH PHONE & EMAIL. I WOULD USE THEM AGAIN.
Description of Work: ADJUST 1ST FLOOR BATHROOM DOOR

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
4.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$170

Todd P.
08/2015
5.0
drywall, handyman service
  + 0 more
Upon initial email request, Dave contacted me within a couple hours. He was able to come out to review the job and provide an estimate within a couple days and was right on time for that appointment. Received the estimate back via email quickly and was able to have the work completed the same week. They arrived each day of the job on time and did excellent work, and left the work site as clean as they found it! Great communication and speedy service!!
Description of Work: Ceiling Drywall Repair in Garage area

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
4.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$710

Jo T.
03/2015
3.0
handyman service
  + -1 more
He would not be available to complete the job by required due date.
Description of Work: Unable to complete the job by estimated due date.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
responsiveness
3.0


Response from BIG DAVE'S SERVICES
I'm sorry we were unable to meet your time schedule. Like most other longstanding contractors, we are always scheduling work weeks or months in advance, and make it our practice to serve our clients on a first come, first served basis. When we spoke, we discussed that we would not be able to even consider your job until much after your due date as we were booked up for over 8 weeks at that time. In our opinion, it is not fair to others who have been waiting for us for several weeks to drop what we are doing to serve someone who brings us an urgent job very late in the game. Your job was not an emergency, but rather one that could have been scheduled either much later or had you provided significantly more advance notice, we could have possibly accommodated your schedule. As the old saying goes, poor planning for a task on your account does not equal an emergency task on our account. I hope you were able to find someone who could provide the service you were requesting within a very short time frame.

Thomas R.
12/2014
1.0
handyman service, home remodeling
  + 0 more
We met with Dave for the first time on Aug. 30th to go over the remodeling of two bathrooms. On Sept. 1st he forwarded a list of suppliers for us to visit and pick out a selection of materials for the project. He assured me that the project would be completed by December of 2014. On Sept. 15th I advised Dave that we had made most of our selections and would like to progress with the project. On Sept. 16 he emailed me back with options to meet with him to go over the selections so a quote could be put together. We did meet with Dave. He told us he would check out other pricing and get a quote for us soon. On Oct. 1st I emailed Dave to check on the status of the quote. He emailed me back to say he was very busy, but would have his field manager work on it and have the quote by next week. On Nov. 11th I emailed Dave to again check on the progress of the quote . I never heard back from him. I have tried to call him several times and have not received a call back yet. I would not recommend hiring Dave as your contractor. I did not find him to be reliable. He did not follow through on what was promised. Tom and Ginny Randolph .
Description of Work: Not much! He gave us suggestions to choose materials for our bathrooms remodeling. He never followed through on giving us a quote and putting the project together.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
responsiveness
1.0


Response from BIG DAVE'S SERVICES
I'm sorry things didn't work out where we could provide a quote for you. We have a number or criteria we use when it comes to selecting jobs on which we provide quotes which include a number of steps that both homeowner and contractor must complete in a timely fashion. When we initially met, we discussed those steps with you, and also informed you that we were in our very busy season. I also told you we could not get to your job and quote until we were through the bulk of the work on our schedule, which was at that time over 4 months. It is our practice to provide quotes within 30 days of when we can begin the work, as materials and other costs do vary. We do this for a very simple reason...the amounts we quote are the amounts we bill. That way we avoid inflated costs demanded from clients for extras that some other contractors bill when estimates are provided months before the work begins. Sometimes those other estimates from others are "low balled" just to get the contract signed. Then, at the end of the job the less than scrupulous contractor bills for all the extras and material costs they didn't consider or hid from the client. While we reminded you repeatedly about our quoting process and that we do not provide a quote more than 30 days before we can start a job, it seems to have fallen on deaf ears. We also let you know that if we couldn't meet your deadlines or specifications, you wouldn't hurt our feelings by going elsewhere with your business. You have apparently decided to do so. Our company typically has a several week lead time prior to starting new jobs. Most of the jobs we do require special ordering of materials not available in stock locally, so it typically works out as when our clients make their selections, the lead time to get the materials and job start dates coincide. We don't start jobs until all materials necessary are in stock or available for local pick up. We find it somewhat unfair that you are complaining about our policy when we never had provided a quote for you or nor had agreed to do the work you had in mind at any time.

BETTY & DONNA G.
12/2014
5.0
electrician, handyman service, doors
  + 1 more
The one in the front works, but the backdoor one does not. He wanted to put in the battery operated ones so he didn't have to go through the wiring, but I wish he had put in the electrical kind. He was pretty prompt to our appointment.
Description of Work: He put in 2 doorbells. It didn't take very long for him to do the work.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0


Mark B.
11/2014
2.0
handyman service
  + -1 more
Wanted to work with Dave he had some interesting ideas for the project but he never got back to me with a Quote. I had contacted him by e-mail several times and was always told i'll get back to you and never did.
Description of Work: Came to house on time to look AT a HALF BATH JOB lower level under stairs never returned a quote.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
professionalism
2.0
responsiveness
2.0
punctuality
4.0

Yes, I recommend this pro

Response from BIG DAVE'S SERVICES
I am very sorry you and I have not seemed to communicate well. As I tried to explain in responding to your requests for estimate updates, remodeling is a process that isn't something where one can get to pricing a job without the involvement of others. In the particular bathroom we discussed, there are several other trades needed to be involved, which include drywallers, plumbers, finish carpenters, tile setters, painters, electricians and the like. We choose to operate our business by getting firm pricing quotes from each of the trades involved before we total up the estimate and provide a time line. We are in the middle of that process when we were notified of this post. Remodeling isn't like going to the store, picking any number of items off the shelf and adding them up. It is significantly more complicated than that. It involves full job design and planning, consulting with other trades people who would be working on the job and a host of other details. All of those things take time and rely on others to promptly respond to requests for quotes. Others may use cookbook formulas to get to a quick price for a job, but we've found that getting actual estimates from all trades involved provides an accurate and reliable range for both total price and time involved. Too many of the cookbook formulas that are commonly used by other companies to get to price quickly simply give inaccurate, unreliable results, particularly in remodeling projects. Those inaccurate results then are magnified when it comes to final job billing. That's where lots of remodeling horror stories begin, with owner facing huge, unexpected cost overruns, much longer than anticipate completion dates or contractor who simply disappear from the job when they realized they significantly had underbid and continuing the job will cost much more than they are willing to invest. We choose to provide our clients reliable pricing and open communications when or if problems arise either before, during or after a job. By carefully considering all that can go wrong and planning for the worst case scenario in both cost and time, we are able to deliver estimate cost ranges we know will be accurate. We don't put any of our clients through some of the typical kinds of cost overruns, extended job time and the like that others do. If things go smoothly and as planned for the quickest time and lowest time and labor invested, our final cost will be at or near the low end of the cost range we estimate. If things take longer or involve more materials and labor, then we may see a final invoice towards the higher end of the estimated cost range. The result? Happy clients who get exactly what they want at the agreed price on time and on budget. Is it worth the extra effort and time invested during the design and estimating process? We think so, and so do our clients. It sounds to me like you do not wish to continue the process with us, so I will immediately halt further progress on your estimate. I'm sorry things didn't work out, and wish you the best in your project.

Cynthia S.
10/2014
5.0
bathtub refinishing, home remodeling
  + 0 more
haven't started the process yet but was so pleased to have someone answer the phone and show up as planned all on the same day! knowledgeable and professional were my first impressions, looking forward to continuing working with him!
Description of Work: quite in bathroom remodel.
Rating CategoryRating out of 5
Yes, I recommend this pro

Kattie B.
07/2014
5.0
bathtub refinishing, drywall, electrician, handyman service, plumbing, home remodeling, interior painters
  + 5 more
Big Dave and his employee Adam, exceeded our expectations in every way. We contacted Big Dave on Wednesday to perform a good amount of work getting our house prepared to put up for sale. We explained our need for quick turnaround because we are relocating to another state. Dave understood what we were trying to accomplish and came up with cost effective solutions that looked great. He had someone at our house the next Monday to begin work. We worked through several additions and changes needed because he communicated quickly and effectively with us. We scheduled our realtor to come out to take pictures on the Wednesday after they started because the she was going on vacation. Dave committed to getting everything ready for pictures despite the tight timeline and he delivered! The ceiling looked great, including some very detailed trim work along a natural quartz fireplace that looked absolutely amazing. The pictures on the house turned out fabulous thanks to Dave and his crew's quality and timeliness of their work. Dave and his crew also cleaned up after themselves when they completed each part of the work. Dust from sanding, sawdust, and all of the other dirt the work they performed created was taken care of. They removed all of their garbage from our property as well. His crew showed up on time and often early to complete everything we needed. I can't say enough about how Dave exceeded our expectations. Not only will we work with Dave again if we need work done on our house, our realtor plans to recommend Dave to her clients who need work done to prepare their house for sale. Thank you Dave!
Description of Work: Installed a new ceiling in our family room, new closet doors, new kitchen sink and a new door and frame. Also performed many smaller jobs around the house, such as removing and installing new caulk in a bathtub and sink, venting a bathroom exhaust fan out of the roof, hanging closet doors, and painting our family room.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$4,000

Amanda G.
07/2014
3.0
handyman service
  + -1 more
I did not like him, he did not listen to us, he kept on adding more and more to the job and he lost sight of the original job that we had in mind. It was going to be a wall that is part of a closet but he wanted to do was a closet potion.
Description of Work: He was going to install a wall for us.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
professionalism
4.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

$1,500

Response from BIG DAVE'S SERVICES
[Member name removed]- Imagine my surprise when I opened my e-mail this morning and found your review! Beyond our initial meeting at your home and my e-mailed response to you, we had no other contact, nor did I provide a completed estimate or provide any work for you. Perhaps you have me confused with someone else. Below is the text from my e-mail to you dated June 16, 2014. In that message, I asked you to get back to me with more details and some selections so I could begin pricing your project. To date, I never received a response from you by e-mail, phone or any other way, and assumed you had moved on to another service provider. “Thanks for inviting me to your home last week. We've competed our tight deadline jobs and I now have more time to work on your estimates for you. Sorry for the delayed response. In considering your master closet project, there are many ways we could go. It could be as simple as installing a wardrobe rod from the existing sloped ceiling to adding any number of different closet accessories, which could include building a wall of closet type storage cabinets and accessories instead of a traditional drywall wall. Much of what we do will be dependent on your available budget as well as what you consider as essential items to include, and what would be nice to have as part of the project. I'd like to start you with 2 mid-grade closet hardware supplier’s web links so you can view many of the available accessories that could be designed into your closet space. By using some of these space saving products, we can fit many more items in the same space while making them easy to find as well as readily accessible. Take a look through the websites from Hafele and Rev-A-Shelf and let me know what you see that you'd like me to design into your space. Hafele - http://www.hafele.com/us/en/external/blaetterkataloge/Closet_Idea_Book_2013/ Rev-A-Shelf - http://www.rev-a-shelf.com/rev-pages/product-listing.aspx?CategoryFilterID=15&results=50&pagenum=1 Hafele does have a great showroom in Chicago's loop near the Merchandise Mart, if you'd like to see some of their products in person. Should you decide you'd like to visit their showroom, please let me know so I can make arrangements for you. I know they are open M-F during regular business hours, but also do other occasional evening and weekend hours. As we begin to narrow the scope of the project (even if it means doing the project in stages as you have time and funds to make the next stage a reality) I can begin to design and price various options for you. Right now, there are too many open choices for me to begin to provide a logical price range for us to follow. I can tell you that if we simply hung an 8 foot wardrobe rod from the sloped ceiling, we would be most likely under $400, depending on what quality grade and finish you would select. A wood closet pole and standard duty pole supports installed on the sloped ceiling would come in closer to $100 where some of the fancier metal mid to heavy duty wardrobe rods and supports would be closer to $400. Labor would be about the same cost for either. Please let me know what questions, comments and selections you make as time goes on. And thanks again for asking us to participate in your closet project.” I hope your closet project went well with whomever you chose to do the work.

Jen S.
06/2014
5.0
handyman service
  + -1 more
Dave saved us from ourselves again. My husband and I replaced everything in the tank of our 23-year-old Kohler toilet with a new replacement kit, and we were feeling pretty good about our work, when suddenly after the fifth or sixth flush, water started pooling out in front of the toilet between the base and the floor. This was worse than the problem we'd started with! I called Kohler to ask for advice on what we could have done wrong since all the work we did was in the tank and this was leaking out from under the front, and the woman thought maybe we'd displaced the wax ring by yanking around on the toilet while we worked on it. She said it would be easy to replace, but we decided it was time to bring in someone who'd taken apart a toilet before. We called Dave, who'd helped us with a faucet repair a few years ago, expecting to make an appointment for tomorrow, but he was willing to come out today even though it was nearly 5 already. He arrived, removed the toilet and replaced the ring, and then tightened the connections we'd done in the tank. All better in no time. Dave has helped us twice when we got in over our heads and has done great work. We have no complaints and would not hesitate to call him again.
Description of Work: Replaced wax ring under toilet and tightened work we'd done in tank.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$75

John D W.
06/2014
5.0
handyman service
  + -1 more
Our lowest step on our porch stoop had broken loose from the stoop and our porch stoop railing on one side was swinging from the stoop, so we needed it fixed. We contacted Big Dave, who had also done interior work for us and done it well, He recommended several things to repair it, including replacing the railings built with wood so that they would be built to to code (our old railing was not to code), and repainting the entire stoop. It occurred to us that since the railings were new wood, they could be stained so we requested that, and he quickly and happily complied. The final result was an absolutely BEAUTIFUL stoop that improved the appearance of the whole front of the house. We are very happy with it.
Description of Work: Fixed our porch stoop.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$2,000

Kimberly B.
06/2014
5.0
handyman service
  + -1 more
They completely exceeded my expectations of fairness, professionalism and quality.
Description of Work: Big Dave and his nephew replaced a broken second story window. They were extremely responsive and the window was replaced in no time. They completely cleaned up after themselves. I was very impressed. I will be using Big Dave in the very near future. I highly recommend him!

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro

Contact information

9131 W Walker St, Milwaukee, WI 53214

http://BigDaves.com

Service hours

Monday:
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday:
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday:
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday:
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday:
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday:
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Licensing

Insured

Licensed*

Trade License Number
DC-121500003
Trade License Locale
Wisconsin
Trade License Authority
Wisconsin: Safety and Professional
Trade License Expiration
12/29/2024

Eco-friendly Accreditations

LEED Accredited Professional
No
Energy Star Partner
No
EPA Lead-Safe Certified
Yes
Use Green Products or Work Practices
Yes
State Contractor License Requirements

All statements concerning insurance, licenses, and bonds are informational only, and are self-reported. Since insurance, licenses and bonds can expire and can be cancelled, homeowners should always check such information for themselves. To find more licensing information for your state, visit our State Contractor License Requirements page.

*Contact business to see additional licenses.


Service Categories

Handyman Services,
Kitchen and Bath Remodeling,
Plumbing,
Finished Carpentry and Woodworking,
Electrical,
Bathtub Restoration,
Doors,
Interior Painting,
Drywall,
Countertops and Backsplashes,
Lighting,
Unfinished Carpentry

FAQ

BIG DAVE'S SERVICES is currently rated 4.7 overall out of 5.

Monday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Tuesday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Wednesday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Thursday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Saturday: 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

BIG DAVE'S SERVICES accepts the following forms of payment: American Express,Check,Discover,MasterCard,PayPal,Visa
No, BIG DAVE'S SERVICES does not offer free project estimates.
Yes, BIG DAVE'S SERVICES offers eco-friendly accreditations.
No, BIG DAVE'S SERVICES does not offer a senior discount.
Yes, BIG DAVE'S SERVICES offers emergency services.
Yes, BIG DAVE'S SERVICES offers warranties.
BIG DAVE'S SERVICES offers the following services: Custom Cabinetry, Full Service, Design/Build New or Remodel Kitchens, Baths, Home Offices, Closet Systems and Much More. Finish Carpentry Services for Residential and Commercial. Custom Millwork, Handyman and Concierge Services for Most Interior Renovations and Repairs.

Contact information

9131 W Walker St, Milwaukee, WI 53214

http://BigDaves.com

Service hours

Monday:
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday:
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday:
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday:
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday:
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday:
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM