JMAR Construstions Inc

I bought a 2 bed/2bath foreclosure condo in Palm Springs recently that needs a total remodel. I called Juan, owner of JMAR and scheduled a meeting onsite with him, my designer, my realtor, and myself on the 15th of November. I had gotten his name as a referral passed from a local. Juan promptly showed up at the scheduled time and spent the better part of an hour and a half with us. I found it odd that he wasn't writing anything down, taking picture et al, but assumed he just had a much better memory than I happen to possess. We left that meeting and I didn't hear ANYTHING from him for two weeks, despited sending him an e-mail and my designer calling him. A couple of days after that phone call, I received from Juan, a contract proposal on his company letterhead via e-mail, that was missing approximately 66 percent of the items we had discussed at our site meeting (hmmm, that was a shocker). What was there on his proposal was very unspecific and could go horribly wrong if contracted in that manner. I was quite dismayed as I expected a professional estimate, outlining exactly what was to be done and how much it would cost. A contract must be as complete as possible in order to minimize change orders once the work gets started, not to mention that everyone involved needs to know exactly what is expected of both parties. I then took 2 hours of my time to respond to Juan's proposal, listing in exacting detail, every project we had discussed at the meeting that was missing on his proposal. That was almost two weeks ago...........still haven't heard a peep. I then decided to sign up for Angie's List and I think I may have spent the wisest $26.00 of my life. I called another General Contractor that I found on Angie's List who was highly rated (SGB Builders, Kevin Morrison) and he met at the property the next day. I expect his complete, detailed proposal by Friday. In the final analysis, I would caution using JMAR as a company to do business with. I would expect a lot of issues to arise regarding scope of work, price of work, and detail of work, all due to poorly written and communicated contract proposals, if you get one at all. He also never returned my e-mail, phone message, or got back to me with a completed contract proposal, which to my thinking is most unprofessional. If the reality is that he and his company are too busy to be bothered with this project, then just say so up front and let the customer move on to another general contractor. Honesty is always the best policy. All in all, CAVEAT EMPTOR. PS, you can expect my review of my first Angie's List choice in about six weeks when my project is finished. Happy Remodeling