Handyworks Remodeling and Design, Inc.

INITIAL DISCUSSIONS (FEBRUARY 22, 2024) On February 22, 2024, my wife, emailed Keith from HandyWorks Design and Remodeling. Initially, we considered removing the flooring portion from our project in hopes of shortening the overall remodel timeline. However, after some deliberation, we decided to keep the tile floor replacement. This meant HandyWorks would handle both the demolition of the existing tile and the installation of new tile. We also inquired about potentially painting our kitchen cabinets, aiming for a start date around March 11. From the outset, it was important to us that any changes or updates to our home—especially in such a central space as the kitchen—be managed by professionals who communicated clearly and offered transparent pricing. PRICING & COMMUNICATION ISSUES (FEBRUARY 26–27, 2024) Shortly after our initial discussions, Keith sent over what he called a “line item overview,” which we hoped would break down the anticipated costs for labor, materials, and other associated tasks. Instead, it was essentially just a bulleted list of the tasks to be completed, with no detailed cost for each line. We had specifically requested an itemized quote because we wanted clarity on how the total price was determined, especially since we had been back and forth about including or excluding certain tasks (like re-flooring and repainting cabinets). Despite our repeated requests, that clarity never came. Around February 27, we informed Keith that we preferred a black composite sink to the stainless-steel option. We also asked for suggestions about fixtures and other components like grout colors, tile types, etc. Keith mentioned that his project manager, Sue, would provide guidance on these selections. However, when we asked Sue for specific help finding a black-finish faucet on Home Depot’s website (having already tried the website’s search filters ourselves), she simply suggested using those same filters. This response felt dismissive, as though no real consultation was being offered. TIMELINE DISCONNECT (FEBRUARY 28, 2024) By the end of February, we were trying to lock in a start date for the remodel. We proposed beginning around March 11 or 12, hoping everything could be completed within a week. Only at this point did Keith inform us that ordering and installing our chosen countertops came with a mandatory 10-business-day lead time. This single factor alone would require more than two weeks between measuring for the new countertops and their installation. From there, other tasks like the backsplash, sink, and faucet installations could only happen after the countertops were in place, meaning the overall kitchen project would extend to nearly three weeks. This was a significant change from our original timeframe and was something we felt should have been proactively communicated much earlier. CONTRACT & SCOPE OMISSIONS (MARCH 12–21, 2024) On March 12, I had an appointment scheduled with Keith but had to cancel last minute. I requested he send me the contract in a digital format so I could review it on my own time. Rather than sending it as requested, Keith asked me to propose a new date for another in-person meeting. While in-person discussions can be valuable, this approach meant further delays before we could examine the proposed contract details in writing. By March 15, we did meet and look over a contract draft together. Later that day, upon reviewing it more closely, my wife and I realized that the trashcan insert—something we had specifically requested to be added—was missing entirely. When we followed up around March 20–21, Keith apologized and said he had overlooked it. Yet, we still never saw a fully itemized breakdown of costs. Each time we asked, we were told the company’s estimating software didn’t produce that level of detail. TILE PROBLEMS (SPRING 2024–MAY 2025) Once the tile portion of the remodel actually began, we noticed multiple concerns. First, a portion of the new tiles were laid out of alignment, making the floor’s spacing appear inconsistent and visually disruptive. Two specific tiles also had grout lines nearly double the size of the others—a glaring difference that caught our eye (and, ultimately, our guests’ eyes) immediately. We communicated our concerns to Keith, who sent someone back a few weeks later to correct the problem. However, instead of a professional tiler, he assigned a finish carpenter to conduct the rework on those two tiles with the oversized grout lines. The lines remained too wide, and the aesthetic was still off. It wasn’t until May 2025—over a year later—that these problem tiles were reinstalled once more. I had asked Keith to be present for quality assurance, but he never arrived. Compounding the tile issues was the discovery that our kitchen floor, common in a 100-year-old home, wasn’t perfectly level. Rather than consulting with us about a strategy to address it, the tiler (at Keith’s direction) used several inches of floor leveler. This created a stark, raised transition between the kitchen and adjacent rooms—something we had never discussed or approved. Keith then attempted to classify this as a “change order” and bill us extra. We refused to pay for an unapproved procedure. Keith promised to remove this additional charge, but when we received the final invoice later, it was still there. COUNTERTOP & BACKSPLASH ISSUES (FEBRUARY–MAY 2025) By early 2025, we realized the new countertop was not lying flat. Small objects placed near the edge would roll right off, showing a clear tilt. As the weeks passed, the corner above our dishwasher sagged enough that a visible gap formed between the stone and the backsplash, revealing poorly supported stonework. In May 2025, Keith added a bracket at the end of the countertop as an after-the-fact fix, conceding that it should have been installed from the start. The kitchen backsplash presented another frustration. We’d chosen a carefully patterned grey-and-white marble tile and expected consistent color blocks at the edge. Without checking with us, his crew changed that final row of white tile to grey. When I questioned Keith about it, he offered a vague excuse claiming the white pieces were “too small” to cut, which wasn’t accurate. Even if that were true, the unilateral decision to switch colors deviated from our chosen pattern. It felt as though he hoped we simply wouldn’t notice. OTHER UNPROFESSIONAL & DISAPPOINTING INCIDENTS During the contract signing, Keith suddenly steered our conversation toward (then-candidate) Donald Trump, talking about politics at length. I found this both irrelevant and unsettling. Still, I moved forward, trusting his prior reviews would reflect reliable workmanship and service. On another occasion, his team cut the quartz countertop outdoors while our windows were open; fine dust filled our downstairs, covering surfaces with quartz residue. Keith gave us $200 to offset cleaning costs, but that was hardly the point. One worker also smoked in our backyard even though we’d specifically told Keith no one was allowed to smoke on our property. This request was disregarded multiple times, leaving us feeling our privacy and comfort were not respected. FINAL INVOICE DISCREPANCY (SEPTEMBER 2024) In September 2024, Keith finally apologized for forgetting to remove the disputed floor-leveler charge from our invoice. While he acknowledged his error, the oversight vividly demonstrated the sloppy administrative approach that had plagued our project—especially regarding details or extra charges. Given all the delays, subpar fixes, and unapproved actions (like the floor leveling), we asked Keith for a partial refund of about 10%. In March 2025, he agreed verbally to send a check. But on every subsequent occasion I tried to revisit that agreement, he deflected. As of now, we’ve never received the promised compensation. BBB complaint pends.

I highly recommend HandyWorks Remodeling - Keith responded quickly when I submitted my request, understood exactly what I needed done and that I needed to have an estimate quickly, came in person the next day to review the work so that he could give me a price, said he’d get back to me the next day but actually got back to me that same day with a very reasonable price for all of the work I needed, and then fit me into his schedule for that same week. The two-man team arrived right on time to do the work. They, like Keith, were great to deal with - friendly, knowledgeable, and professional. The work was all completed in one day (plumbing, electrical, drywall replacement, etc.) and I’m very happy with the results - I will definitely be using HandyWorks in the future.

Handyworks Remodeling of Wallingford CT did an exceptional job of remodeling the kitchen. We were working with a limited budget and after providing our ‘wish list’ Handyworks came through with an estimate within our budget. The remodel team and the project manager, David Denecke, provided us with everything we hoped for and more. The job was completed on time and within budget. And most importantly, we knew we could trust the workers in our home on a daily basis to treat our home as if it were their own. Highly recommend Handyworks Remodeling of Wallingford for all your remodeling needs.

Very well. Donovan and Dan were great and the results are excellent

Awesome Gary is probably one of the hardest workers I have ever met.

very well of note, we used Handyworks last summer when we first moved in for interior flooring ( bathrooms), various carpentry and readying laundry room for appliances. liked their work enough to re hire for this summer's work

The guys did I terrific job. Keith quoted the job and supervised the work at all levels. The carpenters and painters were prompt and very conscientious. Any questions or concerns I had were answered promptly and directly. Clean up and haul-away was done meticulously. I am currently awaiting a quote for additional interior work and I am confident that the work will be done as expertly!

Just fine -prompt and efficient.

Everything went fine and I am happy with the work

Keith showed us several doors he recommended, and said they could adapt the new door to our existing opening. His estimate was exactly what we wanted and his ordering process went off without a hitch. His installers showed up on time and did a super job. We have aluminum siding outside and the installation was so precise that the door fit better than the original. New interior trim was installed inside and everything was cleaned up perfectly. I have to admit we were impressed with the whole job.

I am well satisfied with the work. The work was done in a timely manner, the workers were polite and professional.

He was the first to give me an estimate and it was reasonable and within our price range. We are happy with the results and the process

It went fine.

I had originally submitted a request through Angie's snapshot app and was quite disappointed with their selection of contractors. The first one didn't call me, so I requested another one who also didn't call me (as of today I have never heard from the second one), the first one called me several weeks later and then told me that they were going on vacation and I'll have to wait another few weeks before someone could come out to even give an estimate! Angie's services gave me a few others who never got back to me either. So I dug through my piles of junk mail and found a postcard from Handyworks and left a message with their answering service, I was shocked to hear from them within the hour because by this time I had given up all hope. Now why didn't they refer me to Handyworks from the start! Keith was great, he came out the next day for an estimate, we scheduled a start date and I picked out the new materials for him to pick up. The crew was very professional, hard working and did the complete job within two days. I had problems cleaning up the excess glue from the tiles and he sent a worker over the following day to clean it up. I absolutely love my new bathroom and would highly recommend Keith and his crew and I plan on using them in the future. He's my new go-to handyman for sure!

Except for a delay caused by late delivery of the vanity, the project was completed in a reasonable time. The work crew was always prompt, professional and courteous. They covered the floors with paper, tarps on the carpeted stairs, and plastic on the dressers, bed, etc. in the master bedroom.
I've used Keith and his crew before and will use them in the future if I need a and quot;Handymanand quot;.

They were prompt for estimate. They had a backlog and told me upfront that there would be a 6 week wait for service. (This did not surprise me-- spring/early summer is probably when people call for outside projects). They did do the work when they said they would do it. It was all done pretty efficiently and there was good communication. The quality of the work was good-- I had asked for specific jobs to be done and they did them neatly and thoroughly using good materials. No upcharge over the initial estimate.

In 2007, Handyworks came to my new home and repainted my kitchen. I was so please with the work, that we then discussed the master bath. Keith had great idea - he removed an existing 5 foot shower stall and installed a whirlpool tub. This required re-tiling of the bath area and the installation of a new ceramic tile floor. A fan light combo was added and a new lighting fixture was installed. Now 6 years later, I am still happy with the work whenever I take a jacuzzi and smile at the wonderful tile work.
Keith was very honest, clear, on time and cleaned up all signs of his presence each day. HandyWorks stands by it's work. Their work is their bond and of the highest quality.
In 2011, my home sustained ice damage. Handyworks came in and fixed the interior damage. Ceilings had to be repaired, walls fixed and repainted, HandyWorks fixed everything with no sign that any damage had ever been present.
At the same time, I had a ceiling fan with light installed in the master bedroom. Keith installed a radio controlled switch when I first enter the room, with a second switch that sits on the headboard of the bed so I can easily turn on/off the light and fan as well as adjust the intensity. I have to say, this is one of the best things I've done for the bedroom and I thank Keith for the idea.
At this time I also had Keith add a radio controlled switch in my kitchen fan/light combo. Another one of the best things I've had done in my home.
I've recently had water damage to my home. I foolishly let a tub overflow - damage upstairs and downstairs. Of course I will call HandyWorks for the repair! ServePro came out to get the water out of the house (Like it never happened...), but left holes in my ceiling, baseboards removed, carpet padding removed and walls that need to be repainted. As I said, of course I will call HandyWorks for the repair!

Keith from Handyworks came out and gave us an estimate. He told me where I could go and see examples of his company's works installing hardwood floors. He showed me samples of wood and different stains. We chose the wood and stain.
We ripped out the carpeting ourselves and they came in and installed the wood, stained and sealed it.
They did it in about 3 days.
The only thing I would make sure I asked about next time is how often Keith checked up on his workers.
They did a great job, but I would like to know how often he checked in on them and that is not something I asked about last time.

presented on time. Work not satisfactory. Inadequate prep. Painting with overspray on brick. Had to come back and re-prep clapboard siding. Then spot primed and spot painted. Different colors. One side of home not visible from property still not repaired or prepped - just sprayed over!