Jim Rutherford Construction & Remodeling LLC

2020 has passed and we couldn't be happier with our completed first floor project, thanks to Jim Rutherford Construction. Jim was willing to tackle what other local well known contractors were either unwilling to consider or bid so high as to be unaffordable. Our project proved to be a technical challenge from the onset, raise the ground floor by almost a foot of concrete, completely rebuild the first floor by installing 3 impact French doors, 3 impact doors and 4 impact windows, cut off support an internal staircase including modifying framing around a dumbwaiter, reframe and replace every exterior wall from 4' down. Plus an added surprise rebuilding and repairing 45' of a heavily spalled concrete tie-beam in less than a week. We're still amazed at how quickly and confidently Jim set about taking on the project, he seemed to have it figured out before we even committed to getting started. He knew just right carpenters and subs to assign the work to. Once they began, they never stopped till the project was completed. Workmanship was outstanding, inspections were a breeze. I commend Jim and his crew for the quality of work and attention to detail, no shortcuts taken, stainless hardware/fasteners throughout and only pressure treated lumber. Add them all up and we have a completely new remodeled permitted downstairs ready to withstand the elements. It is without hesitation we'd recommend Jim Rutherford Construction for any project or home construction. Professional, polite and a pleasure to do business with.

Jim has done several small to medium jobs for me over the last 20 years - each was done in an excellent manner. After Irma, Jim did a major rebuild of my home on Summerland... he did an excellent job - the quality of work was excellent. I'm a pretty picky person and Jim not only met my expectations, but exceeded 'em. The final cost came in just about what was estimated. Thanks Jim for the excellent work...

unknown

He did a good job. He wasn't finished yet because he got to feeling ill so I told him to go home. His work was excellent. He cleaned up nice, follows up and if I am not here he sends me photographs.

Jim is great to work with.

unknown

I had a timeline in mind and tried to get everything set up, early, to meet that timeline. Mr Rutherford agreed that my timeline and expectations weren't unreasonable. The permitting process was very difficult. A lot of that rests with the county, however, there were a number of communication snafus that aggravated the process. Additionally, errors in the ordering of materials meant that I was left with a choice of further delaying my project or accepting a change to my final product.
I would use this company if I felt it was the best overall choice for my project, however, I'd probably give another company a try first to see if I could find a better experience.

unknown

Contracted to build single family in twelve to fourteen month time frame,  Breached his contract after eighteen months when liquidated damages were about to take effect.   This occurred despite solving his issue cash flow issues that he hid from us for nearly a year and his still failing to make meaningful progress.  His lack of candor wasted our time and money.  Money he could have earned with extra work we had planned during the course of construction. 
Further, he took advantage of the fact we were only able to check on the work monthly and ignored numerous contract requirements.   He constantly,  operated on a    ?crisis management basis?.   Problem routinely had to be addressed immediately, in order to keep the project moving, but no work was done after the issue was solved.
Several of the sub-contractors he used were either incompetent, dishonest or both.  Law enforcement became involved in several cases.   During the recovery period, found numerous construction mistakes, lack of proper insurance/liability
renewals, use of substandard materials and incomplete work that had to be redone due to the deterioration of materials. 
Also paid for materials were missing and waste material dumped on sight.  
Some completed work was just plain unacceptable.   So far we have had to rebuild the HVAC ducting and wiring,  replace flashing, repair walkway railings, correct main electrical wiring.   Unfortunately other discovered problems are
just too expensive to correct.  We dread what other unknown issues may emerge in the future.
During building, questions regarding construction issues showed a total lack of familiarity with the project and supervision of the work.  We often had to show him answers to his inquiries in the construction plans or how to solve construction issues addressed there also.
He underbid contract to get it and constantly found ?code requirements? that required additional costs.  A lot of these changes were paid for and never delivered.  The only thing that saved us from losing more money, was the Lender?s requirement that all sub-contractors and suppliers certify in writing they had been paid in full at each draw and our follow
up with every supplier for confirmation.

unknown

unknown

Jim was prompt with his proposal and offered a location for us to see other doors he had installed.  His employee, Cody that installed our doors arrived on time every day (which in itself is a feat for Key West) cleaned up after himself and was professional and friendly.  The doors are very high quality and look wonderful!

I thought he was very thorough. He brought his engineer.

Excellently. From start to finish, everything went very well. Jim is a very professional and a great contractor to work with. He and his crew were very accommodating and helpful. If there were any questions or items that needed to be addressed, Jim was always there and on top of everything.

unknown

We lived away from the house when the renovations were going on so it was nice to have a contractor you could trust. I think it would have been very difficult to have as much done to the house if we wouldn't  have had Jim Rutherford Construction. I would definitely recommend this company and would not hesitate to discuss with anyone considering using them.