MOSHE CALAMARO & ASSOCIATES

I hired Moshe Calamaro & Associates Structural Engineering firm to supply initial architectural drawings for the conversion of the first and second floor internal stairwells of a building into laundry rooms, as well as initial drawings for the construction of an external deck on the first and second floors with corresponding stairwells. According to our initial contract, the initial drawings would only be sufficient for discussions with the zoning board of my local town city hall. The initial drawings would not be sufficient enough to obtain a permit for construction; this would require final drawings and a separate contract. The initial contract also stated that I would be charged by the hour for the time required to complete the initial drawings. When I inquired about an estimate for the approximate number of hours to complete the initial drawings, I was told that they could not approximate the number of hours that would be required. I had previously had conversations with three separate contractors with first hand experience dealing with structural engineers on similar projects. All three stated that the completion of not only the initial drawings but the final drawings as well should be around a total of $1,500 to $1,800 dollars at most. I signed the initial contract and the initial drawings were completed. I then received a bill for $3,400. I feel this amount was extremely unfair for initial drawings by themselves that would only facilitate a discussion with city hall and were not even sufficient enough for obtaining a permit.

Moshe Calamaro was very prompt and responsive. The problem is complicated, extensive, and will be costly. They are assisting us in taking care of the initial steps as they arise. This will be a process.

It went very well. He was very detailed in his account and used as much layman's terms and drawings to help us understand what he was describing. He took just under an hour in examining a 3 story home and a two story coach house. We asked if he would purchased this home and he was very direct at answering us and we learnt alot in the process!

unknown

Moshe was very unaccommodating to my schedule. I work long hours and requested an 8:00 meeting so that I could miss as little work as possible. Moshe would not do this because he said he did not want to drive into the city from Evanston during rush hour. We decided to meet at 9:30, he arrived 20 minutes late for our appointment and then gave me the rush act when I was trying to pull together for him since he had another appointment. Three weeks later, we received the report back from Moshe. The only thing he did was to recommend alternate tests for moisture. He said nothing about the cause of the damage or what steps should be taken to avoid damage in the future. As the unit owner, I was left feeling very insecure about the state of my unit or the potential for future damage.