SCHMIDT QUALITY CONSTRUCTION

Went fine

We got stiffed.

We signed the contract for work to be done Oct 2006. The kitchen is still not complete. The work was finally done by May 2007, but we have been trying to get them to fix problems for work that we are not happy with. They wouldn't return our phone calls, so finally, we went into the office to only find out that most of people we worked with were fired. Since then, we had at least 2 project managers come out to address our problems, said they would contact us the following week, never did. Finally, after many phone calls, owner Jim came to our house. Still didn't solve problem as he hasn't called us back with a solution. Our floor was not installed correctly, they didn't install microwave right which caused electrical problems throughout house, and took off some of the finish on existing hardwood when working in kitchen.

Terrible. Contract signed May 12th, 2006, job promised to be finished by September 2006, as agreed on contract. Project delayed 1 month at onset due to "village delay of permits", (actual groundbreaking: July 2006) foundation being dug was delayed because of inferior workmanship on cement forms that collapsed, the fence being wrecked in the process. Kitchen started in August 2006 and delayed several times due to lack of workman showing up at job. Owner citing "lack of materials". Cabinet manufacturer has no order of cabinets (November 2006). Appliances not ordered (November 2006). Job partially completed on December 12th, 2006 after owner of Schmidt demands final payment before project is even finished. No workers have shown since December 2006. This company demonstrates a very nice portfolio of projects when trying to get the job, along with a very nice showroom (with discontinued cabinets, tile, and flooring). Very poor communication along with lack of professionalism.

1) Overall grade C. Would hire again with more complete contractual protection (e.g., performance penalties) 2) Labor & material costs grade B. Fair and reasonable. 3) Skill grade B-. Except for two occasions, provided skilled craftsmen. 4) Performance grade D. An estimated two month project concluded after nine months. Project started Oct 26, 2005; delayed 1 month by village permitting holdup; used Dec to demo & prep; went dormant Jan-Mar of 2006 do to weather & owner unavailability (personal business, medical); used Apr-May to lay front/rear brick decks and build front porch super structure; used Jun-Jul to reside; used Aug to wrap punch list. 5) Project management grade D. Discounting for delays caused by weather, management of labor and material was below expectation. Adding to this was a high turnover of project personnel (including PM) and substandard project communication.