PRM ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN AIA
About us
5 TO 10 EMPLOYEES. NO SUBS. COST IS A FLAT RATE. 5% ANGIE'S LIST DISCOUNT OFF LABOR.
Business highlights
Services we offer
ANYTHING RESIDENTIAL, CARPENTRY, CONCRETE, DOORS, ELECTRICAL, PAINTING, PLUMBING, REGISTERED ARCHITECT., REMODELING, ROOM ADDITIONS, SIDING, TILE, WINDOWS, WOOD FLOORS
| Number of Stars | Image of Distribution | Number of Ratings |
|---|---|---|
| 69% | ||
| 0% | ||
| 6% | ||
| 6% | ||
| 19% |
This builder is also a licensed architect, and drew the plans for the entire renovation and addition. Due to revised property setbacks in Meridian Hills, we had to go through a long ( a few months) variance request process with the Town of Meridian Hills and the City of Indianapolis. Mr. Marks attended all meetings with me and assisted with information that expedited the approvals. His professionalism and architectural knowledge greatly reduced my stress and provided quality information to the decision makers for them to confidently approve the proposal in spite of the unique property setting. By the time the variance was approved it was winter, but he offered several solution options so we could begin the process. His crew literally worked "around" the weather, moving the project forward.
If you like detailed, quality work, this is the company! Mr. Marks literally looked at every board for wood quality and straightness. We observed him doing this many times when he would not have been aware of our attention. His crew was on time, on the job daily, courteous, and mirrored Mr. Marks great attention to detail. We loved working with his team. They were very professional and the work was performed meticulously. Artistic and pristine are other words that comes to mind. Their work is not about speed, it is about quality. They are in fact some of the most thorough workers I have ever seen.
This job required the full scope of building talent - foundation work, full exterior brick and stone masonry (fabulously done), framing, drywall, insulation, sub-floor, roofing, hardwood flooring, complex tile work, window installation, plumbing, furnace, electrical, gas, and sewer lines. It involved the installation of beautiful kitchen cabinets with lighting, and a 10 ft. island, with quartz countertops, crown molding throughout, a large shelved walk-in pantry, and a full complement of appliances installed.
I particularly liked the billing method PRM uses. Billing is every Thursday, with a detailed list of completed work. itemizing material and labor for each completed segment. This is based on the original itemized quote, and the consumer can track exactly where the project is in the completion cycle. There is always a cover sheet with a clear list of payments and percentage of completion compared to the original quote. This method creates a predictable plan of expense for the consumer and spreads the project cost out, rather then in the old traditional method used by most builders (1/3 prior to start, 1/3 in the middle, and 1/3 at the end). The PRM method allowed me to make changes (additions and deletions) easily with this billing method.
Setting expectations is also very critical in this type of process, and PRM does an excellent job, sometimes addressing hard choices. I always felt Mr. Marks was responsive and fair, even when I didn't always agree. He provided a professional opinion and allowed me to decided. But, he also stood firm at times when the outcome could create a future liability for him or me.
Mr. Marks knows his industry, is diplomatic and respectful of the client, mirroring their respect of him. I am so proud of my beautiful home and would highly recommend this company.
The decorator told me that as soon as we had left for vacation, he demanded more money. When she asked him why, so that she could tell us a reason, he became very hostile and yelled at her that he had been in the business for 40 years, and he had a great better business bureau rating, and she had no business questioning him about anything. I knew nothing about this until after he was "finished" and left my home. It took weeks before everything was fixed. My son was injured by the sharp edge of tile he left along the counter top. Mr. Marks' behavior was downright juvenile and malicious. I strongly recommend against using PRM or Paul Marks for any kind of work.
I have eyewitnesses to all this, including the electricians and plumbers who had to repair everything once Mr. Marks was gone. I have held off commenting on here, because of his hostility and juvenile lack of accountability. By commenting, I feel that I may be placing myself and my household in danger, but a business person should not be able to do someone like he did us and then go on about his life as if it never happened. I have photographic evidence as well as the testimony of others. I suggest that Mr. Marks keep this in mind.
"This was the only project in 15 years of business we were employed by a so called interior designer. The designer had bad solutions to the kitchen remodel (i.e. 2x2 tile on the counter top with plastic back splashes). The light fixture height was dictated by the designer as was the selection and purchase of most materials. We did not move the dishwasher and the light bulbs were the home owners. I never demanded more money. I did insist on an additional charge for additional work requested. The home owner kept the house a mess and we had to clean up before we could even do our work. Dishes in the sink, used diapers on the floor and dirt everywhere. We cleaned her house before we could even work. Her son cut his hand on tile designed by the designer who insisted we put the tile on as designed. I learned my lesson not to work with a unlicensed designer and my contract should always be with the homeowner. I had to threaten the designer with a mechanics lien to even get paid. The owner was extremely demanding and uncooperative."
"This is the same project with [Removed Member Name] above. I guess the designer made a $3,400.00 fee on the renovation design. My cell number is always available to everyone. [Removed Member Name] , the designer, told us everything to do There were no drawings! No details! [Removed Member Name] was over her head as an unlicensed interior designer. She was in way over her head. She had no contract for me to sign. I had to create one. [Removed Member Name] inference I was a lair and a thief and all the accusations are her was of making the client think things were my fault, not hers. [Removed Member Name] is not now nor has she ever been a licensed interior designer. It showed. PRM will never work with her again."
The bad news: Paul's bids often come in thousands of dollars lower than the final cost. There seem to always be many costs that are not included that the homeowner has no idea will be added. The end costs makes the costs much more than other bids.
Our work was esimtaed to be completed in 2-3 weeks, but took 2 months.
Paul did not take responsibility for delays. Often the delays were due to materials not ordered on time. In one instanace, Paul did not order enough materials and there was a 2 week delay while we waited for them to come in.
Paul went on vacation during our project. This wasn't mentioned until the last day of work. Paul also had staffing issues that impacted our job.
We were left with a huge, messy project in our living room for 6 weeks longer than expected. This impacted several planned activities at our home.
"The price only changed when the home owner changed scope. She never read the scope of work or the quote completely. We worked every day there during the project. We took no tile off. There was always someone there working when I took a short vacation. I guess contractors cant take vacations. There was no schedule for completion. There was no discussion of how long it would take nor any family events discussed. The delays were not caused by PRM. The end product is beautiful. The project took a total of 13 days. Each day the interior was clean and furniture returned. She has had me back for several quotes and work since three years ago."
"This house was [Removed Member Name] s parents. It had been abandon for quite a while. It was a dump. Filled with trash. The floors were warped before we started. Speaking through a family member to get answers was nearly impossible. The only additional costs were when she made changes. [Removed Member Name] was always aware of costs on a weekly basis and approved scope payment weekly. When it came down to the end they just did not want to pay for the changes they made. She chose and approved the carpet. She could of picked a cheaper one. All keys were returned. PRM never increased the costs. All costs were increased by the home owner."
"This was six years ago but needs a response. I was NEVER contacted to make any minor repairs. I would never charge to fix my work. Dozens of examples of issues with this home owner. The house was always a mess and a real problem with their unrealistic expectations. The day after the carpet went in the basement, their dog pooped on the carpet numerous times. It sat for weeks unpicked up. They left the sprinklers on while we did a new deck. We worked in 90 degree heat in a swamp. We were locked out numerous times and had to wait hours until she would wake up and let us in. There were far too many other examples. If the job in the basement was so bad why did they immediately hire PRM to put in a large deck and completely stockade fence the back yard? I believe the money for numerous projects was not theirs and the spent wildly on everything."
"The issue could be resolved if the member paid for the work that was done to date. I do not think it is possible to resolve the issue. My counter offer to the member would be to take the $878.28 that is due PRM and hire his "independent contractor" to do the work. The member knew his HVAC system was not standard. It was not a problem until after the summer cooling. He left notes each day and was impossible to please. PRM did not create the design. The project was $11,878.28. He never paid the final invoice. He called me long distance in Florida over a dozen times. I was on vacation. The member bounced a $4,000 check to PRM. His last conversation with PRM was condescending and confrontational. He calls threateningly and demands PRM call him back in 48 hours. A warning to other contractors. Paul Marks, President"
"Sorry you had to pay for additional work you requested."
"Wow 13 years ago. This needs a quick response. All I can say to this one is I was personally threatened with a gun by the husband. I will never return to this house."
"See previous response to [Removed Member Name] . One hourly rate in the project another for extras. Clearly shown on quote they never read. They are a unique couple. Kept having me do work yet they kept complaining about the price of items they approved as additions."
"6-29-16 I have been back to do a pool deck, front door, new roof, landscape lighting, retaining walls and several other projects. Great client."
Licensing
State Contractor License Requirements
All statements concerning insurance, licenses, and bonds are informational only, and are self-reported. Since insurance, licenses and bonds can expire and can be cancelled, homeowners should always check such information for themselves. To find more licensing information for your state, visit our Find Licensing Requirements page.
*Contact business to see additional licenses.