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"The master bathroom renovation process we experienced was frustrating and plagued with many unnecessary delays and quality control breakdowns. Having gone through numerous home improvement projects, we carefully researched companies and selected VKB Kitchen and Bath in large part because of the overwhelmingly positive reviews we read on numerous websites, including Angie’s List. Unfortunately, the company we worked with bore little resemblance to the glowing reviews we read. While we are ultimately happy with the finished product, we do not feel anyone should experience the frustrating ordeal we went through to have a bathroom renovated. Consequently, we cannot recommend VKB Kitchen and Bath. We signed a contract with VKB on March 17, 2016, to perform a complete renovation of our master bath. The project was to follow the VKB designer’s specifications, and was to be substantially completed in 2 weeks—their estimate, not ours—with minor items to be addressed in a final third week. The actual renovation began on April 19th, a week later than originally planned. From the beginning, we experienced problems. VKB gave us access to an automated project management tool to check on the job’s status, see what work was scheduled each day, see any change orders for modifications made during the renovation, and communicate any questions or concerns through its message board. VKB was to use the tool to communicate progress, work schedules, and responses to our questions. If actually used and kept current, it would have been a helpful resource to monitor the job’s status and any slippages. However, VKB rarely used it, and when it was used, it presented grossly inaccurate information (ex., noting tasks as “completed” when they had not been started or were well behind). Toward the end of the job, after numerous delays and a turnover in the subcontractor VKB hired to perform the work and the reassignment of the project manager, the lead designer—Joe—used the messaging feature more frequently to timely respond to our questions or concerns and to better inform us as to the new sub-contractor’s work schedule. Demolition of the old master bathroom took several days, primarily because most of the work was done by one worker. This pattern continued during construction of the new bathroom. Each day, several workers would show up to unload equipment, but then typically most would go to another job site, leaving just one person to handle much of the work. We were told that the crew would begin work between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. and would work full days as long as there was work to be done, yet for the vast majority of the time the initial subcontractor was involved, the crew would not show up until 10 a.m. or later, and would usually leave between 3 and 4 p.m. There were days when no one showed up and we were not notified that no one would be coming that day, despite there being ample work. The lack of sufficient workers and erratic work hours were major factors in the job quickly falling behind schedule. When we raised concerns about job slippages to VKB’s project manager, he dismissed our concerns. Serious communication issues existed between the subcontractor and VKB’s project manager which led to mistakes and delays. For example, one key design decision prior to commencement of the renovation was the removal of a ceiling and wall bulkhead to allow for more open space. The bulkhead wall contained a ventilation register which had to be removed and rerouted through a toe-kick in one of the new vanities. Due to miscommunications, the subcontractor tiled over the ventilation opening on the floor. The crew had to subsequently pull up newly-installed tile to create a ventilation path and install a new vent. However, because of the manner in which this ventilation path was constructed, the floor register did not fit properly flush with the tile floor. It still does not fit properly to this day. To be fair, issues arose which contributed to delays in the job that were not originally anticipated. For example, when the subcontractor finished the demolition, he noted that the floor was not completely level. To his credit, he took steps to fully level the floor, which took a day to complete. Additionally, in designing the new bathroom, the designer envisioned shifting the position of the toilet. As the job progressed, the subcontractor and project manager realized this would not work without extending a wall. We agreed with this change, which added another day to the project. Finally, we were scheduled to be out of town beginning in mid-May, which resulted in the crew not being able to work on the job for 10 days. Yet, had the job met the original contracted timeframes, it should have been completed nearly 2 weeks prior to our trip. When little additional progress had been made 2 weeks after our return, VKB reassigned the project manager and Joe, our lead designer, fired the subcontractor and brought in a new subcontractor to complete the bathroom renovation. However, this subcontractor had to work us into his existing jobs, putting a strain on his crew. To further complicate the new subcontractor’s job, there were numerous instances in which materials delivered were either defective or incomplete. For example, a large wood linen cabinet was unfinished on one side, resulting in VKB having to order a piece to finish the side. Additionally, the cabinet, and two vanities that were to be installed were supposed to have two side-by-side doors. When we inspected the delivered cabinet and vanities, we found that they had single doors. After noting this to VKB, we were told that the manufacturer did not make vanities that had two side-by-side doors, though they were in VKB’s design and the contract specified them. When we noted this would be problematic with respect to the linen cabinet given its placement in the bathroom, VKB said the cabinet could have side-by-side doors but it would require re-ordering them. We later found out that any re-ordering of items would require 2-to-3 weeks from the time of ordering until the items would arrive. While a 2-to-3 week delay was bad enough given the significant slippages already incurred, it turned out that VKB also misjudged other wood materials needed from this same manufacturer to complete the cabinet and vanity installation–such as trim and crown molding we had requested prior to commencement of the renovation–which resulted in another several weeks of delays. The end result of these missteps was that the new subcontractor had to pull out on two occasions for a period of 2 weeks each to allow time for new and/or replacement parts to arrive. Additionally, VKB twice sent out a separate crew to install the shower door and glass, and each time, the crew had to leave without performing the installation because work on the shower was not sufficiently complete for them to install the glass. When they were finally able to attempt the installation, they discovered an error in the manufacturing of one side of the glass. They had to reorder the side, resulting in yet another delay. Perhaps most disturbing is that the door and glass had been ready for weeks, yet no one checked them to ensure the manufacturer had completed them to specification. Other examples of this abound, including delivery of bathroom sinks and countertops which were not properly made and hardware for the cabinet and vanities, which were missing handles. Many of these problems could have been prevented or at least detected and addressed earlier had VKB had an effective process in place to ensure all materials ordered from vendors were inspected for both quantity and quality as soon as they were received. As a result of these problems, our master bathroom renovation—which was to have taken at most 3 weeks—took nearly 4 months to complete. Final work was completed on August 8th. Even at that, we ultimately settled for certain things simply to end the ordeal and move on. For example, the floor register that had been improperly installed by the initial subcontractor was never properly resolved by VKB—its solution was to cut the register bottom"

ARM’s Home Improvement has been in business since 2013. After 26 years of working for the same home improvement/construction company, working his way to Vice President, Allen Metcalf, 4th generation carpenter, started Arm’s Home Improvement Company. At ARM's Home Improvement, we believe in providing the highest quality work, timeliness, clear communication throughout the entire process and client satisfaction. We specialize in residential construction, such as kitchen and bathroom remodeling. We can help you conceptualize your visions and turn them into reality. Please contact us today to schedule your free in-home estimate! We can show you 3D walk-through of your kitchen, bath or basement remodel. We are also a LEAD SAFE RENOVATOR. See more pictures and visit us on our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/ArmsHomeImprovement/

Our mission is to be a provider that brings back the personal touch with our customers. We will build a relationship that will last a lifetime after you see our quality work. As a locally owned and operated business, we feel invested in our clients and constantly strive for customer satisfaction. Call or message us to schedule an estimate today!

We are committed to excellence in every aspect of our business. We uphold a standard of integrity bound by fairness, honesty, and personal responsibility. Our distinction is the quality of service we bring to our customers. Accurate knowledge of our trade combined with ability is what makes us true professionals. Above all, we are watchful of our customers' interests, and make their concerns the basis of our business.

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After reading the glowing reviews on Angie's list and meeting with Francisco I had very high hopes for this company.  There were too many ups and downs in our remodel to even go into all of them, but I will do my best to highlight the most important.  I don't know if they were just going through a rough patch during our renovation, but the prior reviews did not at all reflect our experience.    Lets start with the positives.

Pros:

1. The final product of our bathroom is beautiful

2. The subcontractors who did the tile work and drywall/painting were excellent.  I LOVE our tile work. 

3. When mistakes were made they seemed to genuinely be sorry and tried to make things right

4.  They were neat and conscientious about cleaning up

Cons:

1. Project cost twice as much as original estimate--we were expecting to spend around 12k for this and ended up costing 24k (probably more because I stopped counting small charges from home depot on my card after a certain point).  There were some changes to the plan along the way which we agreed to and some unexpected things that came up--that happens.  Just way more than we were expecting to spend. 

2.  Project took 4 months to be completed.  We were quoted 2-3 weeks.  This was for various reasons--some of which were out of their control (vendor issues--but vendors they recommended) and some were within their control (i.e. ordering the wrong thing, installing things wrong, not realizing the wrong thing had been ordered even though it was sitting there for weeks).  Even at the end when there was just a few things to be done, it kept getting put off.  It felt like the remodel that would not end. 

3.  Lack of design ahead of time.  There was no clear design ahead of time which led to scrambling on the back end.  For example, we ordered  toilet topper and then they tell me at the end that the wall cannot support one and acted like I should have known this.  There was no place for towel racks. We eventually found work arounds for these issues, but a design would have been hugely helpful.  I should have known better, but I thought that Francisco was the designer and would have planned for this.  I take 50% responsibility for this one.

4. Things done wrong, sometimes more than once.  I'll just give the most egregious example here.  OK, so the first time they installed our shower door it was not correct and the pieces came unglued within days.  I notified them of this--they were planning to come fix it, but not urgently bc they were busy. Fast forward several days--the glass shower door falls off the track while I'm in the shower and shatters in a million pieces resulting in some minor cuts on my legs and feet.  To their credit, they cleaned up the glass that morning and were extremely apologetic.  I forgave them because they so quickly tried to make it right.  Then several weeks later once the new door comes, they install it wrong--again!  I can tell this just by looking at it.  I call Francisco and he explained that the person who installed it had never done it before--WHAT???!! This was a shower door that THEY recommended and it had already broken once and they send someone who has never done it to install it?  This is inexcusable to me.  So came a third time and installed it right. 

I personally would not use them again, only because the thought of going through all that again gives me palpitations.  But the final product was good, so I would not say that no one should use them.  Again, I got the impression that it was a busy and tumultuous time for their business so this may not be typical.   I would recommend getting a clear design ahead of time, be flexible on time and money (which probably is true for any job like this) and double check things yourself.  

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JCB Handyman/Masonry offers experienced finish carpentry, framing, and general handyman work in Carroll county MD Contact us today for an estimate!

With Expro Renovators you have the ability to accomplish all your renovations projects, with 20yr experience business owner in the renovation industry, we provide you with the best quality work. From small jobs to big projects , interior / exterior residential and comercial renovation service . With Expro renovators your project is insured and protected . Expro renovators also provides you the home flipping service if you want to buy - fix and sell . Just call us for a free quote , we be glad to work with you

Custom Home Creations was founded with a simple belief: every homeowner deserves a space that reflects their life, their style, and their dreams. Owners Justin and Garrett built the company around craftsmanship, honesty, and a personal approach to every project. We take the time to listen, plan carefully, and deliver custom solutions designed to fit your needs and vision. From the first conversation to the final walk-through, we treat every home as if it were our own. More than just beautiful spaces, we’re proud to build lasting relationships based on trust, care, and quality.

Miracle Contractors is a family owned construction company with over 25 years experience. We were first established in 2006 by Company Owner Carlito Mitchell.\n\n"Where Doing the Perfect Job isn't a Miracle, it's a Standard" \n\n\n\nWhere Doing The Perfect Job Isn't A Miracle, It's A Standard !\n\n

Fred Contractor, is committed to excellence in every aspect of our business. We uphold a standard of integrity bound by fairness, honesty and personal responsibility. Our distinction is the quality of service we bring to our customers. Accurate knowledge of our trade combined with ability is what makes us true professionals. Above all, we are watchful of our customers interests, and make their concerns the basis of our business.