Phoenix Hill Restorations

Mickel was great to work with from start to finish. He advised us on the best way to approach our situation, was up front about expectations and costs, and was clear with his progress throughout the project. He was available by phone, text, and email, and promptly returned communication when we reached out. Mickel was very knowledgeable about the different options available to us and even pointed out certain problems areas that we'd need to focus on not even related to the work he was doing (water damage in certain areas, proper ventilation for our basement, etc). I'm very much looking forward to working with Mickel again in the future!

Phoenix Hill Restoration was recommended by the painting contractor I hired to paint my home, who had seen his work on a prior job. Mickel returned my call within the day. He showed up for the estimate as agreed. His quote was detailed down to the type of wood to be used, time frame to complete the work, and a clause for any additional rot found outside the original quote. He called prior to starting, and showed up as agreed. Once the work started, he came every day until the work was completed. As expected, he found additional rot, and gave me the option of a n additional quote, or time and materials. I was so impressed with his work, I agreed to T&M. He used rot resistent wood, ss nails/screws. He primed the wood (both sides) prior to installation. He left notes for the painter on what needed caulking, as caulking was included in the painters quote. He cleaned up all scrap. I own several properties and have worked with good contractors and bad ones. Many quote a fixed price and try to cut corners to save themselves time and money. Mickel was very thorough and detailed in his estimate. He is a true craftsman who takes pride in his workmanship. He took the time to explain the additional work in time and materials. I have found a new carpenter!

The following a part of a letter of recommendation I prepared in January. 
I was first introduced to Mickel in September [2014] when I contacted a long-time friend, Peter, a mason and specialist in brick ovens and fireplaces. Due to circumstances (to be revealed below), I told Peter it was urgent I find a trustworthy, skilled craftsperson. Peter replied saying he had the perfect person: Mickel. As I was to find out, Peter was so right. And, as luck wouldhave it (for my family), Mickel was finishing up one job while his next in line had just been put on hold. 
Our experience with Mickel over the last four months has proven that he his trustworthy, considerate, a great listener, able to problem solve and present options in consultation with us. He is a skilled craftsman, diligent about documenting before/during/completed work, and a pleasure work with.
A bit of history: In May, my 86-year-old mother hired a ?contractor? (at best: a handyman) who had lowballed his bid to build a connected garage. By September it was evident that the cost overruns and resulting payments, were, due to horrible craftsmanship coupled with dysfunction, only casing more problems and angst. The contractor walked off the job leaving a half-finished garage with an inadequate foundation; off-plumb walls; undersized roof trusses; and horribly installed windows, doors, flashing, finish work (of sorts), and much more.
Based on Mickel?s past projects and reputation, I surmised that he would much rather be working on some fine historic structure or new build?over doing damage control on a half-finished (in polite terms) garage. Mickel took all this in stride realizing there were problems to be solved, a job to be done?and a client (my mother) who had been traumatized for five months over this ordeal with the first "contractor." 
Mickel came up with several bids based on existing conditions, needs, and options. Eventually we decided to approach the project on a cost-plus basis. All along the way Mickel clearly identified (and documented) problems and how he might best address them (with options presented). Once approved, Mickel documented work-in-progress and completed work with photographs and a narrative. Mickel?s design solutions and craftsmanship were wonderful. Even more so was the way he worked with my mother, brother. and me all along the way. Mickel also coordinated his work with other specialists (qualified ?subcontractors? he procured).
Vermont?s loss is Maine?s gain?as Mickel heads over to settle in Portland and find the kind of clients that will so benefit from his considerate approach to all he undertakes, and projects that warrant his abilities.
/s/
Philip C. Marshall, Professor
Historic Preservation Program
Roger Williams University 
508.951.8562 mobile ? feel free to call

Nickel is one of a kind. Met with us in a timely manor and was able to give us a detailed estimate within days of his visit with us. Being that it was in a bathroom he made specific recommendations because of the moisture from the shower and being that it was in a basement. His trim cuts were perfect even though he was working working with existing framing and drywall that were not so great! I watched him return to the saw to shave off miniscule amounts of wood so that it would fit perfectly with no gap at the joints. There is virtually no need for the painters to use any caulking. He also redid our old carpeted stairs with beautiful oak treads and a custom built handrail system leading to our basement. Couldn't be happier that the stairs no longer creek as I walk down them. This guy is a pro for sure. Would recommend him to anyone looking for quality work at a fair price. Thank you Mickel!