NORTHLAND BUILDERS INC

I recently relocated from down-state to Marquette and wanted a contractor to remodel my kitchen.  Although I was aware there was a large company which does kitchen remodels, I was told they were expensive (I did not get an estimate).  I was referred by a couple people to an independent contractor.  I met with him and agreed upon a contract.  However, a couple weeks later he told me that he took a new job and would be relocating down-state.  He referred me to Scott of Northland Builders for the remodel.  Scott met with me; understood my remodel requirements and was willing to take the job.  Scott's proposal was close to that of the previous scheduled contractor so I agreed to enter into a contract with him.  The time-frame for the job, after the cabinets were ordered and arrived, would be about 10 days.  I ordered new appliances and they were ready for delivery anytime they were needed. 

I met with Amy at 41 Lumber who was extremely knowledgeable and helpful in choosing my cabinetry.  I also did the leg work to find the flooring and countertop.  Afterward, Scott ordered the cabinets and dealt with the flooring and countertop contractors. 

Cabinets were ordered and arrived and demolition began the first week of Nov. 2014.  Carpenter arrived on schedule to start the demolition.  He prepared the area with plastic runners and hung plastic at doorways, etc to help contain dust, etc.  I arranged to be down-state for 10 days so the contractor would have free access to the house .  I expected to return in 10 days to a completed kitchen.  Wrong.  The demolition was done, the gas and water line had been installed and the flooring was laid and cabinets were in place.   No, countertops, plumbing, electrical, or installation of appliances.   It would take 2 more months to complete the project.  

I have no problem with the quality of work.  But waiting 3 months for the job to be completed was very frustrating.  I believe the problem is that other than the carpenter, Northland does not have its own laborers.  I never saw Scott in my home doing any of the work.  I believe he is just the orchestrator.  The electrician, plumber, flooring installer and countertop installer were all independent contractors and my job timeframe was scheduled around the other contractors' schedules.  The electrician could  only do so much until the plumber came in (on his schedule) and then the electrician would have to return (on their schedule) to complete their work;  the plumber could do only so much and then he had to wait on the countertop installer (on his schedule) before the plumbing could be finished and then the countertop installer had to return to caulk ........you get the picture? 

Scott was cooperative, responsive and willing to please and the quality of work was what I expected.  The problem with my remodel was a time issue.  Scott uses reputable contractors who do good work and, accordingly, you wait your turn for their services.   In hindsight, maybe securing a large remodel company who has electricians, plumbers, etc who work solely for the company would have been the way to go to get the job done in a timely manner.