North Star Drywall & Construction LLC

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The work started right away, I had observed his work on a similar style of home and was impressed with the work.  The owner James stated that the work could start in a couple of days and that they would need to station a large garbage container on the property to hold all of the waste taken off of the home.  The worked started on time and went well during the tear down.  Once the reconstruction started the signs of trouble soon started.  Wood siding was placed on the home that was not cured and it began to leak sap.  They ran out of materials and tried to use left over materials from other jobs which I had to ask them to take off the home.  The rock work on the lower part of the home seems to be quite good for now.  Once the siding was on the home I noticed a few places where flawed siding was used and I had to ask them to replace it.  The doors that were put in had to be replaced and reset a couple of times because of poor quality and not fitting properly.  The front door that was put in was done free of charge eventually because of all the other flaws and the screen door put in did not fit and when I asked that it fit right the workers began to HACK away at the framing with an electric saw, it looked like a beginner did the work and did not care how it turned out.  I had to call the owner who quickly responded and got the fix in place.  The worker began to have a fit and through items and I asked that he not return to my home.  Once the siding was on they began to stain it and the trouble continued.  The individual they sent over had no experience with staining and he made a mess of the project, which we are still fighting with today.  Some spots were runny and others did not take because of sap running down the boards.  The owner said that he would come back and redo the staining after it cured, that has been two years.  I  have called three or four times with little result, the only thing that they have done so far is to come back and power wash the siding, never to return (this was a year ago).  I called James this spring (2014) and he said that they would return and get it done.  I called today because the firm is in the news for not having a license in ND in good standing.  I called the state office for their license and was told that they have never had a proper license and they were issued a fine.  I called James again today and he said that he paid the fine, which was verified by the state office, and he would come out and fix the issue as soon as he could practice again in ND.  I am not hopeful.  You can go to the Attorney General  of ND website to check to see if he has a proper license prior to hiring.  The bright spot is that James seemed concerned about my being happy with the work and that things get fixed in a timely manner.  He responded to my concerns quickly initially but as mentioned above not so much.  Once the garbage unit was removed there was evidence of drinking that went on while his staff was at my home, tops to bottles found under container once gone.  I am still trying to get them to come and touch up the spots that are flawed.  These are spots where the stain did not take or where streaks were left.  James continues to respond to my calls and promises to finish.  After $40,000 I hope so.   I guess I just trusted a bit too much.  Overall I think that James wants to do a good job but unless you have the time to micromanage the work and check everything be cautious about letting them work on your home.  Parts of what they do is great but it is the little things that bring me to write this review.  I have worked construction in the past and am well aware of what goes on with crews but this was over the top.  One final note is that you should never pay anyone the full amount prior, I paid in small steps and was able to get them to complete the overall project, this final step is really touch-up work but I did pay for it so I expect it to be done.  If it gets done I will update this review.

North Star did a FABULOUS job(s) for us in a very timely manner and reasonable costs!  We would highly recommend North Star to our friends and family--which we already have.  They also have had work done by North Star and have been pleased with their work.

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Today, we are looking for doors, but have just been informed that the pocket door frames and hardware were all incorrectly installed. The rough openings are completely wrong, and not a one is the same, and the hardware was put in backwards. The drywall has been hung, the walls are painted and now we need to tear out those walls to correctly frame for doors. Oh...the siding on our house is continuously falling off in most areas, and the areas that aren't are so wavy, they look terrible. The windows installed are all missing the prairie sash grid on the lower panel and a couple shingles have come loose from the roof on the spots that the dog house dormers were added. We are just hoping and praying that we don't find more issues. I also know of another woman who had a very similar situation with the same company...seems to be a trend. I would urge you to stay clear of James Wilder and North Star Drywall and Construction, LLC