PML Renovations Inc

PML Construction – Recommended We recently finished a complete gut renovation of our one bedroom midtown apt. The reno was a challenge for us as well as the contractor. We followed the job and communicated with the team from 5,000 miles away via FaceTime for the duration. The apartment is now exactly what we planned and wanted. The work took time. Many people want a reno to be done “on time” . We preferred attention to detail and quality work. We received both. We strongly recommend this contractor. He is accommodating and patient. He stayed within budget unless we requested something not specifically included in the initial contract. Any estimate of additional cost was accurate and not exceeded.

I chose PML because I liked Robert's energy and enthusiasm when I met him for the estimate.  Price-wise, his was neither the highest nor the lowest of the 4+ contractors I met.  He seemed to understand what I wanted, and was adamant dust would be controlled (I had already moved into the apartment, unfortunately, before the renovations could start; but most everything was stilll in boxes).  However, despite everyone's best intentions, the overall quality of the work was not what I expected.
First, the good:
1.  Robert is such a nice guy.  Jovial, makes a real effort to connect.
2.  The bathroom and kitchen turned out ok.  There are some issues, to be addressed below, but overall, nice job.
Next, the not-so-good: 
1.  Dust was not controlled.  I had purchased my own dropcloth, and made my own simple efforts to cover up the boxes in the living room.  I expected Robert and his crew to do the rest, especially after Robert explicitly and clearly described creating a wall of dropcloth/tape to ensure my things would be kept as clean as possible.  This was far from what happened.  They basically threw some plastic over the boxes, but not enough to manage the dust.  They didn't even tape up the gaps around the bedroom door or closets, until I asked them to do so, AFTER THE DEMO.  When everything was done, there was dust EVERYWHERE.  In every book, every corner, every crevice.  I had to throw out a few boxes of personal items because I could not clean off the sticky construction dust.  I hired 2 different sets of professional cleaners to help me.  Almost 13 months later, I'm still cleaning the dust from different surfaces.  It's not like regular house dust.  It's really really sticky.
2.  The tiling in the bathroom was not well done.  Almost 13 months later, and there are several cracks in the shower, a hole in the bathroom floor.  Similarly, the caulking was not well done.  Lots of air holes and dents.  I have no recourse but to wait it out and then do the repairs in one sitting.
3.  Communications with Robert's staff was terrible.  I would have to get in touch with Robert to ask him to have him staff respond to my emails (phone calls were no better - during business hours, calls would go straight to voicemail).  Of course, when payment was due, emails and calls were immediately returned.   When it came time to select the tiles. I ended up having to purchase them myself.  Not because PML didn't have a good selection, but because no one would return my calls or emails about my selections and the quote!  (I ended up getting the tiles at the Scarsdale Tile Store for a fraction of what was quoted to me by PML).
4.  I felt bullied into buying their kitchen cabinets.  My apartment is tiny, and I really wanted something minimalist, like Ikea-style cabinets.  Robert and his staff strongly (strongly, strongly) encouraged me to go with their preferred cabinets.  At that point, a contract was signed, and I was all in, so I didn't feel like I had a choice but to go along with their cabinets.  It's ok, but not well-made, so some of the layers are already peeling.  I would have been better off with Ikea cabinets at a fraction of the price. 
5.  It took a really long time to get started, a long time to complete.  Contract signed at the end of July.  Cabinets measured in early August.  Cabinets arrived in September (delay caused by mis-measurement of one of the cabinets).  Demo started 2nd week of September, mostly completed by week of Columbus Day, counters installed 1st week of November, last cabinet installed 2nd week of November.  Start to finish, it took almost 16 weeks.  I think this is a sign they were really busy, but I would have appreciated some more accurate communications about the delay.  It was difficult to order things like the tile and appliances, without knowing when they would be needed.

Overall, Robert and his staff were perfectly nice people, but I felt like I had been overpromised attention and consideration.  This kind of a project is very stressful and there wasn't enough information flowing about timing, what needed to be done, what was needed from me.  I know they are not mind readers, but I would have expected a team with way more experience than me to be able to provide some minimal guidance. Then, there were little things like installing the robe hook or shower neck really high up, even after they met me and saw that I'm like 5 feet tall.  It wouldn't have occurred to me to include that in the Statement of Work, but I might have thought professionals would be aware of such things.

Next time, I would remember the following:

1.  Try try try to remove as much as possible personal items from the areas to be renovated.  I might have been better off trying to rent an empty apartment in the building for the 2 months, just to save myself from the agony of cleaning the dust afterwards.  I might have also included something more specific about the dust control in the contract, so that we would have in writing what Robert promised me verbally, along with some consequences, like actual or financial help in cleaning, if the dust was not managed as agreed.
2.  Include a specific completion date in the contract.  This was definitely an oversight on my part.  We had verbally discussed a 5-week completion schedule, and I thought this was from when the cabinets were delivered.  Turns out it was from demo, and even then, I had to battle and beg for an end date.
3.  I would have gone ahead with the Ikea cabinets.  The contract didn't require me to use PML's cabinets.  I would have paid a fraction of the price for a chance to get the exact look I wanted.
4.  I would have asked more questions about the specific crew he was planning to use, and tried to meet the project site manager.  I assumed Robert would be the lead on site everyday for the whole project.  Maybe if the project site manager had met me, he wouldn't have placed the shower neck and robe hook so high up on the wall.  Maybe.
5.  I would have been more thoughtful during the contract review.  I have limited experience with renovations and didn't totally think through everything I wanted done.  For example,  during the estimate walkthrough, I specifically pointed out the crusty radiator pole that needed to be peeled and repainted.  The contract described that all bathroom surfaces not tiled would be painted.  Yet, during the project, during multiple visits, when I asked that the pole be repainted, the crew refused saying it would add too much time to the project.  They also didn't clean and repaint the door or doorframe, which was included in the contract.  Again, feeling bullied, I felt I had no choice but to let it go.  The whole project was already weeks past what I expected, I didn't want to lose more days.  Now, every time I look at that stupid radiator and the door, I regret not being more aggressive about it, or alternatively, explicitly noting the surfaces to be painted in the contract.
Bottom line, the job was done.  It was ok.  Did I get my money's worth?  Debatable.  What I have today is far better than what I had before the project.  But, it's not what I was hoping for when I paid this much money.

I received quotations from 4 companies and selected PML Renovations as the least cost, technically acceptable bid.  

The work was completed on-time and within budget, bearing in mind some delay from Hurricane Sandy.  Pete LoRe lead the team of professional builders and tradesmen and provided me with continuing updates and involvment in all decision-taking.

Absolutely amazing work. I interviewed 8 contractors before I met Pete. The minute I met with him I knew he was the one. Originally we just wanted to renovate one bathroom, but decided to renovate two bathrooms at the same time.

Pete is very knowledgeable, professional, reliable and has excellent communication skills. How many times have you tried to call a contractor and they never pickup their phone or return your call?

Pete and his crew completely gutted the bathrooms down to the studs, and replaced all the old pipes with new plumbing. He replaced all the electrical wires and the tiling was flawless. Pete uses quality materials and doesn't cut corners. Throughout the entire renovation, he always kept me informed and I had full confidence in the quality of his work.

Our renovation wasn't the typical job. We decided to go digital. Below are some of the many items that were installed.

* Kohler DTV system (2 shower heads, 2 body sprays, 1 hand held, 1 overhead rain shower w/ chroma-therapy lighting, 4 sound speakers)
* Robern medicine cabinets (mirror defogger, nightlight, flat screen tv)
* Heated floors (electrical floor mat with thermostat)
* Heated towel racks.
* Ventilation fans with heat (installed with a timer)

After the job was completed, I found myself staring at the bathrooms in awe for a good 15 minutes.

I couldn't be happier with the outcome. I highly recommend Pete and I plan to use him for other projects in my house in the near future.

Check out the two videos of the bathrooms

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNXfAEkAUHM&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iAJu1vsEuro&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL

I was so pleased with the way the work was performed - totally professional!  No mess and very careful about dust and keeping things clean while they worked.  The whole job was fully explained to me before anything was done.  I had heard about PML from a friend but of course there's always apprehension when dealing with a new contractor.  I never had any doubt the job would go well because from start to finish I knew exactly what was to go on in my home.  Timetables were kept and PML finished right on time and double checked with me all through the job as to whether I was seeing what was promised.  I'd say they under promised and over delivered.  Thanks to Pete Lore and crew!  I would recommend them in a heartbeat!  Both our deck and bathroom came out beautiful and we've enjoyed them ever since they were completed last year.

Pete LoRe is a credit to his profession. He was helpful before work started and answered all our questions prior to signing a contract. He also offered his expertise when we made design choices for a rental apartment. He continued this professionalism during all phases of the project and, even better,  after it was completed. If there are minor glitches during a project or questions post-completion, he doesn't avoid them but works to deal with issues promptly and courteously. He is very easy to reach via text, email or phone and offers detailed responses. A big plus for us is that PML Renovations works in Manhattan (many firms avoid Manhattan jobs). They were recommended to us by other tenants in our building (they've installed bathrooms in 70 units): we know why.

He did fantastic work and went above and beyond my expectations.