Guggenheim Remodeling Inc.

Terrible. He was late to our initial meeting, did not show up for scheduled work, then completely ignored all attempts to contact him.

Showed up late to initial meeting, did not show up for scheduled work, unresponsive to all forms of communication.

unknown

Met with Jim Guggenheim after my realtor recommended him. I was in a very bad situation: I had just been taken by a dishonest contractor for over $10,000. My realtor said he had done good work for her clients in the past and that he was willing to come in on a day's notice to estimate the job. Additionally, he told her he could start the job quickly. My realtor and I told him repeatedly how grateful we were to him for stepping in to help me out of this jam. We spent a good hour doing a walk-through, discussing what needed to be done. There was no conflict, he seemed fine to work with and it was a pleasant meeting. Several times he said he was very sorry for what I had been through with previous contractor. It was a Saturday and, knowing that I needed to get this job done quickly, he said that he could get me an estimate within a day or two. He said he could start the job the following Friday. Tuesday comes and no word from Jim. I emailed him saying that I had another contractor who had bid the job and that I wanted him to bid it so I could make a decision. Strangely, he wrote back, "If I can do anything for you in the future let me know." I responded, "You must have misunderstood, I would still like an estimate from you." He wrote back that he would get it to me soon. Friday rolls around and, again, no word from Jim. My realtor contacted him asking him if there were a reason he had not gotten back to me. He responded "I haven't been able to do it, I will get it to him soon." No apology or acknowledgement of the delay. The following Wednesday (a week and a half after our meeting) his estimate came, once again without an apology. Very inconsiderate of him to waste my Saturday afternoon, being in a crisis especially. Quite unbelievable, really. If you are considering this contractor, go elsewhere. Learn from my experience and go with someone who will treat you with basic courtesy.

Jim did exactly what he said he was going to do and for the price he quoted. Zero surprises. Had easy to understand estimates and descriptions for each discreet project. Very professional and the work was professional as well. His subs were pleasant and did nice work. He listened to our ideas and had good suggestions as well. Nice guy and easy to work with. Is very busy so important to keep in constant contact with him on the project. Price was reasonable.

Was able to get in touch with him on a referral from Cleveland Window and Door (they couldn't help me immediately, but sorted out my priority that day: to get the broken entry door secured). He came with materials to take care of things on the spot! (This was the day before Thanksgiving). In the course of conversation, discovered that we had known each other in the very distant past, and I very much hope that he will be able to help me take care of numerous projects around the house that need fixing. I felt so thankful that our paths crossed again, seemingly by fate.

I hired Jim Guggenheim after interviewing several contractors and soliciting bids. I found Jim to be extremely approachable and I never felt rushed into making a decision. He gave me a ton of his time to ask my questions and feel comfortable with his answers. This is my first home and I was nervous about doing such a complete (and expensive!) renovation on my kitchen. Jim made the process so easy. He gave me a time-line for the project and he stuck to every word of it. He was honest, friendly and a pleasure to work with. The quality of his sub-contractors is outstanding. So great, in fact, that I have hired one of them to come back to the house to do more work, independent of the job that I hired Jim to do. I can not understand the negative reviews that I have read on Angie's List about Jim. He did phenomenal work for me and and I would hire him again in a second.

Subs did a good job and would use them again. Guggenheim was exceptionally rude and unprofessional. In fact, I was alarmed and physically upset with the way he treated me and spoke to me. He spoke to me as if I were the bottom of his shoe and not a paying customer. And I was nothing but nice to him. Another major issue was that he did not respect the fact that I was not extremely wealthy and like most people (not matter how much money you have), was working within a budget. He constantly put me off for more expensive, larger jobs. He told me if I did like it, he did not care (in so many words -- too upsetting to restate here).

TOOK FOREVER TO GET AN ESTIMATE, $40,000.00, WHICH STILL WAS NOT COMPLETE. COMPONENTS (EG. HEATING, PAINTING, TILING) WERE STILL NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE. GETTING HIM ON THE PHONE WAS NOT HARD, BUT IT WAS VERY DIFFICULT GETTING HIM TO CALL BACK WITH INFORMATION. HE PROMISES TO CALL, BUT NEVER DOES. I WAS ALWAYS TRACKING HIM DOWN, AND HE ALWAYS HAD SOME EXCUSE. DID NOT SEEM VERY ORGANIZED OR EFFICIENT.

FINAL BILL WAS MUCH LARGER THAN ESTIMATED, THEY BROKE AN ANTIQUE BATHTUB