
Green Hammer
About us
We are a design-build firm that specializes in building energy use. We aim to massively reduce carbon emissions and energy use in the built environment while using local, responsible, non-toxic materials. In our building and remodeling work, we integrate beauty and building science to build homes with superior health, comfort, performance and durability. We are the only FSC certified builder in the US. And, we have a team of energy experts and moisture analysts that carry certification through the Building Performance Institute (BPI) and Passive House.
Business highlights
Services we offer
Major and minor remodels, accessory dwelling unit (ADU) additions, new construction
Amenities
Free Estimates
Yes
| Number of Stars | Image of Distribution | Number of Ratings |
|---|---|---|
| 79% | ||
| 8% | ||
| 8% | ||
| 4% | ||
| 0% |
On both projects, the work was done with high quality. And all Green Hammer personnel were pleasant, well-informed, willing to readily share information about their work and helpful. GH made this big complex project relatively easy.
There were just a couple things that went awry in the project...
Wiring for a 2d floor smoke alarm was NOT connected to an available nearby circuit dedicated solely for all house smoke alarms, but was instead wired into another circuit in the house. I had mentioned that "smoke alarm" circuit in conversation with the GH project lead, but I should have been a bit more formal by putting that in writing in an email etc. Or I should have been present to go over this detail with the electrician myself.
On both this and the earlier project, the intent was for re-roofing to also include fixing drooping roof ends which over the years had pulled corbels out of their positioning on the house exterior. And in both projects, this fix was not implemented as desired. In the earlier project GH roofing sub-contractors did make an IMPROVEMENT. In the 2d project that is the specific focus of this review, it's more complicated. Historic district restrictions prevented the most obvious approaches that might have been applied. After the roof was done and I mentioned that the roof end drooping hadn't been fixed, GH said that the mechanism they'd planned to apply didn't seem workable after they had the roof off. So apparently there was simply a decision to make no improvement at all. If I were to engage GH for similar work again fixing drooping roof ends, I would be VERY tenacious and visible with them about this roofing "fix".
I'll repeat however that my review is very positive and I'd work with GH again. But it makes sense to play a strong "project manager" role yourself while interfacing with them. Maintain knowledge and clear written communications about your details, and follow up to make sure those are understood and implemented. But I think this would be true in EVERY big project.
"Thanks for your understanding regarding the project manager transition that happened during the installation of your project. That was a challenging transition for us to navigate, and working together with a considerate client like yourself made it possible to arrive at a successful project with a minimal amount of disruption. It was a pleasure working with you! Best, Devan"
"Hello Member, Thanks for reporting your concerns about your experience with Green Hammer. Unfortunately your project happened during a transition time for one of our employees, and he is no longer employed at Green Hammer. I realize in this instance that our work was not up to our usual standards. If I recall correctly, I listened to your concerns, asked what I could do to make it right, and was agreeable to the financial adjustments you proposed. I'm sorry you had this kind of experience with Green Hammer, and we are all grateful for this opportunity to improve. Best, Devan"
"TO RESPOND - THIS WAS AN UNFORTUNATE EXPERIENCE FOR GREEN HAMMER AS WELL. GREEN HAMMER WAS NOT HIRED BY THIS CLIENT BUT BY A THIRD PARTY. WE WERE NEVER IN CONTRACT WITH THE HOMEOWNERS TO DO THE KITCHEN (ONLY THE WINDOWS AND FLOORS) - WE WERE IN CONTRACT WITH ANOTHER COMPANY TO BUILD CABINETS FOR THEM. THE REASON THE HOMEOWNERS 'TOOK OVER MANAGEMENT' WAS BECAUSE WE WERE NEVER PAID TO DO SO. THE OTHER COMPANY NEVER GAVE US A DOWN PAYMENT - IN FACT IT WAS THREE MONTHS BEFORE WE EVEN GOT 25% DOWN TO BUILD THE CABINETS - WHICH PROGRESS HAD BEEN STOPPED ON BECAUSE LACK OF PAYMENT (THE OTHER COMPANY HAD BEEN SUPPLIED WITH THE NON PAYMENT BREACH OF CONTRACT NOTICE). I CAN'T BELIEVE THE COMPLAINT IS AGAINST GREEN HAMMER AND NOT THE OTHER COMPANY. NEEDLESS TO SAY GREEN HAMMER WILL NEVER TAKE A KITCHEN CABINET JOB FROM THE OTHER COMPANY EVER AGAIN."
Licensing
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