Background - I have limited knowledge of construction and many disappointing and costly experiences with past contractors - in spite of reviewing endless lists of contractor screening questions and making license and reference checks. Because this remodel was a significant undertaking for me, I decided to protect myself by relying on Angie’s List before selecting a contractor. I found four local contractors with good reviews and met with each one in person. All four came to my home, carefully toured the premises, listened to what I wanted done, asked and answered questions, and supplied me with written bids. I indicated that I would be living in the property during the remodel. I selected Mand M Quality Construction to do the remodel project. At the time he was interviewed the owner seemed polite and conscientious and has been a contractor in the local community for 13 years. Knowing my inexperience in remodel issues I felt vulnerable but thought I could work with Mand M to get the project completed to my satisfaction within my limited budget. As things progressed, I was disappointed with communications and although overall I had a positive experience, for future projects I will get more involved and ask questions as the work progresses. Damage - My condo has hardwood floors throughout and a narrow wooden floating staircase between floors - moving things in and out and up and down is very difficult and I assume that was clear and obvious to the contractors who toured my property before providing a bid. The workmen made several gashes and scratches in the wood stairway and doors. I pointed this out and asked that they be more careful. When the damage continued, I put my frustrations in writing via an e-mail and made a telephone call to Mike MdGinnis. After I pointed out the damage, some repairs were made and I also repaired small dents and scratches myself. Parts of the floors and stairway were covered during the remodel – without that protection the damage would have been much more severe and unacceptable. The stairway banisters as well as the steps and floor should have been covered while the work was in process. Also, doors should have been removed when necessary to prevent scratches. I was disappointed that more precautions were not taken to prevent damage and that problems were not noticed until I repeatedly pointed them out. Bathroom Vanity Purchase - As instructed by the contractor, I went to a local hardware store, selected bathroom vanity cabinets, and brought the details to the contractor so he could order the product. He ended up purchasing different vanities through a company he has done business with in in the past. I was not told about the change until the vanities were already installed! Since the vanities were similar to the ones I selected the contractor assumed the change in purchase was OK without mentioning it to me first or getting my approval. I was not pleased and voiced my disappointment. I asked that no more changes be made without first discussing them with me. Lights and Cleanup - Several times I found lights left on and I mentioned this more than once. I finally taped a sign by the light switches asking the contractors to remember to turn the lights off – especially at the end of the day.Their cleanups were average but living in the condo during the remodel, each day I cleaned up again in addition to what was done. Again I was disappointed that I had to point out the fact that the lights were left on because no one else noticed. Completion Date - At the start of the project I did not ask for a specific completion date – contractors routinely say they “never know what they will run into” and therefore are hesitant to be pinned down to specifics. Maybe this is standard – I don’t know… My remodel work began on May 16th and ended July 25th. This was considerably longer than I anticipated and was told. When I started asking for completion dates in June they were never met. The work took about 3 to 4 weeks longer than expected. Miscellaneous - As mentioned, I do not know much about construction but the quality of work done (especially the travertine tile work) appears to be good and I am pleased with the end results. Some things done were because the contractor said work by previous contractors was poor (?) and that was appreciated. I was disappointed that I could not use my debit card to pay for the remodel costs. A debit card is the same as a check. Mand M only accepts payment via paper check, no other method. The points that would have accumulated from the considerable cost of the remodel (almost $32K) would have added nicely to my travel mileage fund. I am at a bit of a loss about what to do to register warranties for toilets, bathroom fixtures, bathtubs, etc. Most manufacturers require info taken directly from packaging and receipts. Since I did not purchase any of those items and therefore had neither packaging nor receipts I could not complete the warranty registration forms. I asked Mand M Quality Construction to provide this info but am disappointed that I had to chase down the details to get the warranties properly in place. After the work was completed and the contractor was paid in full, I made repeated attempts to get the warranties in place - NO REPONSE from the contractor - very disappointing. Finally over a month after the work was completed Mike McGinnis mailed me an envelope full of stuff which I was never able to sort out...