"Installed Mendota Basic gas insert fireplace:  Install went OK except I preferred to use my electrician and there was a mix up between contractors about how to install the wiring so it had to be done over.  Jim tested the fireplace several times.  He gave good instructions to a carpenter about building a box to support the insert. 
Stone tile around the insert:  Jim did a beautiful job, and he arranged the tiles just the way I wanted them.  He worked with my carpenters to design the framing to accommodate the design for wood trim and mantle that I wanted. 
Rebuilt the chimney from the roof up:  The masonry itself is professional.   This took a long time to complete due to the long winter and to various excuses (e,g, deaths, illnesses, other jobs started after ours).   The scaffolding was left up longer than promised and that annoyed the neighbor who could not use his driveway.  Communication on this issue was difficult for all of us.
Concrete cap on chimney:  This looks great.  Jim forgot to do a little piece of cap on the side, but he came back and did it later, no questions asked. 
Tuck pointing: Grinding went well.  Missed a few "bee holes" the first time round.  Jim came back later and filled those in.  
Waterproofing:  this went well.
Block cutting and installing a larger glass block window: Glass block looks great, and matches the other glass block windows in the basement. 
Window well:  Jim used landscape blocks that matched the style and color of a window well around another basement window.  The blocks are level and fit exactly.  They look great. 
Fireplace doors:  Jim picked doors of a style I wanted.  Installation was professional.  I was disappointed that the doors don't seal airtight as I had understood when we initially discussed the job.  I felt this should have been discussed more before the doors were installed.
Epoxy floor:This didn't go so well.  The grinder left many semi-circular and circular gouges in the floor which could not be ground out.  So the floor is very uneven.  Perhaps this was due to the quality of the existing concrete, but I don't really know.  Then the epoxy paint he used didn't cover the floor.  Jim did this over at his expense.  
Communication:  Early on, Jim kept me well-informed about when he would come and arrived as planned.  However, there were times when calls and emails went unanswered for days.   Scaffolding that blocked the neighbor's driveway was not removed when promised.   During the second contract, the number of unanswered calls increased.  Several times Jim promised to come and did not show up or explain why, which delayed all the other work that had to wait until after the floor was redone.  It also meant I was having to arrange for my daughter to be elsewhere on days even when he didn't show up and put off other contractors.  This happened at least half a dozen times.    
Timeliness: There were several delays on the first job, attributed to weather but not entirely due to that, so the job took longer than we expected.  Therefore,  in the second contract we specified a start date (April 26, 2013) and an end date (May 10, 2013) and a penalty for missing the date.  The job was not complete until the end of August, when he came to install the fireplace doors, to complete the tuck-pointing and waterproofing and to redo the floor.  
 


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"I only use James when I need some work done to my house. He responds fast, gets the work done quicker than just about anyone else I've ever used and seems very concerned with leaving his customers happy."

We pride our company on reliability, great communication, integrity, and quality work. We are experts in our trade and will do our best to keep you as educated as we can on your particular task or project. We look forward to earning your business!\n\n

Van Hon Design provides specialized, artisan-level, custom-designed woodworking and premium remodeling services in Southern Wisconsin. With a background in formal European-style apprenticeship and a passion for bespoke design, I create unique spaces and cabinetry tailored to your lifestyle.\nServices Include:\n• Custom Cabinets & Furniture\n• Kitchen & Bath Remodeling\n• Entertainment Centers\n• Outdoor Living (Pergolas & Decks)\n• Specialty Fused Glass Details\nI bring a high-end, published, and award-winning skill set to local projects, offering personalized service from design to installation. I focus on delivering exceptional craftsmanship on time and on budget. My goal is to create functional art you will love living with. Let's build something lasting. Call to discuss your project today.\n

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