City Wide Remodelers, Inc.

We were more than satisfied with the way City Wide completed the terms of our contract. Mike Brocato provided us with a realistic estimate and was able to pleasantly surprise us at the end of the project. Though we had several upgrades that were not included in the original bid (such as tiling a part of the lower level, adding wrought iron spindles on our stairway, and adding hardwood flooring throughout the entire main level), Mike worked closely with us and helped us find ways to readjust without going too much above the original estimate. We believe this was partially done at his own expense, and he did an "internal reduction" to us at the end of the work. There were several "hiccups" throughout this project that delayed its completion for quite some time after the original estimate. Even though these delays were not because of City Wide, Mike continuously ran interference for us to help rectify errors that were made by companies outside of City Wide's control. For example, the company from which we selected our granite and requested to have it put on hold failed to do so and sold the slabs out from under us--and we did not find this out until the fabricator went to pick up the granite. However, once we found more granite that would meet our needs, City Wide made sure that the fabricator completed the project as soon as possible. Likewise, when the kitchen cabinets were installed and they were not the color we originally selected, Mike was immediately standing in our kitchen and talking with the representative from the cabinet company. Again, they were able to find solutions to rectify the error and to do it quickly. The company not only solved the problems in a timely manner but they also did everything in their power to make sure that we were inconvenienced as little as possible during the multi-month remodel. Out of the twelve weeks we were involved in destruction and construction, we were without a stove and kitchen sink for only two of those weeks. Even then Mike made sure that we had a portable burner and oven that we could use during that timeframe. He was always concerned about us as individuals, and this is an important aspect of a good businessman--especially when someone's main living area is demolished. Communication far exceeded "satisfactory". From the planning stages through the final walk-through, City Wide always responded promptly to any and all e-mails and phone calls. They were always ready to answer our questions without making us feel like we were imposing on their time. Not only were Mike and his assistant with City Wide Remodelers always available for us but they had a way of making us feel very comfortable and at ease. In our first remodeling project with City Wide, my husband and I would often say that Mike was someone we would like to get to know beyond the professional level; and we continued to feel that way after completing a second major project with the company. I would like to share a more specific example of Mike Brocato's (and the company's) willingness to communicate and to find ways to improve the final product for his customers. We began the planning stages of this kitchen remodel in late fall. During the time that we were envisioning what we wanted our kitchen to be, I had a visual in my mind for the island/table combination. Unfortunately, what I had imagined in my mind's eye was not aesthetically pleasing nor as functional once it was put on paper. Mike never gave up, however, as I brought in more ideas and he continued to provide others of his own. Finally, because of Mike's willingness to explore all possibilities, we ended up moving away from several of my original ideas and now have an ideal setup for our lifestyle. City Wide Remodelers, Inc is an expert in the field of communication. Mike always kept us abreast of issues, whether they were things he was excited about sharing or dreading to tell us. Mike also has the innate ability to let the customers feel in control of the situation even when they need his expertise and guidance. He never says "should" but provides opportunities to explore options and to see for oneself what would probably be the best in the realms of both form and function. He has a rare combination of a gentle touch and assertiveness. In the original design of our kitchen-great room, there were two pillars that acted as a visual separation between the two areas. Though we knew that we wanted to add cabinets in the breakfast room area, we were adamant that we still wanted shorter pillars on top of the L-shaped cabinets. Mike worked with us during several settings to show us our options, never saying it wouldn't be a good idea. With Mike Brocato's help, "saw the light" and changed our minds. As we selected colors and carpeting, it became obvious to Mike that the white stair spindles may not go with the rest of the decor. Though he did not tell us we would be happier with the change, he let us explore our options and make our own decisions. Again, bingo! The finished project met and exceeded our expectations. Mike was able to provide us with ideas and expertise that made our kitchen and main living area more user-friendly and upscale than we had ever expected. For example, as we were designing the egress to the screened porch, it was Mike who suggested the idea of a sliding door rather than keeping the original swing door that was in the house. What a difference that has made in our lives! It is now so easy to go in and out without constantly opening and closing a door, besides the fact that we now have more workable space in the breakfast area. During both the construction and walk-through phase, City Wide Remodelers was excellent about noticing things that were not up to their standard--things that neither my husband nor I had noticed. It was this type of eagle-eye that also helped bring this project above our expectations. Mike does not settle for second-rate workmanship, and it shows in the work his subcontractors do. On a post-construction evaluation that City Wide Remodelers sends to its clients after each job, I wrote the following comment. "I wish we had more projects and more money." I think that tells it all. We enjoy working with Mike Brocato and City Wide Remodelers and would heartily recommend them to anyone.

Love, love, love my basement remodel! Thank you for your patience with me while I changed my mind more than a few times. Every request was met with a "no problem" attitude. The new stairs and mini playroom door were both designed per my request and I couldn't be happier with them. The owner was "hands on" and had many creative ideas. Very professional company; I would use again and again.

This is a great remodeling company to work with! Everyone is very professional, organized and thorough. Mike is a delight!