N.E.A. Construction - Architects & Master Builders

We have signed a $41 K contract with NEA construction in October, 2021, to build a deck with a trellis, fix a driveway, replace fences, and put a decorative brick around the house. Emmanuel Kanterakis (Manny) provided a very detailed contract, got DoB permit, and energetically started a project. They only completed the foundation of the deck before winter despite Manny’s promise to finish everything by Christmas. They continued the project in spring; however, they left suddenly at the end of May. We have not seen them since. Manny said that he went to Greece in June (another customer actually saw him in NYC in June) and said that they will come back to the project as soon as they clear some other projects. In the fall of 2022, he stopped responding to the phone calls and emails. Totally, they took $26 K and have not finished anything. We contacted his other customers and he did the same thing to them: took a deposit, advanced jobs, took more money, and left without finishing jobs. It is summer of 2023 and we are in limbo because it is unclear how to finish the deck and pass DoB inspection. This is clearly a scam and we are approaching DoB, district attorney, and other organizations to make sure that he will have difficulty running his scam circle. Be aware that Manny is a dishonest person and cannot be trusted.

Manny was very professional, He clearly has the knowledge that comes with years of experience...His crew was also very professional They not only did a great job they left the jobsite absolutely spotless What a great experience Will call them for Our next project Bob Riebling

Ok let me start from the beginning. I interviewed 6 contractors. 2 of them should not even be in the business, but America is very lenient. Of the 6 contractors, NEA's presentation was professional, polite, understanding and just proper. They (Manny) took the time to listen and get a full understanding of my intention. Next he explained what could not be done and why. He provided alternate ideas that met the codes. And if that was not enough, he presented a mock drawing of exactly what my project should be like when completed. All this without charge. He also provided a detailed breakdown of all costs separated in material and labor... omg. He also invited me to visit a couple of sites he was working on and I met some staff members. Needless to say he got the job. His team is very professional and quite knowledgeable. And yes we did run into some problems. Covid and all the price increases screwed up his budget and schedule. I was furious when my deadline was missed by over a month and my daughter wanted to wring his neck. Again he explained to me what he was having to deal with and begged me to give him the extra time. In all fairness, I was doubting him based on previous experiences where my contractors took my money and screwed me. But Manny was different. He never even asked me to absorbed any of the price increases. He simply asked me for a little more time so that he could reschedule realistically. Manny and NEA came through most beautiful for me. I know I should wait before writing this review but there is just 1 minor situation remaining and it had to be rescheduled for tomorrow so I'm elated and felt .... why wait to give NEA their credit. Big up and much respect to Manny, Michael, Alfredo and the rest of the team who worked on my project. They totally redesigned and corrected an illegal extension that was on the house I bought in Queens. It was a reasonable sized job and they did really well. To my Jamaicans and Caribbean peeps especially, don't hesitate to give NEA a call. No jobs too big and none too small... They treat them professionally one and all. Errol

Manny and his team did an excellent job building a custom deck for my new backyard. They did what they said they would do and they did it when they said they would. Although that sounds like it should be the standard we all know it is not. After having several contractors come to provide estimates I am glad I chose them to do the job. I am very happy with the end result and look forward to enjoying my new backyard for years to come.

Residential contracting, and contracting in general, is a very shady business. I think that we all know this, and that is why most of us are here...to find a qualified business professional, that we can entrust with our homes. It is of paramount importance to hire the correct tradesman. I know this, as I am a contractor, in the residential sphere, and have been so for about 30 years. I can state, as a fact, that 80% of the alleged professional tradespeople should NOT BE IN BUSINESS. Where does that leave you, as non-pro, when seeking competent help? It is a minefield to navigate without assistance from a service like houzz. Let me offer an example of a true professional craftsman, and team. Manny and his guys, at N.E.A. Construction are the rare example of what the trades used to be...competent, professional, craftsmen, who took pride in their work, and stood behind it. Recently, we had a medium-sized repair/renovation to take care of. Our home incurred some winter damage and a porch needed to be demoed, cleaned up, redesigned, and rebuilt. As a professional contractor, I am highly suspicious of any other contractor. I have worked alongside hundreds and hundreds of them. I know what goes on and what kind of work most people receive and have come to accept as normal. I never hire anyone to do my work. However, I needed to, based on some logistical limitations and timeframe. If and when I do hire anyone, for anything, I need referrals. I need to understand their business philosophy. I need to have them earn my business and prove to me, that I should look no further. Well, Manny and N.E.A. did just that. After meeting and speaking to Manny, I appreciated his advice. I had my own ideas, of course. However, he improved upon my plans. He showed me examples of other work they’d done and offered some very practical alternatives that would benefit my budget and the lifestyle, after the project was complete. His crew was equally courteous and professional. They were on time. They were neat, concerned with detail, and did what they told us that they would do, and offer. In short, the project and their performance was excellent. It did not meet with the scope of work that was outlined and agreed to, however. The project exceeded it and our expectations! This is not an easy task, with my experience and understanding of construction. I still am beyond impressed. That is why I am writing this review. I really didn’t have an option. It would be morally wrong of me to not share my experience with N.E.A. They are owed this feedback, and you should know it, too. No one does this kind of work anymore. So, the bottom line is, if you are within the range of operations for N.E.A. Construction, you would be foolish not to call N.E.A., and to speak with Manny. At least discuss your project, get some ideas, get a quote. Mr. K. is who you want working on your home and your project. You will be so glad that you did!

Fast, efficient, knowledgeable, experienced and tremendous attention to detail. I needed a builder for a new porch and outdoor kitchen in my backyard. NEA came highly recommended by a friend in the industry. Not the lowest bid but the level of service and expertise was proportionate to the cost. Their paperwork was very comprehensive and easy to understand with everything spelled out clearly. No hidden surprises. We had a few obstacles during construction due to the availability of materials, and I was most impressed by the owner's ability to improvise quickly, which seems to require a lot of experience. Excellent work Manny. Thank you.

I met Manny and the crew while they were working on the house next door. I am an insurance adjuster and know and have dealt with numerous contractors in my 40 plus years in the business. I watched them build a deck, from scratch, and knew right away they knew what they were doing. They overbuilt every aspect of the deck next door. I knew then they were the contractors for me, even though i easily could have used someone i knew from my business. I contracted with them to replace worn out stucco on the front of my house and to put a new roof, decking and stone veneer on my deck. Take a look at the attached photos! They did amazing work and added tremendous value to my home! The crew was awesome! They cleaned up every day, were polite and extremely hard working. Not only did they make my house beautiful, i now recommend them on insurance jobs whenever i can. I trust they will do a great job for my Clients and have no worries about recommending them. If you want a contractor who does great work and stands by their product, N.E.A. Construction is the right choice!! Remember, with contractors, you get what you pay for! John Natale

The final product exceeding my expectations and the pictures speak for themselves. The design recommendations were spot on as if the owner could read my thoughts on what I wanted. I couldn't be happier with my siding and windows.

I give Manny and his crew an A+. From the beginning of my deck project when I had only a vague sense about what I wanted, Manny helped me with ideas and suggestions that helped to formulate an outstanding result. They worked hard during this extremely trying year marked by COVID restrictions and supply chain issues. Manny kept me informed of progress of work, and took the time to explain when unforeseen circumstances or problems became apparent, and what the next steps needed to be. I came to trust them, and eventually contracted with them to do my roof and renovate my den as well as the deck.

N.E.A. did a beautiful job on our roof deck and terrace. We're so excited to use the new space!

Very professional and fast. They built a beautiful deck out in under two weeks. We chose Trex decking and are extremely happy with the final result. Owner was very creative and the carpenters are experts with this product. Supervisor was very knowledgeable. Very impressed with the neatness of the backyard during the process. Whole thing was organized and well thought out. Project was drawn in advance and the payment structure was very fair. Very happy with NEA Construction and highly recommend.

We advise anyone reading this not to hire NEA Construction for major construction projects especially as the contract makes it possible for them to drag on jobs as long as possible. We were strung along for weeks as he falsely cited code changes and scheduling conflicts with subcontractors. They also periodically threw in short burst of work that were intended to show false progress to the untrained eye on in order to collect checks for "substantial completion". We've been left homeless and without our savings.