The project: Remove the entire front wall of our garage (20-foot?), install a beam across the full width, rebuild the front wall, rearrange the electrical for light and power (previously on the front wall), and replace an 8-foot overhead door with a new 16-foot overhead door.
1. The bid - Penn Contractors provided us with a clear, complete and competitive estimate. We chose Penn Contractors from among three bids because: they discussed on-site with us what we wanted done; they walked the job with us, discussing the process and materials; they discussed with us a work and payment schedule convenient for us; shortly thereafter, they sent us a detailed estimate for the materials and labor. I had one or two minor questions about the estimate. I called into their office, and got clear, complete and satisfactory answers.
2. The work - Delivery of the beam from out-of-state was the pacing item for the work. Penn Contractors called us several times to discuss the schedule, to ensure delivery and start of work would be convenient to us. Following beam installation and completion of framing, power and light electrical work was completed. Overhead door installation was done separately by the overhead door vendor.
3. A detail - a light switch for (existing) spotlights had been moved (necessary; it had been on the front wall) and reinstalled, due to existing wire length, a bit too high to reach conveniently. That was discussed with us, and, due to extra materials and labor, an additional charge of $100 was added to the total cost. That was the only "adjustment" to the cost. Note: I have *no* problem with paying for what I get, but that detail could probably have been anticipated.
4. Workmanship - the quality of the finished work is excellent. The (lead) carpenter who did the work obviously took pride in the product. Everything is square, plumb, tight and nicely finished. The existing side door of the garage opened in and would have interfered with the new overhead door rails. As the carpenter suggested, the door was rehung to open out (as it should've originally been done anyway), with hinges and lock re-mortised, all better than original.
5. Cleanup - all old materials were removed and the garage and driveway left clean. That's to be expected, of course, but it's really nice to simply pull the cars back in the driveway and get our garage back (literally) minutes after the job is done.
We were impressed by all the Penn Contractor personnel we came in contact with. The project leader visited the site several times, checking with the workman (and listening to them!) and with us (and listening to us), to ensure the job was progressing as it should, and to ensure we were going to get what we wanted. The lead carpenter, several times, discussed installation details with me as the work went on.
Penn Contractors' work was hassle-free. We got what we wanted at the cost we anticipated. Because of my experience, not only would I confidently recommend them, I'm currently in contact with them again regarding a series of long-term home improvements, to get their ideas and advice.
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