I would like to share with other potential customers my experience with these so-called “professionals”
When first contacted, the owner assured me that they are a long established company with many clients and references, so I should have no concern that the job would be done properly and on time. However, after I made my first payment to begin work, the problems started.
It was a VERY BIG MISTAKE to hire this contractor to do a custom iron work for my front yard. My project consisted of 3 decorative panels 50" X 86" and one bi-fold gate 72" X 12’ with hinges and surface mount drop bolts.
I asked them to come to my home and give me an estimate. I was told that they do not come to customer homes, and instead they asked for the pictures or drawings to give an estimate. It’s hard to understand how they can give an accurate estimate without seeing the job site. This should have been a red flag.
Subsequently, I emailed 3D drawings in PDF format and all information on the hardware that would be used for my project. I received a very high estimate that was well beyond my budget and asked if they could work with me to come up with a more reasonable price. After some negotiation, we agreed on the price and I asked to send me an agreement along with a payment schedule.
A person named Cameron came to pick up my previously purchased ornamental decorations. Cameron came late in the evening and didn’t take or verify any dimensions, only asking me to sign an agreement. This agreement I was given had no signatures from the company. Later I was told by the owner that this “agreement” was an estimate, but on the “estimate”, it clearly had the word AGREEMENT. At the beginning of the project, they told me it would be completed within a couple of weeks. It took from early November until mid-February to finish. They agreed to install the components that I purchased as part of the complete package, and I provided these parts directly to them. However, they lost the parts due to the extreme disorganization of their shop, and they did not compensate me for this. I had to repurchase the hardware and install it by myself in the end.
Detailed drawings with dimensions and instructions were provided by me, such as a Bill of Materials with vendors, and part numbers with prices. They told me that they never seen a customer who provided complete details for fabrication. None of this was used as intended, instead they just proceeded with the project the way it suited them without my input or approval. In my opinion, they should oversee all details of a project and supervise it closely, instead just constantly demanding payment for uncompleted work. This should have been clearly stated at the outset - what would be done and when the payment is due. They do not keep their customers informed, each time you have to ask them to update the project status.
The quality of the work was not up to standard, either. There were spots that should have been welded and were not done, which allowed moisture and rain to intrude, causing rust. The iron was supposed to be powder coated and this was also missing in spots. They used JB Weld to cover up the flaws in their workmanship instead of doing it properly the first time. Due to the lack of quality, I felt it necessary to watch and supervise the project more closely. They did not approve of this, of course, and let me know it on more than one occasion. I decided to just get this ordeal over with and let him keep the parts that he lost in his shop somewhere – it wasn’t worth the trouble to pursue this any further. I was just glad to get it all over with finally!
To summarize: This is a very unprofessional business. They don’t meet customer requirements or requests. They have very poor craftsmanship and performance. They are not skilled enough to perform custom work. They have a very bad attitude and make constant demands on their customers. I do not recommend them if you wish to keep your sanity. You have been warned!