Communication makes projects tick. Well – good communication does. The lack of communication or “half-assed” communication tends to create tensions, discontent, and even conflict. Once that has happened it can derail a project.
I am sure we all have anecdotes of individuals or companies with communication skills or lack thereof. I consider myself lucky because so far I have had contractors working on our deep energy retrofit who kept me abreast, listened to me, coordinated with me, and returned phone calls in a timely manner.
It wasn’t just all luck. I did quite some research on our contractors, relied on referrals, and often informally interviewed them.
Well, no lucky streak lasts forever, despite research and referrals. Our porch contractor, Mr. Porch (yes, that is the name of the company) confirmed the schedule for the back porch demolition, only to not show up – and not even call to let me know or reschedule.
Another start date was confirmed – and that too passed without any action. Then a substantial addendum to the contract was e-mailed to me, with no meaningful explanation. I have been calling on an almost daily basis to seek clarification. All I get is voicemail, but no return calls. Mr. Porch doesn’t talk.
We are left in the dark and may have to postpone the porch project and start building it next spring.
4 or so years ago I had Mr Porch bid on our deck. I didn’t go with him despite his being the low bid because I just didn’t get the right vibe. Instead I went with Porch systems whom I can’t recommend enough. They were awesome, helped us with a custom design and built a kick ass porch that is still, years later, as good as new. Lots of great photos of their work on their website. You should call them.
Yeah. I was one of the one who gave their name. Never used them myself but have seen good work done by them here in Hyde Park.
Sorry for that and I will be giving a negative review/reviews out in the real and cyberworld.
Mr. Porch from my understanding hires sub contractors to do the work. They may have one crew of their own but they definitely subcontract.
Special to Seth B: can you elaborate on how opening your porch changed the feel of your place?
Ouch!!! You guys are making me feel so welcomed but thanks for all the feed back on the company. Marcus, I’ve attempt to call you three times this week to discuss all the changes you made to the blue print. You’ve doubled the cost of your porch and now we have a change order that you have not addressed in over a week. I’ve never ripped off anyone, all my porches pass inspection and never had one unhappy customer for the record. I do over 200 porches a year and have a great reputation in the city of chicago. Feel free to call anyone of the 8 people you claim don’t call you back.
Quick update to my post from November 10th 2014: As some readers may know, we switched porch contractors and were able to successfully rebuild our back porch in 2015. However, Mr Porch was still holding the original paperwork (plans and permit), and I recently needed access to it. I called them, and they were very helpful, prompt and professional in getting me access to the documents I needed. This was a very nice change to my experience back in late 2014. And to keep things fair, I feel this positive experience is worth mentioning too.