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EXTREMELY poor workmanship! I hired James Offutt (First Choice Contractors LLC) to add a small extension and set of stairs to my existing screened porch. His work was a mess, a disaster. I cannot even make a list of his flaws in a single review without going on and on. He has zero knowledge of building a deck properly and does not have a knowledge of safety and local codes. Not a single measurement in his work is right. Not a single connection is correct; you name it: decking boards to joist, joist to ledgers, stairs to stringers, stringers to joists, beams to old beamsâ ¦, any attachment and connections he has built is wrong. The stairs literally visibly shake when you walk on them because he did not place the footings properly inside the ground. LOTS and LOTS of nails missing joists, several nails cracking the boards, poking out with sharp tips. His lack of workmanship goes to the extent that he wanted to use a broken stringer to support the stairs and he changed it only - ONLY- after I confronted him and insisted on changing it. When signing the contract, he did not even inform me that I needed a permit for the project. He later said that I do not need a permit because it is just an extension of the existing deck. However, when I asked the county permitting office they confirmed that I did need a permit. I told James about this and he said this must be new regulation that he is not aware of. I called the county inspector again and told him what James Offutt said. The county inspector laughed and said this is a regulation that has been in place in Montgomery county permitting code for over 25 years and technically for any extension with footings, including stairs you need to get a permit. Long story short, I had the deck inspected by an independent house inspector with deck expertise. Within 10 minutes of looking at the deck he said, bottom-up, the entire project is a mess, and nothing of the deck is up to code; he confirmed that the deck is not safe and will fail ANY county inspection and told me to report this guy to MHIC which I did. I have reported him and his business to the Maryland Home Improvement Commission with an official complaint about doing a project without proper knowledge and skills which has caused damage to my property. I really do not write bad reviews, but this guy and his work were way below any standard that I felt I have to write this so that no one else would become a victim of this guy and his business. HomeAdvisor does not let you post pictures in the reviews. You can see some photos of his work on my other reviews online.

Very helpful contractor. Did a fantastic job. Have already recommended them to others.

I hired First Choice Contractors to remodel my master bathroom and I had a stress-free remodel experience, they were very professional and most important stayed on budget and schedule, they respected my home and my neighbors, keeping every area clean and organized. I highly recommend First Choice Contractors, you won't be disappointed.

VREY PROFESSIONAL DO THEIR JOB AND GO ABOVE AND BEYOND, TOTALLY HAPPY EITH THEM

Framed a door in the basement for me. They also installed a vanity in the bathroom. I would recommend them 100% because they are really good guys. If I need more work done, I'll call them.

First Choice Contractors finished off our unfinished basement, and I also had them remodel a bathroom. I found James to be honest and he also supplied a very nice crew. Unrelated to the work they were busy with, I thought I would have to replace my dishwasher, and James offered to look at it. He determined that it was still serviceable. In the end, I did NOT have to replace it and was able to have it repaired. Most other Contractors would have not given me that opinion. I appreciated that he gave me this advice, which resulted in an inexpensive repair, which saved me money!. I recommended his services to my sister and now she has a remodel project scheduled with James.