Empire Home Improvement & Commercial Contractor

THIEVES WITH HORRIBLE CUSTOMER SERVICE -- PLEASE KEEP READING We had water damage to our chimney after the rains of August 2014. In February of 2015 we contracted Empire to tell us what was wrong and to resolve the issue. We made a deposit of $300 and paid the remaining $1,200 when were told by the contractor (Daniel) that the work was complete. Less than two months later we were still experiencing the issues they told us would be resolved by the work completed. <br /> After several attempts to reach them we were finally able to schedule for someone to come out. Someone came out recognized the issue and said he would return. To my surprise he never returned. For almost a year we've called (and left messages) on all the numbers listed (8 and counting) on the website and no one will ever return the calls. <br /> Finally, I get someone to call back (1/28/16), presumably because she thought I was new business. I explained my situation to Sarah and she scheduled an appointment for me. Appointment day arrives and surprise, no contractor! I called to get an ETA after expressing my frustration with this avoidance, I was told I would receive a call back with an update; 24-hours later and three messages still no call back. <br /> I can't believe this company has received good reviews, there is no useable website to speak of and the information listed on it is false - read the disclaimer at the bottom of the site. It admits that the images are false. I checked with Angie's List and the BBB, this company is not listed on either. [UPDATE: I found them under a slightly different name on Angie?s List not the name listed on the website or business card they provided. This review will be posted there. If I had a membership to Angie?s List prior to contracting them and read the reviews I would not have chosen them. They are NOT an A+ member, not even close.] <br /> I did a lot of digging and was finally able to come up with a name of the LLC it's listed under and an address but I'm not certain how accurate it is, there are at least four addresses - Dearborn, Wyandotte, Flat Rock and Eaton Rapids. With the LLC being ABCS Group of MI the "CEO" Barry Bucciarelli. Because of all the misleading information they've put out there regarding their work and contact information I will check to see if the builder's license is still valid with the county/state of MI. <br /> Empire is welcome to return my call to discuss this issue and plan remediation. I will then return to mark my reviews as successfully resolved. Until then, wherever their name is listed so will this review. <br /> ** Word of caution to anyone paying for work. DO use a credit card, you can always dispute the charges if the company does not complete the work as contracted. We made the error of paying by check. DO NOT ever pay by a check or cash** <br />

I received a quote from Empire for $2650 to install three new porch steps. We had received less expensive quotes for the work, but I decided to go with Empire because of its excellent reputation. <br /> The steps that they installed were lopsided and not centered. When I asked them to fix it, one of their employees inspected the work, and said that to make the steps perfectly level, they would need to install a new concrete slab in front of the steps. The cost would be an additional $700. We had not budgeted for this additional expense, and there had been no mention of this in the original quote, so I said to center and fix the steps as best as possible without installing the additional concrete. <br /> Later on, I returned home and saw that they had indeed fixed the steps, but I was surprised to find that they had poured a layer of concrete on top of the one they said needed to be replaced. I had not agreed on this work and called Empire to inquire what had happened. They responded that they had decided to do me a favor, and so they had poured the concrete so the steps would be even. They did not charge me for this work; however, they did not consult me about doing it, nor did they say that the work would ultimately not last. <br /> After the winter, that piece of concrete began chipping away and now looks terrible. I called Empire to fix it, but they replied that since it was work that they performed at no charge, it was not under warrantee (even though their website says that they guarantee all of their work). They said that since the slab had not been replaced properly, the steps were now sinking. They also said that the work they did several months before was meant to be a temporary fix, and that if I wanted the concrete slab replaced, it would now cost $1700.  <br /> <br />

They did a great job. They exceeded my expectations in getting this done because it was in bad shape and now it's just perfect. The price was worth every penny. In my opinion, it was high but we needed to do it and it was worth the money we put into it. They were punctual and they were very professional in their work.

<p>The first day they partially power washed, removed the bricks that were compromised by the tree and worked on the chimney.  So far, so good.  Then they rebuilt the patio after removing the tree roots, started on the step, resanded both front and back.  We had a dispute over the shape of the step and I called the supervisor.  We expected a match to the step in the front of our house, but it was a different shape, and as it turned out, they used different paver and stone material.  While we were on errands, they left (apparently thinking they were finished) but we didn't know if we were supposed to wash off the pavers or walk on them before the sand set up, etc.  I called the salesman (Dan) who was coming by to collect the balance.  He said the sand should set up and he would check on it as well as the step. The sand did not set up so they came back two more times to resand, each time not successful.  The step was not addressed while they concentrated on trying to correct the sanding problem.  The owner, Barry, did come out on a Sunday to try to correct the sanding problem, still not successful.  We did appreciate him taking personal time to help us out.  However, the sand continued to wash out.  The job started in late September, 2013, and continued throughout October.  Each time I had to initiate the contact, calling the office to remind them that we were still waiting to have this concluded.  I would call the office, Barry or Dan on their cells.  To Dan's credit, he always responded, but mostly just to punt to Barry.  As we were getting into Fall, the weather did interrupt their ability to repair the work and then in November, the weather was too cold.  At that time, I talked with Barry who said he fully intended to complete the job but with the weather, they would have to put it on the schedule in the Spring (2014) when the temperature was in the 60's. This Spring I called the office twice to find out when they were coming out (no call backs) then a 3rd time, I was able to talk with Barry on his cell.  He said he is aware of what needs to be done but is waiting for the weather to clear (rain).  However, it is now the first of July and the job is not complete.  We wonder if other jobs have been completed - closer to their office - while we wait.</p> <p><br /></p> <p>We would really like to resolve this amicably.  We think a good resolution would be a return of our money for the sanding/sealing process and the step.  But if they can complete this soon, to our satisfaction, that would be acceptable. And we would consider a review change.  We don't like giving anyone a negative review if there is an inclination to make things right in a timely manner.  But we are out of patience; it has been now almost a year. We do have pictures of the work that was done if needed.</p>

Totally awesome in all ways. <br />

I had some water damage showing inside above my fireplace.  I found Empire on Angie's List and called Dan.  Dan came out and quoted me a price.  They "fixed" my chimney and "re-shingled" a patch of my roof and the saddle near the chimney.  <br /> <br /> This spring, I noticed that there was new water damage to my vaulted ceiling.  After two telephone calls to Dan, he finally came out and agreed that the work that they had done in the fall had not held up.  He put two shingles that had come off back on the roof.  He said that he would get a crew to come out immediately to repair the shingles and he would also speak to the owner about the additional interior damages to my ceiling.  He never called back.  I called him back several times on his cell phone and received no response.  I called the main telephone number at Empire to speak with the owner and instead, spoke to the receptionist.  She would not connect me with the owner.  She knew of my issue and told me that someone would get back with me regarding the problem.  That was about two weeks ago. <br /> <br /> I called again and John answered the phone.  He said he was "filling in" for the person who usually answers the phone and I would have to call back later.  He said he could take my name and number, but it wouldn't do me any good and he wouldn't be able to get me any further than I am now.  I tried to call a different location, but all the telephone numbers are answered at the same location.  <br /> <br /> I called again the next day and finally spoke to the receptionist, again.  She apologized that someone had not returned my phone calls in a week and a half.  She said that Barry would contact me.  Barry called, came out and looked at the interior damage.  We discussed the problem.  He said he didn't think that the new water damage was caused by faulty repair.  He said he would come out next week.  He finally came out with a crew a week later and went on the roof.  They removed two additional shingles and replaced them with new shingles.  Barry said that he thought the old shingles were weather damaged, which is why they came off and leaked.  He would not compensate me for any interior repair because he claimed that the damage was not from his company's repair.  He said it was just a coincidence that the new water damage was near the old damaged area. <br /> <br /> Barry seems like a nice guy and I picked Empire because of their high reviews on Angie's List.  If you use them, I would definitely take his advice and only contact them and go through the company telephone number and not their cell numbers. <br />

Called them in 2012 to get an estimate on redoing part of my roof and closing up one side of my fireplace.  Dan came out when they said he would and gave me a quote.  It was a little high but he was willing to work with me to get the price down.  The guys showed up when they were supposed to and did the work in 2 days.  They did a good job and were great to work with. 

Our front porch stair was cracked in two place and the porch was an ugly mess.  It was a hazard for anyone to come to our front door.  We needed this done as soon as possible.  Dan thought he could finish up his previous job and could be at our home on Friday (the next day after signing the contract), however that didn't turn out, but he was out to our home bright and early Saturday morning (only one day later).  His crew was very quick and efficient.  They did an excellent job. I'm so thankful to Empire for getting this job completed to fast!  <br /> <br /> <br />

I was very happy with all aspects of my experience with Empire.  Everyone I dealt with was very nice and took time to explain everything in detail.  The price seemed middle of the road based on other estimates and the final result of the work was good.  The only problem I had was that it took me way too long to get someone back out to repair some cracking that had shown up in the original repair. <br />

I called Empire to have someone take a look at the problem and give me an estimate.  The Empire representative came out the following day, looked over the problem, took measurements, then gave me an estimate.  Compaired to the other estimates I had received from other companies I thought his was alright, so I took it.  He wanted half down payment and the balance paid upon completion of the work.  I wanted to pay half down and the balance paid off on 12 month installments.  He would not agree to that and never gave me a good enough reason why not  ( my credit rating is excellent )  I liked his estimate so I agreed to his terms on the deal.  (He was very friendly never the less).   He said it  would be two weeks  before the work would start because they were very busy with other jobs.  Finally, when the workers showed up to do the work they were extremely friendly, worked delegently and  followed my instruction as to how I wanted the work done.   The workers had to build scaffelting to work on my chemney top.  The intire job took about four days to complete.  The workers were promptly there everyday on time until the work was completely finished.  They thuroughly cleaned up there mess and did not do any damage to my proberty.  No flowers were crunched, no grass was smashed.  The workers gave me there upmost respect and I thought they did a great job.  I've got a five year warrenty on the work so hopefully I'll never have to use it. <br />

our church was having transformers replaced in our basement.  there was a space between the rooms containing the transformers and the room containing our boilers.  this needed to be sealed off before DTE could replace the transformers.  I called Empire and they had someone out for a bid within two hours and the work was completed the same day.  the brick mason was professional and the work was well done.  the cost was a bit much but for a same day job it was worth it. <br />

It went very well...We  picked out the carpet and Laminate we liked.. the man who did the estimate was very efficient...They even worked with us on a lower price...It was a pleasant experience...

Empire was prompt for bid but communications broke down immediately after agreeing and signing the proposed price. Unknowingly, contractor went on vacation without any notice to me, so I thought he was refusing to correspond to let me know when work would begin. After threatening to cancel, a senior project manager intervened to assure me that they were still interested in completing the work but that the contact was on vacation. He closed the loop and the work was completed satisfactorily within 10 days.

Called Empire to set up an appointment for an estimate. Their guy showed up on time and understood what needed to be done. He also explained to me how the porch is built and what needed to be repaired/replaced. In this case the brick and mortar needed to be replaced however the inner "wall" was fine, so there was no need for replacing the whole porch. His quote was $850 which was lower than the one other bid I had requested from another company. So i hired them on the spot. It was a afternoon Wednesday, he was able to schedule the work for Friday that same week. Since this type of work has some weather dependency he told me that he would call me on Thursday afternoon to confirm that Friday was a go. I received a call on Thursday evening confirming that we were on for Friday morning. The workers showed up on time and once they were there I had to go to work, so I left them at the house and went to work. At around 1:30pm I received another call from Empire saying that the work was done. I went to the house and reviewed the work, they did all that they said they would. I call them back to pay for the work with my credit card. Overall a very painless job. I would hire them again. <br /> <br /> Since nothing is 100% perfect, I will mention the couple of things that I was not super satisfied about: <br /> 1. they re-used some of the old brick to blend it with the existing brick from the house, while this seems like a great thing I think that in reality they didn't want to use too much of their own brick, the reason I say this is because from the ones they were able to salvage many of them had some green mold on them yet they still reused them and they can be seen pretty well. They had informed me that they were going to reuse some of the salvaged brick so it was not a surprise, the surprise was the use of the moldy brick. <br /> 2. For the amount of time it took and the amount of brick reused it seemed as though the price was little high (which is why I rated the price a B ).  <br /> <br /> As I said earlier, I would hire them again, the experience was great!

Excellent work performed in a timely manor.

They did a prety good job.  I'm pretty much satisfied with what they did. 

They are professional, and quick to come out to get the job done. They cleaned up very well after themselves. He was courteous and a reliable person.

Good experience. Excellent service.

My overall experience went very well from the appoinment to the job everything went very very well. I called a 5 different companies to look at the chimney and the house areas that needed repaired a few of the companies did not answer the phone or even return my messages I left for them. I was given Empire's number by a neighbor that used them to do some repairs on there house so I called Empire. They answered my call and set appoinment they were prompt on there appoinment time they showed up went on the roof to look over the chimney which the other companies did not do John from Empire gave me an estimate for the repairs. I told John I would look over the estimates I receaived and would let him know I called empire a few days later and gave them the go ahead to do the repairs. They gave me a date when they would be there and start the repairs.Joe from Empire showed up on the date I was given and came to door he introduced himself and got started. While Joe was repairing the chimney John came by to check on repair progress he inspected the job in progress and the finished repairs The repairs look great I am very happy I chose them to do the work the repairs went very smoothly.