North American Building Inc

After initially speaking with Glenn, he seemed eager to help us draw up plans and build a 3 car garage.  The project got off to a rocky start when we were informed we would be responsible to obtain the necessary building permits.  The permit process ended up taking over 2 months and included us having to attend a meeting with the zoning board of appeals for a variance.  Once the permit was obtained it took over 3 months for work to begin.  The various start dates we were told came and went with no work being done or updates given until we called repeatedly.  We were constantly being told everything would be done quickly and once work started they would "hit it hard" to get it done.  This was not the case.  Phone calls for updates were not returned, neither were emails.  This project from the beginning to end should have taken no more than 4 weeks.  It has been nearly a year and it's still not completed.  Seems Glenn was eager to sign us up, but as far as I know he has yet to visit the site once construction actually began.  Otherwise he would have seen firsthand the lack of progress and the various piles of debris and trash left by his workers.  Glenn was informed by email including photos of the siding coming off in areas due to lack of nails in the top course and unfinished trim work around the garage doors. Saying we are very disappointed in this whole experience is an understatement. <br>

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unknown

We were greatly disappointed with the overall quality of the work completed and would not recommend this contractor to others. <br /> Glenn and his staff are very polite and professional. They listened to our concerns and attempted to fix any problems we called to their attention. They worked with closely with us to make design decisions and provided valuable input on parts needed and options to consider. However, the overall quality of the work was poor and sloppy. After work "finished," we had remaining concerns and issues that Glenn refused to come out to inspect. His location in Connecticut seems to make him reluctant to travel to Providence. <br /> <strong>Demolition</strong>:The demolition team did not use zip walls to limit the spread of dust in our home. Nor did they cover our wood floor outside of the bathroom to protect it from damage. They were so forceful and inaccurate with their sledge hammers that they (1) caused a major leak in the tub piping, leading to extreme water damage downstairs from the bathroom; and, (2) broke holes into each of the rooms connected to the bathroom, as well as through the wall in the hallway outside the bathroom. Their work was very sloppy and they showed no consideration for our property. <br /> <strong>Installations</strong>: The floor tile was poorly installed, with uneven sections, gaps in the grout, and cracks in the grout that continue to materialize after the work was finished. The shower shelves were initially installed at an angle such that our bathcare bottles slid off into the tub. The tiles were replaced and regrouted; 1-month later, the grout around the shelves is significantly cracked. The toilet water feed was loosely connected, leading to a drip. The recessed light cans were installed correctly, as was the exhaust fan, but the holes in which these things were placed were cut too large and NAB did not properly seal the openings. The tub faucet was not caulked and remains loose. <br /> <strong>Sloppiness</strong>: Our guest bedroom was used as a weigh station for their construction supplies, with parts and boxes being strewn across the floor and bed. Caulk was over-used in any gap or hole in walls or around appliances. The shower tiles were left with excessive amounts of grout stuck to them. <br /> <strong>Responsiveness</strong>: It took multiple emails and calls to get workers to our home to rectify outstanding problems. Glenn refused to inspect the bathroom after work completed. In fact, he only came to our home two times: at the start of the job and a couple weeks later to pick-up a check. <br /> <strong>Timeliness</strong>: We were promised a 4-5 day job. Work started before Thanksgiving and did not finish until New Year's Eve. NAB workers were at our home at least 8-10 different days. The workers generally showed up on time but their days ended early, with them starting at 7:30am and ending by 1pm.

I had signed two separate contracts with North American Building Inc., one for siding the house and the other for changing the roof line over the front door.  Construction began on the latter August 12, 2015 and was completed August 20th I was very satisfied with the results. The siding part of the project began on August 19th.  What should have taken approximately 3 to 6 working days as stated in the contract ended up stretching to 56 working days: August 19th to November 4th.  When the siding was delivered it did not match the color I had chosen in the brochure shown to me by NAB (North American Building Inc.).  At my request NAB got a color fan from the siding company and when compared with the colors in the brochure none of them matched or even came close.  It was apparent to me that the color I had chosen did not exist and none of the other colors the company offered in this particular siding style appealed to me.  I ended up having to settle for what they had sent.  I was not happy and felt I had no other recourse.  I believe that NAB should have had the proper color samples when presenting me with color choices and when they saw that the color was off should have at least offered me a discount or some compensation instead of saying to me “We will have to eat the cost”.  The color was not just a slight variation, which they state can happen, but a different color all together. I had expected that once we had gotten the color issue settled the installation of the siding would begin.  Unfortunately the appearance of the siding guy was spotty at best.  There was a perfect weather week where he never showed.  When I was finally able to speak with the secretary at NAB she told me that the guy was on vacation.  I never knew from week to week when or even if he was coming.  I was unable to count on this company to do the job that they stated in the contract they would do in 3 to 6 working days.  I lost all faith and trust in this company but at this point I just wanted it done.   On the final day of the job, which should have been a joyful occasion, I received a bill which was left between my front doors for an additional charge of $806.20 above the cost agreed upon in the contracts.  Glenn Grover (Owner) claimed that the soffit and aluminum for the back porch ceiling was not covered under the contract, this part of the project was completed October 7th. This was installed without consulting me first and according to the contract if it was not covered I was to be informed before any work was done.  Glenn found near the end of the job that he had miscalculated in his measuring of the house for the siding and came up short.  He had to order another box .  I think this was his way of making up the difference and then some.  During subsequent conversations with Glenn about this matter he more than once threatened to have the ceiling materials removed.  Per a conversation with my Lawyer my only option other than taking him to court and losing work was to negotiate with him on the price and I agreed to pay him an additional $250.00.  I feel I was taken advantage of.  The siding appears to have been done well but had I known in advance what it would be like having to deal with these people I would not have chosen this company.  The main reason I went with them was because they had been given a great rating on Angie’s list.

Initially the contractor was prompt and very professional, taking measurements and providing a detailed proposal that required modifications do to a verbiage issue we had. The attention to detail provided in the proposal was what originally convinced us to choose this contractor over the 3 other quotes we had.  We received the final contract on May 15th, 2015 of which we signed and returned with payment for drawings and initial deposit  as stipulated in the contract. Originals where mailed on May 18th, 2015, and a scanned copy of all documents where emailed as discussed with North American Building (Devon). <br /> Issues started to develop from the beginning that were minor in nature but continued to deteriorate over the span of the project. <br /> 5/24/15 Coordination of start of work: <br /> 1. Contractor intended to file for permit 5/29/15 and expected to obtain by 6/1/15.  As of  6/8/15 Contractor was not able to provide the time required to obtain the permit so as the homeowner we took it on ourselves to speed up the process, even though it was in the contract for North American Building (NAB) to take care of permitting with us to pay for the cost. We received permit 6/17/15 and informed NAB. <ol> <li></li> <li> 2. Dumpster was delivered to the house 6/1/15 even though a permit was not secured taking up driveway space when no work or demo could take place.</li> <li></li> <li> 3. 6/2/15 Received photo copies of the deck drawings - had to request hard copies from NAB for the building inspector in triplicate. For approval.</li> <li>4. 6/22/15 Deck start date "1 month plus from contract sign date or notice to proceed"  Demolition in progress</li> </ol> <br /> 5. 6/26/15 Sill rot issue identified - we requested pricing for repair. Received proposal 6/29/15 and signed and returned as a Notice to proceed with the work while demo is completed. <br /> 6. Start of deck framing installation 6/30/15 various issues identified; Missing joist hangers, water/ice shield to siding not installed, PVC plate not installed as indicated in the sill replacement quote with joist hanger installation against the house underway, Squaring corner cuts had to be redone, exterior beam support incorrectly supported. It should be noted that this was identified by us and not the contractor and submitted to NAB to correct. Same date 6/30/15 <br /> 7. 7/4/15 Framing installation on going and not installed per contract submitted and approved drawings. It should be noted that code violations pertaining to joist spans exceeding 13 feet for 2x6 lengths for a span that at max. should not exceed 9 ft. were identified and needed to be corrected, that where not picked up by the town building inspector and could have caused damage or even injury if not identified by us. Total deck length per plan drawing was shortened by a foot plus in both length and width of the deck. Offsets indicated by the contractor were required because the pool was not level, but the deck that was demoed was level with the pool. After sill plate was identified not installed in line 6, it was identified that the sill plate was not correctly secured to the house creating a gap. Note this was additional work and paid for above and beyond the estimated work. Deck frame code issues with securing frame to footings were again identified by us the homeowners.  Deck boards are now angled off the house and we were told this was because the pool and the house were not square however the deck that was taken down was square with both the house and the pool and no boards were at an angle. <br /> 8. NAB indicated all issues had been resolved and some had been verified by us, but after completion of work, deck boards have been found to be loose and bouncy, decking boards are cracking and splitting.  Deck work was completed by NAB 7/17/15. Note completion from start took twice as long from start date, and 4 times as long from the start of the process. <br /> 9. We contacted NAB about issues with decking boards cracking and splitting on 8/2/15 only 2 weeks after completed installation. We were informed in follow-up correspondence from NAB that this checking and not splitting however the boards are split all the way through which does not indicate "checking".  <br /> 10. 9/22/15 decking cracks and splits have increased and NAB has yet to resolve the issue and instead stating they are talking with their distributor and their distributor's distributor. We have not received any resolution from 8/2/15 to present 52 days and only being told the same information.  This has been one of the most frustrating experiences we have ever encountered.   <br /> I would advise anyone considering this company to verify that retainage is included in the contract to verify provided materials will not fail, and make sure that any contract you sign with them specifically states that you as owner have the right to approve / disapprove of any deviation that they want to make before they deviate from the design and that your local housing inspector or inspector of your choosing must approve the finished product before final payment is provided. <br />   <br />  

unknown

It went great!   Glen and his wife Lisa came out and took measurements, and then created drawings needed to get approval from the town for the permits.   Extensive work was done and it took a couple months in total.    We had them building two dormers and a balcony, reroof the home, install tile in the kitchen and bathrooms, install windows, and then paint inside and out.   It was a complicated process but Glen managed things well.  He has a good crew of workers.   We have referred North American Building to other people with similar results! <br />

<ol> <li></li> <li>Their initial responsiveness prior to starting work was great and their estimate very professionally prepared.  The crew on site was very polite throughout. Work was sporadic from the beginning, and especially after we complained that the footings and porch posts were not placed as designed (and approved by our local housing inspector).  </li> <li></li> <li>Glenn represented himself as Timber Tech certified, however he was only seen on premises twice and a key crew member working on the deck admitted he'd never worked with composite decking or installed stair rails before (the gaps and waste of materials due to this were not acceptable and ultimately expensive). At one point this person called his supervisor for assistance with the rails and was told to "just deal with it." Hard to blame the crew for this - the work should have received adequate attention from management. While we would get emails from Glenn, he was not responsive to using the phone.</li> <li></li> <li>Aside from improperly cut stair posts and rails, gaps between railing & house, etc. the materials management was non-existent and a 2 week project moved into 2 months -- always blamed on materials delays. Ultimately  We could not get any commitment to complete the decking, just what seemed to be a lot of excuses. We set a deadline of 1 week to remediate the errors and complete the rails for which Glenn was asked for a specific work list and timeline. What he responded is as follows (copied & pasted from email received): "<em>The challenge we face is we cannot solidify the date until we know the exact date the materials will be in. I am having a meeting here shortly to see if perhaps the work can be done on next Saturday which I would think would cover the bases. As soon as I can confirm that day or another I will let you know. We are to be having a meeting on this in about an hour or so. However I will not go as far as to say that whom I need to be there can be there on that specific date</em>..." .  <strong><em> In other words, absolutely no commitment to do anything</em></strong>. At that point we emailed back and told him we were done.</li> <li></li> <li>Also worth sharing about this organization: they represented themselves as licensed and insured. They were neither in Massachusetts during the entire time they worked on the deck. When I asked for proof of insurance, I got delay after delay while they were "switching carriers". After a month Glenn finally admitted they still did not have insurance and only sent me an insurance attachment on 8/7 (the day we terminated services).  That MA registration # on their letterhead is only that - the company is registered in MA - they were/ are not licensed here as of this writing.</li> <li></li> <li>I would advise anyone considering this company to read the other reviews - there is evidence to a lesser degree of the issues we described. Also, <strong>make sure that any contract you sign with them specifically states that you as owner have the right to approve / disapprove of any deviation that they want to make before they deviate from the design and that your local housing inspector must approve the finished product before you make final payment. </strong></li>     <br /> <br /> </ol> <p> </p>

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They came over and gave an estimate,they started the work immediately and finished a day early,they were very professional and did a fantastic job. We are planning on using then again,and once again they came over and have an estimate and are starting tommorow I cannot recommend them highly enough Glenn is a pro and his team is very professional. <br />

Skip the carpenter was great.  He knows what he is doing.  He told us that he'd been a carpenter for 27 years.  However, I don't think he read the manufacturer's installation manual.  Yes he could just look at anything and he could install it because of his experience.  However, it null and void the warranty for not following the instruction. <br />

Glenn was extremely responsive. I had trouble originally getting any contractors to give me an estimate, but Glenn was there the day after I called, and was able to fit us into a slot the same week to begin the work. The work took about a day and a half, and not only did they install the door they refinished and painted. Basically the finished product looked as if it had been there for years. I will never use anyone else for remodeling projects, Glenn and his crew were really friendly and you could tell they take pride in their work.

unknown

Glen and his crew performed a myriad of projects on an investment property of mine in Pomfret.   Their initial work was to install two gable dormers and a balcony, but I liked their work so much I had them tile a kitchen and 3 bathrooms, frame and sheetrock walls, install siding, paint, and they are still on the job helping me get done ahead of my original deadline.     I plan to work with him on several other renovation projects in the future... <br />

fantastic. He took care of all the details. <br />

<p>  We were on a waiting list but there was a cancellation and Glenn moved us up.  The guys were very professional, did excellent work and always prompt.  We are very pleased with the new deck and would highly recommend this company to anyone looking for a reliable contractor.  Thank you very much Glenn!</p> <p>Carl & Joan Lewis</p> <br />

<p>The guys from North American Building performed their job perfectly. Glenn was very responsive from the first phone call right on through to the end. For every question we had they had a real answer. Neat and clean throughout the project. Never missed a day and were finished on time. The quality of work is impressive and we have gone through a few contractors over the years so we know what is good and what isn't. They designed the deck and recommended materials and even provided their own building plans and handled the permit. Not to mention the interior work we needed done on our kitchen and moldings and finish work we had done in our living room etc. Excellent work. We will definitely be using them in the future. We already have our next project in the works. Going to use these guys while we can.</p> <br /> <br /> <p>Great Job </p> <br />

unknown

Went absolutely fantastic. From start to finish Glenn and his team were right on target. From the preliminary planning stage to the determining of materials, layout and all the small visual details you could want through the drawing up of building plans. It moved quickly and efficiently. There was  never a moment i felt left out or not in touch with what was going on.  <br /> Once construction started it went smoothly and quickly with no bumps just as agreed to and planned. In my profession as an Attorney legal documents are key. I must say the  way the estimate and contract documents are written up is a perfect combination that covers the customer and the contractor alike and covers all the details. They are very conscientious of leaving a minimal trace that they were ever there keeping things neat on a daily basis. All workers were very courteous and respectful. <br /> This is also not the first time I have used North American Building. They have done  many projects around our property including an extensive addition several years ago. They work hard to give you as much bang for the buck as they can and are also a world of knowledge and always come up with design ideas you didn't even think of that are within the style and purpose you are trying to achieve. They were also able to create ways of doing things that I was told by others couldn't be done.  I will continue to recommend them and use them for whatever projects that arise in the future. <br />

This was the third major construction project that Glenn Grover and the team at North American Building completed for me over the last 10 years.  Glenn came right over to help me understand the process of working with the insurenace company and helped me limit the damage when the flooding began from the Ice Dam.  The water damaged impacted half of the first floor of my house and required replacing the entire ceiling in the living room and kitchen.  It also required replacing the plastered walls along the back of the house and replacing the insulation and mouldings.  There are two things that I have to note, first is that Glenn answers the phone and always follows up. He is always on time and never missed an appontment.  It may sound like simple things but nobody I have worked with is as responsive and professional as Glenn and his team.  Since they were repairing a home that they had renovate 5 years earlier it was all fixed and you could not tell that there had ever been damage. All work was done on time and on budget with no surprises.   <br /> <strong>Prior Projects include:</strong> <br /> <ul> <ul> <ul> <ul> <li>1. There was also a 2nd floor addion to my home completed by North American Building.  This included removing the roof from 50% of the house and building a Master Bedroom Suite.  They completed the exterior to totally match the design and trim so that it looks like the original home and not a house that has been added to.  One very important note is that Glenn is a great designer and worked with us to create the plans and engineered some very creative soluitions to ensure open space using high tech materials to handle load on the second floor.  He also created the plans for the building inspector elimimnating the need and cost for and architect.  All work was completed on time and within budget. </li> <li></li> </ul> </ul> </ul> </ul> <p>2. They completed an a additon to a stand alone garage.  This included adding a 2 story third bay to the garage.  Glenn also used high tech materials to put the garage door on the side of the building and ensured our ability to use the second floor as a home office. All work was done on time and within budget. <br /> I highly recommend North American Building and Glenn Grover for any construction or renovation project, large or small. In the 30 years that I have been a homeowner no other contractor has ever come close to the quality, cost or professionalism. </p> <br />

It went great from start to finish. <br />

I hired Glenn in 2008 to reside my 1865 house with cedar clapboard shingles and to raise the roof structure covering our kitchen and bathroom.  He also gutted and remodeled the kitchen and bathroom.  This was a big job.  Glenn handled all of the necessary permitting and help us with the design to the point of even attending a Historic District Commission meeting to obtain the necessary approval. <br /> In 2012 I hired him again to reside and re-roof our detached garage.  And now we are working with Glenn on a design for some additional remodeling of our living room area. <br /> Glenn is excellent at what he does.  He is reliable and has a passion for quality.  He wants to make sure his customers are satisfied.  He is a perfectionist who tackles his jobs as if they were on his own property. <br /> I highly recommend given Glenn the opportunity to bid on your job.  You will not be disappointed. <br />

It went great ! it was a 1920's original mud job with tile everywhere.they took it down to the studs. It is such a messy job to tear everything down but they were very careful in protecting and covering my hardwood floors and stairs.my tile work is beautiful,they also built me a perfect radiator cover. They also helped me pick a great color for my walls,I was always afraid of color,but so happy I took their advice! I couldn't be happier with my bathroom remodel! I still admire it every time I step into it !!  <br />

We met with Glenn and were pleasantly surprised by his professionalism. The job went very nicely with very few hiccups. The contracts were very detailed,so we knew exactly what we were got. It turned out to be a bit larger then we originally planned but we are very pleased with the way it turned out.They showed up every morning on time. We would definitely use them again in the future. <br />