I had used Allen before to install a new floor in a bedroom, refinish another bedroom and refinish the family room floor, plus install trim in those rooms (in fall 2010), I called him again when it was time to do the next round of work. <br /> Allen is a great guy, and really seems to enjoy refinishing hardwood floors (a job that other contractors shy away from). When I did price comparisons in 2010, his charges were fully a third less than the other three companies I received estimates from. (I did not do any additional price shopping this time.) <br /> Allen had bit of a scheduling issue with another client. He had originally hoped to do the work in October, but let me know there would be a delay, and I told him that my timing was not critical, so he did not need to prioritize my work. Around Thanksgiving, he let me know that he had a delay on another job, and would like to start. We ripped up the old carpet and were ready the Monday after Thanksgiving. <br /> As agreed, my kids and I went to stay at a friend's house while the work was done, but I stopped by every day. With Allen, I find it useful to check on the work as it goes along. His prices are very good, but the quality can be a bit inconsistent. I'm a bit of a and quot;champagne taste, beer budgetand quot; person, so I checked on things as they went along and corrections were made as I requested. The finished work is not perfect, but is very good -- truly wonderful considering the price that he charged. <br /> In 2010, he worked alone, but this time he had an assistant, Mike, who did all the trim installation. After Allen had the trim delivered, I painted it and then Mike cut and installed it. This worked pretty well, except that at that late time in the season, the weather did not always cooperate, and I had to do much of the painting in my living room (with two layers of drop cloths over the newly-refinished floor). I will never again undertake major home renovation between Thanksgiving and Christmas - too stressful! <br /> We were out of the house for five days, a day longer than I had planned, but manageable. We were without a living room for three more weeks, due to the painting (and the weather) and Mike and Allen's schedule. That really wore on my nerves, but I saved a lot of money by painting the trim myself. The final work (tacking down the free edge of the remaining carpet) was completed at noon on Christmas Eve and I was delighted to be able to show off the and quot;newand quot; floors to my family. <br /> I really enjoy the floors! I will call Allen again when my kids are older and we reclaim the the final room from the old wall-to-wall carpeting -- the playroom. <br /> <br /> <br />