Kitchen & Bath Remodeler - Alameda, CA
1.0
Green Sequoia Construction Group is a full service , licensed, bonded and insured General Contractor, We remodel complete homes and commercial projects, including building new buildings, additions or remodeling existing spaces, to include running new electrical, plumbing, mechanical, framing, roofing, drywall, painting and flooring. We can do seismic retrofit to help strengthen the structure which will reduce the cost of the homeowners insurance and help with the new laws regarding the retrofit for all the soft story homes throughout the San Francisco area. We have a full range of architects, engineers and subcontractors that we work with that are all licensed, bonded and insured. Green Sequoia will serve as an owners consultant for construction projects to help oversee the work provided by other contractors, helping to ensure the quality of work is provided and to make sure the project is on schedule and built per plans and specifications. We can help with the permit and inspection process.
Jonathan J.
We had very high hopes for Green Sequoia assisting us with the phased remodel of our home, beginning with installation of a backyard flagstone paver patio and bathroom remodel, followed by kitchen remodel and exterior remodel (re-shake and metal roof installation). The patio and bathroom projects were to be undertaken simultaneously, but, luckily, delays in getting the bathroom design completed required splitting the projects under 2 contracts. The patio project remains incomplete and has the quality of a bad DIY project (i.e., we are convinced that we could have done an equal or better job, likely the latter). We requested paver borders in addition to the main flagstone-type pavers and relayed the style and color choices to our PM Justin several times as we were told that demolition could not be scheduled until we selected them. Imagine our surprise when the demo team showed up a day after the scheduled demo day (missed the day completely with no notice at all after we stayed home to work and cleared morning schedules to prep for arrival) asking what pavers we wanted so they could order them. We again relayed our choices and reserved our consternation. Were told several days later the borders we wanted could only be ordered by full pallet so had to choose another, which we did. A week later (note we were told demo to completion would be 3 days and this was already several weeks past the contractual substantial completion date), the crew showed up and the "border" stones were the wrong color and were square, rather than the rectangular curb style borders we chose the second time around. Wanting to finally use our backyard for summer, we agreed to ditch the stones so long as the patio would be cut to have straight borders. Aside from having crooked borders and extremely bad concrete work, the initial sand used to bind the pavers did not set, blowing everywhere at the slightest wind and getting over everything inside and out. Damage was also done to our retaining wall during demolition (hole knocked in the concrete in one section, steel support beam knocked lose from concrete and bent in another location), which was "patched" in an unsightly and haphazard manner. We know question the integrity of the retaining wall. Steps outlined on Belgard website and in their installation videos for paver installation were not followed; notably the multi-step compaction and polymeric sand setting process steps. During this whole process, no on-site management from Justin, miscommunication on pavers he said he would order and that had to be ordered before demo, and no notice in advance of no-shows/late arrivals. He popped up after an e-mail in to them and owner of GS then came feigned anger over shoddy workmanship and promised fix based on punch list I sent (including straightening edges, removing remainder of debris left from demo and installation, and replacement of sand with polymeric setting sand to bond pavers. Guys came today and at least handled sand only, but there will be a good deal of polymer residue on the pavers that they "hope" will go away with time/use, but noted it is good for "traction when you have guests over." Calling it quits and will handle the other items ourselves. One star as a default setting, one for the attempt, half-hearted as it was, to fix. Bottom line is that this project was riddled with uncommunicated and unnecessary delays, complete lack of oversight of unskilled labor, a complete absence of attention to detail and care to have the project look professionally done and remotely aesthetically pleasing, and unexplained miscommunications/misrepresentations. Great choice if you are looking to try out being a construction foreman/project manager, otherwise, Caveat emptor.
Address
2363 Mariner Square Dr Ste 141
Alameda, CA 94501
Photo | Project | Date | Description | Cost | Home |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Cedar Dwelling Remodeling | Nov 2017 | Kitchen remodel-replace cabinets, counter-tops, floor and sink; master bathroom remodel-convert existing tub/shower to shower only; replace toilet vanity and sink; hall bathroom remodel-replace tub/shower vanity sink and toilet; install led lighting throughout house | $62k | Livermore, CA |