Ross Construction And Home Improvements

We hired Ross's company in 2010 to do a major reno of our main floor on a house we just purchased. The work req'd including removal of two walls, demo of existing kitchen and flooring in three rooms, installation of support beam, installation of hardwood floors, electrical and plumbing in preparation for kitchen cabinets and granite countertop install, replacement of kitchen window and replace patio doors with French doors - it was a pretty substantial reno.

The original timeframe for completion was 5 weeks - it was 9 weeks before the work was completed and final payment was made.

Based on our experience, the strength of Ross' team isn't in finishing-type of work i.e. drywall, hardwood installation. They were very diligent when they removed a supporting wall and replaced with a support beam (and subsequent support down to the basement). However the drywall work left a lot to be desired (i.e. you can still see the grooves in the ceiling where the original walls were situated; there are bumps and grooves in the walls where they patched up the walls).

Most concerning was the incorrect installation of the kitchen window. It was not installed straight/level and so it doesn't lock. We have tried to contact Ross on numerous occasions to address. He came to the house once and promised to contact us and come back - he never did. We have followed up with e-mails and phone calls to his office and cell with no response.

Given that the work has a "two year warranty" and it's been almost four years, we have given up trying to have this addressed.

It is unfortunate because we hired Ross and his company due to his initial professionalism and responsiveness. I don't doubt that he is a good general contractor with many years in the business but I do wonder about the competency of his crew (who did all the work, not Ross) especially in the type of work that is more finishing.

Contacted through Home Service Club - Issues as follows:
Hired to drywall 180 sf ceiling over lathe/plaster of old house - quoted 1785 with completion 2 1/2 days incl a Saturday as we would not do the job if it interfered with a furniture scheduled delivery.
Ross Construction promised completion in 3 days (to work Friday, Saturday and Monday morning [May 2013]) to accomodate our furniture delivery.
Ken and 2nd worker wasted Friday attaching board to wavy ceiling with no strapping, pulled it off, ran to HD for strapping and end of Friday had only begun strapping of perimeter. Over 11 ft span, strapping was off level by 1 3/4 inches. Ken & 2nd worker didn't show up Saturday. Monday Ken & 2nd worker shown a level masking tape line around room and asked to match ceiling to the level line. Workers adjusted strapping still not level but only off across 11 ft span 1" (owner gave up such 'high expectations' as 'level'!) Workers left early Monday, nearly finished screwing board - they had to get more drywall from HD to finish, the next day.
Tuesday owners cancelled furniture delivery! Workers finished screwing board up and began single mud coat and sanded.
Wednesday workers added mud? sanded? primed? and applied ceiling paint? and finished by 3pm. Ceiling is flat and white, dips 1" across the room, and looks OK without ceiling light on. With ceiling light on the mudded joints are clearly visible.
I would not use Ross Renovations / Ross Construction again and would discourage anyone considering them.

These guys are tops in my book! The initial presentation, done in person instead of via email, was very professional. They followed the schedule set out ahead of time quite accurately. They did take a long time to complete the job but the end result is so professional looking, anyone can tell it wasn't a DIY job! I was very impressed with the quality of all elements of their work. They were flexible and anxious to please. I am a very contented customer and would use them again -- as well as recommend them to my friends.

Ross, came in, figured out the problem that a 30 yr exp. plumber could not. Drain leak in the tub. Found replacement parts for old tub, replace with new drywall. Also took off stucco off the entire ceiling, (I wanted flat ceiling) and repainted it for me in the time and budget he committed to. Always responded less 24 hrs to my calls.