08-29-2008, 04:59 PM
Starting this thread as a count balance to Stillhope's Contractors from hell.
While we need be cautious and wary, there are some REALLY good ones out there. Let's share the good also.
PLUMBING - RT's Plumbing, 961-0808. Out of Hilo, but work all over. Usually saw a crew of 4 or 5. Mine was new construction. These guys would arrive in morning and disperse to a variety of tasks, under the direct supervision of an experienced journeyman. Corrections made on the spot if warranted. Tony (owner) would often show up and be in the thick of it, sometimes doing the more labor intensive, not standing and supervising. These guys were not cheap, but I feel I definitely got my money's worth. I was often amazed at how much they got done in a day. Written contract for the work, but was able to make reasonable changes without price change. Good rep with county inspectors, not an automatic pass, but any Inspector adjustments were made immediately and passed.
ELECTRICAL - Ed Hirayama Electric, 969-6915. Again, out of Hilo but work island wide. To be honest, Ed did NOT want to do my job - never worked with ProTec (Castleblock) and predicted it would be a "ba humbug job". Actually, this worked to my advantage. I grew up doing the electrical stuff as my Dad was a licensed, master electrician, contractor. After discussing the project in great detail (and several times), Ed agreed to do it "Time and Material" I had agreed to due the physical stuff he saw as a challenge. As with the plumbers, these are quality guys and this is reflected in the cost. but again, so worth it. Work ethic was great also, show up on time, work, work, work. Similar relation with the inspectors. Only 2 major inspection (code) issues, the first of which started with my draftsperson, but I'm also responsible for the lack of communication and the 2nd I believe was a change of focus at the county level. Anyway, changes were immediately corrected and reinspections passed. Took two years to get to final, but Ed and I have a mutual respect and I'm sure he'd take my next job with far less hesitation.
ELECTRICIAN #2 - Jerry Gardner- 982-8197. Jerry didn't have his contractor license when we started our project, so I couldn't use him, BUT, after he got it I recommended him to 3 of my friends for new construction and he has done their houses. These guys still talk to me, have never voiced a complaint about Jerry and I believe are happy with the result. All passed final inspection. None are on PWeb although some of you have met them at my house.
I'd like to add my personal endorsement as I do have a project for him.
ETA: Jerry has since been my electrician of choice for the electrical work for our pool. Thanks, Jerry. [
]
CONCRETE - George - but George doesn't work south of Hilo.
Sooooooo, what's YOUR story?
David
Ninole Resident
While we need be cautious and wary, there are some REALLY good ones out there. Let's share the good also.
PLUMBING - RT's Plumbing, 961-0808. Out of Hilo, but work all over. Usually saw a crew of 4 or 5. Mine was new construction. These guys would arrive in morning and disperse to a variety of tasks, under the direct supervision of an experienced journeyman. Corrections made on the spot if warranted. Tony (owner) would often show up and be in the thick of it, sometimes doing the more labor intensive, not standing and supervising. These guys were not cheap, but I feel I definitely got my money's worth. I was often amazed at how much they got done in a day. Written contract for the work, but was able to make reasonable changes without price change. Good rep with county inspectors, not an automatic pass, but any Inspector adjustments were made immediately and passed.
ELECTRICAL - Ed Hirayama Electric, 969-6915. Again, out of Hilo but work island wide. To be honest, Ed did NOT want to do my job - never worked with ProTec (Castleblock) and predicted it would be a "ba humbug job". Actually, this worked to my advantage. I grew up doing the electrical stuff as my Dad was a licensed, master electrician, contractor. After discussing the project in great detail (and several times), Ed agreed to do it "Time and Material" I had agreed to due the physical stuff he saw as a challenge. As with the plumbers, these are quality guys and this is reflected in the cost. but again, so worth it. Work ethic was great also, show up on time, work, work, work. Similar relation with the inspectors. Only 2 major inspection (code) issues, the first of which started with my draftsperson, but I'm also responsible for the lack of communication and the 2nd I believe was a change of focus at the county level. Anyway, changes were immediately corrected and reinspections passed. Took two years to get to final, but Ed and I have a mutual respect and I'm sure he'd take my next job with far less hesitation.
ELECTRICIAN #2 - Jerry Gardner- 982-8197. Jerry didn't have his contractor license when we started our project, so I couldn't use him, BUT, after he got it I recommended him to 3 of my friends for new construction and he has done their houses. These guys still talk to me, have never voiced a complaint about Jerry and I believe are happy with the result. All passed final inspection. None are on PWeb although some of you have met them at my house.
I'd like to add my personal endorsement as I do have a project for him.
ETA: Jerry has since been my electrician of choice for the electrical work for our pool. Thanks, Jerry. [
]CONCRETE - George - but George doesn't work south of Hilo.
Sooooooo, what's YOUR story?
David
Ninole Resident
Ninole Resident
]_).