From Fred H.
Ocean Break Construction
Before I begin my review of Ocean Break Construction, let me tell you a little about were I am coming from. I spent most of my life doing my own projects and repairs mostly because I lost faith and patience for so-called tradesmen who ended up disappointing me, so I ended up learning to do things myself. As I got older, I did have to start hiring people, and at this point in my life I have only hired three companies who I can say have been excellent. One of them is Ocean Break Construction. If this review sounds a little too good to be true, that is because my standards are high, and Pete deserves an outstanding review.
I find that people tend to write long detailed reviews when they have had a negative experience. I think it is important to provide details when an experience is positive as well.
OUR PROJECT
We contracted Pete to build a two-floor addition on the rear of our 150 year-old house in Swansea. We were trying to find a good general contractor in September, 2018. We got hung up on drawings and permits, and the summer seemed to get away from us. We were worried that all the contractors would be too busy to get our job done before winter. Some contractors said they would squeeze us in, but we didn’t know if we could believe them.
PRICE
Pete’s quote was priced in the middle. We had one quote that was higher and one that was lower. We suspected that the lower one was a low-ball quote to try to get the job.
OUR DECISION
We liked Pete right away. He seemed very straight-forward and genuine. My wife is a very good judge of character, so the fact that she felt comfortable with Pete meant a lot to me.
Pete told us that a job he had planned to do next was delayed, and he could put our project ahead of it and start in a couple of weeks. We didn’t know Pete at all, but decided to trust him and signed the contract.
HOW THINGS WENT
Pete kept his word on every detail. He started immediately by bringing in his subcontractors to discuss our job and make plans. He started the job when he said he would and stayed on task until it was done. He handled town officials and inspectors very well and also did a great job handling subcontractors. When problems came up, Pete dealt with them in an appropriate manner. He was a great communicator he always kept us informed of what was going on and why. He had a few days when he seemed a bit flustered, a little tense—maybe a lot going on some days, but overall he was pleasant, cheerful, and nice to see every day.
Working on an old house usually involves surprises or issues that cannot be foreseen. When issues arose, Pete would discuss them with us and help come up with an agreeable solution. He was a good listener and was always anxious to please. He continually asked us if we were happy with the progress of the job.
Pete works with his crew. He is not just a supervisor. He sometimes had things to do, but he was on the job every day. The crew members were all likable guys. They were personable, friendly, respectful, and their work was excellent. The job site was always left as clean as possible with material and equipment stacked neatly.
Here is the thing I found most remarkable: Whenever I would walk by the guys and hear what they were talking about, they were always discussing how to do the particular job better…not faster, not cheaper, but how to do it better. That is what impressed me the most.
THE RESULT
We had to amend the original contract due to some changes required by the building inspector. Pete drew up an amended contract that we were both pleased with. He listed work details and charges so everything was very clear. There were no hidden charges or surprises.
My wife and I feel very fortunate to have found Pete and OBC. Contractors that we were already familiar with were too booked up to help us. We found OBC in an internet search, crossed our fingers, and got lucky.
Fred and Eileen Hallal
Swansea, MA 02777
