re: If It Sounds Too Good...
When looking for a contractor for my kitchen and bathroom renovation, I came across a post on the Brownstoner that highly recommended Philip Spina. When I first contacted him, I, too, was impressed. A retired fireman, Phil is a genuinely nice guy and he speaks English. I’m convinced that he really wants to do a…
When looking for a contractor for my kitchen and bathroom renovation, I came across a post on the Brownstoner that highly recommended Philip Spina.
When I first contacted him, I, too, was impressed. A retired fireman, Phil is a genuinely nice guy and he speaks English. I’m convinced that he really wants to do a good job. Alas, he lacks the organizational skills and the follow-through to be effective. He also seemed to be in unfamiliar terrain in my highly designed apartment.
Phil Spina has no overhead–no office, no van, no dumpster. On day one, I had to loan him my neighbor’s ladder. Considering that fact, his prices are high.
Nothing is agreed upon in writing and written documents I prepared were largely ignored.
The tile work done by his subcontractor was superb. I wish I had hired that firm directly. Half of the electrical work was not done by the licenced electrician–even though that’s what I was paying for.
At this point I’m still waiting for Phil to return the two lamps that were broken during the renovation and make good on some of the small corrections he promised to make.
I guess (or should I say I hope?)one day, the door bell will ring and Phil will walk in beaming–proud that he’s finally gotten it together–and he’ll expect me to be thrilled.
Philip Spina was the general contractor when our house was renovated. The renovation was completed in mid February of 2010.
Despite that you believe Phil “has no overhead – no office, no van, no dumpster..”, on the contrary, throughout the construction, there was always a dumpster parked on our driveway. Not the same dumpster of course. Phil must have replaced at least 8 dumpsters during the course of the construction. We had a gut renovation on our three family house in Brooklyn, which explains why so many dumpsters were required.
Further, I know for fact that Phil has at least two pickup trucks and a van because he had his workers use the trucks to help us to move out of the house in order to vacate the premises for the renovation. Our neighbors complained jokingly that Phil and his crew took up the parking spaces on the street because they had an average of five pickup trucks around the house on a daily basis. The neighbors also constantly reminded us that they were very impressed to see how the entire construction process was conducted so professionally with such a hard working crew, high standard equipment and a friendly and competent general contractor.
According to our construction agreement with Phil, the dumpster, including the disposal of the construction debris, was a line item specified within the detailed breakdown of the renovation cost. Sending his workers to help us to move on a Saturday was a courtesy so I would consider it as Phil’s overhead expense. The overhead expenses didn’t end there. After helping us to move back into the house and helping us to “settle in”, Phil had his workers hook up the washer/dryer and televisions, as well as mounting and installing furniture and equipment, etc. The bonuses he gave us throughout this project were countless.
Phil also did his share of handling high end fixture and equipment for our house. He installed TOTO bathroom fixtures for the four and a half baths; Sub-zero refrigerators and Miele electrical appliances, including an induction cooktop, for our kitchens; central air conditioning units; and all copper and cast iron piping throughout the entire house (the copper and cast iron piping are my favorite). Our Boffi Kitchen designer described Phil as “a good guy” and easy to work with.
In regard to the tile work, if we are thinking of the same subcontractor, the person’s name should be Dom; a very thoughtful guy. He did most of tile work on our house, and the rest was done by Phil. Dom’s work is very good and we’re happy with Phil’s work as well. Dom told me that he and Phil had worked together for more than 20 years. He likes working with Phil very much. According to Dom, Phil is considerate and always lays out the ground work to facilitate his subcontractors.
After four and a half months, Phil built us a beautiful modern new house that is cute and lovely. The product speaks for itself: Phil is a competent and reliable contractor. He manages his time very well.
In addition, during the month of March, Phil also worked on a much smaller project for a friend who lives in Brooklyn Heights. As always, he followed protocol diligently by preparing all the necessary and required documents to obtain approval from the coop board of the building. As soon as the approval was issued, he finished the job within two days. My friend told him that he did an excellent job, and was pleased with his work.
In conclusion, I do agree with you on one comment: Phil is a good (nice) guy.
Mary Bright.
Hey can you please post the name of the sub contractor who laid the tile work. Thank you or send to my e-mail flawlessphoto06@verizon.net
Thanks