McCrea Bernard J Excavation

Q. What are the most common jobs you do for your clients?

A. We do repairs of all types including regular household maintenance such as water heater flushing, air filters, light bulbs as well as full service remodeling services. We keep a regular clientele and try to be a one stop shop for all our client's homeowner needs. We provide consulting and referrals as well.

Q. What information do you recommend customers have ready when contacting you?

A. We do not generally give quotes over the phone, Every home is different and every job unique with it's own set of challenges. We do however offer free personalized estimates.

Q. What makes you stand out from other contractors in your area?

A. We are hand's on. WE don't bid the job and then send others in to do the work. We work one job at a time, so we are there throughout the process, to answer questions and make sure things are done properly.
The main difference is that we treat your house as if it was ours. We respect your home and try to leave it, at the very least, as clean as it was when we arrived. We clean up at the end of each day and will not leave tools and materials stacked around your home. Our goal is to make the remodeling process as pleasant as it can be for the home owner,

Q. What are the most rewarding aspects of being a local contractor?

A. Just that, being local. we tend to keep an ongoing relationship with our clients, and many become more than just customers. Our clients know that we are there for them and only a phone call away. even if it something as simple as changing a hard to reach lightbulb.

Q. Can you give advice to homeowners on how to find the best contractor for their project?

A. 1) Try to stay away from the big box stores and large contractors. They offer financing and are there to back up the warranty, but watch out... when they say "basic" install they mean basic. Watch out for the gotchas. Make sure the job is a "turn-key" job that includes everything. They may quote you a good price but often exclude things such as moving furniture, reconnecting appliances, re-installing a commode, removing an old floor, touch-ups etc...
2) Cheaper is not always cheaper. Watch out for the too small contractor who lives check to check and will under bid work to get the job. Many are often well meaning, but lack the resources to complete the job.
3) Check with friends and family for referrals, and take the time to check references.
4) Referral sites such as Angie's List can be a great source if you are willing to pay a small fee. But watch out for some of the on-line referral sites, many do not screen their contractors.
5) Don't give too much weight to the BBB. It is a good place to check for complaints, and the information is usually accurate, but keep in mind it is also a member's club.

Q. Describe three recent jobs where you made your clients really happy

A. I had a client who was selling her home. We went in and did all the repairs that we thought she would need done for the inspection. The inspector came through and only wrote up one small item. She sold her house and was very happy.

We did a remodel in a home that involved complete interior paint, closing walls, opening walls, removing cabinets and new custom built-ins. We installed new granite counter tops and back splash. The client was very pleased with the end results.

We did a complete kitchen remodel recently. We kept the old cabinets, but did a many modifications such as pull-outs, built microwave into the island, custom chimney hood and new furdown and moldings. We painted and antiqued the cabinets as well as did granite, appliances and lighting. Turned out fabulous. We modeled the kitchen after a Better Homes and Gardens cover and it turned out fabulous. I think we are as proud of it as she is.