Build or Replace a Deck or Non-Masonry Porch
We hired Peter to replace the 2nd story deck on the back of our house. He is one of the most responsive contractors we have ever worked with. He always shows up when he says he is going to be there, he is easy to reach when you need to ask him a question, and he completed the job in an extremely timely manner. Peter and the two guys who worked with him built an extremely sturdy, awesome looking deck for us. There were some challenges with getting the permits in place due to delays with the town and because of the layout of the deck is so close to our septic, however, Peter assured that everything went smoothly and to code. We will definitely hire him again for future projects and recommend him to our family and friends.
Remodel a Basement
We hired Ocean Break Remodel to finish our small basement (~225 sq ft). Peter and his crew were great to work with and in addition to doing high quality work, they also finished on schedule and within budget. I am very glad we chose to work with them and would highly recommend them.
Remodel a Bedroom
Peter is a gem! His work is first-rate, he is incredibly responsive and his pricing is reasonable. He did an amazing job on finishing off our unfinished space. He was creative, efficient and a workhorse. The quality of his work is undeniably good. All my neighbors want to hire him now.
Build or Replace a Deck or Non-Masonry Porch
I’ve personally seen how building or making modifications to your home can be very stressful. In early August of this year, we signed a contract with Ocean Break to demo our old deck and build a new deck/3 Season room combination. We found them on Home Advisor. From day one, the operation was totally professional. Peter Walsh, the owner of ocean break, quickly provided a proper contract capturing the results of the interview that preceded the start of work. The work promptly commenced shortly thereafter. The first phase of the project, the framing, was efficiently completed in a little over a week. Peter is the type of contractor who encourages you to be involved, choosing materials and colors and watching the daily progress of the project. He is happy to go over the work that has been done each day being sure to point out things he thinks you should know. All of the workers were extremely friendly and professional. My wife and I actually looked forward to seeing them bright and early each morning. Peter was extremely patient as we often changed our minds about design features and materials. He encouraged me, a veteran, to personally purchase many of the materials at Home Depot and Lowe's so that I could get my 10% veterans discount. The entire project was completed on schedule and within a reasonable Delta of the original projected price. As inevitably happens, we changed a few things from the original plan which appropriately increased the cost of the project. Peter always reminded us of when such deviations took place so that there would be no surprises at the end. The project was completed a little over a week ago. There was the inevitable punch list at the end which Peter took care of immediately. He even reused the section of gutter that had been cut off the house to accommodate the new room to save us money. With two weeks remaining in the project, Peter gave us a final figure and he stuck to it. So, now my wife and I have a three Season room and deck which we love. and, I'd like to think, we also have a good friend in Peter Walsh whom I highly recommend. One final point. As I watched the final vinyl plank be installed on the floor, without a single plank being ripped, I realized that, because it fit perfectly, the room was perfectly Square. Now that is skill and craftsmanship!
Manage a Construction Project
Peter was responsive, creative, knowledgeable, hard-working, reliable. He had never built a treehouse before and undertook the project by informing himself, consulting experts, working with me over design, and communicating well at every stage. He was realistic in budgeting and kept to his plan. A very nice person and a pleasure to work with. I'd give the highest recommendation.
New Construction & Addition
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