G & M Builders

Bryant with G&M Builders, Inc. is the most hardworking, talented Contractor I have ever seen. His attention to detail and design ideas truly amaze me. He is a perfectionist in every way. He even vacuums and cleans up after every workday so things remain as tidy as possible during your project.
If you take a lot of pride in your Home and want only THE BEST, G&M Builders, Inc is Your Company !!

I meant well, I really did. I’ve been having a lot of work done on my house this year and am trying to hire smaller, local contractors to keep money in the community vs. giving it to national chains or big box retailers. Not that there’s anything wrong with the big guys, I just wanted to support the smaller guys.
I got the name of Bryant Szudarski, G&M Builders from Menards, who provides names of contractors but does not endorse them, unlike Home Depot. I contacted a total of 3 contractors to inquire about getting estimates to replace 2 windows and 3 exterior doors in my house. I live in a very old home, so construction projects are challenging and time consuming. I’m not at all familiar with doors and windows — what materials to buy, how to measure, etc, so I need a lot of consultation and advice on this project.
Bryant was the first of the 3 contractors to respond to my message — a plus. He was also the highest recommended contractor from Menards, another plus. When we spoke on the phone, one of the first questions he asked me if I had already purchased my materials — this should have been a red flag to me. Windows and doors are costly and generally not returnable with the custom sizes that I knew would be required of my 170 year-​old house. It’s not like buying a $ 30 gallon of paint and deciding you don’t like it. I was upfront about my lack of knowledge and about the help I wanted from a contractor.
Bryant told me that he had made estimates for a lot of jobs and didn’t get the work, and that his wife told him he now needs to charge a measuring fee for measuring/​estimates. Red flag I should have noticed is not getting a lot of jobs. I’ve heard of places hiring for measuring, and in the spirit of being fair, agreed that paying a fee would be ok, especially since the fee would be applied to future service if I gave him the job. Now here’s where the blame for me comes in — I made the stupid error of not asking what the fee was, and instead figured we’d negotiate something at the time of my appointment, based on the amount of time it took to measure and talk me through the various options. I take full responsibility for my error here; it’s a big part of my overall dissatisfaction.
When Bryant came to my house, he started walking around measuring the doors and just saying the measurements out loud. Since he wasn’t documenting anything, I had to ask him if I should be writing down the measurements — he said yes. Red flag #3 — not prepared, not professional. After making measurements and telling me what sizes I’d have to go buy, but without sharing any knowledge about different types of windows and doors, Bryant then told me he WOULD NOT be able to give me an estimate on labor until I bought the materials — in other words, telling me to invest several thousand dollars to go in blind. He told me that he’d need to see what I got — even though he told me what sizes to buy — and then could estimate how much it would cost. He said he doesn’t always estimate jobs right otherwise (which I guess means he doesn’t think he gets paid fairly???) Red flag #4 I’ve had 3 visits from electricians, counter installation, 2 cabinet installations, 2 plumbing visits, and 4 roof estimates this summer and all of them provided me with up-​front pricing and labor estimates.
Now, here’s the nail in the coffin. At the end of Bryant’s visit, I was left feeling even more confused and overwhelmed. He presented me with a preprinted invoice for $ 150 for «service call/​measurements/​consultation.» Yes, totally my fault for not confirming the fee up front, I own that. However, the lack of actual service I got for my money left a bad taste in my mouth and a total lack of confidence in Bryant. I think the fee is high so that people will feel that they’ve already invested $ 150 that they’ll just go with him. Again, shame on me for not asking, but it was also shady of him to not say anything about pricing in advance, but rather handing me an envelope at the end. I feel I invested $ 150 in stupid tax, not in a future construction job on my house, but it was money spent towards learning exactly what I don’t want — and it’s why I’m making this review so that others won’t have this same experience. Unilocal reviews on carpenters are scarce; I wish I’d seen one on Bryant Szudarski for sure. Now I’m left feeling like an idiot.
He’s been in business for a while, so he no doubt has competent carpentry skills. However, the way he runs his business is totally unacceptable. A good business doesn’t have to be deceptive to get customers.
I’ve already scheduled a FREE in-​home consultation and measuring with Home Depot. It may cost more in the long run, but at least I’ll have guarantees and security.
As they say, buyer beware!