From Thumbtack Customer
Michael Rakultsev
I unfortunately did not have the best experience working with Michael. I live out of town and relied on him to complete the majority of this work without me being present, which made clear communication was especially important. I was able to be present for the first few days, but had to fly back home before the project was complete.
The scope of work included installing baseboards throughout the home, addressing some kitchen electrical upgrades, hiding the fridge water line, installing a bathroom sink, building a staircase railing, installing closet doors, and replacing exhaust fans.
While the staircase railing was by far the best, most of the remaining work did not meet expectations. I had intended for the home to be rent-ready upon completion, but instead have spent the past several weeks hiring others to correct multiple issues.
The baseboard installation was poorly finished in many areas. Caulking was missing, especially at corners, nail holes were not filled, and in some places (such as the closet), the boards did not properly meet the wall.
There were also communication concerns. For example, I purchased all of the baseboards for the project, knowing I would have extra left over in case of repairs. I later learned that the remaining leftover baseboards had been taken by Michael without prior discussion. I was told afterward that he took the extra baseboards because he installed , but did not charge me for, 40 extra feet of baseboards , more than the original 260 he quoted for. No such changes or charges were communicated to me during the project and this was only revealed when I asked where he left the extra boards after the project was completed.
Additionally, items discussed during the initial estimate were either not completed or later treated as add-ons. This included baseboards around the kitchen cabinets. When I realized they weren’t completed and asked if he was going to do them, I was charged more. I had also requested that the refrigerator water line be hidden prior to baseboard installation , which was not done.
The sink installation caused avoidable damage. Door trim in the bathroom was damaged and not repaired, and the wall was altered to fit the sink without my approval. Paint was also left on the new sink, requiring another contractor to scrape off. I would have returned the original sink I got and purchased a smaller one had I known these changes and damages were going to be made.
Painting supplies such as a roller and pan that I purchased for a later door project not related to their work were used without communication and left dried up, not rinsed, on my kitchen counter. Project debris and trash were left in the home, despite me informing them that there were designated dumpsters in my complex. The home is unoccupied, so I am not sure how they thought the trash would be taken out if they weren’t going to take it. I have now had to ask people I know to go take out the trash, as I was not told by them than it was left there.
Overall, the lack of communication, seemingly incomplete work, fine touches, and decisions made without my approval led to a very frustrating experience. I have had to invest additional time and money to correct these issues. I had hoped for a smooth, turnkey project and for my townhouse to be listed for rent by now, but unfortunately that was not the case.
Some of the pictures I am attaching are from Michael during and after the project, and some are from a video I received from others who did a walkthrough for me after the job was completed.
