We started out our timberframe projectwith Custom Woodcraft Builders, which imploded mid-project with a catfight between David Marquart and Mike Alarie. We kept on with Mike Alarie. The house was half-complete and we were worried about the time it would take to find someone to finish. Big mistake. We should have dropped him like a hot potato. Also be wary of his main subcontractor, Mr. Beaver. We ended up firingAlarie too late, after most of money had been paid, when he would not cooperate with completion of punchlist and failed to show up to meetings.

Here isa short list ofproblems which showa lack of attention to detail and poor foresight. These problems have either not yet been corrected or we have pictures. Unfortunately, file size of the pictures is too great to attach to this report. Problems:

Basement: forgot anchors for timbers;some steel studs are not anchored and somestuds arenot plumb, corners are not installed such that drywall can be attached.

HVAC:routed ductwork through built-in desk; did not place blower and condensor where he was told to put them.

Windows and doors: did not install windows and doors plumb.Two windows would not close,warranty on the windows voided because of his installation. Had one window replaced and we found in the process that he had not insulated around it, so we will have topull off trim around all windows to find out which of the others were also not properlyinsulated. My guess is that at least this will end up showing us how wasps keep getting in the house. Pocket doors were installed without proper guides anddo not latch. Front door is not plumb or square.

Floors: installed flooring right out of sealed boxes and the flooring cupped. Blamed it on us for not running air conditioning in summer when he was installing it (even though he had windows and doors open for other reasons). Fact of the matter is that he did not follow instructions on the box, and if flooring had equilibrated, it would have shrunkwhen the air conditioner wasturned onand would not have expanded and cupped.He cut a largehole through kitchen floor for ductwork that was put in wrong place and would not perform acceptable patch. We had to have someone else sand and refinish second floor that had irregular finish and lines scored across wood. Also for second floor: he did not order enough poplar subfloor in first batch and the second batch was not dry when he installed it. Not surprisingly,it warped and he had to replace it, leaving gaps infloor such that you can see from second floor throughto first in a couple spots.

Electrical: repeatedly drilled holes through cabinets rather than running wires between them.

Chimney: improperlyflashed. It leaks.

Exterior: improperly installed siding.

My advice: if he gives you references and they all sound good, ask for more references.