G & M Builders

I got the name of Bryant Szudarski, G&M Builders from Menards, who provides names of contractors but does not endorse them. I contacted 3 contractors to get estimates to replace 2 windows and 3 exterior doors in my old home, where construction projects are challenging and time consuming. I’m not familiar with doors and windows – what materials to buy, how to measure; I need expert advice.



Bryant was the first to respond to my message – a 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. 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 that could be applied to future work. 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, Now here’s where the blame for me comes in – I made did not ask what the fee was; 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.



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 this down – 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 Red flag #4 I’ve over 10 contractor visits this summer for different jobs; all of them provided 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.



He’s been in business for a while, so he no doubt has competent carpentry skills. However, the way he runs his business doesn't work for m,e.