Rev. Fr. Steven A. Scarcia, D.Min. Emmanuel Episcopal Church
588 Albany Street
P.O. Box 592
Little Falls, New York 13365

December, 2010
Dear Chris,

I am writing this letter, on behalf of the Wardens. Congregation and Rector of Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Little Fails. New York.. Our Parish Church is an 1830s stone building which was in need of repair due to leaking at the steeple. roofing, stone work as well as work to be done on thc soffits. and painting etc. We had originally envisioned the work to be done in 3 stages; steeplc & repairs, soffit work and painting.

When you were contacted by members of the congregation, you came out to inspect the work to be done. Unlike other contractors whom we contacted who surveyed “the job” from their trucks, you climbed. inspected, went out on the roof, inspected the stone work and examined the soffits on the entire building. When you met with the Vestry/Building Committee, you provided us with examples of the new regulations for the State of New York, including the new safeguards due to lead paint removal, protective clothing for your employees, techniques you would use and the quality product you would use to seal, paint, cement as well as the materials you would use on the appropriate parts of the Church building.

In addition, you provided for us a fair proposal and a reasonable price in your estimate of the project. To say the least. “you gave us an offer that we coutdn‘t refuse!”

You started the work when you promised and your employees were always courteous and hard working. We would also have some parishioners who would stop and “check on” the progress you were making on the project. One couple commented that your employees were very busy doing their work. moving up and down the ladders and hanging from heights — and not miss a beat. Their work progress went along professionally, quickly, thoroughly and as promised. The only thing that hindered them on a couple of occasions was the weather. Yet somehow, they managed to still get some of the work done.

You completed the project as promised and within the budget. Your work not only met but exceeded our expectations. Members of the Congregations were not only impressed by the speed of your work but also by its quality. We heartily commend you and your work crew for a “Job Well Done!” We would not hesitate to pass along our complete satisfaction at your work and would recommend you highly! Don’t go too far away - we have more jobs down the road for you to do. Thanks for an excellent job Chris!

Sincerely,

The Rev. Fr. Steven A. Scarcia, D. Min, Rector 

Portobello Inn Bed & Breakfast 5989 State Route 5
P0 Box 169
Herkimer, New York
13350
Phone: (315) 823-8612 - cFax (315) 823-9376
Website: www.portobelloinn.com - EmaiL stay@portobelloinn.com

Dear Chris,

I am writing this letter on your behalf (Christopher Marlowe, General Contractor), to share with others our satisfaction with your work. It was after the fine work you did at Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Little Falls that we contacted you concerning a project here at Portobello Inn. Steve, one of my business partners had first hand knowledge of the work you did at the Church and he was indeed impressed.

We had contracted with you to insulate every nook and cranny of the Inn; from the basement to the attic. When you came for an inspection of the property & prepared the estimate, you did a thorough job. When your work crew arrived, they were very professional and went about the work in a timely and careful manner. We were also impressed with the way your crew worked on the project and the way they performed their job. We especially appreciated the professional way in which they policed the area, by cleaning and ensuring that it was left well maintained.

One important thing that we appreciated was the many “options” you provided us and the ways in which we could approach the job as a whole. You also shared with us the various additional needs that we should consider as well as some unexpected or unforeseen problems which might occur when insulating an old 1840s home. This helped us to consider not only the entire project, but also the possibility of additional work which we might have to consider.

When all was said and done, the project went without a hitch. You provided for us both a comprehensive set of items for us to consider in the insulating project and bottom line, you provided us a very reasonable price for doing the work.

Chris, we were very satisfied with your work and we would not hesitate to recommend you and your construction company to others. We would also like to have you back for future work which is on tap here at Portobello Inn. Great Job Chris and thanks!

Sincerely,

Roland S. Randall, Innkeeper

Christopher Marlowe,

Six years ago my husband and I decided to put an addition on our house. We called 4 contractors for estimates. One never got back to me. Another came in with the same estimate Chris gave me but had much less experience than Chris. One got back to me three months later.

Chris scheduled an appointment with me for a Saturday morning at 10. I was working. Chris showed up at my house on time and discussed the project with our specifications with my husband then proceeded to sit at our table and give us a bid. My husband called me at work and told me. I told him to call Chris back and give him our specifications for another addition on the opposite side of the house. The next morning Chris returned and gave us another estimate. We signed papers and Chris brought us proof of insurance. He told us when e would start the project in he spring.

Spring came as did the starting date. Chris called that day to say he needed to finish a project and would call us before the week was out. Four days later he started the project. Our additions were challenging as we have underground springs all around our house, changing our plans from a dug foundation to pylons.

Our additions are lovely. We love to show off our house. Everyone is astounded. Chris told me that our kitchen addition is called a "French sunroom" as it has mostly glass windows on three sides and is a step down from the original kitchen (also vaulted ceiling). The living room addition has two sides that are mostly windows. One side has a soapstone gas stove with bookcases. The forth side attaches to the house with a doorway. The only extra cost incurred was a second deck attached (and a step down) to the existing deck that we decided to add to the original project.

Barbara and John Wainwright