Short Version:
If you need a repiping in your multifamily/single family property, self or tenant occupied, or new construction, do yourself a favor and call Ruben now. His gear, his team, and work results are perfect reflections of himself: professional and precise. You'll never look back. Or look for anybody else for future projects.
Detailed Version:
I bought a 4-plex that was in dire need of new pipes. At the same time I had the city install new water meters for each unit, so this was a good opportunity to get it all done in one - new pipes and separating out each unit to its own meter. Going into it, I knew it wasn't going to be easy, since all units were occupied by long time tenants. Housing Department wise this is not an easy task. I had multiple companies come out and bid on the project to get a sense for price and efficiency.
Ruben, the business owner, came out and took a look at the property, inside and out. We talked for a while about the goals of the project with timelines, the challenges, and intricacies. He immediately stood out from other contractors. He seemed honest and straight forward. He kept it simple and by that I don't mean a no big deal attitude but the bottom line was clear and precise. Where there was a clear task, he said so, and where there were possible variables, he did not dilute those.
By the end of our conversation, there was no question for me that I wanted to work with him. His bid came in and it was perfectly appropriate for the scope of work.
The next time we met, was at the Department for Building and Safety to apply for the permit. He was super comfortable with the process and knew every step along the way. The next 3 months went by, for me to go through the Housing Departments requirements, to be able to begin the work. In all this time, Ruben was patient and I kept him updated on the progress. I got a sense that he was an in-demand guy, just from other job site stories he told me. When I finally got a start date for my property, Ruben was ready for it and put it on his calendar. He had anticipated about 2 weeks for the project.
We spoke a few more times to coordinate the start of the project and then we met the 1st day of the work at the job site. I met his crew and they all were more than friendly and kind. I felt relieved, since they would enter my tenants homes and spend the next weeks there. Ruben understood this and was concerned with making sure that the tenants and their space was being respected.
In the next two weeks, Ruben and his crew, repiped the entire building with new hot and cold water lines. He used a combination of PEX A, the highest grade of Pex piping, and type L copper pipes. He ran into a few smaller challenges along the way but handled them all with no problem. As a result there were basically no surprises since he had anticipated it all and we spoke about it in advance.
Originally we did speak about the possibility of replacing the drain lines as well, but Ruben said, he can tell in more detail what needs to be done, once the walls are opened up for the repipe. At that time, he suggested to replace a few drain lines but ultimately it made sense, to replace them all for a complete job. Ruben agreed and in order to keep with the original time line of 2 weeks, he brought on additional guys! Absolutely brilliant!
Ruben went above and beyond to make sure the job was done right, to code, and to his own standards. To give an example of his holistic view, he made sure to only cut the tile in the bathroom that was absolutely necessary to cut and showed the same consideration in all other areas of the work! He made sure to keep his footprint small, and the crew did an amazing job cleaning the site at the end of each day. The tenants were happy and comfortable throughout, and that relaxed me.
Long story short, the inspector came in, looked at the work and was impressed by the quality of the craftsmanship! He signed off on the spot and the guys closed the walls so my tenants could get back to their lives. The project was done on time, on budget, and above and beyond expectations!
I'll tell you this, I deal with contractors here and there, but Ruben is different. When he said he would call, HE CALLED! When he said, he'd be there, HE WAS THERE! When he said, he'd make it happen, HE DID! EVERY SINGLE TIME! He was kind, calm, and reliable throughout the entire time he worked on my property. This review does not do justice of how grateful I am for all the work Ruben and his guys did!