Custom Masonry & Fireplace Design, Inc.

Paul made an appointment with me to give a bid, and he communicated by phone when he was to be 2 hours early. I appreciate that courtesy.
I had sent him a tile idea by email in advance (which he didn’t comment on) and asked for a rough bid (which he didn’t provide). He immediately said when he arrived that he didn’t like the tile I had picked for my fireplace, and he didn’t like an alternative I showed him. He suggested that I make the fireplace the focal point of the bedroom, which wasn’t my plan. Paul didn’t really listen to any of my concerns and dismissed my ideas.
The only reason I called a fireplace guy instead of a tile guy was because I had a question about the «code» for changing the width of my tile surround, which is 8″ on one side and 18″ on the other. I was hoping to switch to 8″ on both sides. He first stated that codes are «model specific.» I said, no, I thought they were for the whole city??? Paul clarified and said he didn’t know the code tile width necessary for my fireplace and suggested I stick to the current width. But… I really wanted to know the rules, and Paul just didn’t know.
He came up with what felt like an outrageously high bid of $ 3500-​$ 4200 just for the labor to retile an existing, relatively small bedroom fireplace. Materials not included. Thus, I spent $ 75 for a bid (and perhaps 5 minutes of Paul’s time) that was of absolutely no use to me – he suggested materials that I had not chosen and the labor was substantially above my budget. He could not answer my one question. If he had been willing to respond to my email with any comments, I would not have wasted my time or money.
Paul did not do the work for my fireplace, so this is not a review of his work, but of his bidding process.
5÷15÷14
Paul called me today to respond to this review. He was argumentative but he did offer to not deposit the check I gave him.
I never received a formal bid from him. I have another bid from a stone installer recommended by the stone store, which came in at $ 1800. Paul said he didn’t follow through with emailing or sending me a proper bid because he could tell I was really unhappy with him at the time … but he did insist on getting a check that day, for what that’s worth, despite my obvious discomfort with his process.
I don’t usually pay for bids. It’s clear to me that reasonable people may realize that it’s not a good «fit» to work together on a project. I need someone who gives advice on my choices but doesn’t insist that it’s their way or the highway. Although I am grateful that Paul is returning my $ 75, I would still advise that potential clients consider the bid process vs the usual free bid where one gets a chance to meet a contractor in person and assess the «fit» and communication style before proceeding. It was clear to me again on the phone today that Paul’s communication style, which is less collaborative, is not a good fit for me.

Paul relined one chimney and rebuilt another. He was very professional and worked quickly. He and his worker did a great job and I would highly recommend him.