General Contractor reviews in Chesapeake, Virginia

As I purhased a foreclosure as a new widow in Dec 2012, I had no idea who to have repair a non working Heat Pump, for a closing of Jan 4, 2013. Temps are in 20-30s in North Eastern NC, just south of Chesapeake, VA 7 miles.

Mr Carter himself came & inspected the HVAC with his senior sales person. He at 62 was up in my attic. I thought at his age he could be trusted for a fair bid & work ethic as his company is quite large. He came down and said he would get back to me the following week as the system was not working at all and I had to remain in a hotel, while repairs were being done. (I was prior military dependant & was relatively new as my husband came with me and within 6 weeks was gone as we discovered Cancer that had metz to the brain)

Mr Carter gave me a bid of $2100 for compressor repair still under warrenty. For all necessary work which he never would be specific on problems, and stated I had a fire hazard in attic also. Repairs were going to be > $22,000. I said he could do initial work to get heat generated in house to move in, but I had no money for even that. My girl friends helped me get in.

I had 2 other bids and they confirmed there was an electrical problem and other issues that mounted to >18,000 to 21,000. My heart just sank.

It was waiting on a little insurance money $11,000 but still was going to be still short. Hime Depot contracter was one of the other two.

Over next 6-7 months I talked to people in my new area as to who to call. I met a contractor in Home Depot in VA who recommended a new business in NC - a prior employee. I found a reputable owner in NC who told me exactly what was wrong in several areas but mostly mice ate holes through 18 flex duct lines. The heat strips inadequate for house size and a gauge of wire was under rated for current heat strips and was $4,600 with an improved digital thermostat - preferred but not needed.

The repairs on this 8.5 yr old system was welcomed. Electric bill came down. Now after 14 y heat pump gave up, & replacing with split system Central AC and gas furnace as R 410a will not work as you approach 37 degrees F.

(Note: 3 1/2 y after becoming a widow I met a widower who was an electrician 40+ years and HVAC service& installation tech - & a owner for 7 yrs of his own company in PA. I found out many unethical things about the HVAC industry in this area. Not just Mr Carter... but he was the highest bid.)

GO ELSEWHERE FOR WORK!

Called and left a msg with Linda, regarding a quote for a water heater install. Was advised that Mr. Carter was out and he would call back. He called back and I gave him the details of requested work. I told him I was getting estimates since it was a lot of money.

He flat out told me "it won't make a difference, go with the other estimates", and he hung up on me. I called back thinking we got disconnected, but we didn't. Explained what happened to the receptionist and she was very apologetic on his behalf.

He could've been having a bad day, but we all do. Sorry sir, I was trying to support small local businesses. Good luck, to your company!

Great experience with replacement of our entire ac two zone system. Additionally, they rigged up my house for gas and installed a new gas stove. Price was fair and within all quotes I received, their service was excellent.

Poor service relating to AC repair. Charged $300 for “one pond” of Freon and board reset. When that didn’t work, attempted to charge $1100 for new board, $3500 for new compressor, and $300-400 for new valve OR $14,000 for new unit. Left screws and caps on ground next to unit. Different company resolved issue by replacing $100 stuck valve.

I have been using CL Carter for my HVAC needs for over 25 years and I say they have not changed at all. They are a first class company that makes you feel more like family than a customer. They have installed multiple systems at numerous properties and I never feel like they forgot me once our systems were installed. Dave Deuel just came out to get our system ready for the winter and I have to say how impressed I was with him and his knowledge and his thoroughness. Thanks Dave for your excellent work and thanks to CL Carter for making me feel like family vs a number. You guys are truly the best!