"13"^^ . . "1"^^ . . "After multiple showroom visits we decided on Galaxy to complete the fabrication and installation of our new BBQ island. We understood that the project would probably take a number of weeks but were surprised that, as the weeks passed, nobody from Galaxy contacted us to provide the status of the job. When we finally called them we were given a target date for delivery of the \"boxes\". Galaxy completes BBQ islands in a process that essentially involves at least four steps;\n1. Fabrication and installation of the unfinished cement board boxes.\n2. Installation of the top surfaces (ordinarily tile or granite)\n3. Stucco and painting of the box exterior.\n4. Installation of \"hardware\" i.e. cabinets, grills, lighting etc.\n \nAfter installation of the boxes we were advised that the installation of the granite surfaces would occur shortly. That involves making a template of the planned surface to insure correct sizing of the cut granite. We waited. Additional weeks passed with no contact from the granite subcontractor (or Galaxy). Finally we called again and were advised that the granite fabrication was in progress. We asked how that could be since nobody from the granite subcontractor had ever arrived to make the template. This seemed to surprise the Galaxy salesperson who subsequently admitted that there was apparently some confusion related to our job. He assured me that the template would be taken immediately and the granite fabrication commenced within the next seven days. Then...nothing. More phone calls involving the general manager, salesman and owner Bruce who assured us that his personal involvement would insure that the stalled job would immediately begin to move forward. In the meantime, we were receiving calls from the stucco subcontractor who insisted that he was being told by Galaxy that the granite had been installed and the project was ready for exterior finishing. Finally, \"granite guy\" called and said his worker would be out the following day to take the template and begin fabrication of the surfaces. After several more days passed further calls to Galaxy finally prompted enough concern that the template was taken. In order not to make an already long story even longer the granite surface was eventually installed about a week later. Did I mention that the floating bar arrived and was obviously cut from an entirely different slab of granite? Different color and all. Galaxy didn't know about this since salesman never called or coordinated with the sub during granite phase. \n\nThe stucco guy was next. He showed up on time and did a great job on the exterior of the island. We thought we were almost there. The island installers showed up the following week. We could almost smell the steaks sizzling. Cabinets and grill went in fine. then they connected a $200 plus 12 volt light directly into a 120 volt circuit and were puzzled that the lights kept blowing up. \nNote: Galaxy installers are not electricians.\n\nVerdict? First, the good. Galaxy constructs excellent islands. Their process of welding the frames is far better than other vendors who essentially screw the concrete board to metal wall studs. Second, the stucco subcontractor Phil is a real pro who seamlessly blended the island into our existing patio structure. Even the granite sub, once he finally showed up, did a good job with the surface.\n\nThe bad: Galaxy project management (which is a critical component of this type of endeavor) is virtually non existent. Our experience with the consultant/sales rep, who we're not naming, was frustrating in that he seemed routinely unaware of the status of the job, didn't call and relied on us to constantly push for information. The granite issue alone delayed the job by at least a month. Further, we expected him to be familiar with the hardware components. He wasn't, telling us at one point that the $4K grill would plug into a standard 110 volt outlet. In fact the grill igniters work on batteries and require no electricity. We were also troubled by the apparent unfamiliarity of the island installers with the electrical connection requirements of the light. Electricity is dangerous and it would seem that such connections should be made by qualified, licensed electricians. \n\nNow that the project is complete we're satisfied with the result and love the island. Would we deal with Galaxy again? Only if we we're given hard dates for completion of the essential phases of the project coupled with monetary concessions if targets were not met. Galaxy would argue that they are frustrated by the inability of subs to meet deadlines. Our argument to that would be that they need reliable subs. The customer shouldn't be penalized because Galaxy chooses to use subs that can't deliver. Finally, the sales rep/consultant must do a better job of communicating with the customer and understanding his product. These jobs easily exceed 10K and for those prices the customer has a right to expect competence at all levels of the job."^^ . "2015-07-13T00:00:00"^^ . "1"^^ . . "2"^^ .