Local Contractors
The Virgin Islands is rather small, and being part of a small community often leads to various rumors flying around. One of the rumors I often hear from new arrivals or visitors is that we don't have a lot of skilled labor and/or trustworthy contractors. But I am here to tell you differently: We have some really incredible workers here in the Virgin Islands.
I have owned several condominiums myself, and also helped oversee some full remodeling jobs for clients. Over the years, I have also worked with all sorts of contractors for various maintenance issues and smaller projects as well. The house Cara and I have owned for nearly eleven years has undergone many changes and additions, the most recent being a complete re-tiling of the floor.
Throughout these years, I have come across some poor workmanship and undesirable contractors. However, those mistakes are only made once, whereas I have found some incredible workers that I would recommend any day of the week. From tiling contractors to cistern repairmen to plumbers or electricians and more. People that specialize in windows and hurricane shutter, or roof repair. You name the job, and after years and years in real estate and various remodel and repair jobs, I have found some truly great contractors.
So if you are ever told that it is difficult to find somebody good down here, don't listen to it. That just isn't true. The Virgin Islands has some incredible people that are not only talented, but reliable and honest as well.
Some names for you, in case they get thrown your way:
Chris Thompson (340-344-4437)- Chris worked with Cara for many years doing all sorts of maintenance and repairs, along with smaller remodel jobs. But this guys true colors have come out over the last ten years and he is capable of completely gutting a condo and turning it into a masterpiece. He couldn't be a better person, either, I just don't have enough good things to say about him.
John Melucci (340-344-1784)- John is still nice enough to jump and help me with emergency repairs. A jack of all trades, he can rush to fix a plumbing failure, light electrical issue, or any other job you need done. But like Chris above, John also does some excellent remodeling. And he is also a great guy, somebody I have known since the 1990's and will always remain a friend.
Felix Fontenelle (340-514-5055)- Felix is at my house right now doing various projects. He owns a painting service, but is more than capable of various other repairs like drywall, plumbing, and cabinetry. Super great guy, one of those that I never even ask for a quote because I know he will be honest and reasonable. He has done so much work for me over the years and I know I can trust him.
Rich Dasher (941-763-0432)- The Tile Guy, named Rich by his parents, is top notch. He has tiled many of the nicest homes on the island. But he was also nice enough to take upon my house (which would never be considered one of the nicest homes on the island). A true professional who works his butt off and does things right. Absolutely love him, and nothing personal here Rich, but I love the tile job you did at my house even more.
Mark and Charlotte from Import Supply (340-774-1679)- Generators and air conditioning systems. Both selling and maintaining. Your gurus and the people that come thru in emergencies. Love them and their employees.
Jeff Thompson of All Star Services (340-626-5292)- Specializes in cisterns and roof repairs, but capable of all sorts of renovation / repair projects. What I especially love about Jeff is that he is very communicative and stands by his work. He truly values his reputation and will do whatever is necessary to keep it strong.
Dana from Genuine Appliances (340-344-9706)- Cara is on the phone with Dana on a weekly basis. With all the properties we manage, having somebody that will actually show up and successfully complete the work is a godsend. Refrigerators, air conditioners, dishwashers, ovens- nice to have a one stop shop in Dana to help fix the problems that come our way.
There are more, but these are some of my favorites, and if you get a chance to work with them yourself, you will not be disappointed.