Downes Construction

Description of Work: Jack Downes did a nearly complete remodel and update of our home that was so extensive it took about 1 1/2 years to complete. He was very easy to work with, and his work was superb. With our input he developed the design, so we did not have to employ an architect. He dealt with the tax assessor's office in such a way that kept our real estate taxes from rising appreciably. I would definitely use him again--and have for small jobs.

Description of Work: Our house was built in 1965 and had never been upgraded. In 2008 we decided to update and remodel it. Before hiring Downes Construction we visited several of their prior jobs and talked with people for whom they had done work. Their work seemed to be excellent, and all their customers were pleased with what had been done. In 2009 Downes Construction was employed to do a nearly complete remodel of our home that required us to move out of the house for over a year. We sat down with Jack and outlined our needs and desires: A Mediterranean/Southwest character with arches and diagonal lines; more light, more storage and a comfortable feel. Jack prepared a plan for us to review. After some changes and a couple of iterations, we arrived at a plan that accommodated all of our wishes. Jack did this at no added cost, and we avoided the expense of an architect, which was appreciated. After we moved out, demolition began with removal of the roof and some interior walls, gutting the kitchen, dining room, family room, utility room, master bedroom and master bath. Two fireplaces were removed, along with an attached shed that housed pool equipment. In place of a separate living room, dining room and kitchen, a great room was created. A gas fireplace was installed. The ceiling was raised from 8 feet to 10 feet in the great room and to 9 feet in the hallway, den and master bedroom and bathroom. Custom cabinets were installed in the kitchen, laundry room, half bath, den, master bedroom and master bath. Granite countertops and backsplashes were installed in the kitchen, and marble countertops went in the master bath. A small addition (about 130 sq. ft.) created a walk-in closet, a vanity and enlarged the master bedroom and bath. Jack designed a lovely walk-in shower lined with travertine. A new roof was installed, along with HVAC equipment, an on demand water heater and a whole house fan in the attic. Wiring and plumbing was updated, and a new sewer and natural gas connection installed. T1-11 siding was replaced with stucco. A new patio cover with skylights was installed. Double pane windows and new doors were put in throughout. All interior walls were textured. New baseboards and crown molding were installed. The ceiling and walls of the garage were finished with sheet rock, light fixtures installed, along with a new garage door and sprinkler system controller. New flooring in the house was a combination of tile, hardwood and carpet. Many new light fixtures were installed, inside and out, along with three ceiling fans and three Solatubes. Finally, the house was painted inside and out.