Design Solutions

It was great.  You can’t tell it was ever cut.  They cut the wall, did the stucco work, matched the work, and painted it.  They did such a beautiful job, I wish I could have them re-do my whole kitchen.

Remodel goes back to 10/05 through 6/2006. This company is owned by the partner of a friend of mine. I never asked to coordinate my remodel and was shopping for estimates. When owner offered to coordinate my remodel I accepted cause I thought he would be at least fair. Estimates for windows came in at 27k, which I accepted. furnace replacement at 8k. Planned was also kitchen remodel. Furnace was replaced in 3 days by subcontractor, who did good job but left electrical duct/cable hanging from basement ceiling. Company never addressed the issue after complaining. When asked to please remount the old thermostat (new digital was very complicated) they never responded. Window replacement lasted 8 months!! They charged me for the scaffolding for way more than the time they actually worked on windows. Design Solutions subcontracted job to someone who in the beginning changed the windows in 5 days, but put me on the back burner for the rest of the time (8 months) because he took on 2 major projects. A smaller project in the main bedroom to build 3 inserts/niches for wood shelves and lighting, was estimated at 1500 just for the framing, then eventually charged 5k ! owner of Design Solutions communicated not just horribly, but even by living 4 blocks away, showed up twice !! to address concerns and make sure I was getting things done. Company basically got in troubles cause subcontractor took on other projects, friend/owner put me on back burner indefinitely. He never paid attention to budget I had for planned kitchen remodel and came with estimate for top level cabinets at 17k without any another options. Final estimate for labor came in at 25k. Prices were given after about 3 months of asking, cause subcontractor always failed to respond. Design Solutions never took responsibility for failures or delays of his subcontractor. Ultimately, as deposit was done in advance (60k) it was a hassle to get only part of the money for not done work back. Painting of front of house and kitchen remodel was cancelled after 8 months of unacceptable wait, total lack of customer care and communication, outrageous extra charges and overheads. Little consolations in the fact that at least the windows and the bedroom inserts were done well. Had to find another contractor to finish the work and fix the mess. Design Solutions delivers good work, at unreasonable prices, terrible communications and customer care, total unwillingness for responsibility and accountability, and make money by subcontracting work to others. They never showed a design proposal, material options, and consulting. They just order the top of the line products, thinking clients will just pay. Lesson learned: don't hire a friend, when you re the only one who can respect that relationship. Expect that friend will put YOU on back burner if he has problems with other clients, and retain most of payment as leverage, or you will be charged unwanted outrageous fees.