Uncle Brian's Home Improvements

"Thanks for the Kind Review!! Uncle Brian's is here to help our Client's get the Kitchen or Bathroom they've been DREAMING about. We do that by Listening closely / Getting to know our customers and their preferences / Asking questions and Making suggestions. Many times my clients have an idea concerning their project - but don't know exactly what they want. That's when we shine - because, we can steer the client to concepts that have worked Best in the past! We definitely build 1 of a kind Kitchens/Bathrooms - but, I like to recycle/reuse the Best of the Remodeling ideas we've accumulated over the past 40+ years. Some of these include: 1) Large Medicine Cabinets that are "disguised" as Framed Mirrors with Integrated Outlets (inside) - this way hair dryers and electric toothbrushes can be plugged in while still - Out of Sight! 2) Hidden Shampoo Niches- so, Shampoo is in it's Place - But not showcased. That's 2 of the dozens of The Best of Uncle Brian's Remodeling Ideas. Someday soon - it'll be time to write a book - in the meantime, I'm still on the Hunt for the Best of the Best! Thanks Denver ! Uncle Brian"

"Thanks for your Kind Words! We've worked for this Lovely Family many times - so, their house is starting to feel like a Real Home! By that I mean, we've customized it to their Style and Liking. Believe it or Not - We've also worked for the neighbors - a number of times - so, this neighborhood in Thornton is becoming a regular stomping ground for Uncle Brian's Crew. We take our work seriously and want Happy Customers - after 41 years I've come to realize, it's not always possible - BUT, it is - 99% of the Time. So, that's our goal each day - Make 99% of our Customers Happy - Like this Great Family. Over 95% of our Customers say they'd hire us again! That's Good, But we're still working to Improve our Services and Reach our 99% Goal. We'll do Our Best 2 make your Family "fans" of Uncle Brian's Home Improvements too? Quick FYI Our customers put us in Categories where we don't really belong - this customer placed us in the cabinet making category - which is sweet - but, not really accurate, since we don't actually make cabinets - We just assemble RTA Cabinetry. This is only noteworthy because folks that don't know us - sometimes assume we don't want to work for them - when I mention we don't make cabinets. Some insist - you did for this previous customer. What can I say?? Being wanted is really nice - I'll leave it at that. Funny True Story - a customer was Late coming home and we were locked out for almost 45 minutes. We had ladders and guys that wanted to get to work - so, we cleaned the overflowing gutters. My customer was very grateful and you guessed it - put UBHI in the gutter cleaning category!! What can I say to the next customer that calls for a gutter cleaning?? You Gotta Love It! Happy Holidays - We Love you Denver! Uncle Brian"

"Thanks for the Review! We worked for these nice folks a year ago - Time flies! We remodeled their Master Bathroom / Powder room and Kitchen. We4 also installed LVP flooring on the 1st Level and replaced their bifold closet doors (which were broken) and their Front Entry Door. They were a pleasure to work with/for because they treated us like family from Day 1. Mike and I hit it off quickly because we are both from the east coast and have alot in common. We look forward to getting back to their place for more Improvements - soon!"

"Thank You for the Kind Words! We enjoyed this Kitchen Remodel and I looked forward to seeing the progression each and every day. Here's a little of the Lowdown: We installed a Pro Series Gas Range in place of the Electric Clunker. [Member Name Removed] mentioned she was sorry she couldn't get a Gas Range - I said "Why not?" She said the plumber said it's not possible. I said - That's not true - it's just difficult, She said, "How much would it cost?" I said about $1K [Member Name Removed] said - "Then, Let's do it!" [Member Name Removed] wanted her 2 tier countertop area reduced to 1 Level and asked if that was possible. I said, " We'll need to move some plumbing and electrical - But, sure it's possible.." She said - well you already know. We installed new Lighting and a really Great LVP Floor thru out the main level. Her neighbors were more than a little jealous. I was too! She ended up with exactly what she wanted / pretty close to budget / in record time. So, [Member Name Removed] was a Happy Camper and so was Uncle Brian. :)"

"Thank You Both for a Great Experience! Working with Nice Folks makes the process - Fun! This Project went smoothly because there was no deadlines and if something unexpected happened - we dealt with it. Deadlines are a sure fire way of making certain that things will go awry. I let the project determine how long things take - with my eye on a Quality end result / no injuries and a reasonable price tag. It's interesting to me - when a customer sees how much work goes into a project - they are always amazed and never feel we charged too much. That's because when you select Uncle Brian's - you get Uncle Brian - along with 40 plus years of experience. We give folks their moneys worth - that's important to me and always will be! A Quality Product / A Fair Price / and a Smile each and every day - that's the UBHI way! Wishing your Family a Happy/HEALTHY 2020 ! Uncle Brian and Co."

"This nice fellow had an electrical problem when he called us recently. His wires were melting inside the wall on a dining room and kitchen circuit. He called an electrician who told him the "Fix" would cost $10k. He spoke to me (uncle Brian) about the issue and I suggested calling my Master electrician. Andy resolved the problem / replaced some bad wiring / installed new light fixtures with smart dimmers for about 25% of that original quote. We also patched the holes that were needed to replace the wires and strengthened the 4 sets of stairs that were falling apart. The builder didn't use any glue when building the stairs - Big Mistake! At the conclusion, we charged the client about 40% of his initial quote and did about twice the work. This customer was almost taken but a not so scrupulous company. Sometimes, I hear about the issue when it's too late - this time we arrived b4 that happened. We don't take advantage of our customers misfortune - we do what we can to get them up and running again - at a fair price. Uncle Brian"

"Thanks for the Review! [Member Name Removed] is and engineer - so he looks for Quality and really understands Building. We've done 2 Bathrooms for his family - just finishing up the Hall Bathroom. We completed the Master Bath about 6 years ago. Time Flies. Both Bathrooms were in a state of Failure - since the Bathrooms were builder grade and corners were cut. This is unfortunately - the norm. They're now talking about a new Kitchen, Hopefully they'll be ready - b4 I retire. :) Uncle Brian"

"Thanks for the Review - we've worked for this family many times which is good because we both know what to expect. They know we'll get to work and do what they need done and we know their story - which makes everything easier. I worked in NJ for 30 years and stopped doing estimates the last 12 years because we worked for the same customers again and again. They wouldn't ask for an estimate because there was mutually trust and respect. The same is now happening in Colorado, Fewer of our jobs are quoted and we're doing more work for repeat clients . In a few years- I'll retire - it's been almost 42 years SINCE I started in the remodeling trades. I guess - i lOVE IT! HAPPY REMODELING! UB"

"Thanks for your Kind Review! Always glad to hear our work is appreciated and our guys are being friendly and respectful! It's true - my mom will stop in occasionally to have lunch (she brings it) with her son (that's me). I only have a few years left as this is my 41st year in the remodeling business. Glad to have left a wake of Happy Customers in the rearview mirror. Uncle Brian and Co."

"Hi [Member Name Removed] Thanks for your Kind Review! We've been doing our small part in making remodels work for our customers during the health crisis. We wear face masks when customers are around / we use hand sanitizer / spray Lysol when we leave at the end of the day and practice frequent hand washing. So far, so Good! Uncle Brian and Co."

"Thanks for your kind review! The number one quality people need to have a successful remodeling experience is - Patience. The 2nd - is a good sense of Humor! [Member Name Removed] and her husband are a pleasure to work with because they possess Both! Being uptight / impatient and expecting no difficulties to arise during a remodel is a recipe for disappointment. After you've selected a contractor, do what you can to facilitate a smooth running job. What does that mean? Empty the area of personal items / Ask the men if they need space in the garage for tools / Keep pets away from the work area / Talk about what you expect / Be reasonable I tell folks how i determine if I'm being reasonable with people that work at my home - turn the situation around. Imagine someone is asking you to do such and such / if you feel it's reasonable still - you're probably Ok. We look forward to working for this family again! Uncle Brian"

"Thanks so Much for your review! This job was unusual because it was back in my home state of NJ. We've been in Colorado for 13 years remodeling Kitchens and Bathrooms and installing Windows and Doors, but I started Uncle Brian's in NJ decades ago. From time to time, we go back East to help out an old friend / family member or Customer. We're thrilled to hear the New Bathroom is making them - Happy! Uncle Brian"

"Thanks [Member Name Removed] for taking the Time to Review UBHI ! We only recommend a few (quality) companies, so - I'm not surprised to hear you were pleased with the results. We demoed the old countertops / reworked the base cabinets to strengthen and Level / Scheduled the granite templating and Installation. Once the Granite was installed - we installed the Faucet/Drains and Disposal. After we checked everything to make certain there were no leaks - we cleaned up. We do our best to schedule everything as soon as practical - so our client isn't sitting and waiting too long. Most times we'll install a temp. sink and faucet - so, there's very little down time. Another Happy customer! Uncle Brian and Co."

"Thank you for your Kind Review! The actual cost of the 2 Bathrooms and the other projects [Member Name Removed] mentioned were more than the 15k she mentioned. She may only be figuring the Labor portion of the Projects. We were at her place for about 5 weeks - so there was a lot to do! [Member Name Removed] and her family were a Pleasure to deal with and treated us like family - so we were able to quickly help them with the many of the issues they were dealing with. They had electrical and plumbing issues because their home is about 40 years old and has been maintained by unskilled handymen. So, everything that was repaired or reworked was - let's say - less than excellent - ALOT. When the Water heater sprung a leak on day 10 - [Member Name Removed] trusted UBHI enough to say - Please just Replace it with a model you'd select for your own home. She wasn't panicked - they had Hot Water. My point is that she knew from experience that Uncle Brian's was not going to take advantage of her situation and overcharge her. She was going to get a Better quality Water heater / Get it Installed Properly at a Reasonable price. I know what a reasonable price is because I'm a consumer also - I charge a price that'd I'd be willing to pay. That's a simple philosophy and keeps us out of trouble. Many companies will take advantage of consumers in distress and clean out their bank account when they can. I've heard recently of plumbing companies charging up to $1500 for a toilet. That's unfair - by A lot! I can guarantee that they would object to being charged that kind of a mark up at their home. Capitalism is based on people helping/serving one another - it certainly shouldn't include gouging or getting the most for the least. Capitalism is under attack partly because many businesses have lost their way and don't treat their customers as they'd want to be treated. Enough of that. I enjoy what I do - I explain to my coworkers that what we do is not simply remodeling. We are there to make Folks Lives Better - so treating them well and charging a fair price is just the beginning. I'm looking Forward to returning to [Member Name Removed]'s later this Year. I'm looking forward to meeting your Family soon - too! Lastly, We Now have 126 A's and 11 B's on AngiesList 8 F grades came from folks we never worked for. Most were annoyed that we couldn't get to their project quickly - I understand since - I've been disappointed too. I remember wanting to get my large family into a Restaurant on our Reunion - no tables for over 2 1/2 hours. Frustrating - But we ended up having a Grand time anyway at a Fast Food Joint! I wish you All the Best for 2019 Uncle Brian"

"Thank You for your Kind Review! [Member Name Removed] was in need of a little Home Improving and connected with Uncle Brian's Home Improvements. We usually can't accommodate a new customer if they need work done yesterday - But [Member Name Removed] contacted us at the right time and got his small job done in a jiffy. I'm always happy to hear that a new Customer is pleased with our Service because - it's my name on the Line! Happy Home Improvementing! Uncle Brian and Co."

"Thank you for your Review!! [Member Name Removed] purchased an older home in a great part of historic Golden. The Laundry room is in the basement which is not ideal - But the maze of poorly strewn pipes and wires below the "not so nice" ceiling were enough to get most folks to the laundromat. [Member Name Removed] asked if we could lower the ceiling to hide the poorly installed labyrinth of scary stuff overhead. I recommended that she instead consider - 1) removing the existing homasote ceiling 2) removing the maze of gas and water lines 3) removing the old wiring and improperly wired fixtures AND 4) install new gas and water lines orderly and tight to the ceiling joists 5) rewire the laundry room and add additional lighting 6) install shut off valves as needed 6) Install furring strips and framing to prep for a T&G pine ceiling down the road. [Member Name Removed] agreed and the rest is history. The room is Cleaner and Healthier as well as much Safer! The knotty Pine ceiling that's planned will not hide a disaster above, but will make a basement Laundry room a bit more homey - if you know what I mean. [Member Name Removed] is a smart lady - she chose to put safety and health first. I'd recommend others follow her lead. We kept the price under control by planning the work ahead of time and minimizing trips to the supply house. [Member Name Removed] is pleased and her family has a healthy/safe place to clean their clothes. That makes me Happy! Uncle Brian and Company"

"Thanks for the Detailed Review. This project was one I would have passed on in retrospect, not because I didn't like the couple, they were very nice and we got along well. They were new at this game and wanted the Highest Quality possible at the Lowest possible price. These 2 ends don't fit together well - like 2 puzzle pieces that aren't a matched set. So, getting these type of folks to a happy place was more than difficult and to me - that's emotional draining, because I want my customers to be happy and I'll do back flips to make them smile. Well almost. I don't mind when folks want Mercedes remodels because I'm a perfectionist and like to get things -Just So, BUT ONLY when the budget allows. Frankly, I need the necessary resources to install the upgraded suspension and super chaRGED engine, I think you get the point. From time to time we change policies to deal with current events or eliminate potential problems and do everything we can to zero out misunderstandings with our customers. Case in point: we no longer allow our customers to purchase their own materials. This policy was changed because of the complexity of the building codes and the difficulty in purchasing the correct materials even 4 a pro. We've had customers purchase the wrong tiles - then realize the mistake only after the shower was almost complete. When customers and I shop together which we usually do, I have a chance to explain why a certain Gas Range or Exhaust hood will cost more to install than a standard range or hood. There's a chance to consider that extra expense before the purchase and before the delivery. When the item shows up in their garage I am the bad guy that needs to explain - this appliance requires this system (due to your town's building code). I don't like to be the bearer of bad news, so, we've stopped our clients' from purchasing their own materials. I still make mistakes - but, after 41 years they're few and far between. When I make a mistake, I pay the tab no one is upset and that's the way I prefer it. UB"

"Thank You for your Review! This work was actually done by my Nephew. We recommended him for these Projects because he just moved back to the area and has a lighter work load. We are usually booked out 3 to 4 months - and these types of projects are most often urgent to most folks. We recommend another Contractor when we feel the projects are a good fit for a particular person. We've been very busy for about 5 years and just recently have noticed a little easing of demand on our schedule - so remodeling a Kitchen or Bathroom this Fall is still a Possibility! We usually start with an Overall Cost Analysis - the Labor portion is a bit more fine tuned - since we usually don't know exactly what our client will spend on materials at this stage. But, I do put a number on the materials - I call it a guesstimate . I prefer to give my customer the big picture before they decide to proceed - in order to avoid any surprises downstream. We've demoed many Bathrooms that are relatively new - some less than 5 years old! These Bathrooms were poorly designed and constructed and are always the most expensive on a per month cost basis. A well designed Bathroom should last 40+ years and the cost per day should end up - at only pennies! Developing a solid Plan / Working up an overall Budget / Purchasing Quality Materials / Finding the Right Contractor to Build your Dream - is most often rewarded with a Quality End Product that will actually increase in Value over the years! I'm not suggesting throwing buckets of money at each detail though - finding some bargains along the way and paying a fair price for Labor is the path I recommend. Many folks hope that their project will run smoothly and turn out well - But the Reality is - most folks don't have a good experience. I know because I've spoken to many hundreds of them. Have a great Summer! Uncle Brian"

"Thank you for taking the time to Review Uncle Brian's Home Improvements. The Cost of the Project was actually about $1900 - Labor and Materials. Having Folks value quality work is always much appreciated. Uncle Brian (that's me) moved to Denver from NJ about 10 years ago and now has hundreds of satisfied customers locally. Our F grades were received from 8 nice Folks we never worked for - I understand how they feel. When I'm on vacation and want to have dinner out at a certain restaurant and there's too many others with the same idea - it's well - Disappointing! So - I actually consider it a compliment when folks get upset that we can't get to their project because we made prior commitments - they want us to take their project on - but sooner than we are able to. I tell my friends and family to be patient and wait for the right person to do a job - because I've heard hundreds of sad stories over the decades of folks who choose quickly and regretted it later. Many times folks start an estimate request saying - " we'll wait if the price is good". Let me explain this from my perspective. Contractors that skip lots of steps and use inferior materials have a big advantage at this stage of any project. A 200 hour project can be chiseled down to say 140 hours at this stage without much effort - but later in the process - those short cuts take on a life of their own. That'e when folks are disappointed and wish they'd chosen differently. I tell my customers the full story - right from the start. If a project will take 200 man hours to complete and they want me to do it in 150 hours, I can make some changes to their wish list and make it happen - but I can't make those hours disappear, cause I'm not a magician... I'm a trim carpenter. I feel badly for folks who get cheated or have a Bad experience when remodeling, this doesn't have to happen to so many. Angieslist empowers the consumer to make wise decisions and see what others are saying about their experience with a particular company. The founder of this company was a very smart lady - she saw the plight of so many people and figured out a way to help them choose the right company for their projects and avoid the others. Sooo - Don't Rush the initial decisions / Plan your Remodel thoroughly / Ask Contractors if your project is a Good fit for their Skillset / Choose a Contractor after considering Several candidates / Don't select a Contractor just because of a low price / Never give a Con tractor money for Labor before the work is Complete / Ask lots of questions / Be Reasonable / Take Responsibility for your Project Happy Remodeling Uncle Brian"

"Thank you for your Review! I've been in this Game since I was a teenager - it's been over 40 years now! I know what's important to me when I'm the one dishing out the mula - so I just turn the scenario on its head each time my customer is in that seat. I explain to my crew - they've heard it at least a hundred times - the remodeling experience is stressful and expensive and our job is to minimize this whenever possible. I don't focus on the areas that are not within my control - I focus on those things that we can control - our jobsite cleanliness and safety, my customers comfort during the process. Most people are really good sports as we move them down field and thru the process - but nerves can still become a bit frayed at times - so I use humor frequently to keep spirits up. Good communication is essential in keeping a project running smoothly - most folks want to know what's going on during their renovation - many are at work - so we take plenty of pics and create an album that we send to most as their job moves forward. We don't take advantage of customers or their wallets - so if something unexpected turns up - I'm not there to pounce but rather get them thru it successfully. We offer options to deal with each detail and looks for the sweet spot - that place between cost effectiveness and best case result. I keep an eye out for special deals and clearance items for customers - because I like a deal when I'm shelling out my cash too. I usually end each job - asking the client what they'd do differently if we had to do it all again. I Love to hear the word, "nothing" at this juncture and frequently do. My job is to get my customer the End Product they want - with a pleasant trip thru the ordeal. Their experience is just as important to me as the end result - as is the safety of each person involved - it's a bit of a juggling act at times - but one I've come to know and love. Uncle Brian"

"Thanks for your Kind Review!! This Kitchen Remodel was more complicated than most because we completely redesigned the large first level area. The "before" consisted of a large Living Room / small formal Dining Room a small Kitchen that was completely walled off and a Breakfast Area. The "after" is pictured above and shows a Completely Open Floor plan (620 sq. ft.), except for a large walk in Pantry we built in the Formal Dining room space. My vision of this Kitchen was a more Traditional one - BUT - in the end - I'm glad my Customers stuck to their guns when I tried to gently nudge them toward a design I was more comfortable building - their design was not only a Good one, It was also their design. I've learned alot from my customers over the Years - their Ideas are often different and many times quite Wonderful!. This was definitely the Case on this Remodel. Westminster's Building Dept. was easy to deal with and very professional - other towns we've dealt with are not always so - shall we say "Pleasant". I've been remodeling for going on 40 Years now - I have a few good Years left and then I'll hang up my Hat and Tool belt. It's been a good run - I've met alot of Great folks and have had lots of Fun along the Way. Many Thanks to Angies list for making my years in Colorado so Busy! Happy Thanksgiving to You Uncle Brian and Family"

"Thank You for Your Kind Review! My job - as I see it - is to improve my customers lives and to educate them in the safety features of todays' modern homes. Carbon Monoxide Detectors and Smoke Detectors not only save folks aggravation and money - But can save their Lives as Well! Many people ignore these devices and assume they last forever - truth is they last about 10 years and need to be monitored and tested periodically and replaced when they are 10 years old or more. These modern marvels have become more effective and last longer than past years - But they still need a little attention. Water Alarms are a small device (about the size of a smoke detector) and sense water in areas where leaks are common. 2 probes on the bottom of this device will cause the alarm to sound when a small amount of water closes the circuit - almost like turning a light switch to the "On" position. These devices will let you know you have a leak if they're placed strategically around your Home. I use them under Sink bases and in Vanities, I also place them around Water heaters and In the Basement near the Main shut off valves. Most folks Kitchen Sink base floors are rotted and mildewed after 20 years or so (check yours today) the reason this happens is - we all stuff too much under the Sink base and eventually the "Stuff" will nudge a P Trap and cause a minor leak - No problem - except for a little mold and a messy Sink base floor. Rebuilding a Sink base floor is difficult and unnecessary - use a water alarm (about $14) and Save yourself the hassle and $$$. Smoke Detectors and CO Detectors are not optional accessories these Days - they're required by all Building Dept.'s and for Good reason - they Save Lives! Make it a Point to check your Detectors and keep them in working order - Don't Paint them and keep them clean. Sometimes a spider will cause a Smoke detector to alarm - this usually happens when the detectors are older and dusty - keep yours clean by vacuuming them and check that Battery often. If your Detectors are Yellow - they're too Old - Replace them Today! Consider buying a 6 Pack and giving the extras to your Friends or Family - that's the way I sleep soundly at Night. On a different topic - Bathrooms that are well designed and Constructed can and Will increase in Value over the years - and will likely be enjoyed for 4 or more decades. A bathroom that costs $20k today will often increase a Home's Value by a similar amount making a Bathroom an Investment rather than an expenditure. My customers will usually get all their money back and then some - after we design and build a Custom Bathroom for them - since a future Buyer will Usually Pay for these Improvements and when given the choice will most often buy the Upgraded Home over the plain Jane. Bathrooms and Kitchens top the List of Home Improvements that bring the largest payback to consumers - this fact makes investing money in these rooms a satisfying experience. I may sound like a salesman here - and if I do - so be it, I just want people (like you) to consider how we all spend our money. Most times when we spend $$ - going on vacation or out to dinner - the $$ is Gone and needs to be replaced. But when we invest in our Homes and end up with a Magazine Cover Bathroom - that money is tucked away in an account that will actually Increase as the years pass. This scenario is not a common one - most of our purchases will not increase in Value but a well thought out Bathroom/Kitchen Remodel that is Functional and makes you want to Pull Up a chair to sit and admire the View - Will. Enough of that - Enjoy the Beautiful Spring Weather! Uncle Brian and Company"

"Thanks for your kind Review! We've worked for this Client on 3 larger projects and look forward to working together again in the future. Our past customers take about 5 moths a year from our calendar - so we only have about 7 months a year Left - to book new client projects. We focus on making our customers' vision a reality and the remodeling experience a positive one. This is not always easy - so we work almost 7 days a week when we need to - to make it happen. Dealing with past clients is always a pleasure since we already have a working relationship and know what to expect. I'm (Uncle Brian) a straight shooter and will let our customers know what i think about their particular design ideas or Tile selection - whether i like them or not. I try to nudge them toward designs and materials I know work well together - but will acquiesce to them after I've had a chance to share my thoughts on a subject. I have strong opinions on certain materials - I've seen many common building materials fail - so I do what I can to steer my Clients clear of any possible problems. An example: most folks will choose flooring strictly by the color/texture they like - my experience has shown me to choose flooring according to the location first. So Kitchen and Bathroom floors should at least be water resistant and better yet water proof. Everyone hopes their experience will be ideal and water problems will occur to someone else- but my experience tells me that most folks will deal with water problems from time to time and their experience and frustration will be greatly reduced if they make good choices early on. My focus is to not only build my customers Dream Kitchen or Bathroom - but also to have them steer clear of common problems faced by many folks. Happy Customers = Happy Uncle Brian Have a Great Summer! UB"