Gillespie Design & Build LLC

All around is was a very positive experience. A big job but Kevin made sure it was as painless as possible, especially as we lived in the house while the work was happening (and it's a small house). He set us up with a temporary kitchen downstairs in our basement. And kept the work areas sealed off and cleaned after each day. The work was very high quality as Kevin personally oversaw every step of the way and he is very detail oriented. We are a dual working couple so we needed to rely on someone who would make sure that everything was done right while we were out of the house. When we got home each night he gave us an overview of what was done and why it was done that way. Loved the constant communication. It was a challenging job as it was complicated since we moved the kitchen to the other side of the house (where the Dining room once was). So all the plumbing and electrical had to be re-done. And there were unanticipated issues, none of which seemed to phase Kevin as he problem solved them and it didn't cost us any more money! Just to make it trickier, there was a separate kitchen designer involved, who was responsible for some of the cabinet work. Kevin worked seamlessly with the other contractor and directly coordinated so we were never caught in the middle. Their schedules were very inter-twined so if one was off, it would set off the whole schedule, but Kevin ensured that nothing went off track. Kevin's pricing was very competitive, in fact we had a competitive bid and he was significantly lower than the other bid (from the contractor who did the cabinets who came with the designer). But his bid was not a low ball bid with lots of restrictions that ends up costing you a lot more when all is said and done. It was comprehensive and complete so there was no confusion. Kevin was also great at thinking many steps ahead. He helped us to anticipate future renovation projects and while he was there he prepped future work so it will be cheaper when we want to do the next project - this included a gas line for an outdoor BBQ and plumbing for a future second story addition. Then we had to leave for vacation which is when they did the floors and painting. Kevin watched the house while we were away and got everything done while we were gone. We did know Kevin previously (our kids went to nursery school together), so we felt extra comfortable with him. But doing business with a 'friend' is always tricky because if there is an issue it is actually higher stakes. Glad to say we are still friends with Kevin after a very hard job. We are very happy with all of the work even a year later. I would use Kevin again (and sure I will).

We lived in the house through this and wanted as little disturbance as possible. They sealed off the whole upstairs and the downstairs and also an adjacent bedroom and bathroom that were in partial use. Then the workmen went into the work space via ladders until the space was nearly finished and the windows went in. So for most of the time, we had no one coming through the house. Every sub-contractor or employee was polite, careful, and professional. They were also very responsive when time was spent figuring out exactly where electrical should go. We have never had such a positive experience working with a contractor. And he was very nearly the best price as well. Anything Gillespie could control was on time with just minor inconvenience because of the sub doing the gutters were hard to schedule at the very tail end. Any change orders were dealt with easily (the fix of the existing support and adding a small alcove instead of a closet) and we always felt the pricing was fair and reasonable (rather than as a gouging opportunity). I would use GIllespie at any time.

They did a very good job. Good reporting and accounting. Very friendly.