Summit Residential

In 2000 we decided to build a log cabin on the Toccoa River. After months of looking we decided on a log home kit manufactured in South Carolina. A significant and quot;catchand quot; was that we had to find our own builder to assemble the cabin. We interviewed several builders and decided Richard, with an engineering degree and significant experience in home and cabin building was our pick. We appreciated his willingness to show us other houses he had built and some of the unique features of his construction. Looking back, we feel fortunate that we found Richard--as it turned out we were mere novices in the home building department! As a seasoned builder Richard knew not only the steps in building a custom log structure, but he knew which subcontractors provided the best quality at a reasonable cost. Even before the logs were delivered, Richard went to bat with the log kit company helping us make changes in the floor plan. For example, we wanted to cantilever a second floor loft four feet into the great room. The company initially thought there would not be enough support for the weight of this additional floor space. Richard, relying on his engineering background, demonstrated to the satisfaction of the company that his proposed glue-lam would solve the problem. This example also demonstrated to us how fortunate we were to find a and quot;can doand quot; builder who was willing to entertain novel and creative touches for our mountain cabin--which later became our primary home. Because of our complete satisfaction we have hired Richard to undertake three additional projects for us. Knowing of Richard's Atlas Grading Company, we consulted him in 2003 about the erosion of our river bank. Due to his knowledge of river bank repair, he outlined a plan to stop the erosion by creating a wall of rock topped a layer of dirt covered with grass. He suggested in grading the final product to join upper and lower bank sections to result in a sloping yard down to the river. He said we might also want to consider a notch in the bank so that we could launch and recover kayaks and be able to access the river. Another thing we didn't know enough to ask for. Several years later we asked Richard to help us design and build a two-story double car garage, one which mirrored the design and look of the cabin. With his help, we were able to have a completed project that has resulted in many people thinking that the garage is a separate house on our property! The next year we asked Richard to finish the second floor of the garage into an art studio. We were very impressed with his ideas and the finished product, which included much custom woodwork. We appreciate the many compliments we receive from people who say and quot;your builder did a terrific job.and quot; We are daily reminded of Richard's excellent professionalism and craftsmanship--all at a reasonable price. Richard truly made our dreams come true.

The contractor, Richard Waterhouse, of Summit Residential, Inc. , is very professional in his approach to the job. He outlined his plan, based on architects drawings I provided, made some good suggestions for adjustments, which were very worthwhile. Started work in Dec. '09, completed in Spring '10. The work consisited of adding a major two-story addition to our cabin......new living/dining room, large bedroom, one full bath and one half bath with laundry, plus some porches and decks. Only delays were weather related. The finished work is first class; definitely will call on Mr. Waterhouse again for future projects involving grading, excavation, construction, renovation, etc. Joe Davis, Atlanta and Mineral Bluff, GA