Context Studios LLC

We decided to finish the basement of our 1 year old home this past summer.  We added 2 rooms and a large bathroom complete with sauna.  We chose Context Studio - owned by Denis Ingham/architect and builder.  We had asked several companies for estimates, and were happy to find that Denis came in with the most reasonable number.  This included a $1500
architectural design fee for a floor plan, which proved to be the best thing that we did.  The floor plan included everything that would be done to complete the project, with prices next to each category.  Denis also gave us the option to supply our own materials and save money wherever we could.  He was constantly looking for ways to help us save money if possible without
sacrificing quality.  He accommodated our requests, and provided extremely helpful design and decorating advice throughout the project.  This included areas that were beyond the scope of the project - shed purchase which required a bed, Denis found us the subcontractor for that and recommended the supplier, fence install, Denis found us the subcontractor for that as
well.  Denis was attentive and sensitive at all times.  He stayed on top of the project and was easy to contact with any issues or questions.  In any non-trivial construction projects there are always times then something does not go according to plan - subcontractors may not be available, there can be delays  in material delivery, etc. But Denis always solved these issues speedily, finding new subcontractors, switching the timing of different parts of the project when possible, so that delivery times 
were kept short.  I can?t compliment him enough, really.
We are extremely happy with the way the basement came out.  The rooms are beautiful, and the bathroom is exceptional. 
I would recommend Denis without reservation, to anyone looking for a quality job done with care and attention, including financial considerations.  "Exemplary customer service above and beyond what was required within the budget we had agreed on

My basement flooded this past spring, and we decided to remodel. I was a bit hesitant to pay the extra money for an architect, but decided to do so for the following reasons: - to get ideas other than our own - to be certain the design could be implemented with no negative impact to the structural integrity of the house. - to get advice on what the town will and will not permit, thereby reducing the risk of running into problems down the road. - to get a solid understanding of the project before hiring a contractor to do the remodeling, enabling me to get a good value and reduce risk of problems. I found Context Studios here on Angie's list; and couldn't be happier that I hired them. Denis explained the process in detail when he came to the house the first time. He was prompt, courteous, professional, and seemed very knowledgable. He was able to speak with ease with both me (an Engineer) and my wife (an Art History major). We explained that we were thinking about adding a bedroom downstairs, but weren't sure if we could fit a bathroom, etc in the space, along with an area for our own personal use, keeping the two private. Denis explained that as a matter of course, he offers three different designs.. I'm getting long winded here so I'll jump to the main points: I am VERY impressed with the time that Context Studios has put into my drawings... every concern of ours (and there have been many) has been addressed. We decided on a sort of combination of two of the original drawings, but even this design has been modified multiple times as things came up. For example... "oh, could you make room for a dehumidifier?", "can you add a duct for an HV/AC system that I can't afford to put in now, but may want down the road". Can you do this or that... etc. EVERY request was met with either "of course" or, "I'll see what I can do", followed by a design we liked better than the last.. and none of this effected the cost - he stuck to the original estimate without adding any charges for all the extras. Also, all of my concerns about the structural integrity of the house were answered, and because he has experience with many contractors, he gave me many tips that avoided major headaches down the road. I thoroughly recommend Context Studios, and would hire them again in a minute.

During the design phase, the Context Studios architect was very helpful in developing multiple conceptual ideas for us to mull over. Context Studios came up with four very different looks to the designs within 2 weeks. Context Studios was very cognizant of how the design would blend with the exterior of the house. All four of the potential designs blended in with the existing structure. The discussions were very inclusive of our lifestyle and how we perceived to live in the new space. The final design moving forward included very modern elements and also corrected the functional needs. The results were a very inviting space. Context Studios designed and managed the construction of a room with a lofted ceiling, windows at the top, a new fireplace, French doors, and some extra heating units. We had a $ figure in mind and they worked with us to stay in budget. Once our plans were approved and necessary permits obtained we started construction. Context placed plywood and plastic up over doorways to seal off the rest of the house from the construction area to minimize loss of heat and dust traveling. They were on the site every day there was work going on. If a new contractor was coming to the house, they were here to make sure everyone was on the same page. Context coordinated the design and installation of custom cabinets, shelving and mantle. We met with them at our house and came up with something a little different. The mantle and shelving are one of the features that make the room. Context has local, reputable contractors they work with and, all in all, they were all great. We did have an issue with one contractor, but Context took care of the situation immediately. The crews always cleaned up at the end of the day and were respectful of our home and us. The scheduling of the contractors was done such that we didn?t have much down time waiting for the next crew to start. When something unexpected came up during the course of the job, they always found a solution, and with a positive attitude. If we had to contact them, they were usually available, and if not, got back to us quickly. The outcome was absolutely magnificent! Sun now pours in the room via the clerestory lights! We now have a warm inviting place for our family and friends. Everyone is amazed at the transformation. Additionally, Context Studios designed and installed a remodeled Master Bath, which transformed a cramped dated bathroom into a modern, light, spacious and functional bathroom utilizing an unused non-functional closet space.