Tabor Design Build Inc

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John Tabor is a consumate professional who attends to all details of the design and construction process, and his team is conscientious and skilled.We first described what we wanted and worked with his design team through all the details. He used a computer-assisted design program so we could visualize the features we were describing. The construction process was suprisingly manageable -- the master carpenter would show up on time every morning and worked until the afternoon. Generally the house was clear well before dinner -- the exception was once or twice when subcontractors stayed to finish work. We had only one case where something in the construction did not fit our expectation of its appearance, and this was rectified in a day with complete cooperation. The end result was beautiful and the construction quality was absolutely sollid -- we got exactly what we wanted. I would say on a value for money basis, the combination of high quality and low-hassle is unbeatable.

The most satisfactory part of the overall project was the design stage, which took place at their office. The 3-D computer plans could be easily modified until we were pleased with the final design. Later meetings took place at our house on a weekly basis. Besides the design, we selected materials during the planning phase.Somewhat less satisfactory was the actual building of the porch and deck. We learned at the end of the project that the carpenters were not Tabor employees. The TBD crews were on other jobs, so they subcontracted the work. Tabor was not up front about this; they should have let us know from the start that the work was being done by subcontractors. This may explain why the lead carpenter did not communicate with us on a regular basis as he was supposed to. The TDB brochure states that there will be ?daily communication,? but in this project days would pass with no communication and updates. We were also later informed that this was the first time the crew had worked with Azec materials. A common problem was that there were visible gaps where horizontal railing attached to the posts. John Tabor, the owner, pointed out that the amount of space was within written guidelines. So it was good enough for them; but just being "within acceptable guidelines" was not satisfactory to us. We expected better, especially considering the cost of this project. Over time, these kinds of problems were fixed or, at least, made less visible through caulking. On some items, we had to ask repeatedly to get them fixed. While the carpenter crew was obviously skilled, they made little, if any, effort to keep the new white material clean. It took a lot of time for TBD employees to improve the appearance. We hoped the porch and deck would be completed so that we could use it for the last part of the summer. TDB?s approach was to move on to the next project and take care of fixes with the first one whenever time permitted.With some of the imperfections, John and the Production Manager did not think initially acknowledge there was a problem. For example, the screen door was crooked and everyone who visited notice that as soon as they saw it. Yet it took weeks of reminders and numerous attempts before the door was straightened.It was good that the Production Manager, Joe, was on site a lot because this enabled us to ask questions, point out flaws in the work, and keep lists of things that needed attention. However, John Tabor, was consistently reluctant to acknowledge errors in workmanship and we had to push hard for corrections to be made. As part of the project, a new roof was put on the porch. This required replacement of the existing gutters. We expected the same leaf guard type gutters that were there before and which we have on the rest of the house. Instead, old style open gutters which collect leaves were put on. When I brought this to Tabor's attention, the owner just told me it was for "proprietary"" reasons and in the contract. True, we didn't look closely at the fine print; still it would have been appropriate for them to let us know of the change so that we could discuss it. With the prospect of having to empty out these gutters from a ladder, I requested that gutter covers be put on and they were. But now we have the problem of leaf pile-up that still requires getting on a ladder to remove the leaves. The project was scheduled to be completed in about two and a half weeks. This seemed overly optimistic and, in fact, it took several more weeks to be ?substantially finished.?The porch and deck turned out well and mostly met our expectations. We are pleased with the quality of the Azec materials. They give it a high quality finished look. But it would not have turned out this well if we had not pointed out problems and pushed for them to be taken care of.

The project went amazingly well! I was impressed from the beginning with the detailed attention given to me in the designing of the addition. Mr. Tabor and his staff were very good listeners and clearly communicated options for all the materials that would be needed and the procedures to be done ahead of time (including pricing). I never felt pressured or rushed. After the work began, the only problem we ran into was digging for the foundation. Initially planned to dig 3 feet into the ground, we needed to go 6 feet into the ground due to water issues (I have a very sloping backyard) and to pass county inspection. Most importantly, this needed to be done so that underground water would not cause problems in the future. Mr. Tabor and the onsite crew were very efficient, polite, communicative and just a joy to work with. I was very impressed with their knowledge and attention to details. They patiently answered my questions in and quot;layman's termsand quot; so that I clearly understood what was going on during the process. A tentative schedule was given prior to the start and we had official meetings once a week to update me on progress and to see if I had any concerns. At the end of each work day, the area was cleaned and kept dust to a minimum. I highly recommend Tabor and Associates for any home renovation or project you might have. You will not be disappointed! If I have another project in the future, they will be the first folks I will call.

Here’s the story of the attempt my wife and I made at building an addition to our Montgomery County home with Tabor Design Build. We shortlisted 4 different design/builders and met with each, discussing our $250-280k budget, with a 50% design in hand. I work as an architect and planner in commercial/institutional architecture in DC and designed various options during my metro rides to work. The 50% design we discussed with 4 builders was a scaled back version of a larger design we feared with go over budget. The 4 builders, including Tabor, reviewed the design and the existing house and felt the budget was tight but doable and the schedule was also tight but doable. My wife was 2.5 months pregnant at the time we talked with builders. We had plans to renovate for over a year, but time being tight with a baby coming, we decided to accelerate and get our tiny house expanded and complete for the baby’s arrival. Of the 4 builders, we chose Tabor as our hunch was that firm would be best at keeping construction moving on schedule and would have the best summary of all expected work when the job starts so change orders would be limited. We never started construction with Tabor so we don’t know if those presumptions are true. We entered a design contract for $12,500 and it has to be hands down the most buyers’ remorse my wife or I have ever experienced. Tabor normally does a 16 week schedule starting from just a wish list of client ideas and then designing options before moving forward with one to detail and price. We were already past the options stage with 50% design in hand so John suggested the first 7 weeks are unnecessary, we could basically hit the ground running at what would normally be the last 9 weeks in their process. That sounded like a great plan except the process moved very slowly and my wife had to remind them what was scheduled for each meeting whether finishes chosen or whatever. Each time we urged them to keep to the schedule, John somehow forgot we started at 50% drawings and kept telling me we have a ‘compressed schedule’. By the time we had ‘trade day” and an estimate was gathered, including many cuts proposed by Tabor like budget vinyl siding, a heat pump instead of extending our existing hydronic heat. John was working hard to try and get things under budget but found his early estimate was nowhere close. We received a construction estimate of 380K plus options for screen porch etc. on top. We were 50% over budget after expending the window of time we had to prepare plans and get ready to build. Tabor wanted to look at options to trim budget, after trying to coax us to just build over our budget as the neighborhood real estate market would sustain it in Tabor’s opinion. We made it clear that was more than we could spend. When I suggested aggressively cutting back square footage instead of simplifying the design into a tract home looking vinyl sided box that John insisted on, John told me that wouldn’t get us under budget. At that point, we were at wits end. I decided to discuss square footage prices with other builders to verify what I was hearing and potentially switch since our contract with Tabor was at a point where we had the option to build or cancel. I asked John some of what I was trying to compare with other builders and he quit our job via email, telling us he does not bid jobs, he only does full service design-build. I can’t say my wife or I were impressed by the full service design build being left with an unexpectedly high construction number and little or no time to rethink it. There were some good moments and I think John and his designer are truly nice people and would do a great job for other people. As angry as we were at being left with no construction ready to roll after spending $12,500 basically to produce permit drawings and do an estimate (almost the entire construction industry does estimates without fee, in hopes of getting the job) the story ended happily. We went back and reassessed some of the other builders we conferred with earlier and switched. The first thing we did was cut back square footage and add back in the screen porch. We chose to build during the first 3 months of the baby’s life while we lived elsewhere. The house and addition is smaller but much better in design now, has a gorgeous screen porch, came in just slightly over our original budget and included many great things we hadn’t considered before like changing all of the roof and gutters, painting the entire interior, refinishing floors in the existing house, etc. etc. The house has the cement board siding we originally wanted and has a new heating system, just a higher grade than what we considered in the Tabor project. We are thrilled with the result after switching builders and the builder is to, having won the Contractor of the Year Award for the local chapter of a national remodeling association. PS: I am posting what my husband drafted. I just want to add if you need a reference, check the 2012 NARI’s CotY reward. Our house is the grand winner of that price category. I don’t know much about construction. All I knew was that it was rather a pleasant process to go to the weekly meeting with the new builder during the construction and in the first three months of my baby’s life. After being in the house of close to a year now, sitting on the porch that was originally thought impossible under the budget, I can’t be happier of our decision to switch the builder.

I bought my house 12 years ago. I had 4 weeks to go before I had a total knee replacement. In buying my house, I knew I would need many changes to accommodate my recovery. The previous owners had the basement completely remodeled to make it a finished extra room with tons of storage shelving. The owners highly recommended Tabor Design Build to me. The finished basement was the only example I needed to convince me to contact Tabor Design Build. John Tabor answered the phone and came to my house to discuss the project. John is a personable, honest, frank, experienced, and supportive contractor. From the beginning, he worked with me. He always advised me of potential risk areas that may be encountered and provided options for me to consider. His options would include cost as well as material options. He would take the time to explain the advantages and disadvantages to me and would allow time for me consider his options. I had over $20,000 of work done, initially. That included such items as creating handicapped bathrooms, changing doors and locks, and redoing all the steps into my house. I would have never thought about the steps, but one of John’s carpenters saw me struggling to get up the steps from the garage to the house. He described having “riser” (more steps at adjusted height) steps into the house. He had me lift my bad leg as high as I could and he measured that height. He, John and I discussed the idea and I had them redo the three main steps to my house. Now my 11-year-old Aussie Shepard also appreciates those same riser steps. By far John’s greatest creation was my back patio. We screened it in from scratch. His workers built the framing, the doors and an area for my new Hot Tub. This has transformed my back yard and house. Tabor Design Build completed all but the patio before I went into the hospital. The workers and subcontractors were all above average, caring and responsible. They all had worked for Tabor Design Build a considerable period. They never left my house dirty or with tools and material just lying around. They were on time, worked the task to completion and where great people to have around. They loved my coffee. John always managed the work. He would show up at least 2 or 3 times each week. If problems were encountered, John would arrive to discuss and recommended. If John says the workers will be there at 8AM, that is when they arrived. If he said the work would take 2 days, it took 2 days. If unforeseen problems happened, John would call you with plenty of notice with the new time or day. John is respected by all the subcontractors and worker, because he is one of them. John crawls around in your attic to find where the water is coming in and he personally determines what needs to be done. Since those first few months, Tabor Designed Build has been a lifesaver for me. When I found water damage on my living room ceiling John came out, found the problem and replaced my skylights. When a large tree limb fell on my garage roof, John came and assessed the damage with the insurance agent, personally put a tarp over the holes and had a subcontractor here within days. All of this excellence does have value. You may find the Tabor Design Build’s proposal to be higher that some competitors. Tabor will only use the best materials and labor for your project. I spent 30 years as a contracting officer in the Federal Government. When an effort was especially critical, the program manager wouldn’t worry about going with the “lowest bidder.” Government procurement has a process called “best value.” If a program manager provided sufficient justification why a higher bidder would be the best choice for the Government, we could award to that higher bidder. If you look at each of your proposals, you need to consider quality, experience and dependability of each offer. These factors cannot be objectively priced, but are critical to your project. I am confident if you included these factors in your decision, you will choose Tabor Design Build.

The results were stunning, the archway recommeded by the firm was perfact in all the details: from the spacing of archway to the coroneted threshold plate between the rooms. The sliding glass door unit was an idylic match to the interior and exterior decors. The suggested tranit windows on each side of the silding glass door are in excellent elegance too. Also the placement of an electrical out lets on both side of the door was also inspired. ( The little extra detail which show you are dealing with ture Professional). The placement of the ceiling fans work extremely well in both rooms. The work crew were friendly, curious, and skilled. The preperation for the demolition work was all explained, thus no surpixes. Also all crew members were very nice to our pets. Another mark of a superior contractor is tidiness, and wer ere very happy with the daily and end of the job clean up. We shall be happy to recommend John Tabor Design Build to any one who would like a good, reliable, and talented contractor.

Working with Tabor's designer we were able to select real marble tiles that compliment the new wood vanity and solid surface countertops. Our soaking tub was updated and replaced and our shower was rebuilt to include a bench. All of the new faucets have more contemporary lever handles and the new vanity lights add a touch of elegance. We added heated floors that warm the marble under our feet. Niches in the shower walls and a beautiful new shower door was also added. What an amazing difference. The marble we chose has very subtle veining that swirls around the room and is not busy. The room has a soft, calming feel, especially with the cool water paint tones. We were very impressed with Tabor's level of details. Our designer help us select everything and their construction agreement was very thorough. Tabor spelled out exactly what they were going to do and what materials they were going to use. Since some of our selections were from our Wish List Tabor priced these items as options. We did include some of the Wish List items but since they were listed separately, we were able to decide whether they were worth it to us or not. Our construction went very quickly. Tabor did not start the project until everything was in so our down time was shorter than we thought it would be. We love our new Master Bath. Tabor Design Build did a wonderful job. Next, the Kitchen?

The actual construction went very quickly and without a hitch. The tradespeople on my project were excellent. The Lead Carpenter assigned to my project was so sweet to my dog and made sure the project was clean and safe for him at all times. I have a spectacular new kitchen and my dog Scrappy has a new friend.

The company was great to work with. They have a very thorough process for completing the design. Initially they visit your home and do a quick site survey and you sign the design agreement, then their designer comes and takes measurements, gets your preferences and reviews the site. Next step is you go to their office and they show you the initial design and you select the materials, appliances and other items to complete the design. Then they have their subcontractors visit your home and do a thorough site review, so they can accurately estimate their cost. When the subs have completed their estimates, in about ten days you go back to Tabor's office and they provide you with a detailed final design and cost estimate. The whole process took about a month and a half, was very thorough and well worth the time. Tabor accounted for every detail, so when they present me with the final cost, I had absolute confidence, barring any change requests on my part, that the job would come in at that cost. So, if it is critical to you to have an accurate estimate going in to your project, you will get one from this company. I also found that their estimate was in the same range as the other companies that I asked to provide designs for this project. The Tabor process helped me define what I wanted in the kitchen design and helped reduce the stress of going through a major project such as this. The quality of their work was excellent and their team was very professional. I would trust them to work in my home. The only reason I did not chose Tabor to actually do the remodel was that I preferred the design of another company. This in no way reflects on their work, I just liked the other design.

We met with them one time and they gave us a quote on the spot. They arrived on time and were very friendly. The only reason we did not go with them is simply because of price and we had a friend who had work done by the contractor we ultimately chose.

It was a rocky road with a some delays, petty arguments over minor aspects, and errant subs. However, it is important to mention that we found Tabor staff Peggy Card and Joe Kucha to be kind, professional and responsive. We found Tabor on Angie's List and given their high marks compared to other contractors decided that we would rank them highest as our candidate contractor for building this porch. Coincidently, friends of ours who were in the process of remodeling their house and kitchen, went through a thorough due diligence of 10 contractors and had chosen Tabor based on a number of factors that aligned with ours. We were very pleased that our very meticulous friends chose Tabor as it helped us feel better about our decision. We had plans for the porch from a previous architect we had hired a couple years ago. These plans did prove to have minor mistakes that Tabor identified and eventually addressed. For example, one mistake on the plans was that the slope of the roof was too sharp. However, even though the mistake was identified, the subs that built the trusses made a calculation mistake. As the trusses were installed my husband noticed that they actually made the pitch too slight. Tabor acknowledged the mistake, stopped the work and re-ordered new trussses. All the work stopped and it took a week to get the new trusses up. Another delay was caused by the need to replace the Trex flooring planks which were delivered scratched. That took another week. These two delays seemed to cause more delays, and our project that was scheduled for three weeks took over 7 weeks. Work was scheduled to begin in late February 2011, although it didn't begin until March. It was scheduled to be finished by the first week of April; however, it was finished in early May. Most of the petty arguments revolved around Tabor's unwillingness to provide small services, such as installing a temporary mailbox in the front of the yard (since the mailman wouldn't be able to reach the house for over a month) and moving a few shrubs away from the porch area but then back again after work was completed. In the end they agreed to move some of them temporarily. But these nickle-and-dime arguments with the owner were, in our mind, unnecessary and added to the already frustrating delays.

We are very happy with the house! Tabor did an outstanding job communicating with us. John is very customer, and detail, focused. The on-site team who ran the day-to-day operations was great to work with. The site manager in particular has been terrific. They have been quick to make changes to things we did not like, or that were in error. They are still wrapping up our punchlist. Nothing major, just tying up some final items and a few small errors/oversights here and there. Nothing worth complaining about. We had to include a retaining wall that was a last minute surprise addition after a DC inspector came out. We were not happy about that at all initially as it was quite costly, but it has turned out looking really nice. Most of the changes along the way have been fairly minimal. There have not been too many change orders. A couple we would have preferred to know about from the beginning, but all in all, nothing too major and they have been very accommodating with the changes we have made during the process. The worst part was the permitting process with DC - it seemed to take a long time which I had heard from others, but it was worse than I imagined. We are very happy with the end result and would definitely recommend Tabor. We ended up a slightly off schedule, but considering the horrible winter we had in DC, I am very impressed they were able to pull it all together as quickly as they did. I have seen other renovations in the neighborhood that were going on when we moved out and they are still underway! We were very impressed with Tabor's tight timeline. John and the team are very good at what they do.

We were impressed with Tabor Design Build's professionalism from the start. Our renovation was completed while we were living outside of the country. We made selections by internet and Tabor sent us samples of key items by DHL. Their communication and the number of photographs they sent as the work proceeded were phenomenal--I am sure I could fill a 200 page photo album with the pictures and they are fun to have since they document the process from the start of construction work. Tabor followed up conscientiously when our new refrigerator sprung a compressor leak when it was first turned on (a manufacturer's defect) and our new refrigerator was in when we arrived home. The site was very clean when we walked into our house and it was clear that Tabor took a lot of care in managing the overall project. They have been very good about following up to rectify the few, very minor, defects we have identified since we moved into our house in mid-January. We could not be happier with the end result of our remodeling or with the service we have received from Tabor Design Build.