F & P REMODELING BY DESIGN

We had design work done by another company for our 2 bathrooms. Fred Peters worked w/that design. However he created the design for our master bedroom. As per our prior experience w/Fred listened to our requests, documented them, & gave us a copy. He then came back w/a design that exceeded our expectations. E.g. our master BR has cathedral ceilings. Fred suggested installing a ledge w/cove modeling in which rope lighting sits. This detail helps the eye from traveling all the way up to the white ceiling. You notices it, as well as a built-in dresser, & niches for TV & displaying artwork which were also part of Fred's design. Fred provided a detailed schedule of events & kept to it, or COMMUNICATED any changes to it - something previous re-modelers didn't do. F&P were respectful of our home & privacy. We trust them. Next time I'd ask for a schematic electrical plan & I'd ask for names of subcontractors before signing contract so I can look them up on Angie's List.

Fred gave a very thorough presentation outlining his company, work they have completed and how the design & remodeling process would proceed should we decide to hire him. We then had a discussion regarding the limitations of the current space, our budget, and what we were looking for in a remodeled space. Once we hired F&P, Fred began the design process. When his plans were finished, we had another meeting in which we discussed in detail his plans for the space. The plans included blueprints of various angles of the new space and a detailed specification report listing step-by-step the work to be done and the estimates for that work. F&P provided a calendar outlining what work would be happening in our space throughout the project. A white board on site was used to communicate any changes to this schedule & any other items that needed to be brought to our attention. Work was completed on schedule. We couldn't have asked for a better remodeling experience and we love our new kitchen!

They did a great job of refining my ideas. They are tremendous craftsmen. Because of their great attention to detail, they do take some time to get a job done, but it's worth the wait.

We hired F&P after they remodeled our ugly family room into a gorgeous place where we now spend most of our time. They respect and appreciate the heritage of our older home. Likewise, while doing the remodel, they respected the fact that we need to live in the house, so the work area was carefully masked out. Fred is meticulous about documenting all agreements from wish lists to contracts to change orders. He is clear up front - and in writing - that his design work belongs to him. I guess that is how all design-build contractors work. In summary, F&P are knowledgeable, skilled, respectful, polite, clean and punctual.

FRED DIDN'T WANT TO CONSIDER OUR DESIGN IDEAS. WE TOLD HIM WE WANTED TO MAINTAIN OUR OPEN/AIRY LAYOUT AND THE CIRCA-1900 STYLE OF THE HOUSE. HIS DESIGNS OVERLOOKED SIMPLE, INEXPENSIVE SOLUTIONS - OPTING INSTEAD FOR COMPLICATED, UNNECESSARY, EXPENSIVE CHANGES. EX: GUT THE PLASTER WALLS B/C ''THEY MAY FALL DOWN IN 20 YRS.''. HIS DESIGNS DECREASED SQ FT-AGE AND W/H TURNED OUR HOUSE INTO AN AWKWARD SERIES OF TINY ROOMS. EX: HE IGNORED A 7'X12' CLOSET, INSTEAD BUILDING WALLS AROUND THE ENTIRE PERIMETER OF THE ROOM IN ORDER TO CREATE TWO TINY CLOSETS. HE WANTED TO DISCARD OUR CLAWFOOT BATHTUBS, SWINGING OAK DOORS, BUTLER'S PANTRY, THE BUILT-IN DRESSERS IN OUR CLOSETS AND ADD GLASS BLOCK WALLS - ALL OF WHICH W/H STRIPPED THE CHARACTER (AND VALUE) FROM OUR HOME. WHEN WE DISAGREED, HE GOT TESTY AND TRIED TO PUSH US INTO ACCEPTING HIS DESIGNS BY STATING THAT ''CHANGES AT THIS STAGE ARE COSTLY'' - THIS WAS OUR FIRST LOOK AT HIS IDEAS. WE PAID HIM OFF JUST TO GET RID OF HIM.

FRED & PAM ARE HUSBAND & WIFE TEAM WHO DO OWN CARPENTRY AND SUBCONTRACT PLUMBING, HEATING, FLOORS, AND DRYWALL. FRED PROPOSED AN INNOVATIVE DESIGN -- I THOUGHT I HAD A GOOD DESIGN IN MIND AND HE PROPOSED A SUPERIOR ALTERNATIVE. HE BROUGHT ROOM UP TO CODE INCLUDING DIGGING NEW FOOTINGS IN A CRAWLSPACE. HE GAVE US A SCHEDULE!! (IMAGINE YOUR CONTRACTOR DOING THAT!) AND HE KEPT TO IT OR LET US KNOW DEVIATIONS. HE IS DILIGENT ABOUT PUTTING ALL REQUIREMENTS AND CHANGE ORDERS IN WRITING. THEY WERE EXTREMELY CLEAN AND A GREAT & FRIENDLY COUPLE TO HAVE IN OUR HOME. THEY BUILT A SAFE AND CLEAN BARRIER TO KEEP DUST AWAY FROM REST OF HOUSE AND KEEP OUR 3 YR OLD OUT OF CONSTRUCTION. WITH F&P YOU OPTIMIZE QUALITY AND SERVICE. PRICE WAS A LITTLE STICKER SHOCK FOR US, BUT QUALITY AND SERVICE BALANCED IT. WE NOW HAVE MILLWORK IN OUR FAMILY ROOM THAT MILLION DOLLAR HOMES LACK!