Orfield Design & Construction Inc

Service Provider Response

I believe we have a case of mistaken identity and this report does not belong to us. A. Because we are MN licensed and only perform services in and near the surrounding area of the twin cities. This person is in Illinois.we have been licensed to work in Minnesota only since 1978

Service Provider Response

To Whom it May Concern: We have no record of ANY client (past or present) by this NAME or LOCATION. We also have NEVER provided ANYONE with an estimate on a “FIRE PIT”. So I think this review belongs to another “Orfield” company. Please investigate? Kindly, The staff at Orfield Design & Construction, Inc. www.OrfieldDesign.com in Minnetonka

Service Provider Response

Upon arrival, the owner walked us through their newly purchased home. This was their first home purchase and they had only rented before. We DID ask how they felt they would use the space and they said they had only lived there for 3 months, but were planning on having more children and so wanted the 2nd floor to accommodate that. This home was built in 1925 and had a very large 2 story addition put on sometime in the 90’s (EST.). She immediately started describing the things the former owners could have done better as she walked through the spaces. (I.e. her husband called the attached screened porch “worthless” because you couldn’t use it year round and the kitchen had “cheap” countertop updates, etc.) We did not say anything about it. We were walked upstairs to view the current layout, and we were introduced to the husband who apologized that he could not stay for the meeting, was sick, had to drop their child off, etc. he left. We never had a chance to talk to him. I then asked the wife what time she had to leave for work herself. She said “unfortunately I’m always late” to which I replied that we wanted to respect her schedule and make sure she wasn’t late on our behalf. Therefore, to make the most efficient use of the time, we asked if we could view the home/proposed project spaces and measure and discuss what she wanted at the same time to start. She agreed. The 2nd floor of that addition was what they wanted to remodel. It was a very large empty room that they weren’t even currently sleeping in because they didn’t like it! Understandably it did not match the rest of the house. It had painted ranch trim, 80's slide by casement windows, while the rest of the home had beautiful stained oak edge banded trim, single flat panel doors, double hung windows, oak floors....all the wonderful architectural details that invite you into a well-maintained 1920’s home! I asked several times if matching that was important to them. She said “ideally yes”. We then made one generic statement that we feel (in every case) that it is sad when someone remodels or puts on additions that are in such stark contrast with the wonderful details in the rest of the home that truly honor its original build date, no matter what build date that may be! To get to the single room addition, you had to walk through an original room that was 17’ long x 9’ wide. This currently served as their "office". At the end, the large "master" bed room was 19’ x 12’ with (2) 3x4 closets inside that. Together making a 381 sq ft total to work with. We asked several times what they wanted in those 2 rooms. She replied: “A Master Bedroom, better closet/storage space, a ¾ bathroom and office space for either one or two desks.” We showed that the room that they were sleeping in right now was 11x14 (without closets) and they liked that size and found it to be comfortable. Therefore their bedroom in the new space should be at least that size or they would find it small. So logically the bedroom took the available sq ft. from 381 down to 227. We noticed that the only possible way into that addition was through the existing room. so taking into consideration a standard 3’ hallway in that room, that would take up 3’x17’ or another 51 sq ft. bringing the sq ft available for the new bathroom, closets and desk area down to 176 sq ft. We then showed that just a small bathroom is at least 5’x8’ to fit in a vanity, shower, toilet and that is not usually considered a “master” but it provided them what they wanted. So the bathroom removed another 40 sq ft. This left 136 sq ft for 2 desks and closet space. They currently had 8’ of total hanging closet space said this wasn’t enough and wanted “more” So assuming a conservative walk-up (not walk in closet) adding let’s say at least 4 more feet, we would calculate removing another 12’ x 2’ or 24 sq ft. from avail design space, that left 112 sq ft for desk area. Oh forgot to mention, in the master bedroom corner another 16 sq ft couldn’t be used for anything due to an existing brick chimney from the basement/1st floor. At the remaining 96 sq ft, you might get it all to work EXCEPT you have to deduct further 2x4 wall stud framing/drywall and normal “circulation space” to access all of the above. And know that the existing exterior walls in both rooms had very low windows, and one doesn’t typically put a desk and/or bed/dressers/etc in front of those so you lose even more space. I mentioned that I have found people typically like to have their windows facing the backyard of the home, not only because it is typically quieter than the city street side, but also because it allows them to keep eyes on the children playing there. Only one room would even allow for that option, and it didn’t have it currently, so I asked if they ever considered that. They had not. With all the above logistics, code requirements, and architectural details in mind, we were excited to see IF/HOW we could make it all work. That usually requires a little “brainstorming”, drawing out a scaled existing plan and then creating several layout options to figure in what would fit in all the above the best in order to show the client. This owner kept asking us repeatedly “how we were going to lay it out specifically” and we answered honestly that we weren’t quite sure on the spot because of the reasons above, but we were sure we would try to come up with a creative solution. Prior to our initial visit, when confirming our appointment,, we emailed a standard “Cost vs. Value” report that lists most home improvement projects and their average costs, by region, state and then city. A copy can be found at this online link: http://www.remodeling.hw.net/2013/costvsvalue/division/west-north-central/city/minneapolis--mn.aspx Then, at the actual visit, when sitting together we asked her budget cost, and we also offered typical ballparks, and a guesstimate of what their particular project would cost. (Considering gutting the room, getting new mechanicals across the home and up 2 stories and structural items we would encounter in a 1925 home, it was very realistic based upon our 35 years of business and in line with impartial surveyors, but apparently quite out of their expected range. We then sat at the table and explained our typical process (which we had also emailed in our appointment confirmation email, along with our Design Form/Fees) that would allow us to provide the best possible solution and create a master plan, we also suggested that we make the project into something tangible, by giving them options of areas that they could perhaps tackle in stages so that it could meet their budget and wishes. It's a fact that sometimes personalities and/or minds don’t mesh, but we still wish any potential client that didn’t choose us the very best in their projects and remind them that we would always welcome the opportunity to be of service to them or any of their referrals in the future!!

Service Provider Response

According to our records the work was performed in 2005 under strict direction by owner which is evidenced by the detailed written contract . We did receive a rather terse voicemail message from the homeowner in which she unreasonably requested that we pay for all new walls/doors, etc & water heater change out. Knowing the work was done 7 years ago and our reference of the file supporting that we did not do anything wrong, we must admit we were at fault for ignoring the voicemail. We wished to avoid a conversation without resolution, knowing the homeowner would not be happy hearing that we could not do anything that she wanted at this time. We spend time planning with each and every homeowner and make recommendations that take into consideration function and aesthetics in daily living, service & resale. If these are declined or turned down, then we respectfully are not able to do any more other than what the client wants as well as take copious notes & documentation on existing site conditions & our scope of proposed work included, and what is not included. Specializing in a devoted and high level of customer service, we have many friendly clients that we still remain in contact with regularly, and their jobs were done years prior to this one. We are sorry to hear of her frustration and wish her the very best. Kindly, Orfield Design & Construction, Inc.