Dan Devol Contracting

My wife and I want to commend Dan DeVol Builders for the
outstanding custom home they built for us in Bellbrook Ohio. Construction began
in October 2013 and was completed, on time in June 2014. His skilled and
dedicated subcontractors worked steadily through that very harsh winter to get
it all done.
The first step was getting a good plan together that
incorporated the unusual lot
size/shape, conformed to the local housing association covenants/codes and most
importantly gave us what we wanted. We selected a Craftsman style, similar to
others that Dan has done in the past.  He
and his designer did a fine job with that, letting us make modifications and
warning us against others.
Once we agreed on the design, Dan provided a very accurate
cost estimate. He also gave us a list of local mortgage brokers he has worked
with over the years. We went with Kathy Shaw who was excellent. She got us a very
fair building loan and a really good final mortgage.
Construction started with the foundation. The foundation
guys encountered a significant cavity under the site (an old debris dump). Dan
took the time and expense to solve that problem. Our foundation is SOLID. The
sump pump almost never goes off.
Next up were the Amish framers who worked steadily (and
safely) during a very cold winter. Dan was able to pretty closely supervise the
construction since he normally has only two to four jobs going at a time. Thus
he was able to catch and rectify small errors and deviations from the plan.
As building continued we were called upon to make choices:
shingle, brick, stone and grout color, tile or wood flooring, electrical and
plumbing fixture types and much, much more. It was a lot of work. Be prepared to
make lots of decisions if you want a custom home.
Some sub-contractors of special note were: the German
Baptist cabinet maker (wow); the wood floor guy (hard to get hold of but
outstanding workmanship); and the finish carpenters who did exquisite detail
work on the front of the house as well as interior work to include the stair
case and coffered ceiling. Dan?s brother made our front door and casement.
We were able to move in on time. The house has exceeded our
expectations. Dan told us to expect/look for problems or discrepancies as we occupied
the house. These have been taken care of in the year plus we have lived here.   
Bottom line: Building a custom home is not an easy
process and it?s not for everyone. You get what you want but you have to put in
lots of your own effort. But if you?re committed, Dan and his team are really
good. They?re easy to work with, do high quality work and give you what you pay
for; in other words, EXCELLENT VALUE.