The Buckingham Group

The Buckingham Group has completed two major projects with excellent worry-free results. First project- (see second project review below) To whom it may concern, We first met Ed (owner of ‘The Buckingham Group’) at the Tulsa Home and Garden show but was concerned that he wouldn’t be interested in remodeling our small kitchen in Mid-Town. After visiting with him (in his booth), he convinced us that sometimes the smaller projects are some of the most rewarding. After an initial consultation, he provided a set of design plans that depicted “out of the box” innovation and creativity that maximized the space we had available. The company was very professional in all aspects of the project from the design phase to the sub-contractors. It was definitely quality through and through. The entire project was well planned and scheduled. The Buckingham Group is detail oriented, they’re diligent about doing things the “Right Way”, they use quality sub-contractors, and they demonstrated great communication throughout the project. From design conception to the finished project, everything was exceptional. In the end, the finished kitchen looked even better than we ever imagined it would look! My wife was overwhelmed with emotion when she saw how incredible the kitchen looked when the project was completed. She never thought she would ever have a kitchen that looked this nice. Ed and the Buckingham Group will definitely be our choice for any future renovation/remodeling projects. Second Project Review- The Buckingham Group previously did a design build kitchen remodel for us that we were extremely happy with. As a result, of this experience, we didn't hesitate to use them again when we decided to re-construct our driveway and porch. Here are just a few things that separate them from everyone else: • A project 'Design' phase that covers the client’s requirements and the detail for project estimation costs. This is an important part of the process to ensure that both parties understand the scope of the project. • The use of high-quality subcontractors that deliver quality workmanship, attention to detail, and good communication skills. • Project management throughout the process to ensure that tasks are completed timely, in the right sequence, and within budget. • Progress payments based on completion of pre-defined milestones and client satisfaction. • Flexibility to modify the project plan when extenuating circumstances dictate or when driven by the client. In the end, Ed and The Buckingham Group delivered another exceptional project that exceeded our expectation, was completed on time, and within the quoted project cost. As a satisfied customer, we would highly recommend them to anyone that needs a worry-free experience!

The Buckingham Group has completed 2 major projects and were very satisfied with both. We first met Ed (owner of ‘The Buckingham Group’) at the Tulsa Home and Garden show but was concerned that he wouldn’t be interested in remodeling our small kitchen in Mid-Town. After visiting with him (in his booth), he convinced us that sometimes the smaller projects are some of the most rewarding. After an initial consultation, he provided a set of design plans that depicted “out of the box” innovation and creativity that maximized the space we had available. The company was very professional in all aspects of the project from the design phase to the sub-contractors. It was definitely quality through and through. The entire project was well planned and scheduled. The Buckingham Group is detail oriented, they’re diligent about doing things the “Right Way”, they use quality sub-contractors, and they demonstrated great communication throughout the project. From design conception to the finished project, everything was exceptional. In the end, the finished kitchen looked even better than we ever imagined it would look! My wife was overwhelmed with emotion when she saw how incredible the kitchen looked when the project was completed. She never thought she would ever have a kitchen that looked this nice. Ed and the Buckingham Group will definitely be our choice for any future renovation/remodeling projects. The Buckingham Group previously did a design build kitchen remodel for us that we were extremely happy with. As a result, of this experience, we didn't hesitate to use them again when we decided to re-construct our driveway and porch. Here are just a few things that separate them from everyone else: • A project 'Design' phase that covers the client’s requirements and the detail for project estimation costs. This is an important part of the process to ensure that both parties understand the scope of the project. • The use of high-quality subcontractors that deliver quality workmanship, attention to detail, and good communication skills. • Project management throughout the process to ensure that tasks are completed timely, in the right sequence, and within budget. • Progress payments based on completion of pre-defined milestones and client satisfaction. • Flexibility to modify the project plan when extenuating circumstances dictate or when driven by the client. In the end, Ed and The Buckingham Group delivered another exceptional project that exceeded our expectation, was completed on time, and within the quoted project cost. As a satisfied customer, we would highly recommend them to anyone that needs a worry-free experience!

Our home was built in 1971 and has been in our family since 1975. By 1998 it was beginning to show its age and our family made the decision to remodel. The master bathroom became the first of many projects that The Buckingham Group would undertake for us. Since that initial remodel they have completed five additional projects, the last of which, some twenty-five years later, was an update of their original bathroom remodel. The scope or work undertaken by The Buckingham Group has ranged from minor maintenance to the total renovation of our kitchen, utility room and guest bathroom. Independent of the scale of the project, our twenty-five-year relationship with them has been consistently positive. Their design services are one of the many attributes that distinguishes them from other firms in the field. They have the unique capability to reallocate space in a home to optimize its use. Complementing the design staff are their carpenters, who are actual employees of the company and a group of trade professionals, who are not only skilled craftsman, but have strong interpersonal skills as well. Over the years they have transformed our house into a home that works well and brings pride and joy to us on a daily basis. If you have a remodel that you are considering, want to bring it in on time and on budget, contact The Buckingham Group. You will not be disappointed.

We have a small house with space challenges. The Buckingham Group designed a plan that allowed us to utilize the space we have in a new way. They do excellent design work and then work as the general contractor to direct their team of subcontractors to complete the work. They are meticulous and want to be sure that they have done the work to the homeowner's satisfaction. We had a moisture problem under our hardwoods as a result of crawl space humidity and they worked tirelessly to find the right, and reasonably priced, answer to our issues. We cannot be more satisfied with their work!

This is the fourth design/build project The Buckingham Group has completed for my family. I am writing to inform you and your team of how much we are enjoying our new outdoor kitchen and entertainment space. Working with The Buckingham Group was a breath of fresh air as you guided us through both the design and product selection process. We were impressed with the amount of time that you not only invested in researching each product, but in directing us to products that represented the most favorable cost to value ratio for us. Your company’s paper trail and outstanding level of documentation through both hard copy and your web-based construction management system allowed us to follow the complete job from anywhere there was an internet connection. Each of the subcontractors you used was proficient in their area of expertise and was diligent in their effort to provide us with an outstanding product. From the plumbers and electricians to the painters, tile installers, brick masons and roofers, everything was completed with a high level of perfection. The end result is an outdoor kitchen and entertainment complex that we will enjoy for many years to come. Thank you again for a beautiful addition to our home.

We found the Buckingham Group to be a very comprehensive design/build group that worked diligently to provide us with exactly what we wanted with attention to detail and quality workmanship. The design phase was challenging but Ed and his group worked hard through several revisions to get what we wanted in the space we had to accommodate a new master suite: bath, closet, and bedroom. Having the book of suppliers with addresses, phone numbers and the preferred contact made the daunting task of picking out plumbing, electrical, floor covering and mechanical items much simpler. Once the design details were nailed down, the project was scheduled. The Buckingham Group uses Builder Trend, an internet-based tool showing all aspects of the project: scheduling, action items, costs and payments, as well as any change orders, allowing all to see quotes that are either accepted or declined. Everything stayed right on schedule until we had to pause while waiting on items that were delayed (due to no fault of the Buckingham Group). Ed and his staff stayed in communication and were quick to answer questions or even come by to keep everyone “on the same page”. His staff is professional and skilled. We felt very comfortable having them in our house. Buckingham Group staff, as well as sub-contractors, showed up every day that work was scheduled. We never wondered when work was going to be completed. All in all, we are happy with our Buckingham experience from design to completion. We would definitely consider using them for another project.

The Buckingham Group replaced all our windows and some damaged sub boards. The crew was polite and professional - on time, wore shoes covers, focused on the project, and completed on time. The owner called daily to see if I was satisfied with the work which was excellent.

Have done two outstanding remodeling projects with The Buckingham Group. The first one was a kitchen remodel. Our kitchen was outdated with lighting in a drop down “popcorn” ceiling, old oak cabinets that provided inadequate storage and dated countertops. Everything was redone including cabinets, countertops, backsplash, plumbing fixtures, crown molding and raising the ceiling and installing recessed can lighting. We were impressed with the process which included the initial design phase to identify why and what we wanted the finish project to achieve, approving the design concept and realizing our beautiful kitchen when the project was completed. The process was A+ from start to finish. Everything was spelled out in a written contract that covered the entire process. The Buckingham Group was exceptional in its quality design and workmanship. ***Best review in my view is that several years later and a new address, we had The Buckingham Group redo a small bathroom that needed a large shower and linen closet. It was a dismal space that was transformed into beautiful, functional bathroom. Success - Thank you Ed and The Buckingham Group.

The project went well and all work promised was done. The two main workers who worked for Buckingham were outstanding and were experts in all facets of the job. However, some of the the other contractors were average to good and were not as professional as the two Buckingham employees. There was a schedule made which had all the details laid out. However, there were several days when the scheduled contractor did not show up and no one notified us. We always tried to be at home when there was work scheduled and these no show days were irritating. The quality of the work performed was excellent and we are extremely pleased with the end result. We budgeted for a certain dollar amount but because of change orders, we exceeded our budget by several thousand dollars. We made it clear when the contract was signed that we did not want to exceed this amount. Some of the extra costs were enhancements which we agreed to and others were change orders where we had no choice. This was the most irritating part of the whole process. We're glad we had the work done and as mentioned, the quality is outstanding. However, be prepared to spend more than you expect.

We found the Buckingham group at a designer's showcase. I was impressed with the work I saw and I still believe this company does some great work. My issues with the Buckingham group don't have anything to do with the quality of their construction and remodeling work, but everything to do with the processes of their company, specifically the owner. Our project was a build-out of a sleeping porch and a bathroom remodel. From day one, we asked for any sort of cost estimate the owner, could give us. I wanted a general ballpark number. A number for budgeting purposes, not a number to be brought up at a later date when unforeseen issues may occur. They wouldn't give me anything. I asked several times after the owner had toured our house and talked in detail about the project, but I got nothing back from him. Instead, he kept pushing for us to allow him to draw up the project into design plans, something he charges $1500-2000 to do. We really liked the work we saw at the designer showcase, so we moved forward with the plans, believing we'd have them do the project. We figured spending the $2000 or so on a great design is likely worth the expense. During the design phase, we asked for several things to be incorporated into the design. Simple things like where to put the plumbing fixtures and sinks. We asked him to keep our bathroom doorway where it currently is, and asked for specific design features to be added in the bathroom. Often the owner, who also works with clients in the design phase, would respond with "That's expensive", and seemed reluctant to even draw up what we wanted. If we asked, "How much?" after his "expensive" comment, he still would not give us even a very rough number. One time we were called by someone at Buckingham's office to check in and ask how the design process was going. We took the opportunity to tell the caller that the owner seemed reluctant to incorporate some of our thoughts into the design, and we explained to her that we were tired of hearing him tell us things are "expensive", but never giving us any numbers. Expensive is relative to budget, and the owner had no idea how much money we have set aside for the project, and he still hadn't given us ANY overall cost ideas. She assured us she'd talk with him to help the process go more smoothly. Finally, the day came to review the plans they had drawn up. When going over the plans, the owner told us that there were a few things he knew we wanted one way, but he did them other ways due to expense. He moved a doorway (which would have likely cost more to move than to leave where it was) even though we asked him to not to move it. He planned the closet completely differently than we had discussed. He put plumbing in places where we asked him not to, and he flatly refused to add simple things like the line drain we specifically asked for in the shower, saying it is too expensive. Really? A line drain is too expensive when the overall cost of the project ended up being estimated at $125,000+? There were at least 10-15 items that we had made very clear we wanted in a certain way that he refused to draw as we had asked. The last straw for me was the line drain in the shower. When we first saw the plans together, the owner said, "I know you wanted a line drain, but we did a round drain because line drains are too expensive". At this point, it was obvious to me I couldn't work with him. Is he doing this so he can charge more later when amending the plans? If someone I employ and pay to do a job knows I want it done a certain way, but CHOOSES to do it another, we won't work together. I'm sure that over time, and after many discussions and design alterations, they would have finally produced plans to our liking. I wonder how much time would have been wasted and how much more I would have owe'd the Buckingham Group in design fees after many alterations of the design? Most companies will give you a very general ballpark figure the first time they visit your house and evaluate your project. Buckingham refused. Most companies strive to incorporate your ideas into the plans. Buckingham refused. Many companies will do both before charging you anything. I paid the Buckingham Group around $1500 for a design that wasn't what I asked for and ended up being useless. I'm sure the owner will have a response here, as he always seems to. He'll likely say that drawing up plans is expensive! I obviously didn't have a problem paying, or I wouldn't have agreed to pay him for designs before he even gave me a ballpark figure. The bottom line for me is that I won't hire someone who refuses to listen to my ideas, discuss general ballpark figures, or answer my questions. Truth be told, I feel duped into paying $1500 for plans that aren't what I asked for and cannot use. Maybe that's what they wanted...? They cashed my check even though they knew I wasn't at all happy with what they sold me.

The job went very well. Ed Kaplan and his employees were very pleasant to work with and did an excellent job of constructing our garage. Ed spent a considerable amount of time with us discussing the project and developed a detailed contract that listed all work to be provided with a complete description of the materials to be used in the construction. The project was completed in a timely manner and at the quoted price. Any issues that arose were quickly resolved.
 I would definitely recommend The Buckingham Group to anyone considering and an addition to their home or a remodeling project.

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