Solluna Builders

Built an entirely new house on existing slab. Some supply chain issues due to the pandemic, so project took longer than expected. Results, however, are excellent. Energy-efficient house with solar, aiming for net-zero.

Solluna Builders not only met my expectations but far exceeded them when they took on a major remodel of my central Austin condo. I was in the market for a builder who could sensitively and successfully transform my tired-looking space into something functional and aesthetically pleasing. Not only did they achieve that result but they did it responsibly and wholly in partnership with me. After major renovation projects on homes in both Tucson and Santa Fe, I knew the challenges such partnerships can present. It can be overwhelming to consider the endless choices one has when designing a new home and complications can arise when a team isn't in synch with the client. The Solluna team listened patiently and followed my lead every step of the way, guiding me to better solutions when necessary but always holding my vision. They heard me. As a result, it became the home of my dreams, a beautiful respite for me and my guests. A successful working relationship requires good and honest communication, respect, cooperation, and a healthy dose of laughter. My experience with Solluna was so positive, the best ever, that I would do it all over again! We co-created not only a home but a lasting friendship. I give them the highest recommendation.

Solluna did the restoration of my 1950's two car garage in Hyde Park Austin. The total sf was around 600sf. Since it a restoration we had to retain the original foot print and approximate height of the existing building. Permitting from the City of Austin was very challenging. Solluna did a great job all round.

My sister and I were looking for a "green builder" and Wayne and Solluna Builders came highly recommended.  Wayne and Mary are a greaat team - we thought they were great from the very start.  They helped put us in a touch with a top notch home designer and finance contact.  Solluna went over all the options, costs to all the tiny details needed when planning a house and executing it.  No surprises.We are in the midst of construction now and would highly recommend them to someone who really wants to make a difference.  Our home will be one of the most energy efficient in the area, if not the best:  including solar electricity, rainwater collection
 and energy efficient building materials and appliances.

I hired Wayne (Solluna Builders) to be the General Contractor and manage this project...I waited 8 months for him to have a opening. My intent was for him to do several projects for me from landscaping, to install SIPS panels for insulation, building a tornado safe room and shelving...

He sub out the work for the sprinkler system to his friend of several years to Nelson Wheeler of Meridian Landscape Services in Austin TX.

When Wayne and Meridian Landscape came to my house...I described in detailed what I wanted and where. I have chatted with Wayne many many times about my desire to have a eco friendly green home and my passion for saving water.

On the 9th of Jun 2011, I sent Wayne an email basically saying the same information I told him in person about what I wanted for my lawn.

I am a disabled veteran and trying to put my life back on course and that is why I hired Wayne to manage this for me...to give me peace of mind and knowing the project was in good hands.

I asked for a BOM (Bill of Materials) of the brand names and materials that were going to be used and a rough sketch on where everything was going to be installed.

I never received any list from Wayne or Meridian.

When Wayne came to my house to have me sign the contract...I asked him again about the BOM and drawing...he plays it off and says " Oh really...they didnt get back to you on that?"

I asked Meridian if they ever got a email from Wayne describing what I wanted for my lawn...Nelson and his partner both said "NO".

In my mind I was giving Wayne the benefit of the doubt because he was suppose to be good at this...

So I signed a deposit check to start the work trusting Wayne was going to manage this project and that it would be something that would be eco friendly and green and give me a nice looking lawn. 

The landscapers tore up my lawn...didnt use a sod remover, they installed sprinklers in the outside strips of grass by Texas State irrigation is against code TCEQ. It is required by Texas state regulation to be drip only. 

It was the Cedar Park City inspector that informed me that what Meridian Landscape Services did was against code.

I kept asking about drip irrigation several times...because I knew something was not right. I had a gut feeling this guy was a BS artist and feeding me a bunch of BS. He installed over 18 sprinklers in a strip of grass that is 18-24 inches wide. 

When I tested the system...water was going all over the place...run off...over spray...it was wasting hundreds of gallons of water every time I ran the system.

I asked Wayne why they didnt use Hunter MP Rotator nozzles that are designed for windy areas and save 30% on water?

They both gave me poor half a** excuses...saying they only use that system on well water and a bunch of other crap.

Bottomline...Meridian Landscape does "NOT" follow Texas State Irrigation Regulation...Nelson is dishonest and a BS con man...Wayne admitted to me...that he really knows nothing about Landscaping and that is why he hired his friend Nelson...

Meridian went over board with a sprinkler system by installing 43 heads on a surface area that only need maybe 30-35 sprinklers. So that is unnecessary labor and materials that I was getting billed for.

So how is Wayne...managing my project if he lacks the experience and knowledge in that area? He wasnt...I had to step in and do the homework and do his job. 

I have already called my bank hopefully to get my money back and filed a police report through Cedar Park for fraud and negligence. 

Stay away from these guys...they may talk a good talk...but action speaks louder than words....you have been warned!!!

I wanted to know as to what I could do to make my house more energy efficient. They gave me a lot of good ideas and prices. They also gave me a disk containing information about the work they have done. It also contained a website where I could see recommendations and various other services offered by them. I was really impressed. They are very honest and personable. They do what they say they are going to do. They have given me bids but I have not had any work done by them. They are very punctual. They have won awards too. They are specialized in remodels where people want to go green. They don?t just try to sell you anything. They are very fair and honest. Even though I have not used them, they have responded to all my e-mails. They have followed up with questions that I had. They are very good. Their website is outstanding.