Specialty Builders

We interviewed a few Contractors from Angie's List.  Specialty Builders came through as best choice for our Kitchen ideas.  Work began in mid-June and left us without a Kitchen till mid-October.  Original completion date was mid-August but of no fault to B-S, we happened to choose a quartz counter-top from a manufacturer that shutdown during the summer and didn't have our product anywhere in the country.  We had to wait  1-1/2 months to get the counters!  Once they came in, things quickly completed and we finally got life back to normal.
Builders Specialties is not cheap but they do good work.  They left the house clean each work day and put up plastic walls to contain dust.  They team up with a great cabinet maker and if you desire quality and can be patient with delays, you will be happy.

Everything was very easy and quick.

Loyd and Justin of Specialty Builders were courteous, professional, and informative. The work was finished earlier than we had originally agreed upon even though we added some services to the contract. We also have an older home so there were a few unexpected issues.  When these issue came up Loyd and Justin provided timely options with costs and their professional opinion so that we could make the best decision. We would definitely use Specialty Builders again and recommend them to our friends.

The whole project went very well, accept for a very tiny leak in the plumbing one night at 2am.  Lloyd came out to the house at 2am and the leak was promptly fixed.  The leak was so small that there was very little to know damage to the house. This issue occurred during the construction phase of the bathroom.

What I believe often goes under appreciated is the need to plan a project prior to starting the work.   When Loyd and Justin came out to provide an estimate for the work, he pointed out issues we would need to consider before the work began.  I had 3 other quotes and none of the other 3 made any comments about any issues that needed resolution.  None were as thorough in the planning of the project.  Loyd was not the low bidder but I believe I saved more than the difference because we had planned out the whole project and avoided pitfalls before the construction began.  I would have made expensive mistakes without Loyd.  
The quality of their workmanship is excellent.  Their knowledge of products and materials that can be used to improve the overall quality of the project is excellent.

We had a couple of remodeling contractors bid on the project and Specialty Builders came in less expensive than the other contractor. Price was one reason, but not the only one for the choice we made. Both firms were professional, but we felt we had better rapport and communication with Loyd and his business was located closer to our home.

Loyd did a great job of explaining the process and making sure that he understood what we wanted by showing us progress along the way so he could make modifications if needed while it was still possible to do so. He kept us informed of any issues and made sure we understood the trade-offs when making decisions. 

Once the work started, not only did they accomplish what they set out to do for the day, but also cleaned up before they left for the day. They vacuumed to remove excess dust and stacked up construction material neatly. Loyd is also very picky and reworked a few things that did not look satisfactory to him.

The project was done in the estimated timeframe and came in close to the estimated budget. The only reason we were a little over budget is because we materials we selected exceeded the allowance in the estimate and added a special coating to the shower glass that is supposed to help keep it clean.

We are planning on additional future remodeling projects and will plan to use Specialty Builders again.

In general, the remodel went well and we are very pleased with the end result.  SB engaged us in healthy conversation about the decisions and inputs we needed to provide in the process, and there were certainly many more decisions than we had anticipated.  SB provided valuable suggestions that we likely would not have thought of on our own.

Overall:  
- SB was committed to deliver a remodel that matched our vision. 
- The conversations around decision points always had a positive focus on what could be done within the constraints to achieve our design goals. 
-SB was quick to resolve design or quality items that did not meet our expectations.

Notable Highlights:
-Superior proposal for installing engineered beam to move load bearing structures above ceiling
-Valuable input regarding laundry room layout and traffic flow
-Valuable input regarding the use of wall space and placement of windows/doors
-Positive conversations around decision points
-Work crew was focused on our remodel almost exclusively, with a few days of exception to address some urgent developments with other clients
-flooring subcontractor was superb and provided valuable input regarding the wood flooring installation.

Thing that could have been better:
-Two subcontractors were replaced during the remodel, with no significant impact to the project.
-Cabinet subcontractor changed ownership, which affected the work relationship SB had with them.  Issues with the cabinets were only resolved after SB had to push h****** the subcontractor.
-SB installed a dust barrier (plastic sheeting) so we could continue to reside in the portion of the house that was not being remodeled.  Dust still got into the other portions, so the barrier could possibly have been constructed better to allow our access. ...or maybe SB should have been firm in requesting that we don't open the barrier.

As expected. To our satisfaction.

They were very professional, always kept me up to date on tasks and worked with my wants.  I kept adding on to the project and changing things.  Lloyd was very patient with me and helped me when I needed it but generally allowed me to design my own bathroom.  There was never really a time where he said it can't be done.  I originally only wanted to redo my shower stall but after looking at what could be done I decided to pull it all out and redo it...I love my new bathroom, it's my favorite place in the whole house.

One thing I really liked was they never left a mess.  When I came home from work they had already left for the day and cleaned up their mess.  I also trusted them in my home, I never worried about losing anything.

The project went smoothly, and was completed pretty much exactly in the time quoted in the estimate.  We made most of our design decisions and placed our product orders well in advance, so there were few delays in that regard.  Specialty Builders and their team did an excellent job of communicating when they would be working and showing up on time.  The workers were always punctual, worked diligently each day, and did an excellent job with clean up at the end of each day.  There was little or no dust that escaped the work area.  Specialty Builders also let us know whenever there was a change in plans and got the work rescheduled right away.   As with any GC lining up various subcontractors to come in to do work, there are bound to be a few hiccups in other people getting their schedules mixed up, or having various personal problems that prevent work being done at a scheduled time.  I would credit our GC with staying on top of the subcontractors and having very few delays in the project and getting things up to speed when delays did occur.  Don't assume that your contractor will have all the answers regarding specific building and remodeling codes.  Specialty Builders was flexible when we had a to redesign our venting solution, though we wish that we could have had some guidance on what was allowed under code.

The work was done with great attention to detail. Loyd and his crew were reliable and trustworthy. The work was meticulous, and they left the work site neat and clean. In my living room where the wall was removed, the task was difficult because the flooring surrounding the removed wall left very little room for error on the custom cabinets. When Loyd brought the cabinets in, they fit perfectly. His work for the HOA was similarly fantastic. The HOA work was over several years, so he has been very consistent over time. And because I still live in the neighborhood, I can tell you that the work has held up very well over time. I was very pleased and will use them again.

Selected Specialty Builders based on competitive bids and competitive plans. Met with the company owner to plan design and decide on budget. Met with company owner several time to select cabinets, counter top, bathtub, sink, toilet and other bath fixtures. Company paid special attention to protecting our existing hardwood floors and other parts of the house that had been remodeled so as not to damage any areas when removing or installing large fixtures. Business owner talked with us about required permits and what the city of Austin would expect us to do. Had someone on hand for the inspections. Our remodeled bathroom is now like a spa, relaxing and beautiful. Because of all the careful work, it is especially easy to keep clean. There were from time to time some delays, which is not unusual in remodeling; and one of our tile choices turned out to not be available. But we were able to make another selection, which turned out to look even better. We occasionally had to leave voice messages when trying to reach the company, but calls were returned. The cabinet, bath and tile places to which we were directed also provided great assistance in selection and colors.

Work was done well and on time. Cost was very close to bid.

Excellent project. Service was great. Specialty Builders is very conscientious about quality. That comes first with them and it is evident in their service of the customer. Love our new bathroom.

He did what he said. He used competent, responsible subcontractors. He cleaned up every day after the workers left. He was available to come back when issues arose. We have used him on several occasions and have every reason to believe that we will continue to do so.

It went very well. The project was on time and within budget. All of the work was inside so weather was not a factor in doing the work within the time frame allowed. We would use lloyd again - we are actually thinking about doing some additional rock work, if so Specialty Builders will get the call.

I got my estimates in Late August. I had hoped to have the project completed by Thanksgiving, but didn't know if that was possible. Loyd said we could and he did. His men arrived early and worked a full day everyday. All of my friends told me the dust would be terrible, but Loyds crew managed to contain the dust and did a good job of cleaning up, every day, before they left. His crew was very competent, pleasant and easy to work with. Loyd is also very experienced, knowledgeable, thorough and easy to work with. His attention to detail surprised me and he makes sure everything is done right. He kept close oversight on the project to ensure things were completed to his high standards. He was my advocate when dealing with all the businesses (cabinets, flooring, countertops, electricians). I had never done anything like this before and Loyd was very helpful in offering good advice and ideas. He was tirelessly patient as I struggled with the many, many little decisions that had to be made. He understood what I wanted and that is exactly what I got. Loyd also helped me stay within my budget. They were only working in the house 8 weeks. I now have the kitchen of my dreams and I couldn't be happier and could not recommend him more highly. The living room looks like new also. Thanksgiving was a huge success.