Foster Remodeling Solutions, Inc.

They are great! I have nothing but good things to say about them, they are on time, they are with you until the end very responsive and this is the third time we used them.

They honored the purchase anyway and did a great job. My only concern was that they did not immediately respond to the request, but they made up for it with their willingness to work.

Not yet finished

Two-sink vanity, toilet, shower stall, soaking tub, light fixture, and ceiling fan were all removed. Single sink vanity, toilet, a larger shower stall, light fixture and ceiling were replaced. Tub was not replaced. Floor was completely replaced. Walls & ceilings painted. All work was completed very professionally. The work space was left neat and clean everyday. The job was completed on time. I was consulted for input on any questions that inevitably arose. And the bathroom looks great. On-time. On-budget. Very pleased.

We'd contacted Fosters to correct/improve upon some work done by a previous contractor.  The team from Foster's was awesome - always very professional in approaching our project and gave us great ideas and feedback.  Other companies tried to upsell us on their services and products - not so with Foster's.  Each day they were on site they went to great measure to clean up so that nothing was left in a mess.  I truly wish we'd found them a lot sooner, but we'll be using them again on other projects.  The quality of the work was just outstanding and we'll be using them again! 

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We were extremely pleased with Fosters.  This was a major project and from beginning to end, the communication, planning and execution was outstanding. Fosters has done several projects for us, but this was the largest. Working with the team in planning this project, the design was well thought out from the beginning. They provided several options, listened to our questions and suggestions and worked with us to produce the end product we wanted.  Key to Foster's success was a great construction crew. They were punctual, pleasant, and professional. Their focus on details, including thinking through how we would use the space was very helpful.   They often thought through how we would see/view things before finalizing; informing us why they were doing a certain part of the project a certain way. This attention to detail made a big difference in the final product. They would work on something, take a look, not like it and redo it until it was done in the right way. There are lots of small details that most people would not notice, but if left unattended would not have given the project the complete finished look we have.  This included everything from how the deck floor was laid out, the location of lights, angle of the floor boards angle and even caulking.  Throughout the project, they left the worksite clean and organized.  They communicated with us every day, letting us know their progress, double checking with us on decisions.  As with every project there were a couple of things that didn't go as planned, but Foster's was on top of the issues and promptly addressed the problem, keeping us informed along the way.  Fosters is more expensive than others we've looked at, but we find the focus on design, the attention to detail and the outstanding quality of the final project sets them apart from others.

We are currently wrapping up a walk thru. We are committed to them over the years. They remodeled our entire basement that included bringing the plumbing and electrical up to date. We took out a wall and put in a breakfast bar. It was a weight barring wall. They were able to support the weight, the wood structure that held the weight was inspected by someone from the county and that was all approved. We will deal with them forever, in three years we are going to redo the kitchen. They are good, and reliable. In the basement they had to move walls, put in a spa bath, and did all kinds of things. They did everything. We were sad to see them go. It all fits together nicely so I can't tell. They are amazing. There are four projects that they have completed. There is a total remodel of the basement. They get the permits. They aren't the least expensive but, they are worth it. They will work with us on our budget. I went in and before showing recommended products, they will say, "Are you looking for low cost or luxury?" based on what you say, they will pick those products. Even though it's more costly, I get what I need and want. They're not cutting corners. It wasn't sub-contractors coming in, it was their people doing the work. They've been vetted and care about their work.

All work was done on time. All workers did a good job and were very pleasant. Like them very much.

18 months a new Production Manager joined Foster - since then timeliness of response has gone way down, it takes a long time to get an answer, a schedule, it takes too long to get things moving.  Quality has not kept up with what Foster was.  I used them on handyman stuff and a $65K project  and it went well, but the past 18 months have been too much trouble....I am looking for some one else.

We needed to update the semi-finished basement in our small 1941 Arlington Forest home, which still had tired, knotty pine paneling, a patchy ceiling, and ancient wiring.  We got several estimates.  Foster was the highest but also the most creative and comprehensive.  Design consultant Chris Arnold worked with us to make the most of our limited space.  Other companies said that there wasn't enough space for us to have both a bedroom AND a powder room, in addition to a family room and utility room.  Chris made it work.  He also worked with us to bring down the price by highlighting areas where we could scale back or, in some cases (e.g. painting), do the work ourselves.
Following a complete demolition of the area, we brought in a waterproofing service (see separate review) to install below-the-floor drains and a sump pump, as well as an egress window.  When that was done, the lead carpenter from Foster, Brian, came and spent much of the next several weeks framing out the basement and overseeing the other work, which involved a significant amount of plumbing -- including breaking through the foundation floor to install a drain for the new powder room -- a complete electrical rewiring, moving some gas pipes and HVAC ducts, framing out the windows, redoing stair stringers, and installation of drywall, ceiling, carpet and tile, as well as a new laundry tub and all fixtures in the powder room.  Brian always let us know where he was in the project and what he planned to do next, and made some great suggestions for doing things a little differently in some spots.  He had a strong attention to detail and had some work redone when it fell short of his standard.  Ultimately, the job took a little longer than expected (don't they always), running from roughly late November through mid-February, with some additional fixes done in April.
We ended up spending a little more than we had planned but had the peace of mind of knowing that there was a whole team working on our project, not just one or two overstretched contractors.  This was important when we ran into some issues with the Arlington County inspectors.  The Foster team patiently worked with the inspectors, in the process saving us several thousand dollars in unnecessary add-ons to the project.  And, impressively, the owner of the company, David Foster, came out with Chris at the end of the job  to do a walk-through and to ask us how the project went.  This was not just a check-the-box walk-through.  They really sat down with us, listened to the one remaining issue we had (involving a door), and addressed it. They also gave us some informal advice on other projects that we are considering, and later provided an estimate for a smaller remodeling job we are considering.  We would have no hesitation in working with Foster on our next home project.

We are getting ready to sell our home and relocate.  We needed to update the kitchen but did not want to perform a complete remodel.  We asked Foster to provide an estimate to replace vinyl flooring with ceramic tile, replace formica butcher block counter-tops with granite and install a tile backsplash above all counters.  We wanted to retain the existing cabinetry as it is in very good condition.  Foster's designer worked closely with us to coordinate and select the tile and granite materials. The new counters included a new double bowl sink, faucet, and garbage disposer.  They originally scheduled the work to be performed the first two weeks of December, but due to an opening in their master schedule, they were able to start the work on November 15th and completed the job one week later on November 22nd.  They coordinated the work packages flawlessly, and the lead carpenter/tile installer, Brian, was a delight to have in our home.  We highly recommend Foster Remodeling Solutions to any one considering having a full or partial kitchen renovation done.

Our initial contact with Foster was at a home show. We later contacted the sales person to get an estimate. After reviewing 4 estimates we chose Foster, mostly based on previous positive reviews. We worked with the salesperson to design the kitchen. We had some struggles getting the design right and the drawings were not great. We finalized the design, signed a contract for the work, and it was scheduled to begin several weeks later. 
We had some problems contacting the sales person. We later learned that the salesperson was let go without our knowledge. Foster was apologetic about the miscommunication. They scheduled a pre-construction meeting with two staff and the lead carpenter. Final details were worked out, including logistics during the work period. Foster was very thorough in explaining how the work would proceed. There was a slight delay in the start time but we were told well in advance.
The work was done very professionally. There was constant communication with the carpenter. There were a few minor changes needed due to previously unknown conditions. The work was done on time and on budget. We paid a little more than we might have with other contractors but we think it was worth it. We are very pleased with the new kitchen. There were a couple of minor problems that were discussed with the company owner when he visited a few weeks after the work was completed. Those problems were recently fixed. We would recommend Foster to others and we would use them again for other remodeling work.

We chose Foster Remodeling to remodel our kitchen based on excellent reviews, outstanding references, recent awards Foster had received, and their attention to detailed project planning and execution.  The result?  We are simply thrilled with our new kitchen and would highly recommend Foster Remodeling for their outstanding work!
We initially worked with Sarah, one of the design consultants, to ensure we got exactly what we wanted in our new kitchen (e.g. new cabinets, countertop, fixtures, lighting, backsplash, sink, etc).  Sarah was very thoughtful and attentive in listening to our initial requirements as well as our ideal ?wish list? for our kitchen and provided us with some outstanding ideas vis-à-vis pulling together different kitchen design elements. Her ability to take our ?wish list? and translate that to the kitchen we had always wanted was spot-on. Sarah also provided us with detailed list of tasks, a schedule, and a detailed cost proposal for our kitchen remodel and discussed the pros and cons of different elements of our preliminary design. 
 
Prior to the start of the project we met with Greg, our project manger, and Jack, our lead carpenter, to address any potential issues that might arise as well as the overall schedule. Foster estimated six weeks to complete the kitchen remodel. We had worked with a number of contractors in the past, but Foster Remodeling?s attention to detail and outstanding workmanship made the entire process run very smoothly.   From the start of kitchen demolition to the finished kitchen took six weeks -- on schedule and as promised!  
 
Jack, the lead carpenter who was on site on a daily basis, provided us with a variety of creative ideas and workable solutions when a couple problems were encountered after the old kitchen soffit was torn down. Jack was excellent in keeping us updated on status and what was going to be happening over the next couple of days. While I have had a number of craftsman work for me over the years in several homes I have owned, Jack is simply outstanding in his trade and the finished work shows the master craftsman he is.
 
Shortly after the project was competed, Foster Remodeling?s owner, Dave Foster, came to our home to walk through our finished kitchen and get feedback on the overall project. Few other contractors take the time to do this and it was a pleasure discussing our experience with him.
 
Did I say we are happy with our kitchen?   :)
 

Foster staff were very helpful, offered excellent advice on interior design and clearly enjoyed their work. The Foster showroom had a large, varied suite of materials from which to chose the tile, paint, plumbing hardware and wood paneling grains / colors. Legal matters also were handled very professionally. We knew  exactly what was going to be done, the precise phasing of the work and had selected all the materials well before project start. The project manager and the lead carpenter conducted a walk-thru with us before project start to explain how each part of the project would be done and to confirm work site conditions. The lead carpenter briefed us each day on progress, consulted with us when he found a condition that had not been visible during the walk-thru and made great suggestions for small changes to the design plans that resulted in improving the final look in the rooms. We reviewed the project blueprints with the project manager before we signed the contract and then reviewed the blueprints and project schedule with the lead carpenter at least weekly. So we knew the precise status of the project from start to finish. All materials were on hand when the project started. Progress payments were built into the contract and were based on satisfactory completion of tasks. At the end of the project we put only three minor things on the punch list. The lead carpenter identified two of them as we had not noticed them.
This was a great experience for us.
For our next remodeling project we'll go to Foster. No need to look anywhere else.

The only problem was the sound-proofing for the theater.  That was significantly less than desired.  But everything else was well-done, it looked very nice, and they were very professional from start to finish.  They also kept it within the budget (although the budget was more than we had originally planned), and handled the few problems well.

The job was done PERFECTLY.  It was done professionally and completely.  The workers were superb.  They really have the best construction workers in the business.  One guy, Mike, the head technician is a gem.  He is not only courteous and friendly, but he is truly a craftsman of his trade.  He even did some finishing touches to make the job even nicer.  The work was done quickly and efficiently for an extremely reasonable rate.

My husband found them on the radio. We spent about $3000 for their service. They were great. They listen to you. They did what was asked. I had a good idea of what the price would be. They cost a little more than the mainstream organization, but they did nice work and I am very happy with it. They were very responsive and did good quality work. They were expensive. I would use their services in the future too.

It went well.

It went almost flawlessly.. Started and finished on schedule. Excellent preparation including schedules, plans, & estimates. Staff is friendly, cooperative, & highly competent.

This was our first major remodeling project for our home. It seemed like it was going to be decently affordable. We had gotten 3 estimates. Once we started work there were a lot of change orders and the price kept going up and up and up when we were getting the work done. It was hard to find contractors at that time and they were more expensive than now. The cabinets and everything went up a scale and they had great vendors to help us pick the tile. They have a good array of moderately priced and style of cabinets. They offered architectural services but I kinda laid it all out. I felt like we were charged too much for architectural services when there was only so much we could do with our square space. We got more bids subsequently and they paid almost double. They never came back and fixed anything. The guy was always here on time while doing the work. They did not cover my hard wood floors and they ruined them. We had an issue with them fixing them as well. I would not use them again in the future.

Work was conducted in two phases: Repairs first then bathroom remodels. All work was highly satisfactory and professionally done beginning with estimating, design assistance, and product selection through installation and finish work. Foster's Design Center and design staff were extremely helpful offering advice and consultation in product selections and their real world experience of what will "fit together" as well as be most likely more satisfactory to our taste. We received detailed drawings to be able to visualize the result. Design specifications were very detailed and as an example showed the exact pattern for the workers to lay the tiles. This helped ensure we knew what we were buying and that the on site team delivered what we had been promised. The attention to detail is unmatched and included ensuring that all items matched down to drain covers, handles on fixtures, and screws and bolts. This provided a uniform look and feel and made the work complete. It also made us aware of the difference in quality we got compared to other work we have viewed done for other customers by other contractors. David Foster took the time to get to know us and our taste and expectations. He was therefore able to provide both personalized and expert service in areas we needed it without burdening us with trivial items or details that were not meaningful or important to us. ALL work was done timely according to schedule or in many cases ahead of schedule and in some cases came in under budget -- except for changes we made to substitute some higher end products we selected after the contract was signed. Changes were kept minimal and the on-site team reported other possible areas of improvement they encountered while doing the work without any pressure to increase the scope of the job. The price quoted was higher than some people would expect and for other work we had done years ago. But, prior work done by others was shown to be not professional at least and in some cases in violation of code and/or sound practices. This was in stark contrast to the high quality of work and warranty/commitment to customer satisfaction Fosters provided. The work done was well worth the expense. We never second guessed a dime of what we spent. David Foster himself visited the site frequently and again about 30-45 days after work was done to review it and ensure our satisfaction. Minor things we were willing to or had been required to "live with" from other contractors were fixed without hesitation or cost. He also delivered a well organized set of operating manuals for all items and completed all warranty submissions. This is a highly useful service not ever discussed by other contractors which ensures we will always be able to find the manuals and instructions long after we "forget" how to operate some of the systems. Fosters approach also included professional project management services rather than relying solely on the on-site workman to manage the work. This helped ensure quality and delivery according to the contract terms, schedule, and budget. We are considering other work and will call David Foster first. We have no doubt that the work will be done right and be fairly priced. We have learned the hard way that you get what you pay for and cutting budgets often results in shoddy work and a disappearing contractor who won't finish the job. We never had those issues with Fosters.

The project went very well. This was the first time I was involved with a major change to my house except for such things as the replacement of my roof and HVAC system. Thus I really did not know what to expect. Foster's staff work diligently with me to get the features and styles I wanted as well as working with me to "calm my nerves." The first step was meeting with Foster's interior designer and sales manager. They were invaluable in helping me decide what I wanted my kitchen and bathrooms to look like. (And believe me, I am very happy with the results.) This was followed by Foster's architects doing the actual design work which was submitted for my approval. The most difficult part of the process was the demolition stage where all the old "stuff" was taken out. But before starting the project, the lead carpenters were very reassuring and carefully explain how the remodeling process would proceed. It still was an interesting experience standing in my gutted kitchen and looking up through my attic and seeing the inside of my roof. From this point there was daily progress in the reconstruction of the various rooms. Thus each day I was able to more and more of my new kitchen and bathrooms coming together. Then one day, it was all done. The project was completed on-time and within the budget range given to me prior to signing the contract. It was at the upper part of the range but a lot of that was my fault because of some contract modifications I wanted as the work proceeded. Yes, you make changes after the work begins. All work passed Fairfax County inspection with no problems. A couple of additional thoughts. First, Foster's was very good about minimizing the dust and debris and cleaned-up after every days work. Foster's is also licensed by the EPA to remove lead paint which is a big deal if you have children. Second, the process to a large extent is linear. You need to do A before you can do B before you can do C. Thus, while it seems everything can be done in a week or two, it cannot. Third, the project's lead carpenters made numerous suggestions to improve a look and/or the functionality of the end product. I never disagreed with any of their suggestions. ( They also answered all of my really stupid questions without making me feel stupid.) Finally, I was very impress with all the subcontractors who worked the job. (They were supervised by the lead carpenters.) The bottom line is that Foster's did an excellent job while making a very difficult situation almost pleasant. (I want to meet the person who truly believes remodeling was the most pleasant experience of their life.) Sorry about the typos.

The whole experience from planning, demolition, to installation, and as well as finishing went according to the project plan. In fact the project was completed one week yearly. They communicate every step of the way ensuring we knew what to expect each day along the process. I hear many stories about remodeling where things don't go well. I would say a strong "do" is to have a contractor with a proving planning method up front. This eliminates many pitfalls down the road. You must have requirements up front and most importantly understood by both the home owner and contractor. Another important do is to get a project manager and site manger who clear communicates with the home owner each step of the way. (We had an excellent site manager that could be trusted to and was experienced in all aspects of the job.) Foster closed off parts of our living space when they were removing walls and ceilings with plastic walls to ensure we had as little inconvenience as possible. Do hired a company that is committed to the project and will be there when the job is finished. Our experience with Foster is one that I hope to become one of their many excellent referrals that I would make them my remodeling contractor for life. The overall value for the workmanship and process is worth every penny.

I initially contacted Foster for a quote, and they were one of two companies that responded to the request. The production manager called me back after I had set up the date, and he asked for a variety of dimensions for the closet so that he could get a quote on the door. His quote was close to what we expected, so we went with that, and he gave us an estimate on the expected labor so we would know what the final cost should be. He then came to the house to verify some measurements before ordering the door, then set up a new appointment based on the lead time for shipment of the door. The work was expected to take a day, but it ended up being a few hours longer. Foster's charge per hour ($95) is quite expensive, so these were a costly few hours, but the workmanship was good and the job complete. When the work was done on the second day, the "Home Handyman" cleaned up and took away the trash (for a fee). The bill he left was about $300 higher than what we anticipated, and after discussing this with the production manager, we sorted out the details and came to an agreement on a somewhat lower price closer to the estimate. The work that was done was of very high quality. We're looking forward to using our widened closet door to improve the storage in our bedroom.