Govan Builders LLC

My wife and I chose Govan Builders based on an initial recommendation by our architect and on the first couple of meetings with owner Dan Govan. His proposal was clear and complete and his price was in the middle of our price range. From the Project Manager Brian, to the lead employees and all the subcontractors, the work was performed competently, on time, and on budget. We would not hesitate to hire Dan Govan again. We love our new sunroom.

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• The Govan Builders’ team updated our 1960s home and made it more comfortable, safe and inviting for our guests.

In addition, Govan’s team made our first home remodeling experience very positive. By nature, home remodeling
work is unpredictable and mentally, emotional and physically challenging. Govan’s team mitigated the bumps by alerting us to potential issues and reassuring us of their commitment throughout the project with action. We’ve recommended considering Govan Builders for any home remodeling project and are glad we found them on Angie’s List.

What we appreciated:

• The “Govan feel” = When Govan’s team is workingon site, we could feel their camaraderie (i.e., many have been working together for 8+ years) and strong work ethic. Trust was readily established. They took pride in their work and conveyed care for the homeowner’s family.

• Their staff and all but one of their sub-contractors are highly skilled professionals who are a pleasure to work with. Only one (newer) sub-contractor did not consistently demonstrate the “Govan feel” and the principal handled that situation quickly and professionally.

• We especially commend the work done by the concrete and painting sub-contractors. They addressed difficult challenges adeptly and transformed the look of our home.

• The project plan that accommodated our vacation plans and allowed us to remain in our home for most of the project. Govan Builders worked WITH us throughout the project.

• Their ability to “customize” the project and add or change items as the project evolves.

What might be done differently:

• Refine the invoicing process so that additional costs that were not specified in the contract are known in writing (e.g., via email) BEFORE the invoice is sent. This is especially helpful when the invoices are due upon receipt.

• • Initiate weekly check-in with client on longer term (e.g., 3+month long) projects. This is especially helpful during vacation periods to ensure consistent communications.
• Do more detailed design work prior to fabrication. This could take their work to the next level.

We had a very mixed experience with Govan. They just finished a very detailed, two level outdoor porch with a fairly complex design. It was a pricey addition to the house that required an experienced team to pull off. We were recommended to Govan by our neighbor who had just used them for a smaller/easier project with very good results. Between that recommendation and the positive Angie List ratings, we were very optimistic heading into the project.
There were both positive and negatives, but in the end, it seemed the project was too complex for Govan to handle, which resulted in over-promising/under-delivering, unneeded delays, overcharging, and poor communication.
Here are the positives:
- the overall quality of the workmanship is very good. The finished product definitely exceeded our expectations, even based on a detailed drawing.
- initial communications through the bid/proposal process were good. Clarifications and modifications to the proposal were straightforward.
- the permitting process went smoothly, even with the possibility of some complex issues coming up. Same with the inspections. All went very well with the County process.
- except toward the end of the project, on-site presence of the owner or a foreman was very good. The work crew was very respectful and never gave any concern about being around the house.
- the site was kept generally clean.
- the number two guy/foreman (Rex Robinson) is very responsive and diligent; he always tried to make sure we were happy, even the face of inattention by the owner.
Here are the negatives:
- the project was promised to be done in three months, with premium pricing justified by the quick schedule. The project took just over 5 months to complete without any reason for the delay (no glitches with design, no weather issues, inspection, etc.). We had told them we would wait to start the project in the fall so as not to lose the whole summer under construction, especially since we have a pool, however we were assured we would be completed by the end of June and so we moved forward in spring/early summer.
- communication was often poor after the initial positive start - we were told someone would be there, and nobody would show up for days without explanation.
- it became clear early on that Govan's subs placed the project as a low priority, contributing further to delay in the project.
- on several occasions, Govan tried to invoice us for higher charges from subcontractors that were not caused by changes, but simply poor budgeting on Govan's part, even though the contract was fixed price. Several invoices contained separate items that were specifically included in the contract, thus you had to carefully review each invoice. On one occasion, we were over invoiced by $1,600. We did not realize it until after we made payment and it took over 1.5 months for it to be corrected by Govan. Again, invoices must be carefully reviewed and checked against the contract terms to avoid over charges.
- we came home from vacation to find the work site a mess, many things that we were told had been completed were unfinished or done wrong, and the owner on vacation for two weeks. Though we were told the punch list was given to the foreman, it was not, thus leaving us completely in the lurch. It took over 6 weeks to finish what has been told was completed.
- rather than the and quot;customer is always rightand quot; Govan's general view was the and quot;subs can do no wrong,and quot; even when they failed to show up or, in one instance, after the subcontractor completely ruined the hardwood floor and Govan tried to pass the cost to fix it on to us (eventually backing down).
Thus, while the quality was very good and the project began well, it ended poorly with the project taking exactly twice as long as promised, poor invoicing practices, overcharges, and bad communication. As happy as we are with the final project, it would be difficult to recommend Govan based on the overall experience.

Very Good
Owner began the work of converting basement space into a finished exercise room by roughing in the space.
Govan brought in after the rough in, completed the HVAC modifications, installed a new exterior window, completed all finish work.
Govan team delivered on time and on budget, arrived and departed on schedule, took extra care to protect the interior of the house from construction debris and exterior mud.

Everything went very well. As usual, my wife and I realized some additional things we would like done during the job. Dan and his crew were fantastic and can-do about it, helping us to figure out how to get these additional things completed in the scope of the work performed. His crew was punctual, efficient and worked around all manner of obstacles (mainly our kids). The work looks fantastic.

My only regret is that Govan continues to gain a reputation as an excellent remodeling company, and their client list keeps increasing, meaning that I have to share their excellent services with others.

Dan Govan, the owner of Govan Builders, provided a number of shingle samples and helped us select shingles for our roof that were attractive and energy-efficient. The job was completed quickly, and the workers were very professional and friendly.

We didn't like the exterior of our home at all but loved our lot, the neighborhood and the interior layout of our house. Dan worked with us and an architect to design a different exterior for our home. We had an outdated dutch colonial with a gambrel roof that we wanted to update by removing the gambrel roof and adding a front porch. Our house no longer has the gambrel roof, replaced instead with hardiplank siding, a couple of gable peaks and a front porch. The porch has composite flooring, tongue and groove ceiling with recessed lights, pvc wrapped columns and so many more quality features that make the house look completely different and updated. Everything was updated down to the new roof, gutters and trim.
In addition, Dan worked with us to update our basement. He had great ideas there as well and we were very happy with the way it turned out. The vendors he recommended we work with for the new flooring, granite and cabinets were all great. We felt like they were giving us fair prices and their work and products have been excellant.
We chose Govan Builders to do all this work because we liked Dan's ideas/suggestions, his professionalism and the fair estimate he gave us. Throughout the project Dan worked with us to keep the costs within our budget. His crew was neat, polite and did quality work. The project was completed in a timely manner. Overall we trusted Dan and Govan Builders to do a lot of work for us and Dan did not let us down. We were really happy with the way everything looks and the quality. Most importantly we had a great working relationship with Dan and would highly recommend him.

Dan was always punctual, had great recommendations on the actual remodel, and had good recommendations for where to pick tile and hardwood flooring. His program manager, Rex, was also very punctual (very important to me) and listened to what my wife and I wanted to accomplish. The workers were great with loads of experience and extremely professional at all times. Specialties of different individuals include electrical, plumbing, and tiling. I spent a lot of time with these folks over 6 weeks - got to know them pretty well. I will be recommending Govan Builders to any one who brings up any work they need done around the house.
One thing many don't appreciate is the scheduling required to make these things work. As an example of how Dan works, he scheduled an additional team to come and help demolish the Kitchen and Master Bath. Within 4 hours they had the rooms down to the sheet rock and started on reworking the plumbing and electrical. WOW
We listened to their expert advice when it was given - never once were we disappointed.
BTW: I am an actual customer who many would call very picky.
Big Recommendation: If you plan to do a large job like this, plan to spend at least 1/2 a day with them three days a week. Questions come up all the time - if you didn't direct something specific, they will use their experience to guide them (which we found to be very good.)

Our roof was damaged by a hail storm in 2010. We contacted multiple contractors for replacement bids and also sought out Govan Builders as one of the respondents as they are a local business based in our town.
While the final pricing of all bids was within 5% of each other, we ultimately selected Govan Builders based on the completeness and professionalism of the proposal documentation (four pages) outlining complete scope of work and estimate, local reputation of company (had heard positive remarks locally of the firm from local business community) along with the confidence and competence exhibited by the owner, Daniel Govan, during the introductory meeting in my home.
Our contractor decision was validated by the roofing crew which were punctual, friendly and clearly demonstrated their craft both in the removal and installation of roofing shingles. They worked in a determined way and and were approachable if a car needed to be moved in the driveway, etc.
Separately, Govan Builders sent a project manager to the work site at least 3 times during the job to check on progress of the work and confer with me on any questions that I had. The crew finished the job on day 2 and left job site as it had been when they arrived.
It was a quality job and I would hire Govan Builders again.

Estimate included provision for contingencies so was not surprised when old tub was removed and subfloor had rotted away which did add time and materials to job. Each member of the crew is very professional, polite, timely. Good clean up each day, particularly important on demolition. Quality of tile work and painting is superb. Project manager responsive to questions or suggestions via phone and e-mail. This is the second bathroom Govan has remodeled in this house.

A lot of the work was not that good. I heard about this company through a neighbor.