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A-1 Builders & Adaptations Design Studio

General Remodeling, Kitchen and Bath Remodeling, Architects,

About us

Since 1955 our award-winning design/build team has provided this county with a seamless approach to quality remodels and custom homes. We work hard before the project starts to make sure you are happy after the project is complete! Whether you choose a single service or the entire seamless cluster, our attention to detail will not falter.

Business highlights

70 years of trusted experience

Services we offer

General contractor. Remodeling. Repair existing structures. New construction. Custom homes. Cabinets. Countertops. Tile. Flooring.

Amenities

Warranties
Yes


Accepted payment methods

American Express
Check
Discover
MasterCard
Visa

Photos of past projects

Reviews

4.861 Reviews
Number of StarsImage of DistributionNumber of Ratings
5
89%
4
3%
3
3%
2
2%
1
3%


Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
4.9
value
4.4
professionalism
4.9
responsiveness
4.7
punctuality
4.9
Showing 51-61 of 61 reviews

Linda W.
01/2015
1.0
remodeling
  + -1 more
unknown
Description of Work: They told me they were busy and scheduled an appointment in 4 weeks. My husband took the day off so he could be there to discuss needed repairs. On the day of the appointment they called and cancelled.
Rating CategoryRating out of 5

Response from A-1 Builders & Adaptations Design Studio
So very bizarre! We received this review 3-1/2 months after we cancelled this appointment, on the very same morning we were notified by Angie’s List that we were awarded their 2014 SUPER SERVICE AWARD for their ‘Remodeling - General’ category! Please study the other reviews for both A-1 Builders and our design division, Adaptations Design Studio, and determine for yourself whether this 'F' is aligned with who we are. Instead, eligibility for this Super Service Award includes attaining an “A” rating “in overall grade, recent grade, and review period grade...” Why did we cancel this appointment at the last minute? In order to maintain our quality control and customer service we don't hire on additional, unproven employees in order to take on another job. If and when we get too busy we say 'enough is enough', so that we can serve our clients well. We came to the office the morning of our appointment with this client to wonderful news that a number of proposals we had submitted had been accepted, overwhelming our current capacity to take on additional work. We would rather be honest and up front right from the get-go, before we engage with a potential client. If and when we don't have the capacity to take on another client, and do it right, we will bow away as gracefully as possible. Clearly, in this particular case, our grace and transparency missed the mark, and for that we are sorry.

George P.
12/2014
5.0
remodeling
  + -1 more
unknown
Description of Work: Painting in house. Went very well. They were very willing to let me work along side. Chris did the high, hard-to-get areas while I did the easier areas.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$199

Response from A-1 Builders & Adaptations Design Studio
This member knows how to incorporate a professional into a project yet hold their overall cost down! While he did all of the painting down low, he had our dude handle the hard to reach places. Worked out well and went smoothly for all concerned.

Patrick B.
12/2014
4.0
doors, remodeling, woodworking
  + 1 more
unknown
Description of Work: They did some house work such as repairing exterior trim and interior door repair.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
4.0
value
5.0
professionalism
4.0
responsiveness
3.0
punctuality
3.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$199

Response from A-1 Builders & Adaptations Design Studio
Yes, our responsiveness and punctuality was less than stellar. Twelve Angie's List BIG DEALS sold in a matter of a week, well exceeding our expectations. Instead of throwing the wrong person at these projects, we did the best we could trying to get caught up. We wanted to send the right person, but demand for him was at an all time high. Although we too wish we could have jumped on their project sooner, our company philosophy is to do it right the first time, with the right people. So demand exceeded our capacity and our responsiveness suffered. We prefer this strategy over sending out the wrong person sooner. Had we done that responsiveness and punctuality would have improved but quality and performance would have suffered. And THAT is a lot harder to fix!

JUDITH W.
10/2014
5.0
remodeling
  + -1 more
unknown
Description of Work: Chris came to the house and performed all the 'little' jobs on my list. He was courteous, friendly, professional and extremely knowledgable. He answered all my questions and had great suggestions for going forward with projects I'll have in the future.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$199

Response from A-1 Builders & Adaptations Design Studio
This Angie's List BIG DEAL, in which a client buys 6 hours of our time for $199, was perfect for [member name removed]. She had gathered up a bunch of small maintenance tasks and had us knock them all out in one visit. Glad we could help her out!

Paula F.
10/2014
3.0
decks, remodeling
  + 0 more
unknown
Description of Work: we had a small porch that needed to be installed. I was under the impression that once I made contact with A-1 Builders that they would get to work on the porch within a week it was almost 3 weeks later because the owner was away. The fellow who came to do the work did a great job and was on time

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
4.0
value
3.0
professionalism
4.0
responsiveness
2.0
punctuality
2.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$250

Response from A-1 Builders & Adaptations Design Studio
Yes, the owner did go out of town, just when a large number of Angie's List BIG DEALS like Paula's sold online (she purchased 6 hours of remodeling and repair time for $199). Twelve BIG DEALS showed up in our owner’s inbox in a matter of a week!). Even if our owner hadn't been out of town these BIG DEALS would have overwhelmed our staffing. Instead of throwing the wrong person at these projects, we did the best we could trying to get caught up. As the member admits, we DID send the right person, but demand for him was at an all time high. Although we too wish we could have jumped on Paula's project sooner rather than later our company philosophy is to do it right the first time, with the right people. So sorry demand exceeded our capacity, but sometimes success yields its own set of problems!

Scott A.
07/2014
5.0
architect
  + -1 more
unknown
Description of Work: We're just in the preliminary phase of doing some remodeling of my sister's house and building another adjoining small house for me. The amount above reflects their initial pre-inspection of the property. |Rick and Cindi have absolutely blown me away with their knowledge, ability to listen to the client, and suggestions that show their experience in the business. |When we were in the living room, Cindi noticed a deflection in the floor. She asked my sister if there had been a fireplace on the adjacent wall. Yep. |Our project is just beginning, but I've hired several contractors in my lifetime, and I expect this may be the best. Their 'design/build' concept is something I cannot say enough good about. Besides, the re-use and other green suggestions will likely reduce the cost significantly. Their knowledge of Whatcom County and its requirements is outstanding. |OK, if you want to hire them, get in line. |I do believe we are next up for the designers.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$700

Response from A-1 Builders & Adaptations Design Studio
Soon after this Angie's List member wrote this review we did assign one of our three designers to their project. In pretty short order they determined that it didn't make sense to proceed in the direction they first thought was prudent. Our goal is to do the right thing for our client, as opposed to doing what's right for our own bottom line. Sometimes this includes us suggesting that a project NOT get done, for various reasons. In this case our good faith estimate to achieve their goals far exceeded how much dough they wanted to invest into the property. So, after a short amount of consulting and conceptual design work, the whole idea was dropped by our client. But it was the right thing to do.

Maurice F.
07/2014
5.0
architect
  + -1 more
unknown
Description of Work: Design bathroom remodel, including advice on tiles, colors, fixtures, materials.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
4.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$1,000

Response from A-1 Builders & Adaptations Design Studio
So often clients ask why we suggest incorporating a designer's time for a rather straight forward bathroom remodel. After all, it's just 40 square feet or so. How hard can that be? It's not hard; there's simply an enormous number of decisions to be made. Decisions better made BEFORE construction; BEFORE firming up a price. Otherwise you lose control of the price. You fall victim to the strategy of so many builders which goes like this: 'don't sweat the small stuff; we'll decide these things as we go'. Or, worse yet, you'll hear 'I didn't know you wanted a recessed niche THAT large, or over THERE; that'll cost you more.' We prefer to front load this thinking, planning and pricing... it's the sane way to remodel. In the end you'll be so much happier by thinking it all through before a hammer is first lifted. In the end we think you'll see that spending dough on design will ultimately save you money and end up with a finished project much more aligned with the vision you first had in mind. We're here to help take you there.

Patrick S.
01/2014
5.0
remodeling
  + -1 more
.
Description of Work: .

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
4.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$83,000

Response from A-1 Builders & Adaptations Design Studio
This major kitchen remodel included some weatherization improvements, as well as repairs and texturing to the ceilings on the main floor of their home. Interior door and trim alterations were added to the project in order to expand this face lift throughout the main floor of their home. Great decisions on their part brought it altogether into a coherent whole. The project cost was approximately $75,000 after all was said and done... and done well. (The $111,000 price tag described above is incorrect.)

Gayle T.
11/2012
5.0
remodeling
  + -1 more
see above
Description of Work: Rainy weather, leaking basement....called A 1 on Wednesday rep Here by Friday morning. Inspected whole foundation, asked questions concerning construction 0f original house and any we had done. Gave us 4 options(only 1 of which they would be involved in) and told us to contact them if we decided to use their services. Very personable and knowledgeable. Not push, we are going to try one of the options but if that doesnt work they will be first choice, actually I will call them for any of the home repair services they do before contating anyone else.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro

Response from A-1 Builders & Adaptations Design Studio
This happens often: we'll ask a new caller why they called us, and they'll tell us that years back we talked them out of a project; that it didn't make sense to us; that we suggested another path that made more sense. Honesty is wealth. Honesty is more important than money. If a property owner's idea doesn't make good sense, we're going to speak up and tell it like it is. It's not only the right thing to do, but the impression it leaves is as strong as concrete.

Ed D.
10/2012
5.0
architect
  + -1 more
See above
Description of Work: The design process was longer than I expected, but this project was complicated in the amount of details that were incorporated in the design. The finished design was well worth the wait. It involved the kitchen, dinning room, living room and the hall. When the project was finished the design matched my vision right down to the smallest detail. We were pleased enough that Cindi is working on a second design for one of the bath rooms.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
4.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$6,000

Response from A-1 Builders & Adaptations Design Studio
It's December of 2014 as we write this comment. In each year since this member wrote this review about us we've done another significant project for him, each one very detail oriented. Yup, good, appropriate design does take time. Doing anything well takes more time than otherwise. Ultimately, good planning pays off. While this may drive up the cost of design, it brings down the cost of production. Less surprises arise; less down-time for head-scratching; less work needing to be done over. So our goal is to achieve the right amount of design work for each project we take on. Yes, good design appropriately done takes time and money. Time and money which comes back to you in the actual course of construction.

Ed D.
10/2012
5.0
remodeling, hardwood floor, home builders, home remodeling, woodworking
  + 3 more
.
Description of Work: Absolutely professional, the quality was outstanding. Everyone at A-1 is friendly, easy to work with, and talented. I was so pleased that the actual finished project exceeded my vision for the project. So pleased in fact, that 2 months after they completed the first project we started a second, and are designing a third. After such a positive experience I would not be happy to have anyone else working on our home.

Rating CategoryRating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
4.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0

Yes, I recommend this pro
$120,000

Response from A-1 Builders & Adaptations Design Studio
Repeat clients are a shining light for us. They help us know we're doing things right. Why? Because our work is inherently stressful on our clients... a bunch of strangers arrive and tears things apart... while our customers try to live on site (usually!). There''s the dust and the noise; the exclamation point when the carpenter hits his finger; unexpected surprises; discontinued tile... For us to get through such a process, then have clients call us back and ask for more... THAT is a shining light. And we have many of them... lighting our way.
    • 1
    • 2
    • 3(current)

Contact information

3310 Northwest Ave, Bellingham, WA 98225

http://www.a1builders.ws

Service hours

Monday:
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday:
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday:
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday:
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday:
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Licensing

Bonded

Insured

Eco-friendly Accreditations

LEED Accredited Professional
No
Energy Star Partner
No
EPA Lead-Safe Certified
Yes
Use Green Products or Work Practices
Yes
State Contractor License Requirements

All statements concerning insurance, licenses, and bonds are informational only, and are self-reported. Since insurance, licenses and bonds can expire and can be cancelled, homeowners should always check such information for themselves. To find more licensing information for your state, visit our State Contractor License Requirements page.

*Contact business to see additional licenses.


Service Categories

General Remodeling,
Kitchen and Bath Remodeling,
Architects,
Finished Carpentry and Woodworking,
Homebuilders,
Garage and Shed Building,
Energy Efficiency Auditing,
Sunrooms and Patio Enclosures

FAQ

A-1 Builders & Adaptations Design Studio is currently rated 4.8 overall out of 5.

Monday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Tuesday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Wednesday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Thursday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

A-1 Builders & Adaptations Design Studio accepts the following forms of payment: American Express,Check,Discover,MasterCard,Visa
No, A-1 Builders & Adaptations Design Studio does not offer free project estimates.
Yes, A-1 Builders & Adaptations Design Studio offers eco-friendly accreditations.
No, A-1 Builders & Adaptations Design Studio does not offer a senior discount.
No, A-1 Builders & Adaptations Design Studio does not offer emergency services.
Yes, A-1 Builders & Adaptations Design Studio offers warranties.
A-1 Builders & Adaptations Design Studio offers the following services: General contractor. Remodeling. Repair existing structures. New construction. Custom homes. Cabinets. Countertops. Tile. Flooring.

Contact information

3310 Northwest Ave, Bellingham, WA 98225

http://www.a1builders.ws

Service hours

Monday:
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday:
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday:
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday:
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday:
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM