Avid Builders, Inc
About us
AVID BUILDERS is a Seattle-based general contractor providing remodeling and new construction services. We build with pride, teamwork, value, professionalism, and always put our client first. So whether looking to improve an existing house or build a dream home, we can provide the services to fit all your needs. - Major and minor remodels - New construction and complete tear downs - Bathrooms, kitchens, and additions - Waterfront and steep slope construction - No job too big or complex - Free Estimates and Budgeting - Free consulting to help you get started - Architect and lender referrals - Fast track construction - Value engineering - Licensed and Insured
Business highlights
Services we offer
Full service residential and commercial general contractor. Major remodels and new construction, and consulting., and owner coordination. Luxury and high end homes. Tenant improvements, bid build, brick and mortar and office space build out. Design build, city officials, contemporary, craftsman and unique. Architect, custom homes, designers, estimating and budgeting, kitchens, modern, restaurants, steep slope, waterfront
Amenities
Emergency Services
Yes
Number of Stars | Image of Distribution | Number of Ratings |
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75% | ||
0% | ||
0% | ||
0% | ||
25% |
Once awarded, Avid started by gutting the bathroom. This, by itself, was challenging. The tub had to be removed in pieces due to the small, confined space. Walls were removed down to the studs. Avid had a dumpster delivered the site for debris removal and kept it covered when not in use, and promptly removed it when it was no longer needed. Kraig even came to our house on a weekend to remove the dumpster so that it was not in our view!
During this very dusty, dirty work, Avid took extra precautions to keep the dust confined to the bathroom, but each day, cleaned the space itself. This was important as the bathroom is next to our kitchen and living room. We had made plans for pipe placement before removing the walls, but of course, after wall removal, we discovered that what we planned was not entirely possible. Kraig quickly made adjustments, reviewed them with us for approval, and proceeded.
During the remainder of the construction, Kraig kept me informed of schedule and sought our input appropriately. Kraig's team were very nice people and we enjoyed working with them. I felt very comfortable opening my home to them when we were not home. The finished bathroom is AMAZING! Avid's execution was excellent, down to the details, such as the pocket door and shower valance. It's beautiful and solidly built.
Avid's invoicing was very detailed and efficient. We would definitely work with Avid again!
We were also really impressed with how they went above and beyond. One of the carpenters, Roger, helped us move a couple pieces of heavy furniture down into our new space. In addition, Kraig went on vacation part way through the project, and though he was on the other side of the world, he continued to check in via e-mail with us to make sure things were progressing.
Our final cost was almost exactly what Kraig initially estimated for us, with the only major additional cost coming with the addition of a sump pump, and we had anticipated that that might be necessary. Our only concern was that the project took a little bit longer than anticipated, but this was largely due to delays in the permitting process (over which they had little control), and we were always kept apprised of changes to the timeline.
On a more personal note, we had a baby about halfway through the project, and the team was really considerate about that! This is the second time we've used Avid Builders for a home project and we look forward to working with Kraig and his team again.
As for his team, they are not very skilled at what they do, and they are EXTREMELY slow. His main guy Roger was the slowest of them all. His only task on my project was to install baseboard and casings around the doors in the basement ADU (a small two bedroom unit) and it took him over 6 weeks! There were a ton of other quality issues as well (sagging doors that wouldn't close properly).
Anyway, I parted ways with him and found someone else to finish the project. Unfortunately I wasted months and months waiting for Avid Builders to get any work done and it really put me behind on my overall project. Live and learn.
"This is a great (yet unfortunate) example of why it's so important to have a good client / builder relationship from the start. In this case the owner was already well over a year into his half done project. He had gone through multiple contractors by the time we arrived and to my understanding continued to go through others after we left. The owner's lack of knowledge in the construction field, superior attitude, and fits of rage made for a bad combination with us and other trades. A project of this size should have taken 12 months to complete and it took years. We were on site for only a few months with much of the time figuring out solutions to preexisting conditions and work around indecision's that were indicative to how the project got to where it was when we came on board. So to claim delay, over exaggerated time lines, in accurate statements on development projects, and single out one my employees who gets glowing reviews from other clients on his cleanliness, thoughtfulness, and craftsmanship is a bit disheartening. Unfortunately not every relationship is meant to be. But we have over 10 years of great projects with wonderful clients to be proud of. Kraig Wilhelmsen Owner, Avid Builders Passion - Teamwork - Dedication"
Licensing
State Contractor License Requirements
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