Green City Builders

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Work is bit complete yet. Final bid is pending

A few years back we found a leak in our roof and decided it was time to add the second story (three bedrooms and two bathrooms) we?d always planned on doing. As it was such a huge undertaking (it ended up being a near-complete tear-down and rebuild), I really took my time to interview as many architects, contractors and builders as I could, and in the end, couldn?t have been happier with the team who built us not just a house, but a home we will cherish for a lifetime. At the time, Ben Sharaf had just started his building company, but he came highly recommended by my original contractor, Dan, who was retiring and moving to another state (so wanted me to hire a second contractor/builder on the project with whom I could continue working in the years after the remodel). Ben had been Dan?s foreman for years before Ben started Emerald City Green Builders (now Green City Builders), and Dan knew Ben was experienced, reliable, knowledgeable, and skilled. He was right! Ben and his team were responsible for the demolition (it took just one day!), the framing on our house, and also the finish carpentry work. I lost count of how many subcontractors came through my house and commented on (read: complimented) how the framing was SO well done; honestly, my painters couldn?t stop gushing (I am not exaggerating; they gushed) about the framing, and went on and on about how, in all the years they?d been painting (close to 20 years), this was one of the very best framing job they?d ever seen (apparently solid framing makes everybody else?s job a LOT easier, and folks were very grateful; I believe such praise from industry professionals does not come lightly). Ben was so competent and level-headed, he really made the stress of being out of our house for so long (we were out for 11 months, but that?s entirely my fault: for one thing, I had our second child one month after starting demolition) manageable and bearable. I also truly appreciated how he hired trustworthy, polite and respectful individuals for his crew ? with one toddler and one baby on the site with me (I was here almost every day of the build), I really appreciated what a safe, clean and pleasant environment they created. Our architect had such a positive experience working with Ben that she hired him for several subsequent projects. I, myself, have happily recommended Ben to several of my friends. If I need work done around my house, I never bother interviewing anyone else; when I finally get to start my dream kitchen or make the mother-in-law suite downstairs a reality (I always have plans!), Ben will be the only builder I call. I certainly am more than happy to encourage anyone needing a general contractor or builder, for projects large or small, to engage the services of Ben Sharaf and Green City Builders.

We happened to see another house in the neighborhood that he'd worked on, liked what we saw, and liked what the owners told us about him. We are SO happy we took their advice. The house is now one of the best looking houses on the block, in large part because of Green City. For example, the home had no roof over the front porch--there was a piece of leaking plywood to keep the rain off those standing at the front door. Ben re-designed the roofline so we now have a lovely, appropriately covered front porch. He dealt with all the problems, foreseen and not, with professionalism and did the job RIGHT. Our house is now solid--people comment when they walk in how "tight" it seems, due to the new insulation, new roof, and new windows. He is incredibly honest. He is not cheap, but his prices are not unfair--he will do what you want within your budget.We had an extremely positive experience throughout. Even dealing with his crew was a pleasant experience, which is not always the case when remodeling. They were all incredibly professional, quiet, courteous, and friendly--I can honestly say we felt a little sad when the project was done because we knew we wouldn't get to see them anymore. I can't recommend them highly enough--you won't be sorry.