Dwell is synonymous with quality, dedication, and client satisfaction. I have no hesitation highly…read morerecommending.
Before contracting with Dwell for a full home, down-to-the-studs reno of a 50-yr old Pasadena home, I'd fired two general contractors: The first was a luxury, longstanding (30 yr) Pasadena firm that was simply too doctrinaire, languid, and non-responsive in their approach; the second was the opposite: too green, easily overwhelmed, and quickly passive aggressive and combative in communications to the point I was uneasy handing over the keys to demo and reno my home. I reset, cast a wide net for new prospects and interviewed 11 firms, all while recognizing that perhaps my expectations were too high and I was part of the problem. Gio confidently asserted that I *should* have high expectations, as it was my home that I was renovating. Fast forward, and the end product is phenomenal, surpassing my expectations without a single regret.
A few notes:
1. Client dedication: Dwell and its full team (Gio, my phenomenal project manager Michael, Santiago, and the office team) all never gave a doubt that their focus is on doing the job right; i.e. in a manner that the client and the Dwell team would both share pride in. I'd be remiss if I didn't say Gio and Michael demonstrated a strong ability and interest in understanding the client's vision and truly wanting to bring it to fruition (far beyond simply delivering a product and moving onto the next project, as you risk coming across among other GCs).
2. Productive subs: Dwell knows its subcontractors well and they are each true craftsmen. Each was professional and courteous, regularly going beyond my expectations before I'd even seen their work product for the first time (e.g., more electrical outlets than I'd imagined from electrical sub, the kindest gentleman focused on getting the cabinetry and wood finishes "just right," a foundation and framing sub with steady-handed focus and easy client rapport...). Routinely, Dwell got quick responsiveness from subs, including when I'd mistakenly given the wrong delivery date for pricey patio doors (long story short: I realized my error at 6:30pm the night before and Michael and team very serenely hustled and were able to get their installers onsite the next morning to receive and install $20k patio doors; done with professional realism that it wasn't guaranteed yet effort to ensure the safety and secure install).
3. Realistic, predictable pricing: Gio tries to price projects right from the outset to do the job well. Plenty of contractors will lowball with a likely intent to add endless change orders or limit what is delivered. Dwell, in my experience, priced the project to do it well from the start and minimize any surprises or impediments that would limit them from doing the job they believe you actually want, regardless of what other contractors may tell you.
4. Respectful: There was not a single moment of tension or confusion. Michael, Gio, and team communicated incredibly effectively, even when your day job limits attentiveness or creates time demands. They more than understand and give advance heads up of items coming up for you to weigh in on, or suggestions to make the project go smoothly if you're time-constrained.
5. Humor: I'd moved from New York and was blunt at the outset that I didn't need to be best friends with a contractor, but I do expect basic courteousness and professionalism; they easily brushed past my concerns and regularly had me laughing. Doing a full home reno takes up a lot of mental space even when it goes well; to not be stressed but actually laughing through it is priceless.
[As a post-script, I should mention that the reno was completed and I moved back into the place 2 weeks prior to the January 2025 Eaton Fire that ravaged Altadena and came within 4 blocks to my place before miraculously dissipating, sparing my block and the house. The care and concern that Gio, Michael, and team demonstrated despite the project having already been completed far exceeded what I could've imagined. This is a team that cares.]
Big cheers to Dwell--Gio, Michael, and team: they have built a unique team culture in a tough business where it is easy for clients to be trepidatious and cautious. Run, don't walk, to do a project with Dwell.