Dan Woods / Classic Kitchens was recommended to us via friends who used his design savvy and construction know-how almost 20 years ago. We couldn't be more pleased with our kitchen remodel (not complete as yet, but Dan and his crews are done).
Not only did Dan pay close attention to the clues my wife (who has great design sense) was giving, but he offered thoughtful suggestions and many creative ideas that no doubt come from a man who has been in business 40 years. Dan had me hooked as soon as we got his first layouts... Many of the drawings done by hand on the drafting table in his office (and some by CAD). Now I *did* take drafting so I knew right away how much effort he expended just coming up with the plans. Of course we toyed with and moved around the plans because we were dealing with the typical restrictions that municipal building codes impose, together with our own desires.
Once we landed on a plan, signed a contract and plunked down a not-at-all-small up-front payment, I expected things to start going south as is typical for a major bit of work like this especially after the demolition had been done. But that didn't happen! Classic Kitchens orchestrated the necessary designs, handled the permits, ordered the cabinetry... well, did everything. All we really did was watch in awe. His crews and subs were kind, conscientious, tidy, and above all well skilled. For example at the end of every work day, they swept, vacuumed and removed debris and tidied up the environment.
Troy, TJ, Tim, Mark, Danny and the rest of his core crew have all been amazingly accommodating, fastidious, and talented. I spent a lot of time looking in on them as I mostly work from home. I learned a lot of tips as a DIY'er. I noticed, for example that they always used screws (which are more secure) rather than nails, always pre-drilled and countersunk to prevent splitting... and I'm not just talking about the finish work, I'm also describing how they did the rough framing!
They didn't skimp on materials, either. Everything from lighting to cabinets is top notch, and well made.
Two of the subcontractors really stand out to me, too. One was the stucco crew. We removed, moved and reconfigured the front of our house for our remodel and the expert stucco matching makes it look like the whole house was all done by the same crew as when the house was built.
Likewise Superior Surfaces (see my review) who cut and installed our quartz countertops and back splashes showed really amazing craftsmanship. Our expansive countertops and back splashes have color variations and marble veining in them. That they were able to carefully cut and seam together 9 separate pieces in a way that flows naturally is an amazement to me. Whoever laid out the arrangement clearly studied the raw materials to pick the best possible arrangement. Arturo and Rocky fastidiously pieced together and did final trimming to produce an excellent result.
So, in summary, not only does Dan have great experience and breadth of knowledge on the design front, not only has Dan hand picked some truly talented and hard working crew, but all the subcontractors performing various tasks are all equally excellent craftsmen.
What Classic doesn't do is floors, and painting, but the flooring company he recommended has also been stellar so far. Can't wait to see the floors and appliances go in for the win!
Were there some problems? Yes. The biggest SNAFU was with the appliance vendor (see my review of Monark Premium Appliances) who seriously messed up and introduced an 8 week delay in our schedule. We fired them and selected another vendor. But at no point did Classic Kitchens cause a hiccup. Indeed, they were ahead of plan the whole way.
Now that things have wound down, I'm starting to miss those talented, friendly, guys who spent so much time doing great work in our home. Fortunately we have two bathroom remodels slated for our future, and you wouldn't be surprised to know who is the top runner for doing that work! Classic Kitchens of Almaden. read more