Our project was to renovate and expand a 1200 sf. home that had not been updated since it was built over forty years ago. We added about 400 sf. of indoor space, plus a 240 sf. screened porch with a decked entry staircase. The job included all new windows and doors, siding, and roof, and renewal of all existing indoor spaces. A new kitchen, master bath, and staircase were key indoor components of the project. This was not an easy job to plan, given that a lot of the work became clear only upon "opening up" what existed. Anyone familiar with the term "design-build" understands the challenges with this this kind of project versus a "scratch-built" project. Added to this, our home is in the flood plain, which required special structural engineering to meet regulatory requirements. Then there was our wish to retain a stone two-sided fireplace as a core original feature of the home. Everything had to be designed around these constraints.
We considered three builders for this project, and we chose Fairway, in part, because they were the mid-size of the three companies. Large enough to handle a job of this magnitude, but small enough to give us the personal attention we needed, and to go-with-the-flow of our changing needs and ideas about what to build where and how we wanted it to look.
Marty, the founder, is keenly attentive to finding the best ways to accomplish complex tasks that exist along a landscape of owner wants and needs, design-build uncertainties, weather, regulatory requirements, equipment and materials, scheduling, finding the best trades-people for the job, and budget. He thinks quickly and decisively to come up with solutions to complex design and construction challenges. Our home faced the river and we wanted to create an expansive view on the river side. Marty worked patiently with us through several iterations of how to accomplish this. The final design that we chose was one that he had recommended. It met all of our wants and needs and landed within our budget.
The Fairway on-site team, led by Joe, who worked with us carefully, diligently, and with respect that this is not just another project, this is our home. At Joe's side was Tim, a highly skilled and dedicated multi-tradesman who was always the first person on the job and often the last to leave. Rough-in plumbing and kitchen and bath installations were done professionally by Steve and Berr with creative attention to the details and patient respect for concerns and occasional changing needs. They worked with the team and us in a collaborative, mutually supportive way, and they each demonstrated care in getting their parts of the job done right the first time.
We were also very appreciative for the efforts of an array of sub-contracted and part-time people, especially Erick, a jack-of-all-trades who moved agreeably and seamlessly from task to task, as needed, to fill multiple needs; Timmy and his siding/roofing team; Bobby the HVAC Tech and his crew; and electricians Dave and Ted. This also included several other workers who were brought in for their various qualifications, skills, ability, and availability.
As with any General Contracting project, the Contractor is only as good as his subs. One, Abella Stone did not meet our expectations with regard to the kitchen counters. It is unfortunate that this key feature of the home ended up less than satisfactory.
These kinds of renovation projects are not without their surprises, challenges, and compromises (Beware of any contractor who will tell you otherwise) and this project was no exception. Overall, Fairway was clear and transparent about the variables and worked diligently to achieve best outcomes that were consistent with our needs, and our budget. Any project like this is not without a few surprises and challenges, not the least of which was the unusually rainy weather throughout the Summer and Fall of 2018. Nevertheless, the project was completed very close to on-schedule and the financial closing was completed in a fair way (they are true to their name).
We have a wonderful home and we are looking forward to enjoying it for many years! read more
