When I decided to do a full remodel of my condo kitchen and bathroom, I got 4 contractor bids. While they all seemed competent, Paul Walter and his proposal was a cut above everyone else. This is why: 1) he was referred to me by a friend who does property management. She raved about his work and his ability to stick to the budget and timeline, 2) When I first met with him, he showed up very cleanly dressed, calm but energetic, friendly and very interested in my project, already making helpful suggestions and 3) he was the only contractor that submitted a line-item bid breaking out what he was charging for demolition, clean up, cabinet installation, tile work, electrical for each section of the house, along with a detailed description of the scope of work. All of the other contractors gave me a bid with a brief description and a couple of numbers, so I had no specific idea of what was included in their bid, hence I did not know if I was comparing apples to apples.
Paul was very busy at the time that I wanted to start my project, but I felt it was worth waiting for him, so we set a date about 6 months into the future (I had heavy work commitments when he was free, so I also needed to pick a time of year that I had the time to do the remodel). When the time came, he sent me a work schedule and asked for a small downpayment, and started the job exactly on the day that I had requested 6 months before.
I work from my home, so I was at home for the 1-1/2 months that the project took to complete. Paul, his partner Gunnar and the subcontractors, who have been working together for many years, never made me feel uncomfortable in my house. They were courteous, friendly and professional. In short, a very well oiled network of skilled people that work well together.
When they first started, they set up a dust protection plastic wall that separated my living room from the kitchen, and it really helped to give me some space from the construction and keep the dust out of my living room. I still remember Paul's concern a few days into the construction, he asked me how I was getting along with my "kitchen" setup in the living room. I said, it's lucky that I have camped before because that's what it feels like, and he looked relieved that I was doing okay. That's how much responsibility he takes for the project.
No matter what phase of work they were doing, at the end of the day, everything was cleaned up and put away. I really appreciated that. Before he left everyday, Paul would outline what he would do the next day so I was always prepared and informed. I was very impressed with his thoroughness, integrity and excellent project management skills. He even took it upon himself to replace the worn out screen in my small shower window and replace the battered old duct coming out of my dryer (without me saying a word about it). Wouldn't you call that above and beyond?
I heard all kinds of horror stories about contractors, the escalating prices once the job gets started, abandoning you for weeks, substandard work that needs to be done over at your own cost, attitude, cutting corners...none of that happened on my project. Everything went very smoothly, according to schedule, and within budget. I did have to pay a little extra, but that was because there was extra work that needed to be done that I approved. I was so pleased with the remodel...the excellent work, the professionalism, the timeliness and the value that I received for the money that I paid. I was on a tight budget and I felt that I got my money's worth.
I have to say a little about Paul's partner Gunnar. He is the tile expert. He did a fantastic job throughout, but I especially appreciated how beautifully he set the 2x2 tiles on my shower floor, I look at it every morning and smile. Of note, I initially picked a dark color mosaic tile for the shower floor and Gunnar suggested that I rethink the color to white because the shower wall tiles were white, and so I changed it, and am happy that I did. Another favorite of mine is Paul's suggestion to incorporate a curve in the tile in my entryway...it came out so well and adds a lot to the feel and the flow when you enter my place. They put a lot of care and awareness into their work.
I would highly recommend Paul Walter Builders and will use them again if I need any further construction. The tag line on their business card says "impeccable remodeling services". . .I can certainly vouch for that. read more