Recently, I had an opportunity to watch Len and his team (particularly Seth, Scott and Blake) remodel the kitchen in my daughter's house, and work alongside them on projects that I could handle, during the remodel. This meant that I could observe their work at every stage in-process, rather than just coming in at the end to comment on the finished remodel. Because of this, I not only have the very highest regard for the work of Len and his team, I am also thankful for the way they work with each other, for how they accepted and collaborated with me, and for how well they supported my daughter and her husband during what ended up being a lengthy and difficult remodel. They have my highest recommendation.
The remodel was a big job, in which unused garage space was converted into a new high-end kitchen, with all the contingent framing and dry-walling, and also including extensive plumbing and electrical work. Len was totally hands-on throughout this entire process, offering not only his extensive expertise in design and construction, but also his knowledge of the town and its tortuous inspection process. Without him as a partner, we couldn't have done it. He and his guys were there for us, every step of the way and they made it all work.
First, let me echo what other reviewers have already written. The Seacliff team -- starting with Len himself -- are truly excellent. They know what they are doing, and do it well. Not only are they skilled technically, but they are also wonderful folk to have by your side.
It would have been so easy for Len and his guys to ignore my offer to help (where I could!) and to see my potential contribution as interference. But they did not do that. Instead, they welcomed my presence, made a place for me on the job-site and offered constant advice and support, while I worked on the parts of the job that I could handle. I find this extraordinary -- I have known many contractors over the years, and they are usually wary of accepting the naive efforts of the home-owner and his meddling father-in-law. This was NOT the case with Seacliff -- Len and his guys didn't just tolerate me, they welcomed me and helped me out. One time, Len himself spent an hour on the phone with me, giving me specific instructions (including the brand names of the required brackets and fasteners) on how to finish a part of the project I had taken on, and found overwhelming -- to attach legs beneath a massive overhanging counter-top on a large (8' x 4') kitchen island. Without Len's thoughtful and careful advice, and his patience, I could not have completed it successfully and safely.
I could continue with many specific details of the work they did, and how well they did it, but I would exceed the word limit. The basic story has been told ... this is a great team with comprehensive skills, and you can rely on them to be there and do a great job. You cannot go wrong, by hiring them, if you need large-scale quality work doing.
However, let me provide one last anecdote that provides real insight into the team, and into Len's leadership of it. Towards the end of our remodel, we needed to install a large (48") restaurant-quality gas range, embedding it in already-installed cabinets and punching duct-work through to the outside. The stove itself was the size of a small car and weighed about the same, and had to be maneuvered into place over an already finished and highly-polished wooden floor that I had installed myself. The job was undertaken and completed efficiently by Seth, a seasoned veteran of Len's team, along with Blake, a young guy that Len had hired more recently, and who was learning quickly on the job. Seth brought his experience and skills, Blake his own brand of passion and enthusiasm -- together, the Batman and Robin of home improvement. It was so interesting to watch them work together. Apprenticeship is one of the most effective methods of learning, and so satisfying to watch in action, as Seth carved out finite and concrete tasks for Blake, laying out the parameters, and then left him to get on with it, as he (Seth) moved onto something more complex but kept a wary eye on how things went. It was so efficient and effective, and a gift to observe.
I'll end by confirming that If you need a hard job doing well, Lennox Smith and his team at Seacliff Construction and Design are the guys to call. Trust me, I have seen them work and I would certainly hire them again, and again, and again. read more