This review may run a little long, so if you're looking to just gather my sentiments without…read morereading several paragraphs of text, let me just cut to the chase. PCB has well-earned its A+ rating with the BBB, and is well worth your consideration for your next remodel/construction project. 10/10 on all scales. But such a short blurb doesn't do them justice, so I definitely encourage you to read on.
We dodged a bullet when we first attempted to renovate our condo. The original plan was to go with a family friend who promised to do the work on the cheap. He, of course, offered a price that was too good to be true, so we began working on the process of starting up the work. And - again, of course - he was unlicensed, unbonded, and uninsured. Fortunately, the guy was an absolute flake - and most likely a drug addict - so the warning signs were big and bold enough for even someone as inexperienced as myself to notice. Suffice it to say, we kicked him to the curb before any money exchanged hands. I didn't know what I was doing, and if he had kept the veneer of professionalism up much longer, I expect I would have been out several thousand dollars with nothing to show for it.
I tell you this so you can appreciate the extreme contrast between that experience and my experience with Louis and his team at Pacific Crown Builders. We reached out to several contractors to have our work done, but none of them radiated the sheer confidence and experience that Louis showed. He was plain-spoken, very clear, and accommodating to our needs. My budget initially had me expecting to get very little done: a new bathroom, and new floors throughout the home. Through what I can only assume is black magic (and immaculate cost engineering), Louis was able to stretch that budget to accommodate a to-studs teardown and rebuild of our master bathroom, new floors, a completely new kitchen, removal of our atrocious popcorn ceiling, a new railing for our staircase, and a fresh paint job. At certain points, he went as far as cutting himself out as the middleman between myself and his vendors and subs, all while still assuming the role of coordinating their work. Throughout the process, we learned a great deal of how a remodel is actually supposed to go.
Without exception, the work PCB does is to the nines. Louis has an exacting eye for detail that only comes through many years of experience. And that eye for detail allowed us to go from what could be generously be called a "distressed" property (read: multiple, horrendously botched do-it-yourself jobs by previous owners) to a sharp, modern, and fully-revitalized living space. If you'd like a taste of the transformation, please see the attached images I've included for the before and after. The work is solid, polished, and designed to last generations. You simply do not get work like this from any run-of-the-mill GC. If you're looking to have it done right the first time, without exception, then you would do well to reach out to Lou.
If you reach out to Louis, I can tell you exactly what to expect. Expect a patient, guiding hand, who is not afraid to tell you the pros and cons of your plan. If you'll listen, he will give you sage advice. And through the back-and-forth of the bidding process, you will zero in on a project that is bespoke to your needs, your budget, and your style. He will then go over the entire process of what comes next in exacting detail. Schedules, progress payment expectations, and all of the sundries that come with the project. The schedule that Louis produces is followed to the letter. Even with my distressed property, despite multiple extra steps being required (outside of the scope, I might add) PCB was able to come in on time without any additional spend outside of what was enunciated at this point in our bidding process.
The work then begins, and it transpires exactly to schedule. PCB handles literally everything and, if you put it in your scope, they may even offer to help you move out and back in for a nominal fee (less than a professional moving company). We were out of the house for a month and in that time a full transformation occurred. When we came back, everything was perfect and we gladly handed off the final payment and the team was on their way.
Since the wrap-up of our project, we have had some extremely minor items that needed some extra attention. The vent fan in the bathroom needed a small tweak, a drawer needed a little love, and that was it. Despite having paid Louis in full, every item was addressed with a special visit by him within 48 hours at no cost to us. On his last visit, he even gave us some fish he had caught in the Pacific earlier that day. So, add fishmonger to the already long list of skills Louis has. The cod was delicious, by the by.
So, long story short, if you are looking to get work done on your home, and you want it done right, and done precisely, you'd be an absolute fool not to call Louis.