We hired Brutsky Builds for a full-home renovation that took over a year to complete, and we also…read morehired their interior designer. Our renovation cost more than $800,000. We chose this company because they presented themselves as trustworthy, knowledgeable, and committed to treating our home as if it were their own. That, however, was not our experience.
Throughout the project, we encountered issues with workmanship, communication, design recommendations, and accountability.
Bathroom tile:
From the beginning, I told our interior designer that we have children and wanted materials that were easy to clean, practical, and timeless. We trusted her to keep those priorities in mind.
The tile selected for one of our bathrooms has been extremely difficult to maintain. From the time we moved back in, there were stains throughout the tile. We were told the stains would not come out and that this was simply the nature of the tile. The condition continues to worsen, and multiple cleaning methods have not helped. Had we known this beforehand, we would never have selected it. I brought the issue to the project manager, but did not feel it was taken seriously.
Bathroom shower installation:
The tile in our guest and master bathroom showers was not installed with an adequate slope, causing water to spill outside the shower. This is especially concerning because our elderly mothers visit us, creating a potential safety hazard.
The solution was to add a shower guard and track. While this helped with the water, it resulted in crooked shower doors and changed the appearance of the walk-in shower we originally wanted.
Paint overspray:
After moving back in, we discovered paint overspray on our windows, screens, doors, sconces, roof, plants, our car, and even our neighbor's roof and car.
It took approximately five months for the company to address the overspray. We handled our neighbor's car and our own car ourselves and had them professionally detailed. We expected the property to be properly protected and any overspray to be addressed promptly.
Limewash:
The company's interior designer recommended limewash for our powder room. I loved the look and trusted her recommendation. Since installing it, we have experienced significant water staining and damage. After doing my own research, I learned that limewash can be difficult to maintain in areas exposed to water, particularly bathrooms. Had we understood the maintenance requirements beforehand, we would have made a different decision.
Deck:
Our deck was built with visible logos and cement residue left on the surface. We asked if it could be sanded to correct this. It seemed like a simple finishing issue, but it was not addressed.
Fence and gate:
Approximately half of our fence was damaged during the renovation. The fence was rebuilt, but our gates have not functioned properly.
When we contacted the company about fixing the gate, we were told that replacing the damaged portion of the fence was considered a "courtesy," but they would not fix the gate that is still not functioning properly. We were not asking for an upgrade or additional project; we were asking for an issue resulting from the renovation to be properly addressed.
Communication and accountability:
When we hired the company, we were told communication was one of their strengths. In our experience, there were times when it took days, and sometimes weeks, to receive a response to a text or phone call.
We have brought each of these concerns to their attention. Instead of feeling that our feedback was being heard and addressed, we often felt that explanations were given rather than meaningful solutions.
Spending more than $800,000 on a renovation comes with a reasonable expectation of quality workmanship, communication, and accountability. We understand that issues can happen during a large renovation. What matters is how those issues are handled, and that has been the most disappointing part of our experience.
Ultimately, our experience with Brutsky Builds did not match the expectations that were set when we hired them. We do not recommend Brutsky Builds. If you are considering them for a major renovation, do your research, ask detailed questions about materials and installation, and get clear expectations in writing about how post-project issues will be handled.
