Client Q&A: Master Bath Reno with Added Privacy
Tell us about your project. What were you looking to do and why?
We needed a gut reno of our master bath, which entailed moving plumbing and walling in a fieldstone chimney extension, and solutions to separate the bedroom from the bathroom (which had a wide opening with no door!!). We also needed enhanced privacy for the bedroom itself, which was a loft bedroom with only a banister and railings between it and the open stairs.
What were the needs you were looking to meet, challenges you faced and what factors needed to be considered in the design?
This was a badly designed situation, and that was only compounded by the shoddy and amateur workmanship which had been DIYed by the previous owner. We also had only a modest budget, comparatively speaking.
How did you search for a builder to work with?
We had already spent almost 3 years and thousands of dollars with a well-known interior designer and her recommended general contractor. We had agreed on a budget. While she had lovely ideas, she seemed totally incapable of respecting that budget.
After multiple re-designs and bids by her contractor, all of which were far above the agreed-upon budget, we were out all that money and had nothing to show for it but a bunch of lovely drawings we couldn’t afford to build. So, we severed our relationship with her. We had also had an unsatisfactory experience with the general contractor who built our kitchen, and wouldn’t hire him again.
We were pretty desperate, and talked to friends and neighbors, none of whom had been particularly happy with anyone they had used, so we turned to the internet with great trepidation. We contacted 3 general contractors who looked promising. One never got back to us at all, another did, but we weren’t impressed with him, and then there was Tim!
What do you consider to be the most important quality in a builder?
There are several: reliability, responsibility, experience, vision, patience… All of those are pretty crucial.
How did you come to find Hebert Design Build and why did you choose to work with them?
As we mentioned above, we found Hebert Design Build on the internet. But it was the references we spoke to and meeting Tim himself that sealed the deal.
How would you describe your experience working with Hebert Design Build?
We couldn’t have been happier with everyone on the team. Tim had great ideas and limitless patience. He inspected everything the sub-contractors did on a daily basis, and ensured everything was done perfectly. The entire team was very respectful of us and our home. We came in on schedule and within budget.
What were some unexpected challenges or unanticipated events that came up during your project?
We had problems with one of the manufacturers and the local supplier of the steam shower we had ordered ourselves. Tim dealt with it beautifully.
Is there anything else you'd like to say about home construction/remodeling or working with Hebert Design Build?
Simply, we tell everyone, just use Hebert Design Build. We’ve recommended Tim to several friends who have used them for their projects, and they were all very happy with the process and results. We continue to call him whenever we need any work done in our home, and we never have to worry.