"Just a short note of thanks for a job well done"

There are times when you get less than you expected from a job, some that meet expectations and a very few that exceed them. Your renovation of our 50 year old home was most certainly one of the latter.

When we began the planning of this project, we heard lots of discouraging stories from friends and neighbors about builders' bad advice, time delays, less than professional workmanship, building inspections hassle and cost over runs. We personally experienced some of this early on when at least 2 builders and one architect told us our only option was to demolish the house and build one of their "Floriditaineans". Given not only the character of the Old Forest Lake neighborhood but also our strong feeling that the house had "good bones", we were frustrated but dismissed these options (and their authors). It was at this point that we met Mark, who shared our thoughts of renovation over tear off and in turn introduced us to David Lukes Design, Inc.

Had we not met David at this point, we most likely would have reluctantly succumbed to the realtor's solution: sell and buy something more to our liking. David, however, gave us new hope first by stating flatly that the house should not be torn down and secondly by listening to our wants and desires for its renovation. So well did he listen that his first design option needed only minor changes before going to full scale drawing, the working set of which we should add gained county approval after only minor changes.

We decided to go for it and put the plan out for bid to several established builders. The responses we received were either inflated prices or more advice to tear off and rebuild. Mark took the time to meet with us on multiple occasions to discuss options, time frame and costs. The bid proposal was not only the best, but actually the lowest as well. Work started on May 24th with promise to have us back in by Halloween. We moved back in November 1st. Not bad we'd say for a project that re-configured nearly the entire floor plan as well as replaced all plumbing lines, wiring, HVAC, windows, doors and roof.

The management of the subcontractors was timely, organized and professional. There may well have been one or two weekdays throughout construction that no workers were here. The interface with Sarasota County Inspection Services was both professional and timely with any required follow up. Their follow through after completion (even after we made our final payment) has been immediate and thorough. And last but not least, there were NO cost overruns; the only additions being of our own request.

We would, without reservation, recommend their services as well as those of David Lukes Design and will be pleased to show our house as an example

CandB

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