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"The Ratings of "B" would have been an "A-", but that is not an option.

We met with the salesman and discussed what we were looking for in the finished kitchen.  A few ideas were identified as options and we would decide based on the price.  For example, the kitchen had a pantry (more like a small bedroom closed with a bi-fold door) and the salesman suggested using stacked oversized cabinets to make a ?pantry.?  In an open area where we had a metal shelf for storage he suggested a cabinet with countertop, backsplash (with electrical outlet), and a tall cabinet above to the ceiling.  The next day we received three-dimensional (3D) graphical renderings, from different angles, what the kitchen would look like when completed, and the estimate.  We took both suggestions and are very happy with the results.

The work crew primarily consisted of a team chief and two others.  They arrived promptly each day and placed tarps to protect the areas where they walked.  When appropriate they encapsulated the work area with plastic tarp to reduce the amount of dust in the rest of the house.  At the end of each day the area was left clean and accessible.

Having one person at home during the renovation was very fortunate.  For example:
1)  When the technicians came to measure for the countertops we were able to show an example of the granite.  While the name may be the same, the expected level of color and density was made clear. 
2)  The day the kitchen ceiling was to be painted the team chief inquired about painting the ceiling adjacent. Otherwise, there would clearly be a distinction of the new and old paint.  A quick call to the salesman and this was included for an additional $200.00 and a run out to the store for an extra gallon of paint.  This was well worth the cost; especially since we recently replaced a light fixture and you could see an outline of the old fixture.
3) Our entry from the garage had an old ceramic tile that would be different from the kitchen.  Another call to the salesman and this area, about 9 square feet, was included at no cost.
4) When the refrigerator was placed in the hutch area there was little to no room on the sides.  We were concerned that it could be damaged when the refrigerator was pulled out or pushed in.  We discussed this with the salesman and it was reconfigured to our satisfaction.
In anticipation of the work we prepared by doing the following:
1) Removed everything from the cabinets and put them on a shelf and boxes in the living and dining rooms.  We left an area in the dining room for the refrigerator to be placed and plugged-in.
2) Setup a makeshift food preparation area that included the toaster oven and coffee pot.
3) Knowing that we might be eating out more often.
4) Often used paper plates and paper towels.

What we expected, but didn?t realize the full impact until it happened:
1) The kitchen faucet and sink were removed the first day.  This meant washing dishes in the bathroom sink.  This was made a bit easier by putting a dish drainer on a TV tray table outside the bathroom.
2) The oven, built-in microwave, and dishwasher were put in the garage.
What I wished I?d have known before and during a kitchen renovation:
1) Set up an area to function as a kitchen with ample room to move around.
2) If you must box dishes or food up, ensure they are clearly marked so they can easily be found and keep the most common items out and handy.
3) Be sure the ?kitchen? and boxes are in an area in which you will always have access.  When the tile was laid we had to stay out of the kitchen for up to 24 hours.  This made our Family Room inaccessible for this time.  Fortunately, nothing was in there that we needed during that time.
What I recommend to future kitchen renovators:
1) Keep a diary and photo log of the work as it progresses.
2) Have direct phone numbers and email addresses for the Project Manager and Sales Representative.
3) Request periodic updates from the Project Manager.
4) If at all possible, have someone who can make decisions in the house at all times.
5) Draft out a meal plan for three to four weeks. This should give you an idea of the complexity of preparing meals and cleaning up.
6) The toaster oven was good; and, a countertop microwave would have been a nice extra.
7) During the demolition and removal of debris, your door(s) will be open almost continuously.  Be aware of the season and weather.
8) Be aware that any demolition, tile cutting, or construction will be very loud.  You may want to find an alternate location for small children or anxious pets.
9) Have a sample or pictures of the materials you expect to be installed, the brand and model names; to include any granite, cabinet hardware, backsplash, etc., to ensure the installers have the correct products.
10) Ensure you know when any particular area will be inaccessible ahead of time so you can adjust accordingly.
11) Clearly discuss the work schedule with the Project Manager.  Identify in advance any days when you cannot have workers in the area, or any other limitations.
12) Ensure the Project Manager and team chief are both in attendance when you do the inspection at the expected completion.  This will ensure each is clear on any deficiency and resolution plan.  Also, 
     a. The night before the inspection conduct your own inspection.  Use a flashlight to help in identifying any deficiencies.
     b. Clearly document any deficiencies in writing with your intended solution (repair, replace, or otherwise) and have it ready for the inspection.  Likely the Project Manager or Team Chief will make notes on it.  Be prepared to copy or photograph this as a record for each party.
I hope VKB, and other kitchen renovators, will prepare a ?What to expect and how to prepare for your kitchen renovation guide? for future customers.  I think it would go a long way and reduce some of the anxiety and frustration that are bound to occur when you lose access to your kitchen for an extended period."

"Did exactly what we needed and poured a concrete slab and constructed an out of the box shed and anchored it to the concrete. Came out perfect and exactly the quoted price. Would hire again no hesitation."

"Phil and his team did a great job and had great suggestions to how to accomplish what I was looking to do. They took all my downspouts below ground, combined them together including my sump pump and installed pop up emitters. Overall, it is a much better solution than the previous plastic flex pipes that discharged directly on my lawn. Also regraded a few poor drainage areas of the yard. I thought the pricing was reasonable and would hire them again."

"The entire door had to be removed and reinstalled in order to replace the 1x 6 wood support.  Mr. Straka was meticulous in his work and cleaned up as he worked, leaving no debris for me.  He arrived shortly after 9:00 am and was done by 6 pm.  Including trips to Home Depot to get wood support, trim pieces and siding.
As the work went well he final charge was less than Mr. Straka's estimate for the combined door and shed repair.  I had an earlier oral bid from another contractor for $1500 for just the sliding glass door repair so Straka Contracting was a great improvement for a quality job.
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"Abbey built a fence with multiple height/style fencing and gates around our back yard. They also constructed latticework alongside our driveway bulkhead. There were no issues from the time of construction for the fence. The latticework needed additional support due to high winds in our location and Abbey came out within a week to reconstruct the latticework with a level of support and integrity such that the latticework survived the highest winds of the season. We highly recommend Abbey as a reliable, competent partner in fence construction."

Step It Up Construction, LLC, based in Pasadena, Maryland, is your trusted partner for high-quality residential and commercial improvements. We specialize in roofing, gutters, siding, windows, doors, kitchens, bathrooms, sunrooms, porches, decks, and home additions to enhance your living space. For businesses, we offer expert commercial renovations, tenant build-outs, retail space upgrades, office remodeling, and exterior improvements to create functional and modern work environments. \n\nIn addition, we handle insurance work, assisting homeowners and business owners with storm damage repairs, insurance claims, and restoration projects to ensure properties are restored to their best condition. Our team is committed to delivering exceptional craftsmanship with a focus on quality, reliability, and customer satisfaction. Whether you're improving your home, upgrading your business, or recovering from damage, Step It Up Construction, LLC has you covered. Schedule your FREE estimate today!

Specializing in all types of mill work, carpentry, and custom wood finishing. We also offer custom cabinetry, trim, crown molding, wood paneling, all type of doors and windows. Custom carpentry for your remodeling project and new construction.

"Homecraft builders did a wonderful job on our new deck! We now have a beautiful composite deck. Any time I had a question, it was answered promptly. They had lots of pictures of previously built decks, to help me decide what I wanted. They were professional and got got the work done quickly. And they did a great job of cleaning up after the work was done. I would definitely recommend them.
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"The team Fence & Deck sent to install a fence in my backyard—an area measuring about 1/6th of an acre—were quick, efficient, and friendly. The first team member showed up just before 7:30 to start dismantling the old fence. By 8 AM, the rest of the team was hard at work. It was a quieter process than I thought, to be honest—which was great, as my neighbors work from home. They were finished by 2 PM; had cleaned up, packed up the old fence and their equipment and were gone. There were issues with installing the new fence: trees had grown into the fence path, most of them belonging to the neighbors. The team presented me with possible solutions at each point, so I could get the fence I wanted—or as close as was possible given the obstacles. It was a very low-stress construction day, and we—and our neighbors—really like the results."

"Fence and Deck is the only company we will ever use for these kinds of projects. We had a fence replaced some years ago and were happy with the work, product and customer service since that project was finished. We decide to go with Fence and Deck to replace our old deck that was really falling part. Everything from the initial appointment through project clean up was done completely professionally. The demolition crew caused a small problem with our electricity, but the project manager more than amply recompensed us for it. We had a separate company remove a backyard pool right before the deck replacement. The Fence and Deck project manager and other company reps kept in constant contact with us, and were unbelievably flexible when the first project was delayed several times. Fence and Deck really sets the standard for how companies can make customers very happy."