Hi adh -- We're using Southern Kitchens in Alexandria now, and they've been a pleasure to work with. However, they just do kitchen design (I suppose their cabinet lines could work in baths and closets too, but they wouldn't be able to help with fireplaces, etc.). Also, we're in the middle of new construction rather than renovation; and we're only partway in, so I don't have the post-finish-line reaction (which I think is the most telling). Friends of mine have used Case -- their reaction was, really expensive to use but really good work and guaranteed no illegal subs (which was important to them; they're both lawyers). And another friend of mine is really, really happy with the work Bowers has done for her. She's used them at least three times in major additions/renovation projects to her house. Just the fact that she keeps going back to them is impressive, IMO. Many years ago we did some small renovation projects with a company called Sage and I was less than thrilled with the process and the outcome. I would certainly not have gone back to them for any further work (though it certainly may be that it was as much my fault as theirs -- it was the first renovation I'd done). hope that helps...

Folks, this is the contractor himself spamming in order to get free advertising....there are similar posts in at least two other forums. If this really was a customer, and was so well satisfied, would they be likely to be visiting building/remodeling forums just to say that everything is great with their project? This is a desperate guy looking for work, pretending to be a homeowner. And by the way,the reference to Schuler cabinets as if they were something exclusive made me chuckle(good quality, don't get me wrong, but these are readily available at Lowes and other big box stores). If he really was such a great contractor, he could get more exclusive brands (Homecrest, etc). Sorry for the rant, but I get tired of people posting advertising on these forums, overtly or covertly, when it is clearly against the rules.

kardut - I'm willing to give a brief rundown, but remember this: everyone will have an opinion on what type of pool that have (or didn't get) so don't be surprised if no one agrees with me. This is the part that you want to do some research and come to the conclusion by yourself. Gunite (or concrete) pools have the most options for sizes/shapes (pro) but also have the highest costs associated with then (con). I have seen some awesome pool designs and shapes, but those usually cost about 50k or more. You will eventually need to resurface the pool (con) and (at least for me - my folks in FL have a gunite pool) it wears rough against skin (con). I would swim in it almost daily and had a problem with the pads of my feet flaking away (actually, it scared the crap out of me and I discontinued pushing off the side of the pool after that) Also, I heard that you have to use caustic chemicals to clean the pool out (con). Build time can be excessive (con) as they have to not only dig the pool but put down forms for the concrete, pour it and wait for it to set. Fiberglass is less expensive than concrete (pro) but still expensive (con) - build time is considerably less because it comes in one piece (pro) but has to be dropped by a crane (con as it is costly and cumbersome). Again, you will eventually have to resurface/repair the pool (con) and I think it is pretty expensive (but don't quote me on that one.) One bad thing about fiberglass pools is that I have heard of them "popping" out of the ground from groundwater or earth tremors. Obviously, not everyone experiences that or no one would have this type of pool! Vinyl lined pools. These come in three (or more) types: steel, polymer (plastic) and wood. Wood is probably the cheapest (pro) but also the least durable (con - remember, you get what you pay for.) Polymer will last much longer than steel and some polymer panels are as durable as steel (pro). Steel will rust (con), no matter what anyone says or if it is galvanized. I have seen far too many pictures that people send when they want a replacement liner to believe the fallacy that steel doesn't rust. Steel panels can be shaped more easily than polymer (pro) while you have to "take what you can get" with the polymer since those are molded (con) In general, vinyl lined pools should last for 8 to 10 years before you need to replace the liner (pro) and the replacement cost shouldn't be as much as a resurface (pro). If you are going to have a pool installer do it for you, I would recommend getting references on their installs. Also check out the local BBB and chamber of commerce. Make sure to read over any contracts you sign and make sure you know what is included and not included. If you are going to do it yourself, make sure that you budget enough money for the install portion and can find people to help you with the things you'll need to outsource (excavating, plumbing, electrical and concrete) and check with your local township for permits, rules and regs, etc. Hope this helps - let me know if I didn't cover something well and I'll try to expound. Ted

Hi, In either case you've got a bit of a chicken-and-egg problem. You'll need at least a concept plan to get a reasonably accurate estimate of construction costs. You'll need to invest some amount of money to develop the plans--whether by an independent architect or design/build firm. The good news is that you don't need a fully detailed, fully-engineered "biddable" set of plans for that. Absent a set of concept plans, you could use cost data published in Remodeling Magazine's Cost-Vs. Value Report to infer the likely cost for your project http://www.remodeling.hw.net/cost-vs-value/2017/ In our market we've found the cost data to be pretty good for budget purposes. If you go the architect-first route, get your remodeler on board as soon as possible so the design can be informed by real-world cost information. Architects don't typically build stuff, don't write checks for materials and labor, and don't get a heads-up from suppliers about pending price increases. The cost information they'll have is for completed projects. With dimensional lumber prices up as much as 30% in the last year, using even 12 month old cost data is like driving by looking in the rear view mirror. Best wishes for a successful project.