Duende Design + Construction

Joseph, the owner, was very easy to work with from the start. He came to our house and sat down for an initial design consultation where we could tell him what we wanted and also get his ideas on areas where we weren't sure how to proceed. From there we agreed on scope of work and signed a contract for services and discussed timeline. We were fortunate enough to not live in the house we were renovating so it made it much easier on us (and Duende). Over the course of about a month, Duende worked on our house and Joseph kept us updated on the progress, design questions he had for us, or decisions he needed us to make. He was very good about staying within our budget, although that budget expanded quite a bit as we either added additional things on that we wanted, or had to make changes per the city inspector. We were never pressured to do something or add something we didn?t want, and we were always presented options that would fit closely with our budget. While the project had its fair share of minor snags (they found a live 220 outlet behind the wall in the kitchen which we didn?t know was there and we had to address, they found old live wires in the attic that we had to address, the inspector made us tear down all the tile in the guest bathroom?a bathroom that had no renovations planned for it?and put in Denishield board then re-tile with new tile, and the inspector also cited us for having windows in 2 bedrooms that were about 2 inches too high off the ground per city code, causing us to have to lower those windows), Joseph never told us anything would have to wait or that they couldn?t do it. These were all unplanned additions/changes that caused delays in the project, but It was nice to never hear ?no?, only ?we can do that, and here?s what your options are and here?s how much they?ll cost?. The Duende team was always nice and helpful, and all the subcontractors in the house were friendly and did exactly what they were supposed to. The biggest help that Joseph provided us was when the city inspector went wild around our house citing us for things done years ago by former owners, and making us show permits for changes that were done up to 30 years ago. It was a nightmare, and we were really happy to have a contractor who could help us translate what the inspector was saying, advising us on how we could proceed with minimal cost, and making sure that our home project is permitted and signed off properly. Duende is by no means a fly-by-night operation and they will make sure their work is legal, safe, and they won?t cut corners.