Direct Build, Inc.

We contracted with Direct Build Inc to perform a major remodel on our home. Architect plans were provided for the job. Bottom Line: we would not do business with them again nor would we recommend them to anyone. Our experience working with them included severe communication issues, lack of responsiveness, tens of thousands of cost overruns, unfinished contractual tasks and overall poor quality/value When we interviewed Lori for this job, she indicated that the job would take approximately 60 days to complete. Once we told Lori that we had selected Direct Build for the job, she came out for a “walk through”, where we compared her bid with the plans to make sure we were all on the same page for the work to be done. She emailed us her contract, along with a cost for each line item. When we returned the signed copy via email, we added a few line items discussed during the walk through (dog door, replace some bi-fold doors – see comments below). Problems with the job began when there was some conflicting guidance between what was on the plans and what the Regional Building Department (RBD) required. Lori was unwilling to contact the architect to get it resolved and no progress was made until we stepped in to 1) find out who Lori was talking to at RBD and 2) call the architect to come up with a resolution. The permit was issued and work began on the remodel. There were some additional issues with the plans, and although there was a statement clearly on the plans to contact the architect for any issues, they refused to do so. Approximately 30 days into the job, I asked Lori for a schedule/timeline. This request was done via email….no response was provided. Despite repeated email and verbal requests for a schedule/timeline, I was unable to get any information until she was there to get a check. At that time, I was provided information about what order things would be installed. I asked Shane for a timeline; his response was that he would ask Lori to provide that information. I was unable to get any specific information regarding the duration until the final 30 days of the job. So, although the initial time estimate provided to us was 60 days, the job actually took 120 days (from when the contract was signed in September 2017). I began asking about the status of items we (thought) had been added to the contract (doggie door, replace a window in the basement). Each request (and there were at least four requests over a 30 day timespan) was met with no response until I was told these items were “not part of the contract”. Naturally, we were confused as they were working on other things we had added. These items were discussed and agreed to during the “walk through” and they were part of the original contract we signed. We provided the doggie door, and when asked when it would be installed got an answer of “we did not add it to the contract but will do it for free”. Nice offer, but it was supposed to be part of the contract. Our request for the status of replacing the window in the basement was met by stonewalling (haven’t done it yet…..don’t know the kind of window it is (this was resolved by me looking at the sticker on the window and telling them what kind of window it was)…..can’t find anyone to install it…..it’s not part of the contract, I don’t know how to install a window (yes that was said to us by the General Contractor)). When she sent the initial funds request, there was a “this is what I am asking for” amount and a “this is what I really need” amount. I asked for some details regarding what the amount requested covered. Initially the requests clearly lined up with the bid she provided. Things got murkier as the job progressed. When asked for detailed information, I was repeatedly told “We don’t provide that information”. An example is a charge for trim work that we had added to the contract. We had a discussion where Lori provided several line items and their cost (bookshelves, window casings). When I received a request for funds, the line item was for Interior Trim material. I called and asked for details regarding whether this charge was for bookshelves or window casings and was given the response “we don’t provide that level of detail”. I would like to state here that we always paid in a timely manner and never shorted them funds. After a miscommunication of the cost of a line item (charge on request for funds was $500 more than what we were verbally told it would be), I had to insist that all communication be in writing. They advertise “Price +” as their charging policy. DO NOT get this confused with Cost Plus! The commonly accepted definition of Cost Plus is an open book process where bills from the contractor should include documentation of all hard costs. This would include invoices for materials and subcontractors, as well as work hours and billing rates for direct labor supplied by the contractor. This is a trust-but-verify process to ensure that the contractor is keeping good records and billing responsibly. This is NOT their practice. During the initial interview, Lori stated that the prices would be what Direct Build was charged by the Subs and that it would be transparent. We thought this meant we would actually see the Sub’s bills so we would have insight into all charges. When we asked for some copies of invoices, we were again told “We don’t provide that information”. We had no insight into pricing and were unable to make any decisions about cost trade-offs. After many emails about whether we would indeed be complete by the end date provided on the schedule I finally received, the end date arrived. I asked whether we would get any documentation regarding the completion of the job (things that were part of the contract like window casings had not been completed), I was told “no, we don’t do that. It’s just a verbal between us. But we do provide a warranty on our work”. I asked several times for some warranty details, and was finally told we had to submit any issues at 30 days and 6 months. We submitted several items for the 30 day warranty. After 10 days from our initial submittal, we sent texts to Shane for status and then an email to Lori to find out a status. We got no response from either of them until we threatened legal action. We did not hear from any of the subcontractors until a MONTH after our 30 day submittal. If we had not followed up with Shane and Lori, we would still be waiting. The communication for this job was poor. The quality of work was marginal at best. There was no apparent oversight or quality control of work as many items were done so poorly that it questions their oversight of their subs and the quality of work. We expected the general contractor to review the work of the subs both during and after their portion of the job was completed. Although they claimed they were there each day to review work that was done, there were several instances where we had to take care of an issue so work would continue. We found a note from the drywall contractor that identified areas that needed additional work before they could continue. We had to clear the area out and let Direct Build know about the note and that we had done the work so the timeline that I didn’t have any insight into would not be affected. There were many days that Direct Build did not come to the house to look over work done by Subs. As a result, we ended up having to install six additional lights in the kitchen as they obviously did not QC the electrical work. This was done by us at our expense. The electrical work (Precision Electric) came in over double the amount of the bid. Since we did not see the work statement from the Sub – we don’t know where the issue really lies. Initial findings for the warranty included not properly caulking both showers (although Shane made them redo the shower floor, but somehow the sloppy caulking throughout the other parts of the shower got missed), the shower drain was epoxied into place with a bunch of plastic still attached, the paint job was so poor that every room had to be re-done or touched up. There was no lighting in half of the kitchen so we had to cut back into the ceiling less than 10 days after they “finished” to put in 6 additional lights. The door to the laundry room was mounted behind the cabinet so it was unusable and then we were charged to turn the door around so it would swing properly. Shane blamed this on the “plans” though the architect stated to call him with any questions/discrepancies. The paneling in the living room was not re-installed as they maintained that the paneling was not available. However, I re-installed it and covered 80% of what we had asked them to do. They did not put in storm doors (though it is listed in the original contract), they did not install any mirrors in the bathrooms and they did not bother to caulk the outside of any of the 5 new windows and sliding door installed in the dining room. To top it off, we are in over $1500 above their final contract price though we have written assurances that the final price would not be exceeded. We are going to end up in court to recoup this money. Bottom line – avoid Direct Build at all costs. Rob and Suzanne P

We are pleased with our remodeled home and we would highly recommend Direct Build, Inc. of Colorado Springs, CO. Our project was completed on time, in accordance with the current building code, and within the contracted amount as revised for change orders, which either we initiated or that were unforeseen because of not knowing what we would find after demolition. Direct Build, Inc. is a cost-plus-fixed percentage contractor which provided us some much appreciated transparency into the cost of our selections for flooring, bathroom wall tile, countertop, cabinets, appliances, and light fixtures. Lori Anderson provided intuitive design recommendations, many of which we implemented and are exceptionally pleased with. The subcontractors were professional and clearly reputable with a long history of working in partnership with Direct Build, Inc. In a remodel project of this size, unexpected issues inevitably arose (as cautioned by Lori) and some mistakes and minor misunderstandings occurred, but they were promptly remedied. Lori was trustworthy and fair throughout the project. Her follow-up and guarantees after project completion continue to be prompt and thorough. She maintains her commitment to her clients, that once a client, always a client. While her partner, Shane focuses primarily on new construction and Lori on remodels, they work efficiently in tandem to supervise the project. They are easy to work with. We positively recommend you consult with Direct Build, Inc. for your building project!

I would highly recommend Lori and Shane Anderson with DirectBuild Inc. They come from families that have been in the business for generations and actually CARE about what the homeowners needs and desires are. They worked with us and met with us regularly to discuss the progress and the budget. DirectBuild Inc. is a cost plus builder so we actually saved over a hundred thousand dollars building our house and they passed their actual costs on to us and just work off of a percentage. Their architect Rod from BlackHawk Design is knowledgeable and professional and added so many touches that we hadn't even thought of since this was our first time building and we had an idea in our head that he ran with and created a masterpiece. Direct Build now offers our plan, it is called The Soaring Eagle. Our gorgeous home was build on time and within our budget. There were no surprises. We got exactly what we had always wanted and more. Building a home from scratch can be overwhelming, but Shane and Lori walked us through every step of it and actually made it an experience we will always treasure. Not many people can say that after having a home built! We did our homework. We had 3 other builders give us estimates. They were hard to get a hold of, didn't return phone calls, and finally gave us estimates that seemed very high. From the very beginning Lori was always accessible and explained everything in a way that we could understand, since this was all new to us. I think the highest compliment I would give is if we have to do this all over again, she would be the only builder I would call.

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In 2009 Lori Anderson of Direct Build, Inc. built my home. The workmanship and quality was excellent. Lori's professional business relationship with her homeowners, subcontractors, suppliers and bankers made the building experience a pleasure. Lori always responded very quickly whenever I had a change or a question. I have recently moved approximately three hours away from Colorado Springs, however, if I was still in the area Direct Build would be the builder for my new home. I would recommend Lori of Direct Build, Inc. to anyone wanting to remodel a home or build a custom home.

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They did an absolute amazing job. They did a really great job. They had it done very quickly. We love it.

The basement finish went very smooth, Lori had all the subcontractors scheduled out in the correct order and the basement finish went all as according to plan, she provided me with the schedule so I knew each day what was happening to my basement and the job was completed earlier than expected and we were able to get out basement put together before the holidays. I would recommend Direct Build Inc. to anyone, Lori is very knowledgeable in the homebuilding business!

Lori was very professional she had the contractors scheduled so that when one was done the next contractor (trade) came in and my entire remodel went smoothly. So I decided to use her for my next project which was stamped and Stained Concrete. I am loving my old house which is feeling NEW.

Perfectly!

The best experience with a remodel project I have ever done. Lori, the general contractor, has a group of professional sub contractors who arrive and complete the job on time and in a high quality manner. The work stayed under budget and on time. Each contractor performed in a friendly and helpful way offering some ideas on how to best meet my goal for a super bathroom. Although the main project was to remodel the bathroom and switch the closet , I was able to add some smaller work while the sub contractors were at the house which I believe saved time and money. Lori paid great attention to the details of each contractor's work and if there were any issues she made the contractor correct them in a timely fashion. Complete satisfaction with the project!

Lori Anderson of Direct Build, Inc. built my Custom Home. Her professionalism, quality of workmanship and attention to detail are all just some of the attributes Ms. Anderson brings to the Custom Home Building business. Many times my husband and I changed our minds and Ms. Anderson was very patient and understanding. I would definitely recommend Lori Anderson and Direct Build, Inc. to anyone and everyone wanting a Quality Custom Home built.

The whole process went very well at the beginning until a zoning issue arose during the permit process. Lori contacted us right away and quickly and efficiently worked with us to solve the issue. Within a week we had the new design to meet zoning regulations for our area and work began. The crew was done in 4 days. We love our new deck. Everyone did a wonderful job. We are so impressed with the standards and work that was done through Lori and Direct Build, Inc. that we have already worked with her on plans to do a major renovation of our home in the near future. It's nice to find a builder you can trust. She has the highest integrity with her clients, architect, and her sub-contractors. She does not put up with sub-quality work and the sub-contractors know that. As long as they do the job right, she'll help them in any way, even running to the home improvement store to pick up needed supplies. She is very professional in every way and very easy to work with. She is very knowledgeable in her field and has some really good ideas to help the client with design of their project. She also gets back with the client as quickly as possible if questions arise.