LU Design Build

We met with LU Design to finish approximately 1100 sq. ft in our basement on October 25, 2019. We provided detailed drawings of the proposed design and highlighted the expensive items that were “must-have” on our list including enlarging 2 windows for proper egress in the bedroom and living space, extensive plumbing work for a full bathroom, kitchen and moving sewer stack. We spent over 2 hours discussing the details and were provided a ballpark estimate of $80,000. We signed the agreement and paid $4,000 based on this mutual understanding. While we provided detailed architectural drawings, we were open to hearing any ideas for the space that could enhance the use and provide a separate workout area. We received several iterations with suggested modifications to the original, many of which were absurd (for example, one such suggestion moved the bedroom and provided an egress window that would have been located under the garage). We also received a number of finish suggestions to choose from which also lacked attention to detail (proposing light fixtures and ceiling fans where there was ductwork / low ceiling height). There was a concerning lack of attention to detail on these many items (which were available in the drawings provided up front). With no mention of the budget during this process, on December 6, 2019 we finally received an estimated cost of $140,000. We were also provided 2 cheaper options which reduced the finished space to 850 and 950 sq. ft. and eliminated all of the must-haves, including pluming and egress, for a budget of $80,000 and $100,000, respectively. We made no scope changes from the original ask and LU was unable to articulate anything, other than they “messed up”, to explain the $60,000 or 75% increase. We requested a refund of the $4,000 payment as the basis for this agreement was false and we did not receive anything of value. LU Design offered a $1,000 refund as they “had spent time on the project”. We have not received any refund to date.

We hired LU Design last year to build a bar in our basement. I can't say enough good things about the work they did. They invited us to participate in every step of the process from the design to the final build. We had hoped to finish the bar by New Year's Eve, and they worked tirelessly through the holidays to make that happen. When we spotted a few tiny issues, they came back out and fixed them. We are so happy with the end result, and the bar is a popular spot with our guests! We would hire them again in a heartbeat.

She was very helpful helping us to decide potential placement of our current furniture. It helped us to decide which pieces to keep and which to discord or store in basement. Were quite pleased with her expertise.

Very well. The decorators had creative ideas and were GOOD LISTENERS to the look I wanted. Lu Design handled all electrical, painting, etc. They were very neat and cleaned up after themselves.

Rochelle was informative and very helpful!

LU Design was first class from start to finish. When getting a bid the designer and owner came to our home to find out our vision. They gathered what was most important to us and came back several days later with a bid. Never were we being sold - they listened to our goals and tailored it accordingly. Work started not long later. The BaseCamp tool they use keeps everyone involved up to date at any given point. The workers were courteous and kept the home clean. Even with a little snag during the remodel they went above and beyond to rectify the situation. My wife and I are thrilled with our new kitchen. Highly recommend!

She provided me with guidance on how to proceed next. I had the painting done and will choose the flooring and lighting. After that, I will consider having her return for the finishing touches. I might also have her help with my kitchen update.

Very well. Would hire again for future home renovation projects!

Great! professional, excellent craftsmanship, courteous, efficient.

She was professional. She arrived 15 min late, but stayed 15 min longer.

This was a three month project, extensive amount of work so will try to stick with high level points that are important to me as a consumer. Start to finish LU was professional and very focused on achieving goals set forth in contract. The designer and the overall designs were absolutely spot on with our vision. This was a major investment and I appreciated the time spent up front to clearly understand what was important to us. All employees were skilled and professional and eventually overcame every obstacle that came up. Was it smooth sailing -no, there were bumps in the road as we expected. The owner to the carpenter to the project manager always ensured they were addressed properly and kept us in the loop every step of the way. The pricing was not the lowest or highest, but it felt right at the end for the value we received. Overall, A rating because they earned it, was not an easy project and exceeded our expectations!

Promptly returned call, phone representative was very polite. Once I advised my kitchen is small and the budget is under $10K, she offered to send info by email instead of setting up an appointment. I asked if this was because of the budget, she indicated yes, and I told her not to bother sending me any information. Even those of us without a high budget want quality, reputable service, which I will be seeking elsewhere.

YES!!! I enjoyed very much working with this company. The team met to discuss our needs several times before and during the construction to make sure we were absolutely getting what we wanted, especially when we were unsure of exactly what design we even wanted in the beginning. The design team was incredibly patient with us and knowledgeable to decipher the look we were trying to convey on our new front porch. The end result was beautiful and could not be happier with the outcome. I will definitely use LU Design/Build for upcoming projects.

Beautifully done! We enjoyed working with this design/build team. All designs, scope of work, budget, and calendar were on paper before the work began. We were contacted daily by the project manager to know who was coming and what would be done. Quality workmanship, stayed on budget and finished on time. Highly recommend this company.

Great. We'd solicited several bids for the project and went with Lucas not only because we felt the bid was fair (not the cheapest) but also because we found Lucas himself to be someone we could work with. He listened to what we wanted and helped us to realize our vision for the project. He was responsive to our requests and was great about clearly communicating the timeline and what was going to be done when, as well as what impacts various decisions would have on the overall cost. Every subcontractor and worker on site was courteous and professional, and we couldn't be happier with the end result.

Both were fantastic. Both crew and work was top notch. Would definitely use again and again

Always great work. Luke tries hard to balance service, quality, and price to get the best result.

Excellent! It was a pleasure doing business with a company who not only delivered first-class workmanship at a reasonable price, but did it on time and on target! Pride of workmanship was obvious in all workmen and the job site was left immaculate. The deck material incorporated invisible fasteners, which gave it a super clean look! We already plan to hire Lucas Updates for our next project!

It went very well. LU is good at communicating, which is the key to keeping a renovation on track. They keep a clean job site, which I love (!) and stand behind their work. I highly recommend them for large or small remodeling projects.

Work was finished quickly with no concerns

As a result of Lucas Updates, (Luke Bourgeois, his brothers, etc) remodeling the house next to mine for nearly a year, they cut down my chain link fence on the first day so they could drop the construction dumpster in their back yard. Subsequently, every time the dumpster was full and hauled off, they would drive over my sidewalk that leads to the alley, busting it into several pieces every time, and eventually leaving me with 14 feet of missing sidewalk. Luke never did come to me and apologize for cutting down my fence or destroying my sidewalk, in fact, I finally had to contact him MONTHS LATER to try and work something out, and when I did, he lied about knowing it was my fence!!! He did make a pretty lame offer of help with some work I'm doing on my own house, I guess that was his way of admitting guilt, but when I didn't agree with how HE thought I should be compensated for the damages to my property, he basically told me I was "S.O.L." I didn't hire Lucas Updates for anything, I'm merely and innocent victim that unfortunately happens to live next door to where they were working for what seemed like an eternity. Because I didn't' feel like I should be left to deal with the damage THEY did to my property, I filed a petition with the Small Claims Court in St. Louis City. The judge ruled in my favor and filed a judgment against Luke for $440. It's now been over 3 weeks since the judgment was filed and Luke is completely ignoring my attempts to contact him regarding the money he now owes me. I would think that small amount of money would be no big deal to Luke, especially considering he got the house for $18,001 and sold it for $167,000. I would also think that as a business owner, he would know that word-of mouth is critical and would do whatever he could to protect his reputation. I guess I thought wrong there. Luke Bourgeois is SHADY and I wouldn't recommend him or his company to save my own life.

It was excellent. His crew was professional. They were responsive to any enquiries. They were a little off on their time. I thought he was very good on pricing.

He was really diligent, would always stop by to make sure the work was holding up and was timely.

Contacted them in May by email. They got back to me by email and said they could not get back to me until after June 5th. Never heard from them again. It is now July 1. I understand that companies can get busy, but do not forget about a possible future customer. I am disappointed that paid a montly fee to have a contractor NOT call me back. I am thrilled that you are asking so you know whether or not to keep them on your list. Thanks for checking back.

We contacted Lucas Updates as soon as we closed on our 100-year-old house. Luke and the guys have painted (interior) for us, and are currently finishing a new doorway from one room to the next. Luke has been so helpful; he has much experience working with old homes, and has a real love for restoring them to their rightful glory. The work has been promptly completed, at the price quoted, and the men have been a pleasure to work with--responsive, willing to listen to my (endless) questions, and quick to communicate via phone and email. We will certainly use them again--we already have them booked to do repairs and painting of the exterior of the home.