Design Build Pros

We met Neil from Design Build Pros at a home expo where he explained how DBP utilized their experience in design and construction to assist their customers through the various processes involved in an addition or renovation. Because of their connections in the industry we were assured that the savings we would realize from the discounts from using their preferred vendors would cover most of the cost associated with hiring DBP. Neil came to our home and made us feel comfortable with our decision to hire his company and he took detailed measurements of the current home layout and listened to our ideas of expanding kitchen and add an entertainment area. We explained that our budget was $100k and we were assured that, by proceeding with the process, we would be able to accomplish our goal. We agreed to a $3,200 cost for which we expected to be represented by DBP throughout the design and building of our project. After 6 weeks (2 weeks past due) we met with Neil again to see the 3d concept of our new space. The result was very disappointing, having missed almost all of the input we provided verbally and through the sending of pictures at his suggestion. Basically it was an oversized kitchen without any thought given to entertaining a medium sized group of people (our purpose for the expansion). As soon as we started to explain how he "missed the mark" he quickly agreed that the concept was missing that element and that he would go back and redo the design. At the next meeting Neil presented us with 3 more designs, which were closer to our discussions but still left many questions unanswered, such as the location of stairs, walls and appliances. We talked all this out and felt that the next design would be what we wanted. At this point Neil asked for an additional $800 to produce the final drawings. We felt that this was a blatant grab for money because we had already come so far and were so close to actually getting a concept on paper that we could present to an architect for the actual construction documents, so we reluctantly paid the $800. Once we were given the final drawings, DBP presented us with an estimate of $190-$230k to have a contractor do the actual work. It was as if DBP was just throwing a huge number at us to see if we were gullible enough to overpay. They had gotten $4k from us for drawings that could have been created with "out of the box" design software, with little to no attention paid to practicality or functionality. In the end we severed our relationship and hired a reputable local contractor. None of the preferred vendor discounts panned out and the final design was not compliant with town code. The architect they referred us to was very good and modified the plans so we could proceed. Looking back the only benefit DBP provided was allowing us to talk through the early stages of design. It wasn't worth the $4k nor was the final design from DBP one that i would expect from a professional designer. Finally, we also learned that DBP "mentors" vendors including contractors to increase the vendors' profit. While DBP claims to be working for their customers, they are really profiting from both sides.

My experience with the Design Build Pros was simply fantastic. For someone who can be highly fickle, their designs and plus/minus options were of tremendous help to me. They were honest and up front at each stage of the process. They were not only highly professional, but their innovative concept and approach to design is truly enthralling. The Design Build Pros virtual design service is truly invaluable and I would recommend it to anyone and everyone.

They left the drawings/pictures with us,and we are going with them in the Fall and expect to have a newly remodeled kitchen and bath by the Holidays.