OTTERBECK BUILDERS INC

unknown

unknown

The proposal was very detailed with nothing left out including pricing for low to middle quality fixtures and finish materials. Unfortunately, their new design missed several of the key "must haves" that were required to make our project a success, the most crucial being it lacked storage space. Their construction model relies exclusively on subcontractors while communicating through a project manager. We were not comfortable with an arrangement where we did not know exactly who was coming into our home every day to do the work. We still had to live in the house while construction was being done. The estimated timeline for the project was 7 weeks, during which we would have no functioning shower in our home! The fact that they were demolishing 2 bathrooms and leaving us with nothing for 7 weeks was the deal breaker. The price quote for labor alone was $9,728 higher than the next contractor. When all factors were considered we decided not to pursue alternatives to their proposal because there were too many areas where they could not meet our needs for the project. Their work portfolio is high quality. If we were building a home or putting on an addition, they would likely be the contractor we would choose. However, since they don't do the work themselves that wasn't what we were looking for in this project. We selected a smaller contractor who estimated time to completion at 5 weeks. They were able to commence construction in late July where Otterbeck estimated the job would not start until mid-to late-August.

Professional from start to finish. Several subcontractors were used and they were all excellent, as well. Great attention to detail. Completed on time. Always accessible for any questions or concerns. All members of the Otterbeck team are very personable and a pleasure to work with. They are priced higher, but the cost is inclusive. We like the peace of mind we have with this company. Quality is excellent. We have used them before, and will again.

Representative was punctual for initial meeting. A second meeting was held at the office to discuss estimate. I had received four estimates for the work and requested a breakdown of the cost for the roof, siding, and window replacement. Three of four contractors honored my request. Otterbeck rep told me it was not possible to separate these costs and gave this long-time do-it-yourselfer a ridiculous explanation of why the cost could not be separated. The office meeting was a sales pitch showing many computer photos of other work performed and wasted more than an hour of my time. Three of the four contractor estimates were within $1,000 of each other for the total job. Otterbeck was a stunning ONE-HUNDRED PERCENT higher than the other three estimates ($35,000 vs. $70,000!!). Needless to say, I did not hire Otterbeck.

The estimation process was so poor that we didn't proceed further. It took them more than a week before they could meet with us to discuss the plans for the new screened porch we wanted. At that meeting, they told us they would have a proposal in 2 weeks, but it took just over 3. The proposal was full of inaccuracies - things that simply didn't apply to our job (like removing a deck and roof that didn't exist). There were also things lacking in the proposal (great detail was giving on roofing materials, but there was no mention of concrete footings and support columns). And the price was MORE THAN DOUBLE the estimates we got from two other contractors (who independently came in within $1000 of each other). I am angry to have wasted 3 weeks by giving these guys the chance to bid on my job.

The process went smoothly from start to finish. Everyone was prompt, dependable and professional. We are very pleased with the result. We are using them again for another project.

Good experience with the estimator. Bad feeling about the price of material

Great!