CRB Architect

Robert Barbal is very professional and prompt. I would recommend him to anyone that wants a no nonsense architect.

He was quite good because his wife worked for the Department of Housing so everything got coordinated. He was the one who recommended Richie to us. Everyone was working together which worked out really well for us. They got the permits passed through really quickly, in a very timely manner. Mr. Barbal was very professional. He set up a program that said when he would get certain things done. He got them done in a very timely manner. I thought his cost was really reasonable. The plans he drew up for us were really fantastic; meaning that he completely switched our kitchen and moved a bathroom and that was because of his plans. We didn't need him after we got the inspection passed. We had a violation removed and we didn't need him again. There were a number of charges for inspections for asbestos and things like that; things we needed to get done in order to get the permits. Everything really came together. Because it was a major renovation and because of the violation, we really needed everything done properly so we didn't have any violations down the road, and we needed to remove certain violations. We needed the architect to guide us because I didn't know what had to be done. It was a very involved affair. I would give him an A+. He was wonderful.

At our initial meeting, Bob took us step by step through the procedure for drawing up plans, getting building permits and inspections and all fees. We felt confident that he was the architect for us. We were set to go. Before drawing up plans, Bob brought in a plumber to look at the boiler for radiant heating. Now that was reassuring. Bob suggested wainscoating, radiant heat and a rainshore in the bathroom, a skylight to open a small pass room (now my library!) and colonial panel doors . My daughter accompanied us to one meeting and Bob explained how her new bathroom and bedroom with big closets would look! Needles to say she was pleased. When the plans were complete, Bob included a list of materials and work to be done, so that we could get comparable estimates. Bob and his wife Kathy were professional; they returned phone calls and kept appointments. I would not hesitate to recommend Robert Barbal. Our experience was nothing but positive.