Clay Sorrough Design&Build

unknown

P hase I: My LR window wall was crumbling and during cold weather the room was almost uninhabitable. The existing heating unit was an inefficient floor radiator which one turned on and off by bending down and reaching into an awkward little opening for a stubborn rusty knob. The radiator cover was ugly metal. Additionally, electrical components in my apartment were woefully outdated. And the place needed painting. I was completely at sea about how to remedy all this, where to go and whom to trust with the work. Enter Clay. After assessing the problems, he offered to act as project manager and contacted three companies expert in their fields. One of Clay's many advantages is that over the years he has done many projects with reliable and skilled people, so he is able to recommend only the best to his clients. This also means that since everyone has worked together before, things proceed smoothly. The old radiator and through-the-wall A/C was to be replaced with a single packaged terminal air conditioning (PTAÇ) unit combining heating and cooling. To house this new unit Clay designed a handsome cover with a panel that can be easily removed when necessary (as for maintenance). The new cover spans the window wall, going up to the sill and providing a wide ledge. Now not only do I have efficient heating and cooling, but the room looks more attractive. I also needed a new ceiling fan, but was unsure what would look best. Clay took me to a lighting store (off the clock!), and sat down with me at the computer to go through websites. With his help I found the perfect model and had it delivered by the time the electricians arrived. I cannot imagine how I would have accomplished all this without Clay overseeing it. The three phases of the project--A/C-heating unit, electrical work and painting--had to be carefully coordinated to avoid wasted "waiting" time. This was vital because removing the existing A/C was only part of it. The entire wall there had to be broken up and replaced, and my electricity had to be updated to accomodate the new unit. Then the wall had to be repaired and painted. Thanks to Clay's scheduling and the efficiency of the workmen, everything proceeded like clockwork. I couldn't believe how quickly three teams of workmen did their jobs. As for cost, Çlay is completely fair in what he charges. And he's scrupulously honest. One phase of his work proceeded more quickly than he had anticipated, and he adjusted his bill down to reflect the fewer hours. Phase II: Actually this began a year later, but Clay and I had discussed it during Phase I. I had always dreamed of floor-to-ceiling built-in bookcases in the living room, and since Clay is a meticulous and gifted craftsman I knew I wanted him to design and build them. (Being a painter and sculptor as well, Clay has a fine eye.) The bookcases had to span an entire LR wall, and have sturdy, adjustable shelves that wouldn't buckle under the weight of my books. And I wanted them to look elegant. In addition, I needed access to the outlet on that wall, so Clay had to adjust his design to fit that. To begin, Clay sketched out a design and brought in Pyle's Catalog to help me choose a cornice. He discussed the advantages and costs of different woods. During this time I had a new carpet installed. Clay had already taken measurements for the bookcases before this, but came over again to be sure the bookcases would fit with the additional height of the new carpet. Well, I have my dream built-ins. They are topped with an elegant cornice, stand on a recessed base and have handsome side trim. Painted white, they go perfectly with my contemporary LR. Best of all, these bookcases can be taken with me if I ever move. They were built as five separate units, yet installed to look all of a piece. Next, Clay designed free-standing bookcases for my bedroom. These house my extensive paperback library, so I had them built to fit paperback dimensions. While in that room Clay noticed that my windowsill was eroded by water damage and thus quite shabby. He repaired the damage, then suggested a cover to protect the sill and add architectural interest to the window. The room does look 100 per cent improved! My strange little kitchen has no display shelves and I wanted to show off some of my crockery. Clay built the perfect shelf for that. Clay is certainly a "find." He's honest, personable, dependable and immensely talented--the kind of pro anyone wants working in their home. He and his assistant Nick were obviously an experienced team, working steadily and quietly throughout the day. Clay uses his time efficiently. There were no delays. When he said he'd have a design sketch for me by a certain day, he did. Ditto for every phase of his work. He shows up when he says he will; is astonishingly neat and organized and cleans up beautifully at day's end. When I'm ready for my next project, I will certainly call on Clay. I would not hesitate to recommend him.