Response from Neil Kelly Company
Neil Kelly is known for its quality of design, thoroughness of planning, competitive pricing and quality of construction. Our commitment to our clients is the foundation of our 68-year reputation and numerous awards for design, ethics in business, and community contributions. Before we ask a homeowner to commit to a remodeling contract with our company, we provide detailed specifications, detailed plans and a firm price (no surprises, no “allowances.”) Our estimating process often involves investigating several potential approaches and options with our clients, in order to help them strike the right balance between their project vision and their project budget. In this case, the homeowners were considering a significant number of modifications to the home, and asked for our estimate of project budget. We conducted a very thorough initial assessment in order to evaluate the scope, challenges and anticipated costs associated with each component (basement, main floor, addition, etc.) so that they could make a well-informed decision about how to proceed. Many homeowners are surprised to learn of the number of complexities that must be overcome in order to achieve their remodeling vision. This can be especially true when making significant structural changes, such as the addition of a second story, to a 1920s-era home. The cost of doing the project right- with materials and craftsmanship that will meet current building standards, blend seamlessly with the historic character of the home, and last for the next 80+ years- can be higher than anticipated. And while we most definitely do not “price plans to the neighborhood,” we do encourage our clients to consider factors such as local comparable home values when deciding how/whether to invest in a major remodeling project. While we regret that this homeowner was disappointed in our conclusions, we stand by our assessment of the scope of work and budget required to complete the whole-house remodel that he discussed with us. We are committed to helping our clients to make the most of their investments in their homes, and sometimes that involves delivering unwelcome news. Randy Hudson, Vice President Neil Kelly Company