Downing Homes

Contractor bid was competitive. Contractor became unresponsive to follow-up questions. Decided to go with a more responsive contractor.

Began meeting with architect in 2010. Bryant became involved after about 6 months and 8 meetings with the architect. Bryant prepared a detailed bid based on the architectural details at that point in the design. Bryant, his sub-contractors and craftsmen all became involved in working with the architects to deliver the finished project as imagined but using and quot;value engineeringand quot; to complete the project at the budgeted costs. First quote: $475K, not including architect fees or cabinets or appliances. After 14 months of working with the architects, sub-contractors and material suppliers, Bryant was able to deliver the same completed project at $370K including cabinets and appliances. The total difference was in excess of $140,000 or 28% savings. We are LEED rated for energy efficiency which was reflected in federal and local rebates that further lowered the cost. The foundation and frame were completely pre-treated to eliminate termite infestation for a period of not less than 20 years. The foam insulation covers the entire perimeter of the home including the roof making our attic area an air-conditioned and heated space free of infestations. The home is incredibly livable and all construction quality exceeded our expectations. Bryant and his subs and employees are all very communicative and work to deliver what we wanted. Change orders were handled quickly and at very reasonable costs. More than once, the change orders were suggested by the subs to reduce costs and improve the overall project. Every other contractor had told us they would need no less than 6 1/2 months to complete the project and possibly as much as 9 months. Downing Homes competed the project in 4 months and 1 week. The lack of rain did aid in the speedy completion. The only existing part of the original structure that was built in 1974 is the fireplace and mantel, the exterior walls in 50% of the house and the original foundation. The extent of the this remodel made it the equivalent of new home construction. The kitchen and bath remodels look fantastic and were all within budget. This is the third extensive remodel my wife and I have undertaken in Austin not including a large flood damage repair. We could not recommend Bryant or Downing Homes enough. They are honest, reasonable, communicative and there to please the customer. I can state that our bank was extremely impressed with the finished product and it was reflected in our very high loan appraisal value.

Our son had originally referred Downing Homes to us after he had worked with Bryant on five or six renovations doing photography for him. When we started talking about doing some renovations in our house he recommended we talk to Bryant. On every project, Bryant and his team were great to work with and we could not recommend them more highly.