Building Testimonials

Steve,

I just had to write and let you know how pleased we are with how everything has gone so far. In the beginning we were apprehensive about having a house built in another state and by a builder we didn’t know. I was really concerned about how we were going to communicate our ideas and make sure they were being carried out. But I have to say that you have provided everything we asked for and then some. Your design team listened carefully to our ideas and produced a plan that is way beyond our expectations. You have responded to all of our e-mails even with new drawings and plan updates.

Logging into the customers’ portfolio on your web site was a key factor in making this whole thing work. The tools you provide have made it very easy, starting from designing our house, viewing the schedule and the daily updates of pictures and comments. The balance sheet is very easy to understand and has added a level of comfort knowing where our costs are at any given time.  You have made this a truly wonderful experience for both of us. Also, we were glad to hear that our friends we referred to you will begin construction soon. We love the house and feel like we’ve gained a friend.

Chris and Katie Bonga
Wheaton, IL

Dear Steve,

Initially I was somewhat apprehensive about working with an architect in creating my "dream home", but you truly made the process of designing and implementing my house plans an exciting and easy one for me. Watching the daily updates via the internet proved to be a source of enjoyment for me as well. You were so willing to listen to my concerns and if there was ever anything I wanted changed, e-mailing you resulted in almost immediate revisions.

You not only implemented my ideas, but you made professional suggestions you deemed necessary.The ability to review the changes on line, not to mention all the time I saved by not having to commute to your office, proved to be an important aspect of working with you as well. Now I have the perfect plans down to the smallest detail. You and your staff were very prompt, dependable, knowledgeable, and extremely professional in the development of my "dream home".

I would highly recommend your architectural agency to anyone who might be inquiring about your services.

Thank you once again for making the design of my home such a pleasurable experience for me.

Cordially,
Cherie Robertson
Grand Haven, MI

Dear Steve, Sep. 7: From Florida (looking at her web site we set up for our clients.)

PS. great progress today. you guys astound me, I am now fascinated by the construction processs. I wish I were there, but your web site is the next best thing. Great work so far! thanks.

Sep. 29: From Florida (looking at her web site.)

Wow. The place looks stunning. Unbelievably great work from everyone! I can see it's cooling down a bit as the guys are dressing warmer. I am even noticing some new facial hair, maybe preparing for a cold winter? They are quite the troopers too staying out in the rain. It seems as if you have found some good people to work for you.

Jan. 15: Just after a meeting here in Holland with the client

Thanks for coming by on Saturday. The house looks stunningly beautiful. I am very pleased with how it is turning out, and am impressed with your ablities, responsiveness, etc.

Jan. 16: Back in Florida

I am so impressed with how much progress has been made on the house, it is really looking amazing. I think you are doing a great job and are a terrific project manager, very well organized and keeping us all abreast of the situation with your web site and follow up. Also, you are always easy to get a hold of and very responsive. I will give a rave review to any potential clients you have. Just the way Bonga and Strauss did for me.
Gail Shaumann
AVM, L.P.
VenturaPinesCottage.com
(web site designed by Steve)

Testimonial From Mom:
How wonderful it will be-- and what a great builder Steve is. If he continues to be this good you can give him "A" pluses all the way down the line when you give a reference.
Ma

June. 14: After Closing

Dear Steve,

I don’t know where to begin or how to adequately thank you. You have been a pleasure to deal with over the past 1 ½ years, from the tentative planning stage all the way through completion. Your design work is fantastic; it’s great to see design “tweaks” take place practically instantaneously on your website - something I doubt architects can do. I like the fact that as having a construction background, you are familiar with how to construct in a creative and cost conscious way, without compromising design. I look at it as getting the most “bang for your buck”, keeping construction costs to a minimum while creating a unique design. I also appreciate how accommodating, responsive and easy you have been to work with.

The fact that the house was completed ahead of schedule was an incredible feat and is probably a direct result of your great project management skills and use of technology. Your website is an incredible tool for all phases of construction: design, budgets, construction updates, photos and project management. It also provides a customer with timely results, clarity, and almost instantaneous information. What a huge benefit for someone like me, 1500 miles away from the jobsite, with ability to access your website for news and photos of the construction process, and not having to bother you continuously. All this helps eliminate “surprises” as it is all laid out in a very clear way. There were no surprises on the money side either with your construction costs staying right in line with the contract (although I may have chosen a few upgrades along the way!).

I have been singing your praises and will highly recommend you to anyone designing or building. Many, many thanks for creating such a beautiful and unique home that will be enjoyed for generations to come!

Sincerely,
Gail Schaumann