Far and away the most professional design and build organization we've engaged.
I selected GRB because of its connection with NVBIA and our salesperson, Dennis. I believed that working with a larger builder familiar with rules, permitting, and local processes would help simplify a complex project. I also understood that contractors would be available to begin quickly. Unfortunately, that has not been our experience.
The project got off to a difficult start due to zoning and permitting changes that we were not aware of when we signed the contract on February 20. This resulted in a one-month delay and additional expense because the county required a permit and building review that had not been anticipated.
The permit was issued on March 27, but we then experienced another delay while working through clearing requirements. In order to move the project along, we agreed to handle the clearing ourselves, and that was completed on April 15. After that, we had another month-long delay waiting for a concrete company to “work us in” for what should have been a straightforward concrete pad.
The concrete pad was finally installed on May 12, and we are hopeful the project is now moving forward. That said, we still do not have a confirmed start date or material delivery date for the metal barn installation.
We did not expect the project to begin this late — nearly three months after signing the contract. The delay has also created complications with NOVEC’s installation of the infrastructure needed for the larger project.
At this point, we are hopeful that the installation phase will go more smoothly and that we will have a better experience moving forward.
I will eagerly recommend GRB to anyone and everyone interested in construction projects. I will warn them to keep an eye on some of your sub-contractors, however, as they do not always share your passion for quality and integrity. You are by far not the cheapest, but if you want the job done right, with quality from a company with integrity, then there is no other option than GRB.
I am highly likely to recommend GRB to a friend. The level of detail shown in relation to our projects has been outstanding. GRB has been easy to work with. Our project manager, Brian, has ensured our satisfaction with our complex projects. We did not want to use a fly by night company, we wanted trusted members of our community working on our home. I felt confident using a company that has been in business for many, many years. I am so glad we made the investment in our home by using GRB.
Golden Rule Builders made it easy and we really enjoyed the process and were thrilled with the results. Garry did a great job understanding our needs and taking care of the little details that matter— like making sure our washer and dryer could be hooked up quickly during the renovation. We appreciated his constant communication. The quality of work by the trades (notably carpentry) was incredible.
I feel taken care of. Everyone has pride in their work.
These guys are real craftsmen -- in a world full of quick and dirty. They actually take pride in their work. I'm deeply impressed.
Quality work, strong communication when there is a problem or decision to be made.
Employees Professionalism - Jerry and Roger were fantastic to work with. Kept us updated on the project and were flexible with us when we needed it! Great guys!
Recognize Excellence - Roger, just a great guys! Easy to work with, explained the process, gave excellent insight and suggestions on our building project, every phase of the project was seamless and the quality was of the highest standards.
The individual attention and sense of shared vision did not initially carry forward from GRB's design team to the build team. Untold hours were devoted by my wife and me, as well as the GRB design team, in planning a new home build reflective of our desires. Contrary to contributing to the excitement for finally moving from paper plans to the actual construction process, the initial attitude exhibited by the build team came across as just another task to be completed without compromising GRB's profitability. An analogy would be walking into a Starbucks and detailing a multifaceted cup of coffee. The barista takes copious notes that are clearly recorded on the cup. However, another employee is tasked with preparing the drink. When it arrives, they have served a black cup of coffee, devoid of any of the noted particulars! Therefore, the employee that took the order clearly wanted to accommodate every applicable preference. While the employee that prepared the order was satisfied with meeting the minimum standard for a cup of coffee. A four-star rating is provided because, since describing to Dennis Reitz our perception of the build team's dispassionate attitude, the build team has gone to great lengths to arrest our concerns. They've demonstrated complete familiarity with our design and, most impressive, a desire to deliver the plan. While my wife and my confidence for a quality build has been regained, the handoff from design to build could stand with improvement.
Very early in the process and the likelihood to recommend would be in a later step
We were disappointed with how communication was handled by the office, particularly regarding pricing transparency and the timeliness of responses. Pricing was often not clearly broken out or explained, which made it difficult for us to fully understand the costs and at times gave the impression that we may have been overcharged.
From the beginning, we discussed additional work we needed with our salesperson, with the understanding that we would either add it to the current project or create a new contract. However, due to the lack of communication and timely follow-up from the office, we eventually stopped asking about the additional work and decided we would either complete it ourselves or use another company if needed. The additional work we had hoped to discuss included roofing, siding, drywall and trim work throughout the house, as well as window and door replacements. Instead, the focus seemed to shift primarily to a kitchen remodel, and the pricing was high enough that we ultimately decided not to pursue any additional work with GRB.
The field team, however, was great to work with. They were very responsive and took the time to thoroughly explain all aspects of the project, answering our questions even outside of normal business hours at times. Matt McCarthy, Nick, Cody, and John were the main members of the field team we worked with, and all of them did an excellent job with communication, problem solving, and workmanship.
I think it would be great if your prices were a little closer to some others in the area. That would make you more affordable for mulitiple house projects.
The staff at GRB responded to every question, comment or problem almost immediately. They were responsive to our needs. No matter the issue, nothing was too trivial for them to respond.
We have worked with other builders / renovation contractors and Golden Rule Builders have been more thorough and more attentive than any of the others we have worked with.
Building with GRB has really made life easier and more enjoyable. From design through construction, the GRB staff has been warm and supportive. The process of building is a challenge, but we could rely on GRB to help guide and get the job done. Most important is the warranty period. Rather than being left being on your own with your new house, the GRB team stands ready to assist from the smallest to the biggest details. If something needs to be corrected, they get it done.
They take pride in the work they do.
The whole process was honest and upfront and the team knows what they are doing. They were true to their word and schedule through the whole build.
Great communication, timely, friendly and professional.
Our project manager was not easy to work with. His communication was subpar. When asking questions we were treated as if we were an irritation. He was not on site 50% of the time. Many mistakes were made that caused serious delays and inconvenience from lack of communication and absence.
If I had to do this again I am not sure I would pay the extra money to use this company. They promised above and beyond service but we were constantly told how expensive and important other projects were. Maybe if we spent a few million dollars instead of one we would be treated better.
I had a great experience. They did a super job. They addressed all issues. Tom Hamilton did a super job.
good people. knowledgeable and skilled. great to work with
The entire process was handled professionally from beginning to end.
Prompt,Professional,Precise. W3
We have repeatedly told our friends about how great our experience with GRB has been. Everyone has been friendly and easy to work with. We appreciated how willing they were to work with professionals that we brought from outside GRB into the project. When we started this project we liked our home and its location. Now we love coming home every day and never want to leave.