About this company
Otterbeck Builders Inc.
Otterbeck Builders, Inc. is a family owned and operated company founded by Dett & Julie Otterbeck in 1988. Their oldest son Nick joined the company full time in 2010 as a carpenter. He currently is an assistant manager and senior project planner in the sales department. Their youngest son Corey joined the company in 2017 and is currently working as a project planner in the sales department. Dett is a carpenter by trade with over 40 years experience and Julie handles the financial responsibilities. We have a "First Rate Team" including a knowledgeable Sales Staff, & Project Manager, experienced lead carpenters and a network of reliable subcontractors to help complete the project on time and on budget! Show more
Otterbeck Builders, Inc. is a family owned and operated company founded by Dett & Julie Otterbeck in 1988. Their oldest son Nick joined the company full time in 2010 as a carpenter. He currently is an assistant manager and senior project planner in the sales department. Their youngest son Corey joined the company in 2017 and is currently working as a project planner in the sales department. Dett is a carpenter by trade with over 40 years experience and Julie handles the financial responsibilities. We have a "First Rate Team" including a knowledgeable Sales Staff, & Project Manager, experienced lead carpenters and a network of reliable subcontractors to help complete the project on time and on budget!
Our "Mission Statement" --- Together, we strive to provide exceptional craftsmanship and superior service to give our customers the value they deserve for selecting and trusting the O.B.I. Team.
For over 30 years, OBI has been providing customers in the entire Capital Region which includes: Albany, Columbia, Greene, Rensselaer, Schenectady and southern Saratoga county with all their remodeling & renovations needs.
Our specialty is in the design/build process for projects such as: Dormers, Additions, Garages, Kitchens, Bathrooms and Decks. With our many years of experience, that will ensure you that your project will be done to your complete satisfaction. Living up to that reputation is our goal on every job we complete. We also, do several home improvement phases such as: windows/doors, siding replacement, and basement finishing. No matter how large or small your project maybe, we believe in paying close attention to every detail and quality to ensure complete customer satisfaction. Depending on the type of project you are planning, we will either help you in-house using our CAD system, refer you to a designer that we work with (i.e kitchens) or provide you with design through one of our architects with whom we work with.
Remodeling Magazine awarded the “Big 50” to Otterbeck Builders, Inc. in 2004, our industries leading publication. The award was received in the “Team Work” category and goes to 50 new remodeling companies each year. The company continually strives to educate and excel in all areas of the business including: Sales, Design, Marketing, Production, Employee Education and Customer Service.
In April 2015, CRBRA (Capital Region Builders & Remodelers Association) held their annual “Best in Building Awards” ceremony. Otterbeck Builders was honored with being recognized not only for one award, but two awards of the CRBRA’s Members Awards. The first award was “2014 Remodeler of the Year” and the second was the “2014 Community Service Member of the Year”. For all of our volunteer work and assistance with the Catholic Charities on the Camp Scully Project located in Wynantskill and our work with Questar III which is a program to help promote students in the area with hands on experience in their carpentry career.
For over 20 years Otterbeck Builders has regularly participated in the local Great Northeast Home Show in Albany and the Capital Region Home Show in Halfmoon, as well as holding informational seminars/workshops at their showroom helping consumers like yourself with their home improvements projects and questions.
If you have a remodeling or renovations project you would like on your home. Bring us your ideas and together we can plan, design and build your projects from start to finish.. Enjoy the peace-of-mind of working with Otterbeck Builders a trusted local remodeler. Call the Otterbeck Team today for your free in-home design consultation. Hide
Types of work
GuildQuality surveys
Badges
Photos 291
Customer satisfaction
Of 209 customers surveyed, 149 respondedReviews 138
Of 149 respondents, 138 left a reviewRecent reviews
Lynn W.
I would not hesitate to recommend Otterbeck Builders. The work was exceptional, and we were kept informed every step of the way.
Additional comments
Types of work
Types of work - Basement remodel
Clean
Clean - Work sites were completely clean and orderly at the end of the day, including outdoor staging areas.
Safe
Safe - All electrical cords and equipment were safely secured, as well as building materials. They even put signs on the windows alerting subcontractors that we had pets in the house!
Respectful
Respectful - Absolutely!
Communication
Communication - Communication was continual and clear- we were completely informed every step of the way!
Recognized Excellence
Recognized Excellence - Joe, the foreman, kept me updated throughout the project. Jeremy Dus was amazing.
Areas Of Satisfaction
Areas Of Satisfaction - Their level of communication exceeded my expectations.,
Additional Comments
Additional Comments - We are thrilled with the work they did and would recommend them to anyone.
Customer in Poestenkill, NY
Megan M.
Otterbeck Builders was very professional and organized. I appreciated the detailed estimate Corey provided, and his willingness to tweak it to include some additional items. The process was very smooth overall. Lead carpenter Rudy is a gem. I was very happy with Rudy’s willingness to collaborate on details, and his workmanship was stellar. I asked for some unusual features, and the team was up for it. I also appreciated the Corey didn’t mind that I sourced some tile and fixtures directly rather than through Otterbeck vendors. Staff showed up on time every day and worked regular hours, and in the rare case of a schedule change, this was communicated in advance. The final outcome was stellar - my bathroom looks amazing! Overall very pleased with the project outcome and process.
Colleen C.
Otterbeck Builders are great contractors not only because they do great work, but also because they manage their projects very well. I don't think many construction businesses do much formal project management, but Otterbeck does. It enables them to identify potential problems and take the appropriate steps to ensure that things go smoothly. Their attention to detail is high, and it shows in the quality of their work, which is excellent. I would highly recommend them.
Additional comments
Schedule
Schedule - The schedule changed somewhat to accommodate different things that came up during the project. So, the project didn't go exactly according to the schedule I received on the first day, but I didn't expect that it would. They also told me that things might change depending on when materials came in.
Recognized Excellence
Recognized Excellence - Corey Otterbeck, Joe Garceau, Jeremy Dus, Tracie Boehme, Jody Walker
Areas For Improvement
Areas For Improvement - They did not fall short of my expectations in any area.
Areas Of Satisfaction
Areas Of Satisfaction - Their attention to detail really sets them apart. There were a few things that happened that I was very pleasantly surprised about. Most contractors wouldn't have thought to do them.
John W.
James S.
Otterbeck were Builders very flexible and easy to work with throughout the design and implementation process.
Additional comments
Recognized Excellence
Recognized Excellence - Rudy's carpentry and tile work was meticulous beyond compare.
Areas Of Satisfaction
Areas Of Satisfaction - Otterbeck were Builders very flexible and easy to work with throughout the design and implementation process.
M.&.K.
This has been our 5th job that Otterbeck Builders has done for us. I am a returning customer, and they do great work.
Additional comments
Types of work
Types of work - They replaced a new deck with a new step system.
Sales Knowledge
Sales Knowledge - The owner wants to retire but whenever I call him he agrees to come out.
Recognized Excellence
Recognized Excellence - Rudy and Joe carried the project through.
Areas Of Satisfaction
Areas Of Satisfaction - I trust the experts, and sometimes they make some suggestions. We collaborate, and they use their expertise to guide us through the finished product.
Thomas P.
We were very happy with the quality of our screen porch addition, from the initial design discussions through the build process (which evolved along the way) to the final cleanup and punch list items. Everyone involved was so professional and courteous, including the sub-contractors.
Additional comments
Types of work
Types of work - Screen porch addition to house
Sales Knowledge
Sales Knowledge - If Corey Otterbeck didn’t know the answer to our questions, he would always follow up by asking other sources (materials supplier, other staff, sub-contractors or on-line)
Design
Design - We have a beautiful screen porch which we are enjoying every day.
Recognized Excellence
Recognized Excellence - Jared and Mike were the two principal carpenters on the job. We can’t say enough about their “eye” for design, carpentry skills and talent, work ethic and overall friendliness and courtesy,
Areas For Improvement
Areas For Improvement - The only item that we had an issue with was that the original estimate for the length of time for the project was five weeks, and it ended up taking over ten weeks to complete. The final product was well worth it, though.
Areas Of Satisfaction
Areas Of Satisfaction - Our expectations were exceeded with the extra design features that added esthetic appeal or functionality.
Laurie K.
Otterbeck finished an amazing bathroom remodel for me recently. I love my new space. I have an old house and they worked with me to resolve all the things that came up during a full gut remodel of the bathroom, including finding knob and tube wiring that connected to other lights in the house, and arranging electrician and staff time to run new wiring with as little demo elsewhere in the house as possible. Their workmanship is top notch and they always take the time to check that they've got everything done to your satisfaction. I especially appreciate Rudy's wonderful attention to detail in all his carpentry work, everything from leveling the space to mounting hardware.
Additional comments
Types of work
Types of work - floor/stair refinishing, light fixture replacement, ceiling replacement
Quality Of Workmanship
Quality Of Workmanship - This is why I use Otterbeck!!!
Recognized Excellence
Recognized Excellence - Rudy's carpentry work is amazing. His attention to detail and leveling, and aesthetic appreciation for placing hardware and designing shelves for me, is fantastic and I will appreciate his work for years to come.
Thomas E.
Additional comments
Types of work
Types of work - Garage roof
Recognized Excellence
Recognized Excellence - Nick, Joe and Mr. Otterbeck
Areas For Improvement
Areas For Improvement - All Good
Areas Of Satisfaction
Areas Of Satisfaction - Overall as expected an excellent Job. I would recommend Otterbeck Builders to anyone needing a quality builder
Dan K.
Otterbeck Builders have been our contractor for over 10 years. They will always be our first call for anything regarding our house. I / we will be happy to recommend Otterbeck Builders to anyone.
Additional comments
Clean
Clean - Always left the work area as clean as possible at the end of every day. (Work areas swept up, doors closed, tools equipment tidied up, nothing left outside, nothing strewn about....)
Safe
Safe - There were no safety issues.
Respectful
Respectful - We discussed impacts to the property before the project started (Where rubbish trailers would sit, what could be used as a work space for the duration of the project etc.) Workers went so far as to take their shoes off when walking through non-work areas of the house. Thought was put into what can be done to minimize dust. No trucks ever parked on the lawn. We happened to have another contractor at the house during the bathroom renovation. All worked well together. If a truck needed to be moved, it was done immediately.
Communication
Communication - Workers would report progress at the end of the work day (if we happened to be here). Workers reached out to us for advice on smaller details (where did we want this installed, advice on something that might be better than previously planned, listened and addressed to our concerns ....). Everyone answered emails and phone calls within a reasonable time - if not immediately. A system was set up to leave word to workers / workers to us on a day to day basis.
Quality Of Materials
Quality Of Materials - high quality materials
Quality Of Workmanship
Quality Of Workmanship - high quality workmanship.
Problem Resolution
Problem Resolution - Any unexpected issues were small and addressed immediately - I could not really consider them 'problems'
Professional & Organized
Professional & Organized - They gave reasonable estimates as to when the job would start - explained the many variables that are associated with this sort of work and what might force the schedule to shift slightly - the job did start when planned. I was given a chart as to what the progress would be and that chart was updated day to day. Work continued every day of the project (there were no down days where workers had to wait for this or that - there was always someone here with something to do).
Schedule
Schedule - Addressed partially in number 10. A step by step explanation of how the project would 'unfold' was given to us when the proposal was presented.
Value
Value - yes. I was given a proposal and that proposal was followed. I did not feel the need to suspect the work or be wary of progress. There were no forgotten issues or unaddressed things. No big surprises. I like to say 'we discussed a complete project, all decision were made before day 1 of the project and I didn't have to think about it when work started to when it ended'. Basically, once all the plans were set, decisions made, choices made, all we had to do was enjoy watching it come together. (and we did really enjoy watching it come together...)
Sales Knowledge
Sales Knowledge - Also partially addressed in 12. All costs and 'best practices' were addressed and explained at the time of proposal. I enjoyed knowing the cost and 'best practices' BEFORE the project started.
Design
Design - Again, I knew best practices and 'what works' at the time of proposal. Also, when I was asked a question about design, I could shrug and say 'um, not sure' and I would be given options and things to think about.
Recognized Excellence
Recognized Excellence - Sam and Mike were at the house day to day. Enjoyed seeing them and learning from them every day. They take pride in what they do. Dett, Joe, Tracie always kept the project moving forward - again, NEVER had to wait for answers to questions or thoughts. Julie kept the accounting on track.
Areas For Improvement
Areas For Improvement - only in the interest of constructive suggestions..... The allowances for fixtures set forth in the proposal was (to us) substantially lower than what we had for choices at the designated store. Our agreed choices were substantially more expensive than our allowances and there wasn't really less expensive options. We're happy with our choices and feel we have quality fixtures and all this was addressed before the project started so there was no 'mid project surprises' but it's something to mention.
Areas Of Satisfaction
Areas Of Satisfaction - The entire project went very well, much like the three or four previous projects completed by Otterbeck Builders. To me/us, The 'Otterbeck Builders process' is set up so that all our decisions and expectations are set up BEFORE the project starts. Otterbeck Builders are such that all we had to do is enjoy watching the project come together. No worries about surprises or large unexpected concerns.
Additional Comments
Additional Comments - Home renovations are usually big, invasive and expensive. As homeowners, it can be overwhelming to consider having something done. It's very easy to listen to the horror stories, become nervous, and/or give up on the whole thing. I feel as if I can trust Otterbeck Builders opinions and workmanship. I feel that Otterbeck Builders do have my best interest at heart. Yes, they are in the business to be lucrative but they are proud of their work and their presentation. Their success seems to be based on my satisfaction.
Linda R.
Very pleased with organization, coordination with on time deliveries, cleanliness, communication of sequence of project, follow up at project end and general feel throughout project that customer satisfaction was the most important element in their business.
Additional comments
Recognized Excellence
Recognized Excellence - Corey Otterbeck as “go to” person and Jared for workmanship and completion of bathroom remodel.
Customer in Castleton, NY
Mike S.
Working with Otterbeck Builders has been a great experience. From the planning and scheduling through the build and final details, communication has been excellent. We would highly recommend Otterbeck Builders for your project. Thank you.
Additional comments
Additional Comments
Additional Comments - We appreciate the upfront planning and scheduling process that Otterbeck Builders uses.
Steve W.
Otterbeck Builders has quality work, was on-time, and was pleasant to work with.
Additional comments
Recognized Excellence
Recognized Excellence - I'd like to recognize the entire crew from Otterbeck Builders for their exceptional service. There was a crew of about three guys that came. Every one of them were professional and pleasant to be around. It really was a great time.
Areas Of Satisfaction
Areas Of Satisfaction - Otterbeck Builders exceeded our expectations with a special request that we had. They made it very easy.
Additional Comments
Additional Comments - Overall, it was painless. Otterbeck Builders did quality work and had great cleanup guys. They kept the place really neat. They really met all of our expectations in the quality of work and materials, too. The place looks 100% better.
Donald L.
They are a very professionally run company and their employees are very knowledgeable. They clean up good at the end of the day.
Additional comments
Recognized Excellence
Recognized Excellence - I would like to recognize Jared for his exceptional service. He did a very nice job. The management team was on top of everything that was going on too.
Areas Of Satisfaction
Areas Of Satisfaction - They met my expectations in all areas.
Additional Comments
Additional Comments - I am very pleased with the company and their employees. We will definitely use them again.
Bill R.
From the onset of our project I have recommended Otterbeck to anyone who asked about the contractor doing the work. Their professionalism was on display for everyone to see from the time the demolition took place to the finish trim on the building. My comments were only icing on the cake after everyone witnessed how well the job was progressing.
Additional comments
Schedule
Schedule - Although there were issues with supplies and weather Otterbeck did a extraordinary job bringing the job in on time.
Recognized Excellence
Recognized Excellence - I must commend the entire Otterbeck team, the subs, office staff, carpenters and leadership. They showed the highest concern for not only me but the neighborhood as well. Everyone who walked passed the job as it progressed from the initial site work to the finished project admired the highly professional approach to the construction of my addition.
Areas For Improvement
Areas For Improvement - The only area I feel that Otterbeck could improve is better control of the weather ;-)
Areas Of Satisfaction
Areas Of Satisfaction - We are highly satisfied with their approach to minimizing the disturbance and inconvenience to the neighbors and neighborhood.
Additional Comments
Additional Comments - I can't speak highly enough about Otterbeck Builders. Nick kept us informed of every detail and did a outstanding job addressing potential cost overruns. I acquired several estimates for our project and Outterbeck was not the cheapest nor most expensive. After our interview at their office and was shown their organized and systematic approach to the completion of our project I looked no further. If I were to assign a grade to their effort and product I would give them an A+.
Peter F.
We very highly recommend Otterbeck Builders for any home improvement project. We have never done a renovation before, but witnessed the nightmarish experiences of friends and family in the past. We were nervous, but Dett put all of our concerns to rest from the start. His team built a huge finished area in our basement and remodeled our master bathroom. We couldn’t be happier with the quality of the craftsmanship and materials. They were at our house, on time, every day for 3 months without exception, until the jobs were done. Everyone was professional, knowledgeable, organized, kind, and respectful of our family and property. The process was flawlessly managed from the planning through completion. We will definitely use them again!
Additional comments
Types of work
Types of work - Basement finishing
Recognized Excellence
Recognized Excellence - Alex, Jared, Tracie and Joe were all a pleasure to work with
Areas For Improvement
Areas For Improvement - None
Areas Of Satisfaction
Areas Of Satisfaction - All.
Additional Comments
Additional Comments - Exceeded our expectations on every level- workmanship, professionalism, communication was always exceptional. Everyone we dealt with was simply wonderful!
Pat C.
We are a repeat customer (2nd project) with Otterbeck.
Additional comments
Respectful
Respectful - Very aware of making sure the indoor-only kitties did not get outside.
Communication
Communication - Always, everyday.
Quality Of Workmanship
Quality Of Workmanship - Board and Batten was exactly what we envisioned. We are very happy with the tiled shower.
Problem Resolution
Problem Resolution - Like every project, there are last minute unforeseen issues. There was always two-way, very open, communication. The issues seemed to be resolved painlessly.
Professional & Organized
Professional & Organized - Otterbeck's weekly employee meetings gave them a chance to discuss projects and timeliness. The project manager visited the site at least once weekly to discuss any issues. The on-site installer(s) were very professional and organized.
Schedule
Schedule - The project timeline is always welcome. It gave us an idea what were the next steps. Though extra materials needed to be ordered, and the project "took a breather," we stayed in contact via email with any updates.
Value
Value - Expect to pay a little more for a top-notch company.
Sales Knowledge
Sales Knowledge - During initial meetings, we discussed our visions of our wants and wishes. We were shown photos and products of possible solutions.
Design
Design - Used Curtis Lumber designer. There were a few hick-ups, but worked through them.
Recognized Excellence
Recognized Excellence - Rudy, the installer, was recommended to us by another Otterbeck customer. We were impressed with his wood working, as well as other technical skills.
Areas For Improvement
Areas For Improvement - Painted doors and moldings in garage with garage door open on a chilly, wet, windy day. Unfortunately, needed to be touched up or redone. May be have been better to discuss an alternate painting area?
Areas Of Satisfaction
Areas Of Satisfaction - Otterbeck employees, from top to bottom, were great to work with. We knew that with our first project. And, the main reason they were chosen for our 2nd project.
Customer in Nassau, NY
We got excellent service and provide quality work!
Additional comments
Schedule
Schedule - It was because of the weather, if the weather was better, they would have completed in time.
Recognized Excellence
Recognized Excellence - Everyone far exceeded and I would not single one person out!
Areas Of Satisfaction
Areas Of Satisfaction - They met/ exceeded my expectations by the quality of workmanship and attention to detail!
Additional Comments
Additional Comments - I am very satisfied with the company!
Brad G.
Additional comments
Recognized Excellence
Recognized Excellence - Jeremy Benedict was the foreman for our project and was very thorough, trustworthy and honest. a fine young man who is a great fit for otterbeck Builders.
Tom F.
We were very pleased with this second phase of our large project as well as the first that they did. All of the work their staff does is above and beyond what you would expect. The quality of their work and the professionalism displayed by all of their staff is exceptional. We would highly recommend them to others and will definitely reach out to them if we do any other remodeling in the future.
Additional comments
Types of work
Types of work - Relocated/remodeled the kitchen, built a large walk-in pantry, a mudroom and enlarged the dining room.
Recognized Excellence
Recognized Excellence - The construction staff at Otterbeck Builders Inc. is top-notch. Their professionalism, work ethic and courtesy exceed expectations. Rudy treats every piece of the project as if it were his own home. His skills and attention to detail are amazing. There isn't anything he cannot do. Alex is also an incredible worker. He is a great carpenter who makes sure what he is doing comes out just right.
Areas Of Satisfaction
Areas Of Satisfaction - This was our second project with Otterbeck and the quality of their work is always excellent.
Joe P.
Yes, I would.
Additional comments
Recognized Excellence
Recognized Excellence - I would like to recognize Jeremy. He was very professional and helpful.
Areas Of Satisfaction
Areas Of Satisfaction - All areas
Additional Comments
Additional Comments - They were very professional and attentive and they provided excellent work.
GuildQuality
Customer feedback report
