RTS Design and Remodeling, LLC

We hired RTS Design and Remodel (Richard Strimple) to remodel our master bathroom. The bathroom was in bad shape. The condo unit had been a rental for 12 years prior to the time of our purchase. I received the recommendation to hire RTS from a several members of a local women's club. Many neighbors had used RTS for design and remodeling work and they were all very happy with the result. During the planning process, Richard made many suggestions for achieving my goal (beautiful and easy to clean bathroom), including ways to reduce the cost of the project. When the work started, his contractors were on time, courteous, skillful and fully complied with the cumbersome rules of the condominium. Dick visited the project once or twice a day to introduce me to the subcontractors, review their work, answer my questions and keep me informed. He responded to e-mails and phone calls quickly. The bathroom is nearly finished and it is beautiful. I thrilled with the result and highly recommend this company.

We used RTS Design and Remodeling to remodel our kitchen 12 years ago, and it was a very positive experience. Our remodel included bumping out the back wall of the kitchen six feet, and making a new powder room and laundry area. All of the RTS subcontractors were very courteous, hardworking, and provided good craftsmanship. We also used RTS to add a front porch to our home in 2011. Between these two major jobs, we had RTS do a smaller job removing two sets of french doors between our family room and sunroom and a small load bearing wall between the two doors, and placing a support beam. Dick Strimple is very thorough in his planning and preparation. There were no hidden/surprise costs (unless we added something to the job). In any major remodel, there will be unforeseen issues that arise--Dick is very fair and easy to work with to resolve any problems that come up. We are very happy with all the work done by RTS and would definitely use RTS again in the future.

RTS completed a large kitchen/ bath project with clear and accurate information throughout. The estimates were on target, the work was done on time and was excellent. Given that renovations are by their nature disruptive, I could not have asked for a more considerate or cooperative team assigned to my project. I have recommended RTS to friends and family and have gotten great feedback on all of the renovations. Highly recommend RTS for any project.

RTS has done a number of projects in our home. The first one included designing and building a screened porch and Dick's design was different than what we thought we were constrained to. The porch is wonderful and our favorite room in the house. In addition we have had two major bathroom remodels and both came out beautiful. RTS set the scope, time and price schedule in the contract and all projects were completed as promised. Any changes that increased the price along the way were clearly disclosed and added to the contract--there were no surprises. Dick and his team were always respectful of our time and home, and pleasant to be around.

RTS Design (Dick Strimple) did an outstanding job building the most wonderful covered back porch my husband and I have ever seen. My husband and I virtually live on that porch all summer long. The skill of the hired crew was outstanding, Dick's supervision was outstanding and the result is beautiful. The extra details of woodwork make the porch almost artistic. The natural wood ceiling and double-beam cross pieces are gorgeous, making it seem like we are at a vacation lodge. The porch was finished exactly on time, if not perhaps a day or two early. We most highly recommend RTS Design.

I have utilized RTS Design and Remodeling about 4 times in the last 20 years. Some jobs were minor, some were large, and a few things were 'in between'. In all cases RTS met or exceeded my expectation. THE FIRST RTS CONTRACT - (1997) Was the 'finishing' of my unfinished basement in 'Home #2'. I had finished my own basement in a previous house, and felt comfortable doing the work. For this job, I had laid it out myself, and began work, but realized that it would take me a long time to complete the job with my business travel and two small children. After interviewing several 'low price' local contractors, a friend connected me with RTS. Dick Strimple came from a solid 'large construction company' background, had a key cadre of subcontractors, and seemed to be comfortable with detailed contracts (which I like). I originally had an apprehension about Dick teeing up the work, and handing it over to subs... This fear was unfounded. Dick did some of the preliminary work himself (at the time) and brought in EXCELLENT partners who did the specialty work better than he (or I) could have done. It was both a quality and cost benefit. The team progressed per our detailed plan, with no significant schedule variance, and finished on budget. RTS' price is not inexpensive, but in hindsight it was worth the premium over the lower cost bidders. THE SECOND RTS CONTRACT - (1999) Was a much larger addition to the same home, and a renovation of the kitchen. Again, we made a detailed plan, and contract. I was impressed yet again with Dick's ability to bring in structural engineers to ensure the unique geometry we were planning for pillar-less and cantilevered second floor support was solid. That was a good investment in my view. Again, the key work was launched and performed by Dick, with key suppliers who were experts in their field coming in for Electrical, Plumbing, Roofing/Gutters, HVAC, and Concrete Foundation work. Other than some unexpected delay from a few fall hurricanes, the job progressed without delay. The subs were reliable in work and timeliness, and the work was completed with excellent quality. The addition functioned very well, we expanded the basement, and made a showcase new kitchen. THE THIRD RTS CONTRACT - (2000) Was the light excavation and construction of a imprinted-concrete patio, with a few drainage complexities. We also re-landscaped the yard from the winter settling after Contract #2. Dick humored me with the 'overkill' approach I wanted to use for ensuring no patio cracks (excavation, gravel, tamping, drainage, frost trenches, super think concrete, and a LOT of rebar)... but in the end, it was an excellent patio that never developed a single crack. THE FOURTH RTS CONTRACT - (2009) was similar to contract #3 at my next house (home #3). It was a patio project, which entailed excavation under a deck, structural accommodation for an existing overhead deck, an 'overkill patio construction' (again) and then an integral garden equipment shed under a complex set of deck stairs. Dick and his team worked with me to my satisfaction planning the project details, and executed well, mostly while I was on frequent business travel. The end result was excellent, and RTS found some innovative ways to accommodate 6x6 vertical deck supports traversing a shed roof, allowing for movement, and remaining watertight. Overall, I have been pleased with RTS and will hire them again when more needs arise. I have also recommended them to a few close personal friends, with successful outcomes. I would offer that RTS is... - Higher Priced than competitors (but worth it) - Very technically competent on construction technologies and alternatives - Reliable to schedule and budget - Willing to detail work in contact(s) and be held accountable to the fine print I highly recommend RTS and will use the firm again in the future.

We recently hired this company to remodel our kitchen. We were aware of the high quality of workmanship since RTS had previously built a screened porch for us and had finished our basement. The design of our kitchen met our needs while keeping within our budget with quality products. The attention to detail and striving for perfection were qualities we admired. There was always careful oversight of subcontractors. The renovation was completed ahead of schedule. We love our new kitchen and highly recommend RTS.

RTS has done three major jobs for us over the past 10 years.First - total renovation of the kitchen which included extending exterior outer wall 3ft,total gutting/replacing of interior walls,ceiling, and floor; new electrical/plumbing; install new cabinets ; install all new appliances ; install granite top center island with sink ,cooktop ;renovation of the family room including walls and granite fireplace ,replace doors/window frames exit to deck .Second - total renovation of master bathroom and secondary bathroom on the main floor ,new electrical/plumbing fixtures cabinets/mirrors/toilets, converted bathtub into walkin/sit shower, tiled all floor and shower areas Third - total renovation of second floor master bathroom and full bathroom; all new electrical/plumbing fixtures,tile floors,bathtub and tiled walls in master,full shower with glass sliding doors and tile walls in full bathroom. Dick Strimple and his staff are superb professionals in all respects, courteous,friendly and prefectionists.All work was done on time and met full expectations! They leave your house everyday clean.Dick's design recommendations and knowledge and expertise are unsurpassed. As you can see his company did lot of work for us over an extended period of time. We have strongly recommended RTS to our friends.