Temescal Design Build

Ben was very professional and ran a really organized process. We've had multiple projects done at the house over the nearly 20 years we've owned it, and this is the first time it felt smooth and easy. Ben helped us make design decisions by pointing out practical issues as well as aesthetic choices. And his timeline for the decisions we needed to make on materials, fixtures, etc. pushed us to be focused and kept the project on schedule. Ultimately, we're very happy with the finished product.

Ben and Eli designed and executed a beautiful barn/apt structure for us, taking into account the geography, energy efficiencies, and the look we were wanting. They are both effable to work with and much easier that the contractor was the architect. Accomplished finished work!

We hired Ben and Eli to do work on our 110 year-old, but new to us, home before we moved in last year. Nothing too major, but they oversaw work refinishing wood floors, putting in new wood flooring, taking out a small wall, and other odds and ends. All of the work was done well and under budget. We were on a tight schedule moving out of our old place and into the house and Ben and Eli were also able to start quickly and finish on-time. Would definitely recommend.

Ben and Eli have now completed 2 remodel projects for us. I can’t imagine using any other contractors! They happily provide options for payment and explain the advantages and disadvantages. Both times the final cost was either spot on or below the estimate. They are responsible, have great subs and tidy up after themselves. Their work is really clean and elegant. I would second anything that has already been said in previous reviews. Above all they are SMART and propose great solutions to all the wicked little issues (some not so little) that come with any remodel. They were conscientious throughout and talked things through with us, never failing to communicate about timing, or any issues that came up. They had very good design ideas, and were not afraid to express them, which in my mind is a good thing. We grew to really rely on them. And, not to be dismissed is the fact that they are extremely cheerful and fun to be around.

Temescal Design/Build recently completed a bathroom remodel for us and we couldn't be happier with the entire process. First of all Ben and Eli had an uncanny knack for translating our vaguely articulated aesthetic preferences ( modern, Japanese but in keeping with our Craftsman house) into perfectly planned and executed details like innovative cedar sconces and a beautiful tiled shower enclosure with different but beautifully coordinated Heath tiles. The project was challenging because it involved fitting the new construction into a rather idiosyncratic space and it was perfectly done. But in addition to the aesthetic side we were extremely impressed by their efficiency and reliability on the practical side. The project was also challenging there since it involved replacing all the plumbing and wiring, some of it 100 years old. Both Ben and Eli and the subcontractors were efficient, careful and reliable, as well as smart, pleasant and charming. Having heard the usual horror stories about remodels this was the first one I'd attempted after 25 years in the house. But the process couldn't have been more satisfying and we are getting them to do the kitchen next!

I honestly couldn't give TDB a higher recommendation - my experience working with Eli & Ben was wonderful from when we first started brainstorming ideas, to when they'd left the site cleaner than they found it. I hired them to design and build two cabin offices in the backyard of my business in San Francisco, and they did a phenomenal job. They were accurate in their estimates of how much the project would cost, extremely clean during the build, finished ahead of schedule (!!!), and I am very, very happy with the craftsmanship of their work. Additionally, we have a somewhat tenuous relationship with our neighbors, and Eli & Ben navigated that relationship with respect and sensitivity.

I highly recommend working with Ben and Eli at Temescal Design Build. They did a top to bottom remodel of our Victorian home with an eye for efficiency and sustainable materials at every step. They were a joy to work with and no one can believe how quickly our project was completed and how lovely the outcome has been. They are both craftsmen and incredible project managers and I feel very fortunate we were able to work with them on our home.