Claverack Builders

We had an excellent experience working with Claverack builders to update and expand our much loved little house on the Hudson River. Despite the small size of the house the work we elected to do took a lot of time to think through, with the aim of maximizing limited space, maintaining the original character, and opening it all up. Jock, Andrew and Vinny were with us each step of the way, providing spot on advice and design options - and the team of builders they worked with were courteous, hard working, tidy and very experienced. No corners were cut. We absolutely love the finished product. In terms of the design process: expectations were fully met, communication was easy and direct with the company and the architect. They helped us work a small one room house into an open lofted cottage. In terms of costing - we set out with a smaller budget than we ended up with with, but this was on account of the fact that our ideas changed as we went along, structural necessities emerged, etc. The team at Claverack was patient with our changing ideas and upfront about cost implications. At no point did we feel like we were being ripped off. it was good solid work. They gave fully detailed breakdown of quotes periodically during the process - not quotes that were lumped together. This meant that we were able to see what we wanted to keep, what we wanted to do ourselves or leave for another time. It made the planning on our side much easier. We knew exactly what we were paying for. In terms of the construction itself, the team working on the house was friendly and professional. We had no complaints from neighbors, the site was always cleaned up after they left (even though we weren't living in the house while the work was going on). They were happy to explain what they were doing when we would pop by. They basically instilled confidence. And their finished product was beautifully done. Spot on. We were delayed a bit at the beginning by bad weather as the cement pilings were being put in, but this is something no-one had any control over. No complaints. We'd work with them again in a heart beat.

Jock and his team have now done two big renovation jobs at our house outside Chatham and we are already talking about a third. I wouldn't think of hiring a different builder. The budgeting and billing process is fair and transparent with no rude surprises, the workmanship is flawless, the workmen are great to have around and both jobs have gotten done in exactly the time frame promised. (Having done other jobs with other contractors in other places, believe me, these are words I never thought I would say about any contractor!) When unexpected conditions come up as they always do in renovations of old houses Jock is instantly on the spot to address them. Andrew, Jock's design partner, is gifted and tireless. Though I am now a screenwriter and director I was previously an architect, which makes me not the easiest design client, and both Andrew and Jock have handled my hyper-involved madness with grace and calm. The finished product on both jobs has the glow of work done meticulously and with a deep commitment to getting it exactly right. I give Claverack Builders my highest recommendation.