

Built Tough Construction of North Georgia
About Us
Services Provided
3D Rendering, Architectural Design, Architectural Drawings, Attic Conversion, Basement Design, Basement Remodeling, Bathroom Design, Building Design, Custom Homes, Deck Design, Drafting, Energy-Efficient Homes, Floor Plans, Garage Design, Historic Building Conservation, Home Additions, Home Extensions, Home Remodeling, House Plans, Kitchen Design, Kitchen Remodeling, Laundry Room Design, Mudroom Design, New Home Construction, Outdoor Kitchen Design, Site Preparation, Space Planning, Universal Design, Construction Drawings
Areas Served
Alpharetta, Buford, Cumming, Johns Creek, Milton, Atlanta, Roswell, Marietta, Dunwoody, Dawsonville
Awards
Registered Architect, Lic #RA014300 Licensed General Contractor #RBQA006552 American Institute of Architects - Member and 2020 President of North GA Chapter NCARB Certified NARI - Member
Category
12 Projects
Business Details
Business Name
Built Tough Construction of North Georgia
Phone Number
(770) 687-6303
Website
Address
2840 Aldrich Drive
Cumming, GA 30040
Typical Job Cost
$50,000 - 3 million
License Number
RBQA006552
Followers
26 Reviews for Built Tough Construction of North Georgia


The initial project evolved into a different design due to the city restrictions, setbacks, etc.
The initial project did NOT include a complete master bath renovation and addition, kitchen pantry renovation, new half bath addition, fireplace, etc. There is something called Scope Creep. This is when a client adds substantial work to the original scope, during the design phase. Of course, this will affect and increase the cost of a project. We followed your instructions, increased the scope, and of course the result would be increased cost. We had many meetings, and we did explain that the project cost was exceeding your initial budget. You did not express any concern and focused on what you wanted, like your garage addition for tools.
After presenting the initial design construction cost, where you were not satisfied, I scaled back the project creating a smaller, yet very similar in appearance, design. I prepared that design and created a 12-page set of totally new drawings, all at my own cost and free of charge to you, in good faith. It’s always my goal to satisfy the customer. That new design was still slightly over your budget by $50,000 because you added a garage addition and large master bedroom closet addition.
Construction cost budgeting is one of the most difficult aspects of this line of work, as explained clearly in the Architectural Contract. There is no way to know the actual and true cost of a project until a full set of detailed architectural drawings is prepared. A preliminary budget could be prepared using square foot costs, but this information will only get you in the range of the actual cost.
After providing you the second design and construction cost, we didn’t hear back from you about the project for about 1 year, where you just contacted me this January 2022. Your wife Joan emailed me a drawing of a totally new design for your project which indicates all new spaces and additions, totally different from the last design I prepared for you. In your review, you are calling this a ‘small modification’ which is absolutely incorrect. I was kind enough to do a free budgeting assessment that took 2 hours of my time. I asked Joan what your budget was for this new project, she responded, $115,000. I clearly explained in an email to Joan that based on the square footage of the new design, I felt that the project was in the $270,000 range. Joan responded on February 22, 2022, to proceed with the Architectural work.
Approximately 3 weeks later I sent this email to Joan:
Hi Joan,
I apologize for the delay; we are very busy right now. I have given this much thought and I will need to decline the work. We are building two new homes and we have several other projects underway, and I don't see where I will find the time. Your new project is basically starting all over again. A new set of drawings will take a week to prepare and then structural engineering coordination, new calculations for the county, etc. I hope you can understand.
Kind regards,
Steve
I’m glad that you posted your review, to show that projects aren’t always easy and there are difficult clients with very unrealistic expectations. We are professional, we are expert problem solvers, we are truthful and respectful.
All of our outstanding reviews here on HOUZZ from our FANTASTIC CLIENTS far outweigh your untruthful information.
I was not disrespectful to you or Joan in any way. We accept projects based on our current workload and availability.
A simple phone call to me would have been such a better way to express your concerns rather than attempting to tarnish our reputation online. Open communication and truthfulness are always the best approach.
Best of luck to you with your new project.
Kind regards,
Steve










1 Comment