Neil Shaut - Case Design/Remodeling Inc.

Neil's experience in multiple parts of this contracting process make him the best possible partner in a project of any scale. From helping us coordinate with our project managers, to expectation setting on a very big project, to making recommendations on materials and how best to use the space we had -- it all led to this being a great experience for us. We had a large project that included full kitchen renovation (from tearing down walls to every detail of replacing backsplash to flooring and lighting) - we also remodeled the master bed/bath/closets and our guest bathroom. One of the best parts about working with Neil was his willingness to present an array of options - specifically from a cost perspective, as well as his very sincere recommendations about how to use our space. When taking on a project as large as ours, it is easy to expect someone to take your budget and max it out using only the most expensive materials, even when something similar but less expensive might do just fine. Neil ensured we didn't have that experience; he found the balance perfectly for us and was very honest and up front about whether we were being realistic and thoughtful about our choices. His experience helped us consider which places he might recommend shaving costs to stay within budget depending on his impressive prior experience, results of other projects, and thoughtful consideration about how often or how a space might be used-- e.g. don't use the most expensive flooring in the bathroom that is used twice a quarter, perhaps consider putting those budget dollars towards materials you are in love with for the space that will be used most frequently like your kitchen). While we'd all love to be in a position where you can spend lavishly on every aspect of a project, that's just not the reality and his partnership and recommendations made all the difference in the world to our final product while ensuring we didn't lose any value or beauty, while at the same time being respectful of the overall amount we had agreed to spend. I'd recommend Neil, and have, to anyone if you are looking for a detail-oriented and honest partner on a big project that means a lot to you and your family!

Neil is the single best home improvement resource out there. I have always found him to be creative, professional, and time and on budget. I have relied on Neil for a wide range of jobs and challenges in different homes. Here a few examples: Challenge: We wanted to transform our traditional galley kitchen and formal dining room into a single large open-space kitchen with an island. Solution: Colleen and Neil designed a killer kitchen that was exactly what we wanted, incorporating our ideas and greatly improving upon them. We ended up with an amazing outcome: a chef's kitchen with marble counters, custom cabinets, new stainless appliances, a huge island with a curved seating area for seven, and many other really great features. It functioned amazingly and was actually so well-done that it was featured in the Washington Post Magazine. The project was completed super fast (measured in weeks) and was on budget. Challenge: During the micro-burst storms that hit DC a few years back we had two large trees fall on our home. My first call was to Neil, and my second call was to the insurance company. Neil was at my house within an hour looking at the damage and helping me think through how to solve the massive problem. Solution: After the trees had been professionally removed, Neil and his team went to work. They repaired and replaced my slate roof, fixed many broken rafters and storm damage, and repaired cosmetic storm damage. In a week we were good-as-new. Challenge: Classic DC colonial home in need of new front entrance way. Solution: Neil identified that my desired plan would likely cost me more and be less effective than his (optimal) plan. I trusted him and we replaced the door and related framing material. The result was a more energy efficient and attractive design that accomplished my needs at a lower cost (to my surprise) than keeping the original materials in place. The job was done in a day or so. There are many other examples, but hopefully these stories give you an idea of what kind of a fantastic and professional resource can be found in Neil.