I worked with Butel Construction on building our 2 story 3bed 3bath house in 2015.
We were originally planning to add-on 2nd floor on our small 2bed 2bath house, with very little extension to the existing floor plans as that was what our budget allowed. However, we had set the plan in motion only to find out we couldn't work with the original contractor as they didn't satisfy the bank requirements for the loan. We were left with now a city-approved building plan (having cost us $15k+) and bank-approved budget, but none of the 4~6 contractors were willing to honor the specified budget. Everyone thought it would cost way more. We had no choice but to shelve the project, as by this time I was in a 2nd trimester on a twin pregnancy.
When twins turned 6 months, I decided to interview several more contractors in the hopes of finding some ways to not waste all the efforts and money we had put into the plan. I must say I was a bit skeptical when I was met with the following response by Shai and Rotem @Butel Constructions: "They've promised you that house for that budget, and we think you should have it. We will make it work for you" ...I swear they looked like some kind of renovation angels.
Long story short, Butel Construction not only made our once-seemingly-too-ambitious remodel possible, but they basically ended up demo'ing our house and building a brand new 2 story house from ground and up without changing the initial budget on the contract. Of course we spent way over the original budget, but mostly due to us requesting additional features, like slicker staircases, skylights and and bigger windows etc. I should also add that their estimate on the schedule was fairly accurate besides the time we had to wait for new engineering plan. This was helpful since we had to coordinate a rental house during the construction.
There is so much to remodeling non-professionals like us will have to learn as the project unfolds, and it can be draining both mentally and physically. I felt so lucky to be working with Shai because not only him and his team were very capable, but also I found Shai's straightforward, honest and positive attitude almost therapeutic. Throughout the entire project duration Shai was always available, engaging, open-minded and sensitive to our various needs while keeping the project under control and on budget by using well-priced vendors and materials and making well-educated suggestions. Most of his workers were highly professional and pleasant and they all seem to share respect and affection for Shai, which I thought said a lot about how the company operates.
Even though we were ecstatic when we got to move back into the new house, I must say I was a bit sad that my daily communication with Shai and his guys were coming to an end :'-( I believe the project could have been a lot more stressful, if not impossible, if it weren't for Butel Construction and I would happily go through it all over again with them if another opportunity presents itself in the future!!