Walczak Design And Build

Lisa and Derek are great to work with. They helped us build a wonderful detached in-law accessory dwelling unit (ADU) that is so aesthetically matched you’d think it was original! As for other considerations: •Design: we worked with them and their recommended architect from conception to completion. They thoroughly maintained the vision we initially had in mind, matched custom level details (like window trim, flooring, and colors), and were very receptive of questions, comments, or concerns with anything along the way. Their team helped to provide recommendations when we were clueless, and receptive to details or change requests. •Knowledge: while they work with several internal and external contractors, their industry knowledge is fantastic (especially their electrician). I had concerns about recent changes to electrical or building codes and they were very well aware and on top of them from as recent as 6 months prior. If they’re doing work, they’re doing it correct the first time. If I had recommendations that made sense to me, Derek was easily able to explain if it was a sound call or if there was a potential issue with it. And all conversations were professional and well-detailed so I knew exactly what and why. •Availability: whether text, phone, or email, Derek, Lisa, and team were VERY responsive to us. If there was an issue they were over in as little as an hour or two in order to address it. Their attention to customer care was always forefront. •Timeline: this is probably true with any company in construction, but we ran a few months behind schedule from the proposal (it was literally a new house build from foundation up). It delayed some things on our end from happening, but it was still completed and we are satisfied with the results. •Cost: we had expectations of quite a bit less than the quoted amount, but based on fixed cost contracts we felt it was a safer alternative than time and materials which could have ballooned to much more based on the longer timeline we ended up with. We had friends that ended up paying about 80% more based on time and materials with other contractors. Our expectations were also based on early-pandemic pricing and “additions”, not ground-up builds. Pricing has gone up quite a bit in materials alone in the last 5 years, regardless of contractors. All in all we were so comfortable with the quality, reputation, and local aspect that the cost just made sense in the end. In the end, we would HIGHLY recommend them, without hesitation, and are definitely considering them for future renovation work in our main residence.

For our full home renovation, we had a vision—remodel our home of 25 years where we had raised our three kids to make it a sanctuary for family visits, a great place to host holiday gatherings, and a functional accommodation for our 24/7 work-from-home lifestyle. Walczak Design + Build brought that vision to life in ways that exceeded our expectations. The project involved fully gutting the inside of the house, bringing it down to the studs, and essentially rebuilding it to include a new kitchen with butler’s pantry, three new bathrooms, new ceilings, hardwood floors, a brand new HVAC system with central air, a new sound system, and even a room for the dogs. Basically, if it was inside the house, it got replaced. Knowing what a big project this would be, we wanted to work with a company that could do the design, help us pick out finishes, and then realize the design vision through the entire building process. The team at Walczak was undaunted by the scale of the project. Right from the start, Lisa and her design team walked us through every detail, bringing us ideas we never would have thought of and helping us see each room in a new way. Because the design and build is all within the company, the handover to their building team led by Derek was seamless and secure, and we felt good knowing the same team would bring the plans to life. We worried about what we might find after we pulled the place apart, but any structural replacements were easy for the team to fix. Walczak has an excellent project management system where you can communicate with any team member, look up invoices and costs, choose fixtures and finishes for the team to order, and track progress. Since this was a long process where we moved out and didn’t always have time to see things in person, this system made the logistics very manageable. The end result is truly amazing. Every day, we marvel that this is the same house. Lisa and her team seemed to read our minds from just a few Pinterest mood boards, bringing us fixtures and finishes that were exactly what we were looking for, even when we didn’t know how to describe it. Family and friends always remark at how warm and comfortable our new home is, how perfect the proportions are in the kitchen, and the quality of the millwork and construction. There’s a feel to the house that is hard to pinpoint, but easy to soak up when you walk in. That’s all due to Walczak’s detailed design, great vendors and subcontractors, and high level of craftsmanship. We highly recommend the team at Walczak Design + Build for streamlined project management, thoughtful design, and quality craftsmanship.

We decided to renovate our kitchen after 25 years. After meeting with several design/build firms, we chose Lisa and Derek Walczak for our project. We could not be happier with team and the results. Design was well thought out to meet our needs and maximize storage space. The craftsmanship and quality of work is outstanding. We highly recommend Walczak Design and Build.

Lisa, Derek and company were wonderful to work with from throughout our entire remodel project. Their partnership of builder and project planner was very important to us in keeping communication going throughout the stages of project. From team members who timely answered calls, emails, texts to customized software that keeps client and builders on the same page. Our remodel came out beautifully and done with the best craftsmanship. They are the team to use!

Working with the Walczak's was a fantastic experience from start to finish! We met and interviewed several different firms and knew clearly we wanted to work with Lisa and Derek. We loved Lisa’s design ascetic and process and really trusted and respected Derek as a contractor to oversee the project. One major reason was they have long-standing relationships with quality sub-contractors, so the coordination was seamless and everyone from the electricians, to the cabinet makers, to the painters were very courteous, professional and the work was outstanding! We had small space and a long wish list (take down walls, double wall ovens, a need for a lot more storage, a dedicated coffee bar, giant windows). Lisa offered us several different designs to make sure it was prefect for us, including one that not only ticked all the boxes I had asked for but allowed us to have an continuous open flow with our screened in porch, and added more seating for our dining table and looked absolutely beautiful! We get compliments all the time! The entire process went very smoothly, on time and on budget. The app they use to communicate and map out the process is great, and allowed us to see what was happening each day, where we were in the process, and I loved the ability to have everything from material selections to invoices in one place. You might be able to find someone do to the work cheaper but the peace of mind of working with true professionals who stand by their work is worth it. They never try to upsell or pressure you and worked hard to stay within our budget without sacrificing our vision. I only wish we had found Lisa and Derek before we hired the other contractors for previous projects. Nothing is ever perfect, but this experience was about as close as you could get! We plan to work with Walzcak for all our future needs!

Lisa and Derek do a great job. They were there from start to finish- everything was perfect. Would highly recommend.

Lisa and Derek are an amazing team to work with from start to finish. I approached with them a unique project of finishing my basement but adding in a dog spa/mud room and taking out a bulk head and adding a back door. They accepted the challenge and I couldn't be happier with the results. Lisa was amazing with her design process and putting together renderings of what the space could become. She was forthcoming and direct about costs while adhering to my budget. Lisa also made sure that I was happy with every fixture and material. As someone who gets overwhelmed easily, Lisa made sure to show me a few thing at a time, and coming back with more options if I did not like what I had seen. Derek and his team were amazing. Derek is communicative, always responded to a text or phone call, and answered any questions I had. He was extremely thoughtful in showing me the space as it was coming along, and took the time to explain any changes that needed to be made and why. I trusted him and his team completely in my home. The rest of the team was extremely hard working and they never disrupted my comings and goings while the project was in process. I highly recommend Lisa and Derek if you're looking for a team to come in and renovate your home. I would hire them every time. If you're looking for an honest, trusting, and hardworking team these are your people.

When we decided to make renovations in our home, we knew we wanted a team that could not only design, but also build. We were frustrated with the lack of comprehensive services that other general contractors offered. We had heard good things about the team at Walczak Design + Build and gave them a call. From the first introductory meeting, we were impressed with their level of professionalism and process. We were blown-away with the drawing boards that their design team came up with and they made it easy to select the direction we wanted to go. The crew was very friendly, respectful, and neat! There were many touch points and check-ins throughout the process to make sure everything was being done to our satisfaction. We were very pleased with the attention to detail right through the completion of our project. We plan on continuing to utilize their services for future projects that we have.

We have only good things to say about Walczak Design + Build! Derek and Lisa were a pleasure to work with, on every aspect of our home renovation project. With their help, we transformed two older bathrooms into newer, cleaner, brighter spaces, that are as functional as they are beautiful. Plus a mudroom! Lisa and her design team had great vision from the start. They listened to our wants and needs; made recommendations based on their collective experience; and designed and redesigned our rooms until we were fully satisfied. Derek and his construction team delivered on Lisa's promises, with great attention to detail. Communication was always a priority and updates came frequently. We would not hesitate to use Derek, Lisa and their team for our next project, and, without reservation, we highly recommend them to others.

We only have great things to say about the Walczak team! They did a terrific job throughout the design process working with us to keep the character of the house, but also transforming it in a way that reflects our personalities. They then executed the vision and we couldn't be happier with the results. We have felt right at home since Day One and are completely thrilled with our new space. We have recommended Walczak Design and Build to friends and will continue to do so!

We hired Derek and Lisa to do a remodel of our kitchen, as well as some of the other rooms on the first floor. We had some rough ideas functionally about what we wanted, but needed help to turn it into a specific plan that made everything work. It was important to us that both the "design" and the "build" be the same team. Lisa worked with us very patiently as we iterated through ideas, and got to something we really liked a lot and met all of our objectives (including ones we weren't all that clear about when we started the process). Then Derek and his team did a great job of bringing it to life. Both his team and the subs that they used were all top notch, the quality of the workmanship and attention to detail was superb. Need to explicitly acknowledge Brian, who put a lot of time, thought, and craftsmanship into a piece in the living room that really exceeded expectations. Love what we ended up with, mission accomplished 100%. Would definitely work with them again.

Walczak Build and Design came highly recommended to us by several people when we moved to Ipswich and we've been overjoyed with the recommendation. Lisa and Derek have treated our project with the utmost care and respect. We've gotten to know them very well over the length of the project and they're wonderful people with a wonderful team who do wonderful work. Walczak B&D is the only firm my wife and I will trust with any future work on our house. The end product met all of our requirements without us having to hold hands or micromanage. Derek and Lisa listened to what we wanted to do, scoped it out, handled many unforeseen problems with the house, and left us with confidence that our house will be beautiful long after our kids leave for college. Their suggestions during the project were always spot on and only improved the final result. Their subcontractors (Electrical, Plumbing, Tiling, Floors, Insulation, and Painting) all did impeccable work. We expect to keep their phone numbers handy for all of our future needs. Lastly, I'd be remiss without mentioning their excellent crew, Brian and Michael, who took the time and effort to make sure everything would look great and stand the test of time. Work done: * New floor * Two new bathrooms * New kitchen * New tiling * New doors * New windows * New insulation * New wainscoting * Updated built-in bookshelves to have permanent shelving * Added two walls * Made a new closet * Fixed wall that was falling into basement * Fixed architectural issue with flooring & ceiling where needed * Interior painting