Lorrien Homes & Remodeling

Thank you Brad for the opportunity to work on your home. We were thrilled to execute this remodel - the homeowner, the architect, and the designer were all of one mind with a very detailed design vision for the finished space. And the more challenging the project - the more thrilling for all of the Lorrien Homes craftsmen who worked on this exemplary period piece - masons, carpenters, tile setters, electricians, plumbers, lighting specialists, radiator specialists, and painters. As with any quality remodel - all of the detail from the existing first floor space continues seamlessly into the remodeled 2nd floor: door profiles, baseboard and casing profiles, vintage door hardware, cabinet styles, stain colors, plaster patterns, tile finishes, etc. The designer and architect did an incredible job of optimizing the space by the use of multiple pocket doors, and building cabinetry into the sloped ceiling and walls. The designer did a masterful job of implementing the use of light and color to enhance the space through an advanced lighting package, rich and vibrant wall coverings, incorporating an advanced yet complimentary lighting package, and a custom sectional wooden blind system for the massive radius window set in the master bedroom. Lastly, the dry sauna and radiant tile floor were just the right finishing touches to create this ode to an olde-world European Hotel suite.

It's on projects such as this one, where we realize we're very fortunate to work with the best architects and designers in St. Louis. The sign of a good architect: (1) construction drawings that accurately capture existing conditions and reflect accurate measurements, (2) construction drawings that accurately reflect the appropriate version of the IBC, and (3) the willingness to work with the General Contractor in the field to ensure proper execution of the project. Chris gets 4 stars on all three counts. This was a truly collaborative project that exceeded our client's expectation.

Thank you for the gracious review. But a good client/general contractor relationship is dependent on mutual respect - which is achieved through regular and thorough communication. In this project, our clients were with us every step of the way - providing a well thought out design, staying within their budget with their finish selections, and being available every day to discuss progress on the project, and providing additional input as required. We don't like to brag - even though my Dad told me "it's not bragging if it's fact" - the Behnen's were just great clients. Thank you for the opportunity.

A shout out to all of our clients - you've all been so cooperative in allowing us to install all CDC recommended protocols on our work sites. But there are certain standards that will never alter - the quality of our craftsmanship and our adherence to our construction timeline. Pandemic or no pandemic - we continue to meet our construction commitments.

It's been our experience that communication is the great foundation for a successful whole house renovation project. And the entire team on this project - client, designer, general contractor, sub-contractors, suppliers - were in sync every step of the way. We used face-to-face meetings, emails, texts and telephone calls every day, thus ensuring that we were all on the same page. We were further aided by our client's investing of themselves extensively in the "design process", and then sticking with the final design through the "construction process". This is the critical step in staying on budget. This project was truly a TEAM effort.

Our client was instrumental in the expeditious execution of this project. He was actively involved in the day-to-day decision making from framing to finish material installation. All of the Lorrien Homes team members developed a strong relationship with Bill that further enhanced the spirit of the project as well as the quality of the final design. We strive to keep an open line of communication between all of our team members and the client. And this project was a perfect example of the benefits of that kind of positive working relationship. We appreciated the opportunity to work on Bill's new home - and we can say unequivocally - it truly does feel completely new.

The key to this project was the collaborative efforts of our client, designer and craftsmen. There were a multiplicity of design and construction elements that had to be properly executed to seamlessly meld the existing with the new. There was a significant amount of design input provided by all of the Lorrien Homes craftsmen: carpenters, tile setters, multi-media installers, specialty cabinet renovators, and painters. It is that professional approach of all our craftsmen - who design and execute - that distinguishes the Lorrien Homes Team. And of course, we continue to be blessed with incredible clients who are a joy to work with - so a big thank you to Todd and Karen! They have a great design eye, and were very definitive in their decision making, which made the whole process run smoothly.

We are very deliberative in identifying the craftsmen that we invite to become members of the Lorrien Homes Team. Our guiding principle is to align ourselves with individuals that have the same to commitment to quality workmanship, and over-the-top customer service, that we have toward our clients. And Steve Stutko, as well as the entire team at Stone Fabricators, have that same attitude "in spades". They never falter in their commitment to our clients. Their product line is extensive, they are experts in all facets of stone fabrication, they always place the customer first, and they stand firmly behind their product and service.

This was a truly collaborative project where the Lorrien Homes team of craftsmen drew on the vision of our client, applied our years of experience, and created a wonderful new space that is beautiful in its form and function. And as with all of our remodel projects, it's essential that the new space meld seamlessly with the existing space. This is a "one of a kind" Wine Cellar that our "one of a kind" client will enjoy forever.

We seem to be blessed with a portfolio of wonderful projects, and equally special clients. In this instance, we executed the design, planning and construction activities with a client who is based in California. Through the use of on-line planning and design tools, in addition to our invaluable cell phones, we completed the project on time, and in strict adherence to the client's vision. It was just a completely enjoyable experience that tested our communication skills, and made us even better listeners to ensure we were meeting our client's expectations on a daily basis.

It should be noted that there two distinctive design features that have become the envy of all the other home owners in this high rise condominium building: (1) we dropped a coffered ceiling down from the existing ceiling in the living room which created a very cozy feel to the space and became a visual "wow" when you entered the front door, and (2) we installed "skinny" brick on two walls of the living room which gave the room a retro chic feel to the space and gave it a unique finish in terms of color and texture.