Sicora Design/Build

BUYER BEWARE!!! After waiting 6 months for Sicora to begin the design of a new master bath space after several visits to our home, we were finally able to schedule a visit from Sicora's owner to begin the work. But a half-hour before his arrival, he called to say that our home (on West edge of Lake Minnetonka) was outside the 10-15 mile perimeter from his offices in St. Louis Park. Really? Perhaps he can get his shop settled (recent firings apparently!) and get back to the Customer Service he claims as part of the Sicora brand. Very disruptive of our lives and our plans -- we actually planned our Summer travel to accommodate Sicora's schedule!!!!!

Our experience with Sicora was extremely challenging. The finished product is what we expected and the craftsmanship was good, however the process to get to that point was horrible. You pay a premium for their project management services. The project management is lacking, at best. Our project manager was absent, disorganized and dishonest. At one point the owner of the company yelled and screamed at the pm in front of me and my children. Additionally, I consistently felt disrespected as a woman - talked down to, ignored and when convenient for Sicora, expected to coordinate subcontractor schedules. This is not the level of service or professionalism we paid for. I do not recommend hiring Sicora.

We contacted Sicora to significantly renovate our 1959, 4-level split home. The project included a completely renovated main floor (kitchen, living and dining spaces), lower-level mudroom as well as new siding and windows for the entire home. The project took approximately 4 months to complete (we lived in the home during construction) and finished both on schedule and budget. From ideation of the design, to selections, to contracting and through construction, Sicora demonstrated the wealth of their experience, professionalism and perhaps most importantly, a commitment to our vision for the project and our satisfaction. The team - designers, project manager and skilled laborers - were a pleasure to work with. From a design perspective, we didn't always know what we wanted - Lynne and team were there to guide us...sometimes reassuring us that we'd chosen wisely and other times offering a “nudge” in a new direction. The team of skilled laborers were just that - skilled, professional, and have high standards for their work. They were a pleasure to work with and see on a daily basis. They made us laugh along the way - quick with a joke or a funny story - a welcome diversion to the maddening reality of living in our basement for 4 months. Finally, a well-deserved shout-out for our project manager, Jim. Experienced, professional, charming, poised...and perhaps most importantly, our advocate. No construction project is without some issues or complications along the way - we had only a few and Jim handled them all with a professional and caring manner. We love our 'new' home! Thank you, Sicora.

MDF core cabinets did not hold up to regular where and tear. Within a year the paint had peeled, MDF absorbed moisture and swelled up at the bottom. The installer, not the project manager was sent out to inspect condition after 1 year. He advised that Sicora would not repair damage. He suggested we shave down the MDF with a razor blade and paint over the damaged area. My wife and I agreed that Sicora did not honor their warantee.

I was very happy with Sicora Design/Build despite having to live in a construction zone for months as we gained two new baths and a reworked master suite, plus new windows, flooring, doors, trim and paint throughout our home. The entire team, including subcontractors, was pleasant and professional, completing the job on time and on budget. We had lived in our midcentury house for sixteen years by the time we were ready to renovate, yet Sicora was the only firm we interviewed that really took our ideas into account with their proposal, using and improving them to create a beautiful and practical plan that made me really love my home again.

I interviewed designers, architects and builders before selecting Sicora. Each had one question for me: What is your budget? The Sicora designer came in and was interested about how I used various rooms in the house and spaces in the yard. The conversation then moved on to what I thought was the scope of the project (an upstairs Master Suite). But I really needed more than that to prepare the home for my future husband's arrival. And that is what they presented. We worked out the budget from there. I am so glad I listened and took the designer's recommendations to heart because now we have a beautiful, functional home that accommodates us and our guests. Working with Sicora was a great experience. Communication was good and their online portal was an excellent way to keep on top of project progress, selections and budget. I really enjoyed working with the interior designer - it made the selection process very easy. The subcontractors were excellent craftsman, and very polite. The project was completed on schedule, and any issues that arose during construction were responsibly addressed by Sicora. After-construction warranty issues have been handled without incident. Sicora is a quality company that stands by its work.

Fantastic! Jeffrey Court Inc highly recommends Sicora Design/Build. They have been professional and courteous in all of our communication with them. Great work, great reviews, and very friendly.

Our experience with Sicora has been much more that we expected. From the start of the design process everyone has been extremely helpful and professional. The job site has been spotless at the end of every day. Communication is so good we know exactly where we are all the time. We are very pleased and recommend Sicora to anyone who wants their project done right.

We began the construction phase of our remodel in March of 2014. The design phase was smooth, however, the construction was difficult and unfortunate. Facts: A wall was put in the wrong spot by 11 inches (thankfully WE caught it), our project time frame doubled due to lack of management, the range hood cover was mounted over 7 inches too low, Sicora attempted to bill us for items they did not complete (window installation, plumbing/electrical for a washer and dryer, and bury an electrical line), 7 of the cabinet doors are warped, we could continue with the list as well as the lack of follow up. We were due our one year warranty service and we are patiently waiting for the cabinets to be fixed after multiple inconveniences with repairs. Nothing ever takes only one trip to fix. We wish we had a more positive experience, but alas.

Sicora Design/Build is a great Twin Cities area remodeler and will exceed your expectations as a home owner. We are fortunate to supply Sicora with our reclaimed wood. They are masters at remodeling and understand how to match our rustic wood with any style of home. We recommend Sicora for your home remodels and look forward to working with them in the future.

We knew from the beginning that Sicora was the perfect choice for us with their design build approach. We live in a 1-1/2 story cape-cod style home built in the 50's for 8 years and always talked about either renovating or moving, but we love our St. Louis Park neighborhood. We contacted Sicora after visiting several of their remodeled homes from the St. Louis Park Home Tour over the years. Ron (owner) met us at our home and asked us several questions along with bouncing other great ideas off each other. A few weeks later, we reviewed the drawings/renderings, fell in love with them and decided to start the renovation later that fall. On the upper level, we added a shed dormer, which created two new bedrooms for our kids and a new full bath. On the main level, we completed a small cantilever addition in the back to increase the remodeled kitchen/dining area, added a new front porch since we mostly hang out in the front yard, refreshed the main bathroom, and completed some other modifications including smooth ceilings with lighting, re-sanded the existing wood floors and new white baseboard throughout the house. Ron and Ashley (architect) were able to optimize every room and essentially transform our first home into our dream home. Jen (interior designer) provided just enough choices to make the selection process easy for paint, carpet, tile, cabinets/hardware, counters, lighting fixtures, etc. All the contractors were professional and courteous especially knowing that we were living in the basement through the entire remodel. The overall quality, craftsmanship, and service were exceptional. We love our newly remodeled home and would recommend them to our friends, family, and neighbors!

After interviewing many kitchen remodeling companies - it was an easy decision to hire Sicora. They listened to our wants and helped us stay within a budget too. The planning process went so smoothly, Ron and Allison asked us many questions and took notes so they were able to gather information to present a plan that we loved. Due to their excellent listening skills there were a few adjustments of course. Our project was a split entry 80's style house which was opened up into a large kitchen, wood floors, more windows to bring in light. We can now cook in the kitchen together! Thanks Sicora Terry and Lisa