We hired Hiline specifically because of their Super Shell option. It was perfect for the ADU we…read morewere adding to our property. For the most part, our experience was five stars, and I would recommend Hiline to anyone I know--with the important caveat of ensuring you do not end up with the last project manager we had.
We are quite knowledgeable about building, but we knew we didn't have the time or capacity to take on an entire build ourselves. The Super Shell gave us the flexibility to have Hiline complete the initial phase while allowing us to finish the project how we wanted. In addition, we had our own contractor coordinating site prep and all finish work. Since this build was on property we already live on, and I work from home, we were present and accessible throughout the entire project.
The first two-thirds of the project went extremely smoothly.
During the sales and design phase, we worked with Levi and Dan. Levi, who handled sales, was wonderful. He was clearly newer to the role, but he made every effort to get us the answers we needed and even helped complete permit forms. Our first project manager, Dan, was a man of few words but very easy to work with. He ensured all permits, insurance, and logistics were in place before the build began. We requested many changes--adding French doors, a vaulted ceiling, converting a laundry room into a walk-in closet, etc.--and Dan carefully reviewed each one. He clearly explained why one option (double front doors) wouldn't work and provided alternatives we were happy with.
Once construction began, our project manager changed.
The initial phase of the build itself was excellent. Our project manager at that time, Bryan, was especially knowledgeable and easy to work with. The foundation and framing crews were professional, clean, and passed every inspection without issue. Bryan was on site regularly, inspecting work and communicating clearly with us about every detail. Every question was answered and every concern addressed. The electrician, Thor, and his assistant Daniel were outstanding--we liked them so much that we hired them to complete the finish electrical and mechanical work as well.
Unfortunately, once the project transitioned to the next manager, everything changed.
Matt was extremely difficult to work with. His communication was poor, his misogynistic behavior was unprofessional, and every crew he brought in made major mistakes. The drywall crew was the messiest group we have ever encountered--food and garbage were left all over the property. Their workmanship was terrible: they broke the edges off nearly every sheet they installed and used so much mud that it never dried properly, resulting in cracks weeks later. The only reason Matt came to the site during this phase was because I was so upset about the drywall work that I insisted he see it himself. During that visit, Matt not only insulted me but also my contractor, who was present.
To make matters worse, the owner of the drywall company was on our property--and inside the ADU--on a Sunday with his wife. My husband and daughter walked down to check on something and heard people inside the house. It was incredibly unsettling, and to this day we have no explanation for why he was there.
Then came the insulation company. One of their workers drove his truck off our driveway into a ditch and got stuck. While accidents happen, no one notified us. That evening, my husband came home to see flashlights down the driveway. When he went to investigate, the owner of the insulation company yelled at him--while trespassing on our property.
Between the repeated mistakes with drywall and insulation (both crews had to return multiple times), and Matt's consistently poor communication, the project ended on a very sour note. Had Matt ever been on site or had any real awareness of what his subcontractors were doing, many of these issues could have been avoided. Despite having no construction background prior to working at Hiline--and being relatively new--he constantly told us what to do and how to do it. The mansplaining and ego were excessive, especially after we made it clear that my husband and I are experienced and knowledgeable.
What ultimately saved this project--and our willingness to recommend Hiline at all--was Bryan. He was on vacation and still stepped in to take over the final phase because there was no way we were continuing with Matt.
Bryan is a major asset to the company and the sole reason I would still recommend Hiline.
