From the moment I first sat down with Eyal Weizman of MDRN Construction, I knew he would be my…read morechosen contractor for my kitchen remodel. We seemed to speak the same aesthetic language and he quickly and enthusiastically whipped up a rendering of what my kitchen might look like. He was also very sensitive to and willing to do great work within my budgetary constraints. I immediately knew I would be in good hands.
My kitchen remodel was for a very narrow space that had had a double electric oven and a big fancy gas range. The old cabinets, which were solid wood, had likely been there since the house was built in the 50s. An unfortunate water leak did major damage to the wood floor and seeped into the 2 layers of asbestos-laden linoleum underneath. Due to the need for asbestos remediation as required by my insurance (and the law), I was literally forced to see my entire kitchen torn out to the studs -- cabinets, appliances, floors and all.
Enter MDRN Construction - after unsatisfactory experiences with the contractors my insurance had set me up with, I finally realized I must choose my own. In short, MDRN came in on-time and on-budget. Any out-of-line costs beyond the original estimate were due to major upgrades or amenities that I asked for on my own, with absolutely no arm-twisting from the contractor or his crew. For example, we were needing to upgrade the electrical in order to accommodate new all-electric and induction appliances, as well as replace the floor complete with framing and subflooring. I therefore also opted for raising the floor in the (sunken) kitchen annex to have it all be on the same level and to move the new commodious refrigerator in there. This upgrade also involved raising the exit door to the side yard and creating new concrete steps to the outside. Even with this extra work, MDRN still came in on time, though at the outer rather than the inner range of their estimated time frame (three months instead of two).
I also have nothing but high marks to give the various crews that did the work, from demolition to electrical to cabinetry, to plumbing, dry wall construction, painting, and tile flooring. Everyone that came to my house, as Eyal promised, was a pleasure to be around and highly professional -- efficient and meticulous. The Ukrainian-born cabinet installation crew (in-house to MDRN), especially, were master carpenters and the finished product with solid wood exteriors is a showpiece. And absolutely everyone graciously pitched in when something extra was required, like hoisting my giant new refrigerator through the only possible square opening in the kitchen wall when the delivery guys couldn't possibly handle it themselves.
Eyal came by frequently to check whether everything was going smoothly and what was still needed. And the most consistent presence was his assistant construction manager, Bardia, for whom no task or issue was too large or too small. He handled everything in a timely manner with ease and aplomb.
If you're looking for excellent work, excellent client relations, honesty and efficiency, and a great aesthetic partner to work with, then MDRN is a terrific choice. The only advice I would give anyone who plans to live in their home while any pretty major construction is going on, is to stay on top of the daily dust-prevention and cleanup. As great as the workmen are, this is not always their topmost priority.
The photos are of the "to the studs" space in the transition phase and my wonderful new kitchen.
