It is just about a year since Fairmont completed my whole house renovation. This home, with the…read moreexception of new appliance now and then, was in original 1911 condition when I called Fairmont. This could make a project easier - assume everything has to go. However, I am an old house lover (now a three-time renovator) and keeping or reinventing old house detail was important.
Carlos manages construction, the tradesmen, the sub-contractors, and the overall quality of the workmanship on the job. He is an experienced builder, taking pride in bringing ideas to life but careful to offer full disclosure on the pros, cons and risks of each option.
Jose manages the business side of the project - budgeting and billing, tracking and documenting changes, purchase of materials, recommending vendors for kitchen design, tiles, stone, flooring etc. Most important was his management of communications between Fairmont and me, the homeowner. Jose took time to ask questions and listen carefully to answers. I know and appreciate how rare it is to have good communication. I also have lived the consequences of mediocre communication. Mistakes are costly. Jose follows a protocol of asking, clarifying, and following up with an email restating our discussion and inviting me to comment, add, or correct. The answers don't matter as much as the asking and listening. This worked so well there were no horror stories.
To summarize:
Strong management of the permitting process, of sub-contractors, deliveries, security of the property and use of appropriate safety measures. I think its important to say also that the project was managed ethically, honestly and respectfully. Everyone on the job was pleasant and upbeat.
Weekly walk-thru meetings insuring the work was proceeding according to agreement. Efficient cascade of information, decisions and/or changes, from homeowner and Fairmont to the tradesmen and subcontractors.
A solid team of workers - excellent workmanship, site management and daily clean-up. Also, no profanity or loudness, no littering, no complaints from neighbors, and very happily, no accidents.
Lastly, Fairmont checks in with you periodically during the year following move-in. Together we created a list of little adjustments and changes that you can't anticipate until you move in. All done! The house is lovely - beautiful carpentry, millwork and all the details that make it livable for me. I feel very fortunate to have done this work with Fairmont and I would recommend them without reservation!
