After interviewing a total of 3 different design & build contractors we decided to hire Travis Remodeling for our master suite project. In describing our project we said we want a high-end, luxury master bathroom, which included expanding the room by moving load-bearing walls, adding a walk-in closet, a fireplace, a TV hidden behind a vanity mirror, Jacuzzi style tub next to a large window overlooking a wooded hillside, new countertops, sinks, heated tile flooring, new shower and extensive lighting. In the bedroom we wanted to add several new windows, move a non-supporting wall, install overhead recessed lighting and hardwood floors.
When they submitted their bid, which was higher than our initial budget, we were
told that this is what it will cost to get everything we wanted. Based on that declaration and Travis Remodeling claims they could build what we wanted we decided to increase our budget, expecting to get what we discussed and for the price they submitted.
We feel we didn't get what we paid for. We feel like we were misled on what they said they would deliver and the costs to deliver those promises.
A big reason for feeling this way is due to the way the contract was written. For a project of this size, the contract was relatively brief and vague in describing the scope of the work, materials needed and the dollars allocated for each phase. We had no way of knowing ahead of time that the amounts allocated didn't cover what was originally discussed or what we thought we were getting.
One example of this: from the beginning we said we wanted a Jacuzzi style tub in the bathroom. In the contract it states: "supply and install (2) sinks, (2) faucets, toilet, shower valve, bathtub, bathtub filler". The dollars allocated for all of these items was $10,300. When it came time to begin ordering these items and going over the costs of each we learned that the tub they were referring to in the contract was for a soaking tub, which they said was budgeted for around $1,500. The Jacuzzi style tub we said we wanted and thought we were getting as part of the contract would cost well over $5,000. Because of the vague description in the contract we found out the money allocated wasn't enough to cover the costs of all the things we thought we agreed to. As a result this added additional costs over and above the contract.
We also discovered that items shown in Travis Remodeling 3D design plans but not specifically described in the written contract, where not covered.
An example of this: the overhead, recessed lighting for the bedroom. We had several conversations about this, after which Travis Remodeling provided 3D drawings showing the exact placement of these lighting fixtures as we discussed. They failed to put the installation of these items in the contract. As a result we had to pay additional charges of over a $1,000. Travis Remodeling said it did not matter what was shown in their drawings, only those things specifically stated in writing in the contract.
For anyone contemplating hiring Travis Remodeling we recommend that you take it upon yourself to thoroughly examine the contract before signing. You must have a very good knowledge of every aspect of your project, down to the smallest details, including the costs of appliances, fixtures, lighting and accessories and make sure everything is specified in writing before signing their contract. Make sure the money they are allocating will cover the costs of those items or manufactures you intend to use.
The overall experience we had with Travis Remodeling left a bad taste in our mouth. We cannot recommend them. read more