Reviews

Review Details

• Review fromDeborah B

  Date: 05/09/2025

  1 star

  Deborah B

  Date: 05/09/2025

  In 6/24 we met with ***** for adding a 2nd floor to our home (we are older & need family to live with us) & a few mods to the 1st floor. ***** returned with an estimate of $567k and 8-10mos. We agreed to proceed but ***** told us there would be a delay getting the architect started. We got a loan to finance the project. On 9/11 we had the 1st meet with *** ************** to validate our reqs For the next 5-6mos we went through many iterations of the plans: the initial plans were nothing like what was requested, there were always things that they thought we should havee.g. an entirely new kitchen. The final plan was very different from original, we felt pressured to accept changes with the assurance it would have little impact to the budget - we were never given a revised estimate During this process we sometimes went weeks without communication & repeatedly had to ask for updates. We made payments to Luxury of $40k & cont payments of $2500/mo on the loan After 8 mos, still waiting for the detailed costs/sched, *** submitted the plans to the city. We reimbursed him $1572 for the fees, wondering why it didn't go through Luxury & why the plans were submitted before we saw the proj cost/sched. On receipt of the details we were stunned. The project cost was $1,050,000 & 10 mos. Adding $1,050,000 + 40k + ***** = $1,09*****. This is $524,572 or 93% over orig. est. & far more than we can afford. We asked for updated est using orig reqs & other cuts. Also some costs were not included that should have been.His said he would respond in a week. After 2 ***************** we were waiting, he responded that the project had taken so much time that the costs had increased & that they were not willing to rebid the project. We felt that Luxury was stringing us along and it was either a bait/switch or total incompetence on their part. We acted in good faith throughout, worked hard to do our part & all we have to show for it is a loss of $60k and a lost year- we are devastated
  

  Luxury Remodels Company

  Date: 05/14/2025

  We appreciate the opportunity to respond to the review filed by Mrs ***** and we sincerely regret that they are dissatisfied with the outcome of their project planning process. However, several of the claims made in the complaint are inaccurate or misrepresent the facts, and we would like to provide clarification for the record.1. No Construction Contract Was Signed:At no point did the homeowners sign a construction agreement with Luxury Remodels. The only signed agreement between our company and the homeowners was for architectural design services. This contract was clearly presented and explained at the outset, and it did not include a commitment to construct the project.2. Initial Cost Estimate Was Verbal and Preliminary:The initial construction figure was a broad, verbal ballpark provided early in discussions based on a high-level understanding of the homeowners' stated wishes. At that time, there were no architectural plans, specifications, or scope documentsessential tools required for any accurate cost estimation.3. Homeowners Independently Expanded the Scope:During the design phase, the homeowners significantly increased the project scope from their original concept. These additions included numerous enhancements and structural changes including a larger added living area, walk out decks and bathrooms that they requested directly from the architect. At no point did Luxury Remodels or our architect pressure them to add features like a new kitchen; these were initiated by the homeowners themselves.4. No Instruction Was Given to Secure a Loan Prematurely:We never advised or required the homeowners to obtain financing before final plans and construction bids were available. Any decision to secure a loan early was made independently by the clients.5. Construction Cost Was Based on Final Plans, Not Original Concept:After the homeowners approved the final, expanded architectural plans, we submitted the documents to multiple vetted subcontractors for competitive bidding. The resulting construction proposal reflected current market pricing for the significantly enlarged scope. This was the first formal and detailed construction estimate presented.6. Reimbursement of City Fees:The city plan submission fee was reimbursed directly to the architect, a common and transparent process. These fees are often passed through directly to clients, and this arrangement was explained.7. Communication and Timeline:We acknowledge that architectural design, especially with evolving client direction, can be a lengthy process. While the clients did experience periods where progress felt slow, the overall design process took approximately 8 monthsa reasonable timeframe for a major second-story addition and substantial first-floor renovation. We provided ongoing updates, iterations, and incorporated client feedback throughout.8. No Bait-and-Switch or Bad Faith *********** suggestion that our company engaged in a bait-and-switch scheme or acted incompetently is entirely unsubstantiated and deeply disappointing. We acted in good faith at every step, providing professional design services, coordinating client-driven changes, and sourcing competitive construction pricing when design documents were complete.Summary:While we are genuinely sorry that the project did not proceed to construction, the outcome is not the result of any misrepresentation or failure on our part. The clients received architectural services per contract and chose to grow the scope well beyond the original idea, leading to a natural and corresponding increase in projected cost. We remain committed to transparency and professionalism and welcome further dialogue should the clients wish to revisit the project with a reduced scope or modified design.