Demolish entryway walls and replace with structural and decorative columns. Build addition to living room that extends existing walls, install custom bookshelves and woodwork.
The best $30,000 I?ve ever spent! I purchased my 90 year old home last year after it had been gutted to the studs and completely remodeled. The remodeling quality was superior, but the living room was too small and closed in. I consulted another highly rated contractor I found on Angie?s List about building an addition and opening up the entryway, however when I received the estimate I found it to be cost prohibitive. I then asked the contractor to prepare an estimate for opening up the entryway and simply moving the existing direct vent fireplace from the center of the wall to the corner of the room. The cost estimate was within my budget, so I decided to get a few other estimates for comparison. I contacted Capaldo Construction after I saw their sign on a house being remodeled around the corner. I also contacted two other construction companies. Rob Capaldo arranged to meet with me the same day I called. He arrived punctually and presented me with his resume, licenses, insurance certificates and a lengthy list of references. I planned to get an estimate for opening the entryway and moving the fireplace. While we were talking, I mentioned that I had originally planned to build an addition but it was too expensive. After I quoted the other contractor?s estimate, he said it could be done for considerably less. Rob said he would be happy to prepare an additional estimate for an addition and I asked him to do so. He asked lots of questions about the design I envisioned (both inside and out), and how I planned to use the space. He provided a preliminary estimate within a day, and the cost was much lower than the first contractor?s. While I sought estimates from other contractors, I retained an architect to design plans for the addition and entryway. Rob provided me with a final written estimate within two days after I sent him the completed architectural plans. His estimate was extremely detailed, listing the costs for each type of material and the costs of the labor for each trade that would be working on the job. Rob?s was not the lowest bid, but it was relatively close to the lowest, and still within my budget. What sold me was the timeliness of his responses to my inquiries, coupled with the genuine interest he showed in even the smallest details of my project. Once I selected his company, Rob took care of everything from start to finish. He provided me with a detailed calendar outlining the work to be done each day, obtained the necessary permits, represented me before the zoning board, and was at my house daily, often several times each day. The work progressed as outlined on the calendar, even though I added several additional items including crown molding, moving a thermostat, and adding a railing to my front porch. The work area was cordoned off with plastic and the persons working on the house did their best to clean up the area whenever practical. Rob?s attention to detail continued while the work progressed. He quickly pointed out any corrections the craftsmen needed to make, and they were made in a timely manner. The only mishap occurred when a glass shelf was knocked off the wall in a bathroom adjoining the construction area. I casually mentioned the broken shelf in an e-mail to Rob, and he was at my house within ten minutes (no exaggeration) after I sent the message. He located the manufacturer of the shelf and replaced it so it would match the other accessories in the bathroom. Completion took only one day longer than estimated on the calendar, and the cost was approximately $300 less than the original estimate, even with the additional work performed. Once completed, Rob?s contractors had demolished the interior entry, installed structural and decorative columns, completed an addition that doubled the usable space in the living room, installed drywall, flooring, a fireplace with custom bookshelves, crown molding, and painted the entire area. The finished product is impeccable. The addition blends seamlessly into the existing structure and looks as though it had always been there. One first time visitor to the house stood in the newly expanded living area and asked which room I had remodeled. This was my first experience with a major remodeling and I could not be more pleased with the outcome. If I have any building or remodeling needs in the future, Capaldo Construction will be the first company I call.
