The process

Now that the project is complete, Leslie says she realizes what a learning process it was. "Lots of people remodel their homes, but for me this was a big deal, a one-time project," she says.

In addition to living with the disruption to the house, she notes the challenge of reconciling what she wanted with what was possible financially. "A remodeling project is a lot like buying a car; additions cost extra," she says, but adds that Kerry and Angela were instrumental in helping her decide what to keep and what to save for the future.

"We decided I should splurge on the things that would be permanent and lasting, but compromise on the things that could be changed later," she says. For example, a Formica ledge runs along the back side of the wall between the kitchen and the great room, even though Leslie preferred marble.

What was never sacrificed, however, was her family's quality of life. Leslie credits project manager David Kuda for "taking good care of us."

"The people here on site were very concerned about our comfort level and our safety," she says. "For most of the winter, the back of the house was wide open, covered only by heavy plastic. David brought in a big heater and taught us how to use it safely. And the crew was so organized! They arrived on time every day for months. They put away all tools and materials and even vacuumed every afternoon.

"Now that I think about it," she adds, "that instilled our confidence in KBRD as professionals and as service providers who respected our home and property."

Follow-up care from the KBRD staff has also been exceptional, she says. "I discovered I had a leak under my sink, and Kerry had someone here that day."

In-house designer Angela Holloway also earns high marks. "I can't tell you how comforting it was to talk with Angela," Leslie says. "There were times when I was all over the place with ideas, and she listened. She really helped me to find what worked for me.

"By the time it was all over, she even let me think it was all my idea," she adds.

Leslie is thrilled with how well the project turned out. "Kerry helped me design a project that was much more successful than I had imagined," she says. "He helped me back up and made me look at it overall, and achieve what my objectives were, so that 20 years from now, I'll be as happy with it as I am today."

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