Abrams Design Build

We would recommend Abrams Design Build without reservation. We hired them to fully remodel our house. This included a new HVAC system, electrical supply, 3 completely redone bathrooms, a new kitchen, and relocating the stairways to a small footprint addition. Alan’s idea for moving the stairways has made our house spectacular and light. We were drawn to ADB for their green practices and for their design aesthetic. We interviewed a few firms--some were confused by our interest in green building and when we looked at others’ websites, they seemed to have only one look for all clients (not the kind of recycled we were interested in). Alan and his firm are the complete package. We never had to press him on being green—that is where he wants to be. Our project went off without a hitch—Alan never went over time or budget. We actually moved back into our house 6 months to the day we moved out—despite a snowstorm and no power in the last week. We went over budget in some of our choices but that was a deliberate choice on our part. Our meetings were always collaborative and we left every meeting more excited. Alan, Kevin and his whole crew were easy to work with and accommodating to all our requests. Our completed home exceeded our wildest expectations for beauty, functionality and usability. We actually miss Alan and the crew—and Alan’s delicious bread.

A few years before hiring Abrams Design Build, I had the opportunity to meet Alan in my home to review my needs. I was not able to immediately move forward with my home improvement project. When the right time came to start on my dream kitchen, I had no doubt in my mind to find Alan Abrams. It was the best decision. Alan and his team were timely, in budget, responded to every little question or concern, respectful and each and every day they left, the house was clean enough for us to continue living in our home. I would highly recommend Abrams Design Build and will be using them again for my next big home improvement project!

Abrams Design Build completed a remodel of our home in 2009, and we were very pleased with their professionalism, thoroughness and their follow-through. They gave us the breakdown of the costs, up front and were clear about any changes to the costs. The work was impeccable and we've been enjoying our new space ever since. I always recommend them to friends who are considering renovations.

Abrams Design Build designed and built a screened in porch for the back of our home. The project was finished on schedule and within our agreed upon budget. The contractors were all professional and did top quality work. In addition, the staff at Abrams were very good about listening to our ideas and putting them on paper. This helped ensure a porch that delivered the look and feel that we wanted.

Abrams built a modest addition to our 1920's Silver Spring bungalow, fitting both our energy efficiency and historic character requirements. Alan provided advice and thoughtful ideas throughout the process, and everyone involved in the construction was great to work with, too. We came in extremely close to our initial estimates, on time, and feeling good about all the people involved. We love our enlarged home, and highly recommend Abrams.

Abrams Design Build did the design and construction on a 2-story addition to our home (family room, powder room and master bedroom) along with a kitchen renovation and new master bath in the "old" part of the house. We were pleased with ABD in all respects. They stayed on schedule and on budget and were very easy to work with. The cost of the project was fair and the quality of the work was high. A year after the project was complete, they contacted us to see how things were holding up and came back for some minor adjustments. I would use them again for a major renovation project.

Our family engaged Abrams Design Build for a house remodel that included deconstructing and replacing one wing of our 1948 ranch house (structurally unsound and thoroughly contaminated with black mold), insulating the entire house (with EEFS), replacement of all windows, new master bedroom and bath, new roof and new airlock entry. While we had vaguely "green" goals, Alan Abrams educated us about what we could achieve within budget and guided our decisions every step of the way. During demolition, reusable components were set aside for later use or donated to Community Forklift. Our rebuilt wing fixed resolved long-standing structural and traffic-flow problems, used (beautiful) exposed composite beams, windows designed to maximize natural airflow and cooling, and a green roof. EEFS insulation with sprayed-on stucco both allowed us to mix paint into the stucco, reducing future maintenance costs, while cutting our heating and cooling energy cost by more than 50%. The result we achieved with Abrams Design Build is both beautiful and functional, and gave us a home that we are proud of. We have never regretted our selection of Abrams Design Build, and have recommended the firm to other prospective customers.

After reviewing a neighbor's kitchen/bath/and for them a 2nd floor addition I was eager to contact Abrams Design Build to discuss my kitchen renovation /new 1st floor power room addition project. My neighbors gave Abrams Design such a glowing review that I was suspicious especially since my husband and I had recently had a very bad experience with a contractor hired to build our sunroom. Needless to say, Abrams Design Build exceeded our expectations. From day one after signing the renovation contract, my husband and I felt we were listen to and informed of all aspects of the renovation project. Alan and his entire crew assigned to our project were respectful of our inside and outside areas not included in the scope of the renovation. When the renovation project was completed, on time, no one would have known a renovation project had ever occurred.

Abrams Design Build designed and built our home remodel. The remodel consisted of a entirely new room addition, completely new kitchen, and smaller changes (new windows, new master bathroom) in bedrooms. Alan worked directly with us, honoring our desire for green design and construction while considering our budget. He had several creative and innovative solutions, including green materials, energy efficient design, reclaiming of materials, and reuse. Alan also introduced us to a wonderful custom wood craftsman who uses reclaimed wood to create beautiful cabinets, shelves and counters. The work was more or less done on time. Two significant problems were encountered (wrong cabinets were delivered, roof leak after skylight installation). Abrams Design immediately made good on the cabinets, and eventually took care of the roof leak. Some of the subcontractors' work was a bit careless - leaving wood shavings all over the basement for instance, and that roof leak. This is the only negative, and the reason I did not give 5 stars. Abrams Design was flexible, and never pointed to the contract to avoid work or corrections. They sincerely wanted a satisfied customer. Costs did not inflate significantly over the contract terms. Overall, a good experience. I'd recommend Abrams Design if you are looking for green design and remodel.

Downsizing from a large old Victorian we bought a large "mid-century modern" condo that was in need of serious reorganization to meet our needs. Alan was a delight to work with, we had a nice collaborative interaction while we worked through the design process to create a new space for us and to stay within budget. The actual build process went without a hitch, on time. After over a year we are extremely pleased with our space.

We found Abrams Design Build after they had completed remodel/new build work for two other friends. Alan Abrams works closely with his clients to walk through the scope of the work to be conducted, the materials to be used, the timeline of the project, and the budget. He looks not only at the "must haves" but the "nice to haves" as well. He really takes the time to get to know his clients to better understand the impetus behind the remodel/new build. Alan gives you the opportunity to be very detailed when designing your new space. We said we wanted more space. Alan asked, "What are you going to use it for? Who is going to use this space vs. that space?" We said we wanted more light. Alan asked, "What kind of light? Natural light? More light fixtures? Direct or indirect?' Along each step of the way, Alan maintains and open flow of communication to ensure the work remains true to the design. Our house is featured on the Abrams Design Build website (look for purple and green). We would high recommend hiring Abrams Design Build.

Abrams Design Build is a knowledgeable, respectful, creative, and responsible firm. Their staff is responsive and flexible and I plan to hire them again.