Lori Jolin Design, LLC.

We take pride in coming up with unique and personalized designs for our clients. We have clients that have hired us to do multiple projects or multiple homes, which is reflected in our photos and our reviews. Our first meeting is more of a “meet and greet” to get a feeling of the scope of a project, see if it is a project where we could bring value and if we are a good fit for the client and vice versa.

We always give the potential client our 2 page document that explains our various services, how we charge for those services, and then leave it behind to “read and sign” before we do any drawings or estimates. We value our time and our expertise, as well as those of our subcontractors. This process was followed with you as well, as we always do prior to time spent.

At the time, you were living in Illinois and coming up on weekends to settle your parent’s estate. You were uncertain if it made sense and you wanted us to price out several items for a possible renovation of the property. You had a lot to decisions to make, along with your sister, who also lived out of State and realize this was very stressful.

You entrusted us with a key to your home to bring in various contractors to obtain pricing for all new windows, floor refinishing, framing out a few rooms in the basement and adding a bathroom. You were also present at several of those meetings with the various subcontractors. We took samples for you to the State lab for asbestos testing, and possible lead paint, which we suggested was necessary for a home built during that time period (which turned out to be positive). Precautionary safety measures would be necessary during renovation.

There were months of pricing, many phone calls and a great number of emails during that time period to determine if purchasing this home was going to be an option or if you would purchase another property. We did a very basic Cad drawing to get estimates from plumbers, electricians, a carpenter, a drywaller, and window suppliers for pricing, all whom we met at your home on several occasions.

We did discuss the support wall in the basement on the very first meeting, as well as with the carpenter in obtaining bids to frame up the walls. We suggested using a sliding barn door into the front bedroom down there, so you could actually get furniture in that space. We also gave you two different options where the bathroom could be located. We never said it could not be located there, only mentioned code requirements. Our job is to give you viable options for the space, then you decide the pros & cons.

We did not include your storage space in the drawing because it was not in the “scope of work”. You said you weren’t going to do anything different and nothing would be done there. The basic CAD drawings were only to get bids for specific items and code upgrades.

There were a multitude of changing ideas and you certainly kept us on our toes trying to figure out which ones you wanted. Other than adding new windows, we had not even gotten to any Design ideas. It is how we start our process, to see if it is viable in the client’s price range.

We aim to work with every client so they are fully satisfied with our services. It had become clear that we were not the best fit for each other when I recommended you find a Contractor that better suited your needs and your time frame last July. I felt that was the best decision for both of us.

I am sorry if you were dissatisfied with our service. We gave you the actual estimates from the subcontractors, along with the drawings, not a square foot bulk number. Perhaps it helped with your ultimate decision to purchase the home. Of the 16 hours we recorded, we gave you a 9 hour discount and only charged you for 6 hours of our time.

We wish you the best, hope you were able to find the right person to complete your project, and you have the home you will be happy in for years to come.

Thanks, Linda! We appreciate your trust in us when helping with your new home. One of our favorite parts (aside from your love of bold colors!) was incorporating some of your husband's old family barnwood into your home. It certainly adds character and a personal touch! - Lori and Kate

Thanks, Kate! Jeremy's and your enthusiasm and involvement with the remodel was refreshing and greatly appreciated. We're thrilled you love your sleek, nature-inspired bathroom. The shower cubbies (and storage in the half-wall) have become a favorite idea when presenting concepts and solutions to clients with a similar size master bath - as you say, it's a great way to keep the clutter out of sight! -Lori and Kate

Thank you Janice for the great review! You were so fun to work with and so enthusiastic about all our ideas...especially the bright red subway tiles we used as a back splash. The final design of the kitchen is contemporary and fun. We will be posting pictures of the completed project, so stay tuned!