This is a long-overdue rating. We completed our renovation with J Allen Smith 2 years ago (summer 2017). Jesse's team (with Luis at the helm) gutted our entire, Cape Cod-style home - roof off, second floor gone, new foundation/pilings set... and then rebuilt it to be a proper 2-story. Believe me, it required a lot of trust! Every single morning, we walk downstairs and are reminded how much we adore our home 2.0.

Professional & Organized

Professional & Organized - One of the factors that led us to go with J Allen Smith was the transparency of the process given by the detailed online portal and calendar to track our project. We were disappointed when this was discontinued.

Communication

Communication - The staff transitions created some challenges in our project.

Subcontractors Professionalism

Subcontractors Professionalism - Overall they were all professional and courteous. However, some did smoke on the project site (this was addressed when mentioned to the project manager).

Clean & Safe

Clean & Safe - We would not consider the final product to have been "turn-key". We had to do extensive deep cleaning before we could live in the new space, and had to clean regularly during construction.

Lead Source

Lead Source - Through friends

Areas For Improvement

Areas For Improvement - Communication and project site cleaning. During the project and once the house was delivered, we invested significant time and effort in cleaning the house. The brick dust in the basement coated everything, was not cleaned by your staff, and required extensive effort by the homeowner and a third party cleaning service . In addition, the basement was left with dirty handprints all over the walls. While we are very happy with the house and the workmanship, this was a disappointment.

Areas Of Satisfaction

Areas Of Satisfaction - We are very happy with the end product, and appreciate the effort put into rectify the kitchen flooring issue.

Current Referrals

Current Referrals - We have already given positive referrals to others.

Why Us?

Why Us? - Positive referrals from previous customers, and plan/budget met our needs.

Additional Comments

Additional Comments - One parting thought, when homeowners ask you if they should move out during construction of a project this involved, you should say "yes" without reservation.

Lead Source

Lead Source - Friend recommendation

Areas For Improvement

Areas For Improvement - Ben was hard to work with. I won't go into details, but he often frustrated us throughout the process

Areas Of Satisfaction

Areas Of Satisfaction - Luis was great to work with. His management and organization throughout the project was excellent

Why Us?

Why Us? - The proposal was very well detailed and thorough.

Jesse and his team turned a 120 year old DC rowhouse into our dream home!

Lead Source

Lead Source - Through our realtor. Jesse walked through the house with us before we even bought it to give us a rough idea of cost and schedule. He did this this walk-through on his own time, long before we signed his contract.

Areas For Improvement

Areas For Improvement - None. Jesse's team exceeded all our expectations.

Areas Of Satisfaction

Areas Of Satisfaction - The overall craftmanship and attention to detail was top notch, but the relationship we developed with Jesse's team during construction is what will bring us back to them for our next home improvement project. The entire team is deeply committed to their client's goals and satisfaction.

Why Us?

Why Us? - We toured two of Jesse's projects prior to signing his contract and were impressed by the product and attention to detail they provided.

I highly recommend J Allen Smith. We could not be happier with our new kitchen and have gotten many compliments from friends and neighbors. J Allen Smith had great communication, answered all our questions and addressed our concerns quickly and respectively. This review wouldn't be complete without making mention of their high level of craftsmanship and attention to detail.

Understand Building Process

Understand Building Process - We think so, but this is our first time doing this type of renovation, so there's probably still more to learn.

Construction Quality

Construction Quality - Without a doubt!

Communication

Communication - Great communication - prompt, courteous, transparent, helpful, etc.

Problem Resolution

Problem Resolution - Definitely.

Trust

Trust - Absolutely.

Likely To Recommend

Likely To Recommend - Can't recommend highly enough. My husband and I have nothing but praise for the J Allen Smith Design/Build team. They are professional, courteous and communicative. The quality of workmanship is very high as is their attention to detail. I am so glad we went with J Allen Smith Design/Build.

Easier Than Expected

Easier Than Expected - After hearing so many negative stories about dealing with contractors, I must say that our experience has been nothing but positive.

Customer Suggestion

Customer Suggestion - Only suggestion would be to institute a policy that all subcontractors communicate with J Allen Smith if changes need to be made so that J Allen Smith can talk with homeowner. Subcontractors might not always have a good sense of the big picture or other things and J Allen Smith is better skilled in communication, so when there's a fuzzy area, J Allen Smith might be able to explain and discuss things more clearly and completely.

Lead Source

Lead Source - Was referred by a format client.

Areas For Improvement

Areas For Improvement - We should have reexamined the lighting plan once the ceiling was opened up.

Areas Of Satisfaction

Areas Of Satisfaction - We appreciate the communication and responsiveness of J Allen Smith as well as their high level of craftsmanship and pride in their work.

Current Referrals

Current Referrals - I have already recommended J Allen Smith to a neighbor who is considering redoing their kitchen.

Why Us?

Why Us? - Good bid and great communication.

It is true that JASDB is built with Intergrity. It was reassuring to be able to trust my contractor... integrity, honest, responsive, within budget, and quality work.

Schedule

Schedule - Our project was delayed heavily by snow and the County Inspector made JASDB change their plan of action. That being said JASDB made efforts to finish the project timely. The majority of work is done and we have moved into the new space but there are a few items that have lingered on.

Clean & Safe

Clean & Safe - JASDB and the subcontractors were considerate about ladder placement in neighbors garden. There was very little space for ladder placement, but no plants were damaged.

Punchlist

Punchlist - There was a delay due to waiting for shipping of door hardware. However, once JASDB began working on the punchlist, the majority of items were done timely. However, the AC issue discussed above took longer than expected..

Likely To Recommend

Likely To Recommend - I would recommend JASDB without hesitation. I would use him again for another project.People in the neighborhood comment on how fast the job was done and how nice the work looks. My mother-in-law (tough critic) is very impressed by the finish work. My father-in-law says the new space is "consistent" with the old space. It is true that JASDB is built with Intergrity. It was reassuring to be able to trust my contractor... integrity, honest, responsive, within budget, and quality work.

Lead Source

Lead Source - From a friend.

Areas For Improvement

Areas For Improvement - There were issues with HVAC. 1. The HVAC subcontractors connected one of the new radiators to the wrong thermostat zone and the radiators were not heating up when HVAC subcontrators finished the work. JASDB contacted the HVAC subcontractor and the issue was resolved within 24 hours. 2. JASDB tie-in of the new AC ducts and vents is not fully functional. This issue is currently being resolved. I am confident JASDB will resolve this issue.

Areas Of Satisfaction

Areas Of Satisfaction - I felt JASDB was Intergrity. I trust the owner Jesse because he is honest and upfront even when there are the unexpected "discoveries" in remodeling an old home. JASDB was able to quickly resolve issues that the Architect (from another company) left out of the plan drawings.

Current Referrals

Current Referrals - Yes

Why Us?

Why Us? - Ability to communicate in an effectively and timely in open, honest, assertive, yet customer service friendly way. Reputation for quality work. My friend's recommendation. Good ratings on Angie's List. Cost of project.

I highly recommend J Allen Smith Design/Build. They did the work in time and within the budget. When the inevitable issues arose in construction, they were able to resolve them professionally and courteously.

Areas Of Satisfaction

Areas Of Satisfaction - The quality of the work was outstanding. There were, as in any project, some issues that arose during construction. J Allen Smith resolved them in a completely professional manor.

Why Us?

Why Us? - after some communication glitches at the beginning of the process, Jesse Smith delivered a clear concept of the project and seemed very knowledgeable about all the details.

Areas Of Satisfaction

Areas Of Satisfaction - Excellent team of talented professionals.

Why Us?

Why Us? - Connection with Sroka Design, Good detailed proposal, strong and interested leader in Jesse

Lead Source

Lead Source - from a neighbor

Areas For Improvement

Areas For Improvement - N/A

Areas Of Satisfaction

Areas Of Satisfaction - I was most impressed with how Jesse stayed within my budget parameters to give me a beautifully designed and executed bathroom.

Current Referrals

Current Referrals - Not at the moment, but if any of my neighbors want to pursue a remodeling project, I will happily recommend J Allen Smith Design/Build.

Why Us?

Why Us? - We ultimately chose J Allen Smith Design/Build for our project, because Jesse designed a bathroom that we would love that was within our price range.

Additional Comments

Additional Comments - We love our bathroom! Thanks, Jesse!

Construction Quality

Construction Quality - Chad and Brent have done a great job and are a pleasure to work with.

Problem Resolution

Problem Resolution - After I found out that the quartz countertops were too expensive for me at $132 a square foot (my Internet research on the average price of quartz had not prepare me for that), I really appreciated that Chad was able to find the Corian color I wanted for the orignial estimated price of $2500, with a Corian sink to boot!

Lead Source

Lead Source - I described the job in an on-line database (don't remember the name of it) and was contacted by Jesse Smith a few days later.

Important Factors

Important Factors - The contractor must be licensed and insured, sound technically competent, listen well, and not be condescending because I am female.

Areas For Improvement

Areas For Improvement - None.

Areas Of Satisfaction

Areas Of Satisfaction - They had the most important factors I decribed above, plus it seemed that they had thought through the best way to approach all the aspects of the job.

Jesse Smith's approach is professional and organized and he demonstrated commitment to even a comparatively small remodel project. We greatly appreciated having a dedicated project supervisor, Chad Tressler, on site until the job was completed on schedule. It was a pleasure to communicate daily with Chad and his assistant Brent on the progress of our project -- both were very courteous and responsive on the job. All in all, everything about our kitchen remodel fell into place without any of the contractor delays and problems one hears so much about.

Areas Of Satisfaction

Areas Of Satisfaction - We were very pleased to have the job finished on schedule and overall we were pleased with the quality of the work.

Why Us?

Why Us? - We were impressed by the solid reputation of J. Allen Smith Design Build and Jesse Allen's professionalism and commitment to our comparatively small kitchen remodel

Areas Of Satisfaction

Areas Of Satisfaction - They were on this job. I never really worried about completion, which was time sensitive.

Why Us?

Why Us? - Since I've worked with them before, I knew pretty much what I was going to get. I appreciate their organization of a project.

Definitely a professional company but do expect subcontractors to be doing the dirty work. The subcontractors were nice so it was fine with us. Cost wise, he is not the cheapest but not the most expensive. The project manager was a nice guy as well.

Why Us?

Why Us? - His price was in the middle - not low but not the highest, not to mention that he had done work in our previous home and he did a very nice job.

Clean & Safe

Clean & Safe - If I could rate this higher I would.

Lead Source

Lead Source - We heard based of a recommendation from a interior designer.

Areas For Improvement

Areas For Improvement - There were some timing issues, but I also think my wife and I were partially responsible for them.

Areas Of Satisfaction

Areas Of Satisfaction - The quality of their work seems to be very good. I think the employee who was managing the site was very good, responsive, kind, and courteous. I think the cleanliness was much better then we expected. We have small children and it was important to us that the job-site be kept clean and safe.

Why Us?

Why Us? - We chose J Allen Smith Design/Build, primarily because of the recommendation. Also, we did talk to several contractors. HoweverI liked the style, approach and sincerity of J Allen Smith Design/Build. I thought their price was competitive, maybe not the best price but definitely competitive.

Areas Of Satisfaction

Areas Of Satisfaction - When I ask for information or verifications, I get it.

Why Us?

Why Us? - I trust him

Additional Comments

Additional Comments - Working with J Allen Smith Design/Build was fantastic. You can give them the highest rating for each question. They did a great job.

Additional Comments

Additional Comments - J Allen Smith Design/Build did a great job on our project and we are so pleased with the services we received from their company. We are satisfied with everything they did and we would definitely recommend J Allen Smith to a friend!

JAS design/build was the contractor we chose for our previous master bathroom renovation, and we were very pleased with the result. Therefore, when the time came to renovate our kitchen, Jesse and his crew were the obvious choice.The expertise, professionalism, and attention to detail of Jesse Smith and our site supervisor Chad Tressler was exceptional. Jesses design took our kitchen from "blah" to "WOW". The build quality is extremely high, Chad is a master at coming up with solutions for unexpected problems, and it comes out looking great! He worked with me on every aspect to make sure I was happy. The ability of Jesse to surround himself with very high quality subcontractors is also particularly noteworthy. The word subcontractor usually makes me shudder, but the professionalism of these guys rivals that of Jesses. Jesse also keeps close tabs on them, so he is working with them rather than just setting them loose, which is impressive and leads to a wonderful result. I was impressed in particular with the electrician, Rick, who came up with some unique solutions for unexpected issues, and solved them professionally and with aplomb. The granite supplier, Goran, also bent over backwards to get our granite done quickly despite extreme pressure on him due to power failures after a big windstorm, and it allowed our project to proceed. Kudos to him.Both Jesse and Chad are easy to work with, truly care about their workmanship, and will do the job right. In this day and age, someone who truly takes pride in their craftsmanship is rare. Sometimes you get what you pay for. This is one of those cases. There are cheaper contractors out there, but if you want a wonderful design, professional result, impeccable honesty, and want it done right, Jesse's your man.

Customer Suggestion

Customer Suggestion - I don't have any suggestions. We were very pleased with their whole staff and their workmanship. They did our master bathroom for us first. We liked it a lot so hired them for the kitchen and have been very pleased so far.

Lead Source

Lead Source - Previous work on our master bath.

Areas For Improvement

Areas For Improvement - Employees spread a bit thin between different jobs. Not a major issue though. I chalk it up to growing pains for the company.

Areas Of Satisfaction

Areas Of Satisfaction - The expertise, professionalism, and attention to detail of Jesse Smith and our site supervisor Chad Tressler. The build quality is extremely high, Chad is a master at coming up with solutions for unexpected problems, and it comes out looking great. He worked with me on every aspect to make sure I was happy. The ability of Jesse to surround himself with very high quality subcontractors, whose professionalism rivals Jesses. I was impressed in particular with the electrician, Rick, who came up with some unique solutions for unexpected issues. The granite supplier, Goran, also bent over backwards to get our granite done quickly despite extreme pressure on him due to power failures after a big storm, and it allowed our project to proceed. Kudos.

Current Referrals

Current Referrals - Not at the moment, but I know who to recommend if I come across anyone.

Why Us?

Why Us? - He has done work previously for us on our master bath. When it came time for a kitchen remodel, the choice was obvious.

J Allen Smith have been very professional and communicative. I have been very satisfied with the quality of their work. I would definitely recommend them and use them again.

They replaced our floors, railings, and complete kitchen. They have been great!! I love my new kitchen. They told me 5 weeks (everyone else said 7) and they completed on time. And they left the job site clean and organized everyday. Great people to work with, very professional.

Lead Source

Lead Source - Skip Sroka

Lead Source

Lead Source - I heard about J. Allen Smith Design Build from a friend.

Areas Of Satisfaction

Areas Of Satisfaction - So far, I have been most satisfied with the level of professionalism.

Why Us?

Why Us? - I chose J. Allen Design Build because they were recommended to me by a friend.

We were very pleased with Jesse Allen Smith in the designing of our new kitchen; it looks like a picture out of a book! A job well done! We would definitely recommend Jesse Smith to design and do the construction of any room in your house. Jesse comes up with ideas that you wouldn't think of.

Areas Of Satisfaction

Areas Of Satisfaction - The design of our new remodeled kitchen and the outcome. We are very pleased with the design that Jesse A. Smith came up with; we are very pleased with the design of the cabinets.

Why Us?

Why Us? - We chose J. Allen Smith from the website because this company also design for a remodelling project; we wanted to have a completed new kitchen design.

We are delighted that we decided to go with Jesse Smith for our master bathroom remodel! I saw examples of his previous master bath work online, and liked it. Several positive reviews, and the face to face consultation put my mind at ease about his reliability. The build quality on the remodel, everything from tile work, grout, plumbing, trim, and fixture installation, down to the painting was as professionally done as I have ever seen. The other main positive aspects were the design inspiration and suggestions of Jesse Smith himself. He was able to pull our master bath project together, within our budget, and make it look like we spent twice as much. In addition, he gave us several alternative design aspects we never would have thought of ourselves.He tends to work with higher end products, but knows what's worth spending your hard earned dollars on, and what isn't. If you want a high quality contractor, give this guy a call. He won't let you down!

Customer Suggestion

Customer Suggestion - Stay in the business because we need more people like him.

Areas For Improvement

Areas For Improvement - None. In every aspect, Jesse and Luis exceeded my expectations.

Areas Of Satisfaction

Areas Of Satisfaction - The build quality, everything from tile work, grout, plumbing, down to the painting was as professionally done as I have ever seen. The other aspect is the design inspiration and suggestions of Jesse Smith himself. He was able to pull our master bath project together, within our budget, and make it look like we spent twice as much. In addition, he gave us several alternative design aspects we never would have thought of ourselves.He tends to work with higher end products, but knows what's worth spending your hard earned dollars on, and what isn't.

Current Referrals

Current Referrals - Not at the moment, but if anyone asks, I know who to send them to.

Why Us?

Why Us? - I saw examples of his previous master bath work online, and liked it. Several positive reviews, and the face to face consultation put my mind at ease about his reliability.

Additional Comments

Additional Comments - Nice to finally work with a real professional!

Areas For Improvement

Areas For Improvement - Nowhere really, I think they were excellent.

Areas Of Satisfaction

Areas Of Satisfaction - I think he is a very honest and a very good contractor.

Lead Source

Lead Source - I was recommended by the decorator.

Clean & Safe

Clean & Safe - I was impressed with how they kept our home neat while working and cleaned up so well at the end of each day. Our house never felt like a work zone.

Punchlist

Punchlist - Our project was 100% complete and required no punchlist.

Areas Of Satisfaction

Areas Of Satisfaction - Quality of workmanship, courtesy of employees

Why Us?

Why Us? - I had seen examples of their work and was impressed with their high level of quality. They understood our budgetary contraints when in the planning phase of our project and were able to work with us to develop a plan that was affordable while meeting our needs and expectations.

Areas Of Satisfaction

Areas Of Satisfaction - Professionalism, craftsmanship, and attention to detail.

Expertise

Expertise - I was very comfortable with the build services and expertise. I had already engaged outside design services when the contractor was hired. If I were to repeat this type of project, I probably would engage Jesse earlier in the process. Few other contractors, however, offer this service. Perhaps this design portion should be emphasized and marketed stronger. It does mean that clients have to be well-informed to ask the right questions. I liked the fact that my opinion was requested on several tasks (e.g. location and kind of electrical switches; types of windows)

Professional & Organized

Professional & Organized - I would rate customer service very high. Jesse and his staff were very conscientious in alerting me about planned visits and projects. This communication afforded me an opportunity to prepare for the project and to educate myself about the elements of the work. For example: I reviewed the different patterns for tile layout, so I knew how it would look in my rooms and hallway.

Problem Resolution

Problem Resolution - Follow up and follow through on concerns were excellent. Additionally, staff and the contractor were open-minded and respectful.

Value

Value - When I factor in customer service and communication, I believe that I received a fair value for the work.

Additional Comments

Additional Comments - I think that there is a fine line about customer involvement which Jesse seems to navigate very well. He is certainly open-minded and respectful. He also is confident in his assessments and work.

Additional Comments

Additional Comments - Jesse has done a good bit for me and it is all fabulous work, just beautiful.

Additional Comments

Additional Comments - They've done a great job.

Areas Of Satisfaction

Areas Of Satisfaction - I was most satisfied with their professionalism and attention to detail.

Additional Comments

Additional Comments - We're very pleased with our experience.

Areas Of Satisfaction

Areas Of Satisfaction - I am most satisfied with the expert advice, the honesty and integrity of the company owner, and the expert and high quality workmanship I received.

Additional Comments

Additional Comments - I would highly recommend this company over any other for any and all home improvement projects. The service during and after the project is superb.

Areas Of Satisfaction

Areas Of Satisfaction - Quality of workmanship and attention to detail are unmatched.

Likely To Recommend

Likely To Recommend - I have already have recommended them to tons of people.

Areas Of Satisfaction

Areas Of Satisfaction - Jesse's attention to detail, to keep it within our budget and still make it special. He is a pleasure to work with.