Design First Builders

Elizabeth Monkus

2023-10

Design First built a dry bar and a Murphy wall bed for us. The finished work looks beautiful and the work crews (including project manager Matt Smillie) were excellent. Everyone worked with us to install special finishes like leaded glass doors and brass bar rails that made the finished project very special.The floor in the bedroom has a significant slope and the original panels cut for the wall bed had to be remade. The cabinet shop remade them overnight and the installation went smoothly.We would have benefited from a little more guidance during the design process, especially in making decisions about how to configure the shelving. We also found the process of choosing finishes difficult to do in a single meeting. Overall, both Danielle House and Wendy Clouser helped create a beautiful finished look in line with our vision.Overall, we are happy with the finished work and satisfied with the quality and professionalism of the work. We would recommend them.

Kathy P

2024-03

High praises for service and a team that is easily accessible. DesignFirst worked closely with us to design and build the bar we envisioned. We worked with Francesca, Heather and Gary, who were very helpful and patient along the way. Highly recommend DesignFirst if you’re looking for excellent service and quality!

Kevin Lowe

2023-05

Design First Builders recently completed my kitchen/first floor remodel. The whole process was awesome! Initially we met with Danielle House who came out to check out our space. She listened to our thoughts and came up with a really great design. Then we worked with Linda who helped us with cabinets and tile. This is not our strong point, but Linda's ideas were perfect and she has great taste. Rick was our project manager he was fantastic. He obviously has years of construction experience and he really put us at ease. His customer service skills are excellent. Rick brought our dream kitchen together perfectly . Design first has an all star team, I will definitely be using them for future projects .Services: Home renovations, Tile work replacement, Paint indoors, Remodeling, Interior design, Drywall installation, Kitchen remodeling, Drywall repair

The Cannons

2023-04

I had an excellent experience with Design First Builders. Our family was looking to do a full remodel, and we met with Danielle to share our ideas. She was thorough in explaining their process and how next steps would work, and we were impressed. We met again 2 weeks later to see her design, and not only did we get a full pricing estimate, but saw a floor plan layout and images in 3D on the computer screen of the new rooms and what they will look like! This was so helpful in making next step decisions. We ultimately decided to hold off for now due to an illness in the family, but we will definitely be back to Design First when we want to proceed with this remodel!

Gaming with Luna and Livvy

2023-04

My wife and I had the pleasure of working with Design First Builders for our living room addition and mudroom project. We worked with Danielle and Jon on our project. They were professional and very timely in answering all of questions. We are super happy with the results. They met and exceeded our expectations and the quality of work was great. We will definitely use Design First again on our next project. Thank you Danielle and Jon for your all your hard work.Service: Home addition construction

Angela D'Aloia

2023-04

We absolutely love our new kitchen! Design First handled everything from the design to permits to construction smoothly. The architect, Rod and interior designer, Francesca were very creative and fulfilled all of our needs. Design First crews removed two walls and reconfigured our kitchen and our powder room. The project manager, Rick, was very attentive to our needs and responsive. If any issues occurred, Rick and management were on top of it. Even after the project was completely, Austin, was responsive and carried out repairs for us. If you want a project completed from start to finish professionally, we recommend Design First.Service: Kitchen remodeling

Lauren Knipe

2023-04

I finally took the big leap I had been saving up for and, after much research, hired Design First Builders to create our dream kitchen. From my first meetings with Danielle I knew I picked the right company. Their process was so streamlined and everyone was so helpful—almost too helpful. Francesca helped me and my husband design out amazing kitchen and then once we started work, our project manager Jon made sure we were informed on what was happening and what next steps were to. I will definitely use Design First for all our future projects!Services: Remodeling, Home addition construction, Kitchen remodeling

Justin Hagstrom

2023-05

Design First helped us with our home addition. We wanted to add an office and everything turned out great. It turned out even better than expected. While there were a few bumps along the way, the team at Design First always made sure we were happy and addressed each and every concern we had to our satisfaction. We highly recommend using the Design First team.Services: Install flooring, Home renovations, Home building, Drywall installation, Roof installation, Home addition construction

Kristen Mendez

2023-07

We are very happy with how our attached garage conversion to a dining and living room turned out. Once the work actually started I would give even higher than 5 stars. Gary was on top of everything, had great communication and was willing to listen and figure things out when I had any concerns. Beto’s team of contractors were amazing, came every day and completed the work ahead of schedule. There were some bumps in the road, primarily due to our village not D1B, but then trying to restart the project once it had paused was not a great experience, however I can overlook those issues because it all worked out above my expectations. David R was helpful behind the scenes, Matt helped us initially and then Fred ensured that we got the design and vision that we wanted. I also have to include that the price was extremely fair and there were no surprise costs at the end, which I was worried about. For any new costs that arose we had the choice to approve or deny the changes immediately and the final cost was extremely close to the initial bid.

Oliver Hernandez

2023-04

I would highly recommend Design First Builders! They are an amazing company to work with. All the contractors were very good with my project. They were always on time and cleaned up every day! They also completed my project before the estimated completion date. My project manager Janine Lieske was so great at keeping me informed on all the process of my project and was very knowledgeable and professional! Would work with them again in a heartbeat!Service: Remodeling

Shawna M

2023-04

Highly recommend DESIGNFirst Builders for all your home improvement/remodel needs! My experience with their incredible team of professionals was wonderful right from the start! Krista’s knowledge of the process allowed me to feel comfortable and confident moving forward. She set me up with an amazing designer, Danielle. They were both an absolute pleasure to work with!

Tom Miller

2023-04

I recently used Design First Builders for my kitchen remodel and master bedroom addition. The level of professionalism from my project manager (Jon Weber) exceeded my expectations! Received quick responses whenever asking for work updates and was thrilled to have progress pictures sent with the messages. Would definitely recommend calling for all of your renovation and custom design needs. I will be using them again in the future!Services: Home renovations, Remodeling

Allison Celada

2023-04

We used Design First for our first new home build. We worked with Francesca for the entire process, and she is wonderful. Francesca is very organized, mindful of detail and follows through. On site we worked with Justin, who also is easy to work with. What we appreciated most about him is his problem solving skills and ability to get back on schedule for our timeline. When building a new home communication is important, and they were always available and accessible when their attention was required. With all the obstacles we overcame, Francesca and Justin were to thank. Toward the end of the project we worked with Marcin, who was also so nice and really put his best effort in everyday. Great attitudes really go a long way- and they had the best! Thank you to everyone who contributed to the build- great job!

Brandon Witt

2023-04

DESIGNFirst Builders is a top-notch remodeling company. They really go above and beyond, from concept to completion. I had the pleasure of working with Adam, who was able to take what little input I had, and run with it. I was blown away by the renderings he was able to create, and how quickly he was able to turn them around. He also made many creative suggestions that I never would've thought of, that we incorporated in the project. Overall, I was very happy with my experience with DESIGNFirst Builders.

Jay Dema

2023-04

My wife and I reached out to DFB to update our kitchen, family room bar, and redo our hardwood floors for the entire first floor. We worked with architects Matt and Michael, Linda the designer, and Matt the project manager. They were all extremely experienced, professional, friendly, stayed on schedule, and completed the job on time. They answered all of our questions, were extremely detailed, and all over any issues that popped up. Matt the project manager took meticulous notes, was there daily, and was always available by phone or text. Our house looks brand new and looks awesome 😎Service: Kitchen remodeling

walt gore

2023-07

I initially contacted Design First a few years ago to build a new addition to our church. They were very professional and provided assurances that no other company did. The project ended with an absolutely beautiful addition that everyone loved! Throughout the process, DF kept all of their promises and the service was absolutely excellent!!Since then, I hired them to replace a master bath and again…the service from start to finish was all we could hope for and more! Final thoughts…DF will honor their commitments and you will have peace if mind!!!Walt G.

Shane Powell

2023-04

We worked with Danielle on our Kitchen remodel. From the beginning Danielle was a great listener, offered valuable suggestions, and coordinated everything efficiently. We had heard nightmare stories of kitchen remodels and Danielle was the exact opposite. Everything was smooth, on-time, and turned out just how we wanted it to. From picking out grout to cabinetry colors Danielle was so helpful. We'd highly recommend working with her and DesignFirst.Service: Kitchen remodeling

Alyssa Groh

2023-04

We cannot recommend Design First enough!! We worked with Heather and Design First to reconfigure the first floor of our new home. Throughout the process they answered all of our questions, guided us through every single step and made the whole project as stress free as possible. We were incredibly impressed with their professionalism, communication and attention to detail. I highly recommend them for any home project!

Brian Waterkotte

2023-04

I am currently working with Design First in a marketing capacity. I've been working with Design First for more than five years and I've found them to be very professional and honest in our dealings. They strive for transparency and integrity, and their newest Dir. of Marketing, Cece Anderson, has picked up right where their last one left off. Honest, responsive, a good negotiator, and interested in utilizing new media avenues to promote Design First's strong offerings.I've yet to have the chance to utilize their services (as my brother is a contractor, and does my work for free :) but everything I've heard from their customers is glowing. If they treat their customers like they treat their business partners, you'll be in good hands here. I'd highly recommend Design First Builders.

Mike Campbell

2023-04

We are so happy with our whole home remodel. It was a very pleasant experience from beginning to end. Our main reason for going with Design First was to have a project manager that would handle all the unexpected hurdles. Jon did not disappoint. From the challenges of scheduling during a pandemic to promptly correcting any issues that arose. Jon was always quick to respond to our questions and showed that our satisfaction was his first priority. We love our new home.Services: Bathroom remodeling, Deck construction, Remodeling, Interior design, Home addition construction, Kitchen remodeling

Luca Brasi

2023-04

Design First Builders is my first choice when I need a premier builder that is detail-driven start to finish! They provide some of the best inspiration layouts and design ideas I have ever seen.They value-engineered my key elements into a buildable plan set that was accurate and unique.Team members like Anthony LoCoco ensure trade partners are given precise purchase orders that match these prints. All the trade workmen that came out said Design First was great to work for.I highly recommend DFB for any design-build project from smaller projects to custom new homes!Services: Tile work installation, Install flooring, Home renovations, Bathroom remodeling, Basement remodeling, Tile work replacement, Deck construction, Exterior structural repairs, Luxury home building, Foundation pouring, Remodeling, Interior structural repairs, Home building, Interior design, Drywall installation, Roof installation, Home addition construction, Kitchen remodeling, Concrete pouring, Patio construction

Tramaine Martin

2023-04

Our Architectural Designer, Jen Kruse was super knowledgeable, communicative and professional. We loved her design ideas and direction. She definitely made us feel that this was going to be a great experience. We are continuing our work with Design First and we are excited relax and take in our semi- new home.Services: Install flooring, Home renovations, Bathroom remodeling, Basement remodeling, Remodeling, Interior design

Claudius Kuzmicki

2023-05

I recently hired Design First Builders for a family room addition. I knew it was going to be tricky due to my layout and some mechanicals I needed to work around. That being said, the project turned out great and smoother then I could have hoped. The best part of working with D1 was the communication. Things always pop up in construction and it was to be expected. I just really appreciated the whole team communicating all parts of the project good and bad so quickly. Then, the possible options and solutions to unforeseen conditions made it all feel effortless. All I can ask for during a remodeling project of this size.Design first is a great company that handles everything from the first time they come out to meet you. A to Z. Met two project managers on the job, but the main one for our project, Matt Smillie, helped us navigate through the entire job seemlessly. Matt's knowledge and communication to us during the project was top notch. If you do a project with Design First ask for Matt as your project manager! Was a pleasure.Services: Home renovations, Remodeling, Interior design

Stewart Mcleod

2023-04

We are very happy with our new room addition. Working with Derek Gabrys was a pleasure. The professionalism he showed was commendable. Design First Builders did a great job and I would use them for any future projects.Service: Home addition construction

Marc Millette

2023-04

We used design first for our kitchen remodel. Jon was our project manager and was a pleasure to work with. He was very detail oriented. I'd recommend to anyone looking for quality work on their home.Service: Kitchen remodeling

Kevin Bradley

2023-05

This is a review as much about Design First Builders as it is about Architect Design expert , Jennifer Kruse. She really has a passion for improving peoples homes. Her knowledge and expertise were greatly appreciated, as well. We hope that you are able to work with her on your next home project.

Paul Kaplan

2023-04

It has been a pleasure dealing with the DesignFirst team. We are about 75% done with a major kitchen and basement renovation. Our project manager Austin has done a great job. He has worked hard to keep the project on track. We get regular updates from him on what has been done and what is coming up next. He responds promptly to our many questions. Austin is calm, professional and friendly. He has managed all of the various skilled trades, addressing any questions or concerns we have had along the way. I highly recommend DesignFirst and Austin.Services: Home renovations, Basement remodeling, Remodeling, Drywall installation, Kitchen remodeling

Alok Gupta

2023-04

After over a year of debating a construction project and getting quotes from various contractors, we finally decided to go with DesignFirst and we are so happy we did. As far as construction projects go, this has been as smooth as it gets. Let's face it, construction is always stressful and challenging but DesignFirst has made it as smooth and painless as possible. We are completing a full first floor renovation (kitchen remodel, convert powder room to full bath, remove tiles and replace with hardwood) with DesignFirst and used them for the design, architecture and building. Their design was totally unique and out of the box as compared to the other 5 bids we got. We loved the one stop shopping and one company to take care of the details and whom we can hold responsible if something went wrong. They took care of the ordering and making sure all items arrived. We went with their in house made cabinets and they are very high quality.Start of construction was also easier than we thought (did I mention we are living in the house through the construction?).We are convinced the reason our stress has not been sky high and our project has been going smoothly and on time, has been due to our project manager, Jon Weber. He is great at communicating, updating us on the status of the project and is always available. Even when he went on vacation, he kept dealing with issues for our project! We hope DesignFirst recognizes the value he brings to their company.As with every construction project, there are always bumps in the road but Jon was able to help us navigate the process. Even though Jon works for D1, we felt that he has been our advocate throughout the process and wants us to be happy with the end result and do whatever he can to have the project done to our satisfaction.We would definitely use DesignFirst again for a future project, and would want Jon as our project manager.Services: Tile work installation, Bathroom remodeling, Fan installation, Tile work replacement, Remodeling, Interior design, Drywall installation, Plumbing fixture installation, Repair flooring, Kitchen remodeling, Drywall repair

Priscilla Sorrentino

2023-04

So happy we chose Design First to remodel our bathroom! We love it! We wanted to change everything about our small depressing master bath. The team from Design First helped us do just that! This was no small project either, because we went down to the studs, moved water, waste and electric. We now have the spa feel we were hoping for! Rick DiVito and Linda Larisch were amazing to work with! Linda and Michael helped us pick out just the right materials and create the best layout. Rick was with us every day making sure the project ran smoothly! If there was an issue Rick fixed it! We even finished ahead of schedule! All the tradesmen Rick hired were amazing also! Thank you Rick!Service: Bathroom remodeling

Michelle

2023-05

After continuous frustration of working with big box store mediocrity, we were referred to Design Frist. What a blessing! The designer that worked with us on our kitchen and master bath project took the time to listen carefully to what our needs were and interests. She came out with modified layouts and color pallets that we never would have dreamed of. Very creative, detail oriented and responsive. We could not have asked for a better experience.Services: Bathroom remodeling, Kitchen remodeling