REVIEWS
Review Date: March 4 2016
Claire
Mike and his team have done 2 projects at ours including a driveway, a porch, a small addition, and a kitchen remodel. Mike’s prices are always competitive. His employees/subcontractors are respectful and highly competent. Mike is accommodating and always available for updates, input, and assistance. And the work is beautiful. He came to us highly recommended and we see why. We’ve referred him to friends who have been similarly impressed.
Steven
addition
Work Completed Date: February 28, 2014
Hire Again: Yes
Description Of Work: Built a second-story addition, including design and build work. Master bedroom, master bath, walk-in closet, laundry room, and corridor.
Mike (the owner and general contractor) provided design and build services for a second-floor addition, on top of an existing single-story addition. His price was extremely competitive, and he did good work. With some exceptions his inclination was to use “builder grade” materials, so when we wanted something different/fancier, we picked it out and purchased it ourselves separately, and he gave us a credit. If you do want to pick out a lot of custom/decorator’s touches, then plan ahead and get everything figured out at the beginning, because Mike and his crew work very fast. He said the work would be done in three months, and it was – even including a delay to get a different type of door we wanted. He also never tried to upsell us on extras. Rather, he would explain how we could do things in the most cost-effective way.
Unlike the vast majority of contractors, Mike does not object if you want to hire subcontractors for additional projects or other work; he doesn’t insist on taking a typical general contractor’s cut for that work. As a result, we hired his excellent carpenter to do some built-ins for very reasonable rates.
Mike really impressed us after the project. We experienced a leak coming through the ceiling below the new space; we assumed it was a plumbing problem. Mike came out immediately, at about 9 pm, to examine the problem, and had the plumber out early the next morning. As it turned out, it wasn’t anything Mike, his crew, or the plumber had done at all — it was a new appliance improperly installed by the appliance dealer after the space was complete and had passed inspection. Nonetheless, Mike took hours to find the problem, fix the problem, and clean up afterward, including patching holes in the drywall. He refused any payment for that time and work.
We’re very happy with our new space, and have gotten countless compliments on the exterior design and appearance.
Marivic
Description Of Work: Mr. Krause transformed my dull kitchen into my dream kitchen
Mr. Krause has been very helpful from the very start. His knowledge and professionalism exceeded our expectations. He allowed us to choose from a variety of options which resulted in a lesser cost and still achieved the result we were after.
Vince
Bethesda, MD
Hire Again: Yes
Description Of Work: Project involved the renovation of an existing sunroom to include a bath and pantry, and to build above the sunroom as follows: the addition of a new master bath, walk-in closet and the extension of a small 3rd bedroom into a large 3rd bedroom. The bedroom addition is an overhang and larger than the existing sunroom. The end result also included side projects such as extra plumbing adjustments, a new electrical panel and new HVAC.
Krause Design & Construction is a fantastic company, and the short version of my review is that now that you have considered Krause, you should look no further and contact them ASAP. I can say this with complete confidence because I did an incredibly exhaustive search for contractors. I found Krause to be the only truly honest contractor of all of them. From the start he showed genuine interest in how best to complete the project, and his pricing was itemized and reasonable. Many contractors will immediately try to find a way to make your project as expensive as possible; this is not what Krause will do. However, Krause will also not do a bargain basement job; you will be pleased with the results and he will gladly help you to select and incorporate more expensive materials.
I am also extremely pleased with Krause’s responses after the project was completed. Whenever we found something that we overlooked at the completion of the project, Krause was quick to address and resolve the problem every time.
I cannot say enough good things about Krause Design & Construction. The workers are all very professional, knowledgeable, and respectful, and it is no exaggeration when I say that I believe that the owner, Mike Krause, is one of the most honest men I have ever met.
Sheila
Silver Spring, MD 20901
Addition
Work Completed Date: January 14, 2013
Hire Again: Yes
Description Of Work: Krause Design & Construction added an extension to my home (extended a bedroom and added a bedroom).
I interviewed 3 contractors. The reason I chose Krause Design & Construction was because Mike brainstormed with me to provide other options for my renovation. I originally wanted to add a 2nd floor loft & bathroom but I had not wanted to exceed the budget I had set. He pointed out the cost & the inconvenience of having to tear off the roof & that I would have to move out when the roof was being removed, etc. He also pointed out that there may be hidden problems which make the cost rise. He was not trying to dissuade me but inform me so that I would make informed decisions. And he made sure everything would meet code (very important).
He then walked the perimeter of the outside of the house and provided me with an alternative solution of extending out the back. He was the first contractor I interviewed so when I interviewed the other two, I only asked about the 2nd floor loft to see if either would provide an alternative (they did not) . Neither suggested an alternative of extending out the back of my house. To be fair , I then took bids. Although one came in a little lower than Mike’s, I felt he was only trying to outbid to get the job. At that point, I knew KDC was the company.
At every turn, when I wanted to make adjustments, Mike would brainstorm with me (I loved that!). He made sure he got the permits , showed me samples. His contractors were dependable, on time. Although it may have taken a little longer than anticipated, I am extremely happy with the results. Mike worked with me with my budget and even provided payment plan for a few last minute changes. I’ve had no problems with the structure and Mike was very patient.
When I wanted to add a bathroom (recently), I sought out Mike’s advise , He came to the house and we discussed various options and in the end found that it was not worth the expense. I truly appreciated his honesty. He could very well have told me what I wanted to hear just to get a job.
Everyone who has been to my home loves the work and are very impressed with how beautiful everything looks. I have passed his name on.
Thank you Mike!