Together Design & Build — Attraction in Austin

We completed a full master bathroom plus master closet remodel with Together Design & Build Ido, the project manager, and the crew, Ricardo and Ismael, performed excellent work at transforming our bathroom from an awkward and dated 1960s layout to a modern, beautiful masterpiece.

Selection Process: We interviewed eight contractors for our master bathroom remodel. We chose Together D&B for a variety of reasons. Ido, the project manager, spent a reasonable amount of time with us to understand the scope of the project, including asking questions and offering new insights to challenges. He provided us with a quote of the project cost before even leaving our house. The written quote included an appropriate level of detail about what the project would entail. The price seemed reasonable compared to the other quotes we had received. We felt comfortable talking with Ido. He was not overly pushy to close the sale. He followed up on multiple occasions regarding our interest in pursuing the work further.

Before/Design Process: This is our first home and our first major remodel. We were, understandably, nervous. Together Design & Build provided design service through one of their project managers, Roi. Roi provided some valuable suggestions to the design process when he came to our home. He provided nice 3D Designes images of what our remodeled space might look like. As we were still unsure as to colors/styles/etc., the images gave us a good idea of what the finished layout would be, if not much about how it would actually look when the bathroom will be done.

In retrospect, we would have benefited from hiring an interior designer to help us walk through the process of style/color/tile selection. We spent a considerable amount of time trying to decide colors and styles. Hiring a trained designer would have saved time and stress overall.

Construction: The renovation, from start to finish, was several of weeks not including installation of the shower glass enclosure. The project was while COVID-19 shelter in place restrictions, which made it a bit challenging. With consideration of the COVID epidemic, we were very pleased that the project was completed and so close to the initial timeline.

We communicated with Ido nearly every day via Whats App. He came to the house every other day during the process -- mainly on important day like decisions of electric, plumbing locations, tile designs, during inspections or to collect payment -- but, he was available via Whats App at any time. Ido provided valuable help finding us a vanity and countertop through his contacts. He provided some excellent suggestions at going with a more streamlined look that we are glad for now. He also provided encouragement and pushed us toward making decisions in a timely manner, all of which was needed and appreciated. We enjoyed working with him throughout the whole process.

Ricardo and Ismael, the on-site crew, were wonderful to work with. Every day, they cleaned up the bathroom/bedroom work area, as well as their work areas on the side of the house. There was very little extra to clean up when the renovation was complete. They were extremely respectful in their interactions with our family, as well as being in our home every day.

Ido promise that his crew are respectful, Ricardo, the lead foreman, checked in with us every step of the way to confirm what we wanted and needed. Ricardo had a great attitude throughout the entire process -- positive and willing to make changes or go above and beyond. At one point, he realized that we might need to order more tile for the shower wall, which would have been challenging regardless of the global pandemic, but even more challenging with it. He managed to find enough pieces in the remnant tile to complete the entire shower and no one would be the wiser looking at it -- a puzzle...

I have tried to use this company twice. Both times, appointments were easy to set-up and Maria (not sure how to spell her name) was kind, helpful, and lovely. I had a minor flood and needed a company to work with my home insurance for the repairs. "Together Design" was one of four contractors I consulted, all with excellent reviews here and on Google. Avri the project manager was courteous and helpful, and was the last estimate I needed for the insurance company. I waited some weeks, but an estimate never came.

I finally called the Avri's phone number on the caling card he cave me (I think I woke him up, sounded groggy at first). Avri said that my expectation for an estimate was misguided, and that he's being doing this job for quite a while. He said that the way "Together Design" works is that they only provided an estimate once I hired them. I said this is backwards, that I am to receive estimates and select the company I felt comfortable with in consultation with my adjuster.

Avri stared to make excuses, none of which addressed my concern--that to consider them, I needed an estimate. I found his customer service quite rude: he kept cutting me off, he would not listen, he was defensive, made excuses, and so on. He stressed his experience, to which I responded three other contractors have already provided estimates and I was waiting for his. Avri said estimate-first is not how they do business, but he would get an estimate to my adjuster ASAP anyway.

After a few days without an estimate, I went with another contractor.

Maria called to follow up, and I told her my issues. She asked if I could give them another chance, I said not at the time, as time was of the essence and I needed the work to start yesterday. Disappointing, but I was ready to move on. Flash forward five months later, and I haired a crooked contractor who I am now unfortunately suing (cannot review them yet until that suit moves forward).

I remembered Maria asking if I could give them another chance, so I decided to call again. Like the first time, communication was clear, easy, and Maria was very easy to work with. I was asked if I wanted to work with Avri again, and I said absolutely not given how poorly he handed the first time.

Days later, however, I received a phone call and Maria said she was "calling with news." After she shared with the project managers my videos and photographs, they concluded my "scope" of my project was "not a good fit." I asked if it was "too small" or "two large" of a job. She said, "uhhhh . . . legally I can't say." I found this quite odd. She apologized, expressed wanting to help, but it was not something they are willing to do. I asked again why, and she would not say. Perhaps it was because I did /not/ want to work with Avri, but another PM.

As I was about to post this review, I received a message from "Ido" who said their company /only/ takes on remodels from "start to finish." This was the first I have heard this excuse, it's certainly not mentioned in their advertising. If this were truly the case, I should have been told this upfront so I did not waste my time again. Maria asked I give them a second chance, and I did.

This is a private business, and it's their right to turn down any client. Absolutely. It's also my right to report my experience. I'm trying to be careful not to be too judgement, but not being "legally" able to tell me why they wouldn't take the job the second time appears deceitful, as does "Ido's" explanation they /now/ only do start-to-finish remodels.

Your...

My very busy family had two bathrooms completely remodeled by Together Design& Build. I recommend them without hesitation and will use them again for future projects: (1) Impeccable work performed by qualified, skilled subcontractors; (2) Transparent pricing; (3) Great communication; (4) Cleanliness exceeded my expectations; (5) Completed project, including an additional project completely unrelated to bathroom remodels I asked to be added, all ahead of original schedule; (6) Thoughtful, helpful advice from Sahar, Project Manager, resulting in exactly what we envisioned

Sahar's customer service was unbelievable. No question went unanswered, and the answers were prompt, clear, and honest. Sahar accommodated my crazy work schedule, frequently meeting and/or talking over the phone after work hours and on weekends. The time Sahar spent talking over options and gently making suggestions resulted in two bathrooms and a front door repair and replacement that blend seamlessly into our house. Sahar was frequently on site to check on the work and progress being made. We received daily communications regarding the work that was going to be done that day and a follow up communication at the end of the day as to what had been accomplished. Sahar figured out how to accommodate last minute changes, including pricing. The remodel would have been impossible for me to manage with my work schedule, but with Sahar onboard, I knew the project(s) would be accomplished in a professional manner. I felt absolutely no need to oversee the details of the work being performed, that's how trustworthy Sahar and his team are.

I wanted to avoid hiring a company that exploited their subcontractors and/or used unqualified subcontractors. The subcontractors performing the physical work in our house had all been vetted by Together Design & Build and have worked almost exclusively for Together Design & build for years. From day one, it was obvious that the subcontractors were qualified, skilled, and dedicated to their various crafts. The plumbing was done by a licensed, professional plumber. The house was left spotless everyday. Following completion of each bathroom, the bathroom and surrounding areas were thoroughly cleaned and ready for use. If a question came up, the subcontractors either asked me (or I asked them) directly, if any question remained unanswered we contacted Sahar to provide an answer, which Sahar did almost immediately. I had no problems with this system of communication as it was seamless and resulted in prompt resolution of all questions. In response to a prior review not posted by me/my family of Together Build & Design, the fact that some of the subcontractors spoke Spanish did not interfere with our ability to get questions answered as multiple means of communication with Sahar, the project manager, were provided by Together Design & Build. I respect and appreciate that Together Design & Build hire the most qualified subcontractors. The final result speaks for itself.

Any remodel will have unavoidable issues. That's life. During the final walk-through Sahar noticed a couple of minor issues that I failed to see and had them remedied the next day.

These folks are the real deal. Truly professional, honest, and dedicated to great...