Build Forward — Local services in Portland

We have done many commercial and residential design and build projects and Build Forward is BY FAR the best experience we’ve ever had. I enthusiastically recommend them without reservation.

Javier, Dawn, Annette, Octavio, and the whole team were incredible. The design team listened to our needs and dreams, worked creatively and buoyantly to hit our budget, were patient and collaborative when ideas needed to be reworked, and stuck with us and guided us through some pretty taxing and drawn out headaches with Portland permitting (Portland BDS was entirely to blame; Build Forward did nothing wrong).

The design turned out more lovely that we could have ever imagined.

And the building process was impeccable. The teams were on time, kind, professional, and did fantastic work. They were tidy, diligent, and delivered exceptionally high quality workmanship. I mentioned how pleased we were with the incredible attention to detail they exhibited and Dawn’s response was “The details are not the details. They make the design.” But saying it and doing it are very different things. And leading a team to do it is a whole different challenge. I’m blown away by how the team embodied this ethos.

The business side of everything was also top notch. Javier was honest, straightforward, and thorough. We’ve worked with contractors who got snippy with change orders, but Javier (a) told us up front that he expects them as the build comes into focus and (b) always bid it fairly and with positivity and enthusiasm. When we cut things from scope he was equally fair with those credits as when we added to scope, which hasn’t been our experience with other contractors—they gouge you on additions and short you on reductions. Not Javier. At one point I told him to not worry about a small credit for a reduction and he insisted on issuing it. A truly genuine and ethical businessman. His approach not only ensured a clear understanding of costs but also reflected his commitment to customer satisfaction. Working with him was a refreshing experience in an industry where financial surprises and shady dealing can be the norm. He delivered exceptional work without compromising on honesty or customer care.

But perhaps most significant, they are just wonderful people. And when you’re doing a project like this, liking who you’re working with goes a long way. You see them very often; you work through challenges together… it’s an important relationship to get right. I’m so happy we met Javier and Dawn. We’ve not only found our design/build team for any future project, we’ve met some truly great...

Working with Javier and the Build Forward team was an absolute pleasure throughout our entire kitchen, master bedroom, bathroom, and great room remodel. From the initial consultation to the final touches, Javier demonstrated professionalism and a keen understanding of our vision. The Build Forward team's expertise was evident as they skillfully translated our ideas into a tangible reality. Our remodel was extensive and as occurs with most projects of this scale, we had some glitches. What sets Build Forward apart is that they worked with us to resolve them all. Communication skills of the small Build Forward team were really good, ensuring that every step of the process was transparent and collaborative. They took the time to listen to our preferences and offered valuable insights to enhance the overall design. The collaborative approach fostered a sense of trust and made the extensive remodeling journey well worth the end result. The Build Forward team worked tirelessly to bring our vision to life, and their dedication was truly commendable. The craftsmanship and attention to detail exhibited by the team were key factors in achieving the stunning results we now enjoy in our kitchen and bathroom. Their commitment to quality and customer satisfaction was evident in every aspect of the project. In conclusion, Javier and the Build Forward team not only met but exceeded our expectations. Their wonderful work ethic, coupled with a genuine passion for their craft, made the remodeling process a positive and satisfying endeavor. I wholeheartedly recommend Build Forward for any remodeling project, confident that their expertise will transform visions into...

We recently completed a full-gut kitchen remodel with Build Forward and cannot recommend them highly enough! Our small kitchen had not been updated in decades and needed a major overhaul. It was our first home renovation project and didn't have the experience or time to work with contractors or DIY, and selected Build Forward and Javier's team due to their fair estimate and down-to-earth approach.

The team made the entire process look practically seamless. Annette, our designer, understood from the beginning our goals to maximize our limited space and achieve a look similar to design inspiration we provided. We so appreciated her patience and guidance in helping us make choices, not to mention her design talent! It was so wonderful to have Omar manage our project and the revolving door of subcontractors, with an incredibly friendly and positive attitude day in and out. We did run into a couple of hiccups, but the team was quick to make it right for us to keep our project on track and true to the initial plan. I also want to shout out Octavio, their carpenter, who has an an incredible eye for detail and simply went above and beyond as our reno wrapped up.

We were able to finish the project within striking distance of our initial budget and even EARLIER than initially estimated! Unheard of. Everyone was amazing to work with and we absolutely love our new kitchen - it looks even better than we envisioned and has completely upgraded the way we function in the space. Build Forward is the team you want looking after your home, and I would absolutely recommend them without...