Chas Voorhis: President, Abacus Group Builders, Corte Madera, CA
"Elaine and Ed came to the table well-informed and ready participants. They had set their overall goals, design direction and budget. They asked the right questions and listened openly to new ideas and approaches to planning and construction."
Alex Bergtraun, AIA, Bergtraun Studio, Emeryville. CA
"As an architect, it was a pleasure working with Elaine. She clearly understands the importance of the bond formed by the triad of Owner-Architect-Contractor, bringing them together early in the design phase, working toward common goals." Alex Bergtraun, AIA
Shauna M.: Homeowner, Bishop, CA
My husband and I were lamenting that our bedroom was small, with little natural light available. After talking with Elaine, she recommended replacing the small window looking out onto the street with French doors and creating a small, enclosed, private patio. All went well with the remodel. When it comes time for us to expand our home, we will begin with her up-front assessment of what opportunities may be at hand.
Don and Marilyn W.: Homeowners, San Rafael, CA
We talked with Elaine before remodeling our kitchen. We are fairly savvy homeowners, having been through this process a number of times. After listening to all that we wanted to achieve, and after talking about what professionals should be brought on board, she convinced me that I could manage the project on my own (which is something she rarely does!), hiring the sub-contractors myself and monitoring the performance throughout. She told us to make sure that all issues and contractual matters were firmly ironed out, with all I's dotted and all T's crossed, before any work took place. Things ran very smoothly and we are thrilled with the results. With that said, we are about to remodel our master bathroom and will, once again, ask Elaine to give us some up-front guidance!
Donna Goldman: REALTOR, Alain Pinel Realtors, Greenbrae, CA
"If I had known you, Elaine, before starting our remodel project, we could have saved thousands of dollars and prevented unbelievable stress!"
Lori Harvey: Realtor, Coldwell Banker Real Estate, San Rafael, CA
I am one of Elaine's "rescue and recovery" clients. I was preparing my home "for sale" and thought I could manage the project myself hiring the subs and purchasing many of the materials and appliances. It was too much to handle. Almost like two full-time jobs. After my contractor exited, and when my electrician wouldn't leave and money was flowing out the door, I yelled for Elaine. We sat down, took stock of the tasks completed, the expenses distributed, and began to revise the plan. Elaine brought in a new contractor, prepared a new budget, and we began anew. The project, while not all "smooth-sailing", turned out spectacular and my home sold within days after being listed during the downturn with many neighboring homes still months on the market.
Leslie Simmons: Homeowner, Livermore, CA
"Thank you for the wonderful class. Your tips on what to do before jumping into a project have given me the framework to follow for each stage of the work. I will refer you to several of my friends
Jay and Amy: Homeowners, San Rafael, CA
My wife and I worked with Elaine to create a "Pre-project Plan" for our home remodel. In only five meetings, we were given a detailed tutorial on the home remodel process, completed an "existing conditions assessment", prepared a detailed project scope and budget, and then interviewed six professionals (introduced to us through Elaine). After completing the pre-project plan, we realized that we should postpone the "kickoff" until the economy turned the corner. What we do know is that when the time is right, we will have all "our ducks in order": working with the right people, and making decisions based on well-founded knowledge and realistic numbers.
Michele Chatburn: Virtual Assistant, Brentwood, CA
I have been working with Elaine for the past year, as a virtual assistant, helping to organize her classes and to integrate into social networking. I have visited her home and have become very familiar with what she has to offer her clients in the way of approaching a home remodel process a wonderful blend of business tactics and design savvy. Her home is beautiful, and her ability to listen and work in collaboration is "next to none". Whether you attend a presentation, take a tele-class or work one-on-one, she makes you feel as though your project is the most important; listening carefully and offering unique solutions to your problems.
Anita Veen: Graphic Designer, Seattle, WA
If your remodeling goal is having a horror story to tell at parties for years to come don't call Elaine! Elaine will provide you with the knowledge to plan and execute a successful project. Her friendly and informative style will guide you through the important steps to take before and during your project. Highly recommend!!!
Erica and Reggie: Homeowners, San Jose, CA
Every homeowner should begin the remodel process with a thorough examination. Elaine came to our home for an introductory tutorial and to conduct an existing conditions assessment. The knowledge we gained was extensive. We would have jumped into a home remodel without really assessing the overall conditions of the entire property and building. (She uses a very detailed checklist to follow.)
She also asked some very provocative questions: What was our core purpose in remodeling? Were we going to be staying in the home over a long period of time?? How much money were we willing to spend? Would the remodel serve to accommodate our growing family, even after expansion? Would it be more cost effective to buy a newer home within the same school district?
Dave and Maria: Homeowners, San Francisco and Glen Ellen, CA
Elaine is a friend of ours. We have a great deal of respect for her knowledge in planning, design and construction and she has freely given us her "point-of-view" in commenting on our own new home, under construction, in Sonoma County. She truly is an unbiased advocate, drawing upon her many years as a principal in an architectural firm as well as a business consultant to the design and construction professionals. You would be wise to call Elaine as a first-step to remodeling your home.
Moira O'Sullivan: Architectural Color Consultant, San Rafael, CA
Elaine is a colleague of mine as well as a client. We have exchanged business ideas for some time now and I heartily embrace Elaine's approach to home remodeling educating the homeowner and eliminating the horror stories. She has both a business mind as well as a design talent and brings so many exciting ideas to the table whether it's a "big idea" with regard to a design issue or coming up with the perfect combination of professionals to work with. Homeowners would do well to call her, first thing!
Dermot Whelan: General Contractor, Sonoma, CA
I took Elaine's business and marketing class at Sonoma State University's Construction Management Program, and found her to be most knowledgeable as to how the design and construction professional is organized to do his/her work and how we interface with homeowners during a new home construction or remodel project. I have had the pleasure to work with her, and her clients, in the new business, Remodel Without Remorse; brought on both as a general contractor, as well as a cost estimator. Elaine understands the value of teamwork and collaboration, making every experience fun and enjoyable.
