276 West Main Street-Rear
Northborough, MA 01532
508-351-9480
Addition/ Renovation
Private residence, Northborough, MA
“When we were thinking about what to do with our home, we spent a year-and-a half researching, meeting with builders and architects to discuss our ideas and describe our plans. We were not happy with the response we were receiving and getting frustrated with what we were being told and shown. It was a tough time trying to capture what we wanted to do. Bob was referred to us, lives right in town, and realized that we had friends in common. After a few meetings with Island Builders and an architect recommended by Bob, he quickly synthesized our thoughts and started shaping what is now our home.
Island Builders took a frustrating process and started getting us really excited about it. It was tremendous in the beginning; how he made us so comfortable so quickly. When we were coming up with ideas; no idea was a ‘bad idea.’ Bob’s reaction was always ‘We’ll figure it out.’ In the design process, he was very active about the look of the house and window sizes and their placement. That’s when the trust really started to form. When someone hears your idea for the first time and you see it being put to paper and conveyed, you realize that you are being understood.
This became a really big project with a lot of moving parts; the septic, town approvals, and landscaping. Bob just said, ‘I will do it all.’ He just took over and did things that other builders would be putting back on us to do. For the remodel, Bob only wanted to know the day our stuff was out of the house and he took care of the rest.
During the construction, we ran into a few of hiccups. We discovered our garage wall had no foundation. Also, when we were digging for the addition, we discovered they had buried all the trees and stumps in the yard when they first built the house. Bob resolved all of these problems on the fly. He would explain the issue and how we would resolve it and there was never an impact to the process.
Our home came out beautiful, on time, and with zero issues on price.
Since the remodel/addition, we’ve had Island Builders back to do the three original bathrooms of the house, as they were never included in the original renovation. We had really different ideas for each one. Again, Bob captured our ideas and made them happen. During the bathroom remodels, the Island Builders team was extremely aware of interrupting people’s lives. When we came home every night, no one was working and we weren’t stepping over things. The place was spotless.
We’re extremely lucky and blessed that we haven’t had to work with any other contractors before. We’ve seen and heard horror stories where it has been three times as much in cost and three times as long to complete. The most important thing about Island Builders is their accountability and ownership. Four years later, Bob still “owns” this house. Whether we call him for something that was part of the renovations or something else; he is here right away. That kind of customer service is amazing.”
-Joe and Jane M.
Addition/ Renovation
Private residence, Northborough, MA
“The primary goal of our project was to get as much living space as possible on one floor. We wanted to open up the living space, to have windows for light and have nature coming in. We wanted to have adequate space for our son and hopefully future grandchildren. We wanted it to be homey and elegant; yet soft.
We did our own research on three different builders that the architect had recommended, and reviewed their bids. Island Builders had the most realistic projection of what the project would cost. It was also the most detailed, all inclusive and realistic for the project.
What impressed us was that the Island Builders group studied the plans, talked with us about a vision, and within a few weeks really understood our goals for our renovation. They got to know our personalities, our must-haves, and what was important to each of us. The first few weeks sealed the communication flow we would have through out the job. Once we signed the deal, there was an immediate project plan and schedule put together. That was very impressive.
Early on in the project, as the walls were going up, we felt a bathroom was going to be too small. I sent an email Sunday night, by Monday morning, the whole crew and the architect met us. The problem was corrected in no time. At that point, my trust was more entrenched. Whenever there was problem, a solution was always found. Whenever there was adversity, there was a “can do” attitude from the team. We felt like they were our real partners in the process.
There was always full and open communication about costs and challenges. The team made recommendations for better insulation that would cost more up front, but would save us money going forward. We always appreciated the research, which also speaks to the trust we have.
Every morning when we wake up here, it is like heaven. It’s a great space inside and outside. This home has a legacy and we wanted the builder to respect the house and keep as much intact. Island Builders treated the home with great respect for that legacy.
The entire team was a class act. Everyone was very skilled, enthusiastic, and trustworthy. They are nice, good guys that all want to do a good job. We have so much respect for everyone that worked on this project. Island Builders is an exceptional enterprise, head and shoulders above others. The results were just extraordinary.”
—Kate and Paul S.
New Construction
Private residence, Northborough, MA
“Island Builders did the addition on my father’s home. When it was time to build my new home, my father told me that ‘you really want to do this with Bob.’ I met with the Island Builders team and learned a lot about everything that goes into building a new house. When you sign up with someone to build your home, there is a lot at stake because there is a lot of risk involved. You need to be comfortable and trust the person to get in business with them. After meeting with Bob, I didn’t talk to any other builders.
From the beginning, Island Builders really cared that we get the house that we wanted. All the people involved building the house got everything right. The subcontractors really care about the quality of their work and Island Builders was always looking out for our best interest. Bob always made himself available when needed and worked with us on all of our details. With his business approach, we were always working towards a common goal and striving for the same thing. Island Builders and I were both focused on quality. In the end, my family and I got the house we wanted.
-Jon and Linda R.
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