Client satisfaction

In this day and age of instant communication—faxes, email, instant messages, call phones—one form of communication takes effort, thought, and time: the personal letter.

While the final payment on a project keeps DCC's business engine running, it's the letters of appreciation that fuel Michael Menn and Andy Poticha's enthusiasm and love for their work.

Thank you! The space has been painted and looks great! Looking forward to our next project.

Sharon

Thank you for all the work. It's great.

After 2.5 years, I still find little touches that you put in the room that you never find in anyone else's house, never-the-less their bedroom, and they never cease to bring enjoyment. My wife tells me that little things like hardware on the doors were extra expenses, but in looking at them, the hardware looks exactly the same as it did the first day, and I've never been in a house, apartment or suite that had such outstanding touches. In addition to that, probably the best thing about my bedroom is that all of the things such as the heated floor, the lighting, and everything else has worked perfectly. Nothing has broke or doesn't work, and it is nice to have a bedroom that you can come home to without worrying about what will break next. In looking back, I think that your job was outstanding. For that I thank you very much.

DCC has participated for several years and NSSED appreciates your continued support.  Thank you again on behalf of all the students that you have made a diffenernce for. Stephanie Vander Wal
Community Transition Specialist
North Suburban Special Education District (NSSED)

"In an era characterized by expediency, Michael Menn approached our project from a very fresh perspective. First, (he) sat down with us to discuss why we wanted to build an addition to our home. He was interested in our lifestyle, our living patterns, and our family. By contrast, other architects we interviewed were only interested in the project. Throughout the project, Michael was first a counselor and then and architect. "Andy Poticha, as our contractor, brought a strong interest in making sure we understood what was happening and when. His communication through the project was excellent. Every question (and we had many) was answered with a complete explanation. If there was a problem (and you will encounter problems [when remodeling]), Andy made sure we understood every aspect and the options for resolution. He was on site regularly, reviewing progress and making sure work was completed to the specifications of the drawings and our satisfaction... "Undertaking a construction project in your home is filled with anxiety. Michael Menn and Andy Poticha are individuals who know how to reduce the pressure and complete a top notch job."

"We started this project with one primary goal. Combine two adjacent (apartment) units into a single living space. We wanted a design that was as 'timeless' as the building, a Mies van der Rohe design; a space you could walk into in 10 years and not look dated. We wanted a very open plan, with as few walls as possible and, we wanted a very clean look. And, we wanted a contrast to our primary residence. "Because we prefer to take a 'hands-on' approach to our projects, we needed to select a contractor who was willing and able to effectively manager our participation in the project. We decided not to go through a complex bid process, instead preferring to interview the firm recommended by our architect.
"Our first impressions of DCC were very favorable. Andy and Michael did an exceptional job of presenting their capabilities, their ability to track the details of a complex remodeling project and their process of establishing a project cost plan and following that plan. Their portfolio represented large and small projects of traditional and contemporary design. We came away from the initial meeting with a clear understanding of the services provided by this firm, which is a testament to their ability to clearly communicate what they are about. "Start to finish, DCC delivered the highest level of professionalism. As mentioned earlier, we had a 'hands-on' approach to our project, resulting in frequent consultations with many of the trades. DCC did a fine job of managing our 'helping hand,' as well as the trades. Our primary residence is six hours away. DCC accommodated our frequent absence through frequent phone conferences, emails, and faxes. At no time during the project did we wonder 'what is going on.' "Remodeling in a high rise can easily lead to cost overruns (without scope change). Excluding the changes we made to the scope of this project, we had additional costs totaling less than 1% of the construction costs that were related to issues not specified in the bid. DCC were true to their word regarding the bid price for this project, delivering an exceptional product that met all of our requirements. "While we are not ready to jump in and begin another remodeling project in a high rise just yet, our experience with DCC was such that we would not hesitate engaging them in a project in the future. "Honesty, trust, good communication, excellent execution. DCC has earned our confidence by exhibiting these traits."

"The kitchen and eating area addition are perfect, and we spend considerable time there; in fact the 'eating area,' with its wonderful views down the golf course, is now also my work space. The renovation of the entry way has added grace and light which the house badly needed. And from the outside, it is splendid, merging with the existing structure and consistent with its period and design. "We had, of course, heard the horror stories about unresponsive general contractors and disappearing subcontractors, but we experienced none of that. Your subs were on the job continuously, and they appeared every day that they were expected; they were polite and considerate and they left the job site in a clean condition each day, a requirement which you were diligent in enforcing. "We were particularly impressed with your response to unanticipated conditions and the innovative and cost conscious manner in which you solved them in our very old house. "We were equally impressed by your response to man-made problems. Each issue which we, or our architect, raised, was dealt with honestly and professionally, even when we were, initially, in disagreement; we have come away satisfied with the resolution of each of them and were gratified by your insistence that inadequate work be, not merely repaired, but replaced--in this regard, I am thinking particularly of the slate flooring at the back entry which had mismatched (in color tone) pieces and your insistence that the countertops be refinished and sealed as a result of the grout which the tile installer permitted to infiltrate. Concerning the counters, I think that many contractors, and many homeowners, might have been satisfied, but you insisted on the refinishing without our even having to raise the question. "I know from our architect that there were other matters which escaped our attention but which you insisted be redone or replaced because they did not meet your standards. We were not even aware of the replacement of the mason who did move to the schedule. We did get some inkling when your punchlist not only included every item on ours, but was more extensive then ours; and you have been diligent in completing the list. "Our best testimony to your skill and style is the fact that we came to be perfectly comfortable relying completely on your judgement as to the quality levels of the work performed and as to the appropriateness of various other matters. We never felt adversary to you; we always felt that you were part of the 'Owner's Team.' "We would be delighted to be added to your reference list, and will recommend you to friends and strangers alike without reservation."

It was extremely kind of Michael to take two hours out of his busy schedule to review our Seattle house plans. As a result, we feel the plans have been improved and we feel much calmer and happier about this project. Thank you so much for your help. As always, it was a pleasure to see both of you."

"Andy, you were right 'on top of things,' and it was comforting to know that we could call you or Michael anytime and be cheerfully received and responded to. You are a great team, and we look forward to working with you on future projects..."

"The combination of all the above makes your company a complete, well-rounded, solid organization. Not only is your organization priceless, but every item above is critical when choosing a contractor--and easily overlooked...I believe that most people like ourselves really want a quality job at a fair price and are willing to pay a little extra to insure the quality."

"We took our home redesign project very seriously. We gathered a multitude of information on prospective architects and building contractors who had recently worked in our local area, and then interviewed them. We chose to work with DCC because we knew that from the designing of the architectural plans, overseeing all daily work activities, and finishing a total quality job, on time, within budget, was SOP (standard operating procedures) for DCC. And it certainly was.
"During the design phase, we were given a multitude of design configurations and options to choose from. We were excited at the creativity and total attention to detail. Like most people, we changed our minds constantly and kept asking for different versions of the same plans. DCC's only concern was our complete satisfaction. "A major criterion for choosing DCC was knowing they would complete the work on schedule. Remodeling your home while living in it is an unsettling experience. However, it is made easy to cope with when you can count on a limited time of intrusion. It is the rule, not the exception for any construction/reconstruction project to be completed late. DCC adhered strictly to a detailed time/work schedule they provided us before the work started. From the starting date, to the time frame to complete the individual modules of the project was followed precisely. We even had many "we're ahead of schedule" surprises. The total project was even completed ahead of schedule. "Every day the DCC people were personally visiting the job site. While guiding and double-checking the work of the tradesmen, they always sought one of us out to update us on the work being done and what to be expecting next. We really appreciated the consideration and the attention to detail.
"The tradesmen that DCC employs are of the highest professional level, but that is just part of it. We were treated as if the house actually belonged to us. We never felt we were intruding on them. They walked on eggshells at times, to avoid interfering with our family and were always respectful and courteous. Everyday the work areas were cleaned up, swept, and organized. Friends of ours commented on how unbelievably neat everything was kept. "We could not recommend DCC more highly (we already have to others) to be used in any design or building capacity. Our house is beautiful! The cost of the project was what they said it was going to be. We wanted a worry-free experience, and it totally was. They are at the head of the class in their profession.

I must admit that in the beginning of the project, I had a definite objective in mind. It is always hard to clearly communicate a concept and personal vision to someone else to exectue. You listened, modified, improved and translated a general thought into exactly the vision that existed in my head. The end result is a unit that encompasses exactly the features and components that were critical to us. As we now stand and look at the finished product of your efforts it is hard to remember the mess that we started with. Several of our neighbors have come and looked at the finished result. Everyone has been most impressed with the quality of the workmanship and the attention to detail. The task before us now is to finish the unit; some of the task is currently in progress. Some of the eventual furnishings have yet to be defined. But even in its current shape, the unit is stunning. Please feel free at any time to show the unit to others if you so desire and also to freely give our name and phone number to anyone who would like a recommendation. At this point in time, I do not plan another renovation project; but, if one should arise, I promise you will be the design and construction company of choice. Once again, thank you and please keep in touch. "It is a total pleasure to discuss our new home addition and reconstruction project performed by DCC. "We took our home redesign project very seriously. We gathered a multitude of information on prospective architects and building contractors who had recently worked in our local area, and then interviewed them. We chose to work with DCC because we knew that from the designing of the architectural plans, overseeing all daily work activities, and finishing a total quality job, on time, within budget, was SOP (standard operating procedures) for DCC. And it certainly was.