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We are 100% complete, and 200% satisfied! I cannot tell you how great our experience was with Cherilyn, Sean, Christi, the contractors and the staff at Projects ~ we always felt well-informed, involved and very satisfied with the high-quality results. You certainly went over & above all our expectations and we are so pleased with the results!
I have recommended Projects to everyone I come across. Thank you again for the great experience, and I'll see you when we get around to the kitchen!
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"We just came down from the cottage after enjoying a glass of wine toasting you and everyone that was involved in making this adventure a pleasant one…..well done Cherilyn…..we love what you did."
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"My remodel experience with Projects by Giffin & Crane was wonderful! From start to finish, the communication & follow-up on details was so well done that I left every weekly meeting seeing progress toward my finished addition. When old house issues had to be addressed, the coordination between my architect, engineer, designer, landscaper & any subcontractors involved was amazing. I so appreciate the attention to detail everyone showed to keep my 1920’s cottage feeling like the addition belonged all the time!
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"Everything has been done and looks great! Thanks again for your professionalism, thoroughness, and attitude. You really have been great to work with."
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" Two words come to mind when I first think of Projects by Giffin and Crane…Cherilyn and Sean. After that the thoughts come in rapid fire bunches; incredibly professional, passion for perfection, absolutely dependable, superbly organized, totally accountable, over-the-top attention to detail, first class workmanship and remarkable service from the top down.
Within 30 minutes of meeting Cherilyn I knew that if I was to proceed with the contemplated demolition-remodel project, it would be only with her help. She had the uncanny knack to anticipate my questions and concerns. That first afternoon we discussed everything from city permits to color schemes to suggestions for French doors to agreeing that a massive antique Balinese armoire deserved to be the centerpiece of the open kitchen. I don't know who was more excited, Cherilyn or I. That's the thing; it's such a treat working with a professional who's passionate about her work. That's Cherilyn.
I met Sean a few days later. Laid back guy, super easy to talk with, and certainly much too humble considering his resume. Among other things the project we were discussing involved demolishing a wall between the kitchen and living room and my biggest concern was determining whether or not the wall was load bearing. Sean looked around, went outside and studied the roof, came back inside and tapped a few walls before assuring me that the wall was not load bearing. I made a mental note to cancel the appointment with the architect. Sean and I would get along just fine. This was not his first rodeo!
The job began with Sean's famous "site protection" team creating what appeared to be a hermetically sealed bubble around the demo zone. He had that area sealed off tighter than a double ziplocked bag. While superbly choreographed mayhem proceeded inside the plastic bubble for next two and a half months, I lived quite comfortably outside. At the end of the job, a team of cleaners swooped in and had the entire house as impeccably clean as any surgical operating suite. The job was completed 2 weeks ahead of schedule.
If it's true that you can judge people by the friends they keep then it's equally true that contractors should be judged by the subcontractors they employ. Every electrician, plumber, HVAC guy, drywaller, painter, and flooring installer they sent to the job was top notch. To a man, the G&C tradesmen were professional, punctual, perfectionists.
Most would agree that contractors get paid to tear things down and then build things up. The fussy stuff, what might be called "design elements", is considered to be the exclusive purview of highly trained interior designers. Or that's certainly what I thought. My fondest memories (if I'm allowed to say that) were these "design" meetings shared with Cherilyn and Sean. Nothing in our contract suggested that it was Sean's job to help me find the perfect hardwood…but he did. And Cherilyn certainly wasn't expected to hand sort slate…but she did. My favorite was a meeting to make the final decision regarding the backsplash. Sean, the tough guy contractor, was speaking eloquently, almost poetically, as he explained how the various subtle colors in the stone would "play" with the other colors in the kitchen while Cherilyn, the demure contractor lady, listened intently as she fidgeted with her tool belt hanging on her waist. It was quite a sight and simply over-the-top generous on their part. In today's jargon, I knew then that I was working with "total solution providers".
I highly recommend the Projects by Giffin and Crane team. Cherilyn and Sean are as good as any in the business and certainly best of breed in Santa Barbara. I'm proud of what we accomplished and more importantly honored to call them friends."
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"Fun. It’s not a word usually uttered in the same sentence as remodel. Nor is enjoyable, smooth or on time – and especially not within budget.
Unless, of course, you’re working with Cherilyn Milton.
Cherilyn and her crack team of professionals at Projects by Giffin & Crane were a joy to work with, from the first phone query to the final goodbye wave. We were actually sorry to see them go!
Hard to believe, I know. We could hardly believe it ourselves. In fact, after our previous renovation experience, it had taken us 16 years to get up the gumption to undertake another home remodel. But last time we didn’t have Cherilyn or Projects by Giffin & Crane.
Cherilyn was creative, patient, diplomatic, thorough, and helpful. Her authentic enthusiasm for our project was palpable – and it never waned. Her crew was made up of expert craftsmen who were friendly, fastidious, and flexible. Punctual, too. And, whenever possible, they worked around our schedule, not theirs.
With the Projects team, we always knew what was happening each day, and when. Cherilyn was on-site constantly, double-and-triple checking materials, deliveries, and work progress. She even fed our cats when we left on vacation! Above-and-Beyond-the-Call-of-Duty: That’s Cherilyn’s middle name.
Would we hire Projects by Giffin & Crane again? You bet. Our remodeling job was enjoyable. The process went smoothly. The work was finished on time and within our budget. And, we had fun. Now we have a beautiful, brand new master bedroom/bath suite. And a brand new friend.
Thank you, Cherilyn!"
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Sincerely,
Craig and Lee Wardlaw Jaffurs |
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"The Projects by Giffin & Crane team has worked with us on several home improvement and maintenance projects. The team was great to work with and their solutions were creative, cost effective, and exceeded our high expectations."
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Dear Cherilyn,
Thank you for making the renovation of my guest bedroom, bathroom, hall, and office so stress free. Every person who came into the house to do their specialty was courteous and efficient in the extreme. Best of all, the time, schedule and cost estimates were well within the ballpark range as presented before we agreed to work together.
"Calm" is the operative word here. No stress, no strain; just supportive and knowledgeable people doing what they do best. And they cleaned up after themselves! Each day started and ended as clean as renovations will allow.
Most of all, I appreciate the shepherding of the Projects by Giffin & Crane staff. Mike and Cherilyn were either here or on the phone every day. I was supported, guided, and cheered by the knowledge that experts were not only on duty, but on my side.
Thank you once again for making this potentially difficult experience such a smooth transition. There are more changes ahead in the eventual remodel of my home, and I look forward to a continued relationship with Projects by Giffin & Crane.
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