Walczak Design and Build LLC

Lisa and Derek are great to work with. They helped us build a wonderful detached in-law accessory dwelling unit (ADU) that is so aesthetically matched you’d think it was original! As for other considerations: • Design: we worked with them and their recommended architect from conception to completion. They thoroughly maintained the vision we initially had in mind, matched custom level details (like window trim, flooring, and colors), and were very receptive of questions, comments, or concerns with anything along the way. Their team helped to provide recommendations when we were clueless, and receptive to details or change requests. • Knowledge: while they work with several internal and external contractors, their industry knowledge is fantastic (especially their electrician). I had concerns about recent changes to electrical or building codes and they were very well aware and on top of them from as recent as 6 months prior. If they’re doing work, they’re doing it correct the first time. If I had recommendations that made sense to me, Derek was easily able to explain if it was a sound call or if there was a potential issue with it. And all conversations were professional and well-detailed so I knew exactly what and why. • Availability: whether text, phone, or email, Derek, Lisa, and team were VERY responsive to us. If there was an issue they were over in as little as an hour or two in order to address it. Their attention to customer care was always forefront. • Timeline: this is probably true with any company in construction, but we ran a few months behind schedule from the proposal (it was literally a new house build from foundation up). It delayed some things on our end from happening, but it was still completed and we are satisfied with the results. • Cost: we had expectations of quite a bit less than the quoted amount, but based on fixed cost contracts we felt it was a safer alternative than time and materials which could have ballooned to much more based on the longer timeline we ended up with. We had friends that ended up paying about 80% more based on time and materials with other contractors. Our expectations were also based on early-pandemic pricing and “additions”, not ground-up builds. Pricing has gone up quite a bit in materials alone in the last 5 years, regardless of contractors. All in all we were so comfortable with the quality, reputation, and local aspect that the cost just made sense in the end. In the end, we would HIGHLY recommend them, without hesitation, and are definitely considering them for future renovation work in our main residence.

For our full home renovation, we had a vision—remodel our home of 25 years where we had raised our three kids to make it a sanctuary for family visits, a great place to host holiday gatherings, and a functional accommodation for our 24/7 work-from-home lifestyle. Walczak Design + Build brought that vision to life in ways that exceeded our expectations. The project involved fully gutting the inside of the house, bringing it down to the studs, and essentially rebuilding it to include a new kitchen with butler’s pantry, three new bathrooms, new ceilings, hardwood floors, a brand new HVAC system with central air, a new sound system, and even a room for the dogs. Basically, if it was inside the house, it got replaced. Knowing what a big project this would be, we wanted to work with a company that could do the design, help us pick out finishes, and then realize the design vision through the entire building process. The team at Walczak was undaunted by the scale of the project. Right from the start, Lisa and her design team walked us through every detail, bringing us ideas we never would have thought of and helping us see each room in a new way. Because the design and build is all within the company, the handover to their building team led by Derek was seamless and secure, and we felt good knowing the same team would bring the plans to life. We worried about what we might find after we pulled the place apart, but any structural replacements were easy for the team to fix. Walczak has an excellent project management system where you can communicate with any team member, look up invoices and costs, choose fixtures and finishes for the team to order, and track progress. Since this was a long process where we moved out and didn’t always have time to see things in person, this system made the logistics very manageable. The end result is truly amazing. Every day, we marvel that this is the same house. Lisa and her team seemed to read our minds from just a few Pinterest mood boards, bringing us fixtures and finishes that were exactly what we were looking for, even when we didn’t know how to describe it. Family and friends always remark at how warm and comfortable our new home is, how perfect the proportions are in the kitchen, and the quality of the millwork and construction. There’s a feel to the house that is hard to pinpoint, but easy to soak up when you walk in. That’s all due to Walczak’s detailed design, great vendors and subcontractors, and high level of craftsmanship. We highly recommend the team at Walczak Design + Build for streamlined project management, thoughtful design, and quality craftsmanship.

We decided to renovate our kitchen after 25 years. After meeting with several design/build firms, we chose Lisa and Derek Walczak for our project. We could not be happier with team and the results. Design was well thought out to meet our needs and maximize storage space. The craftsmanship and quality of work is outstanding. We highly recommend Walczak Design and Build.

Lisa and Derek epitomize the ultimate in partnership to bringing a vision to reality! Their white glove planning, craftsmanship, and execution leaves little to the imagination. I am among the many clients who made the prudent investment to make the transformation they provided for me!

Building a new home is one of life's biggest adventures - nerve shattering and exciting at the same time. At least that's what it felt like for us - an older couple who decided to leave behind the too-big family home, head up the shore to Ipswich and tackle the construction of an accessory dwelling unit at my daughter's Ipswich home. With this experience now behind us and comfortably settled into our beautiful new apartment and community, I can say that the biggest - and best - decision we made was to work with Lisa and Derek and their team at Walczak Design and Build. They were there every step of the way, calming us when those nerves would strike, which was pretty much a daily experience. We love our new home and we are so grateful to have completed this adventure alongside our new North Shore friends, Lisa and Derek.