Architectural Design Build 

TESTIMONIALS

We spent approximate $185,000 to remodel the entire 1,450 square foot second floor of our home. All in all, D Michael Design did an exceptional job. Winston Churchill reputedly declared: “Democracy is the worst form of government, except for all the others.” Accordingly, I now declare D Michael Design the worst general contractor, except for all the others. Reality dictates that no large scale project can ever be flawlessly executed. Accordingly, the real measure of success is how the inevitable problems are addressed. In THAT regard, Dave Peters was indeed flawless. Dave was always committed to getting it right, never sidetracked with excuses. Time and again, Dave tackled the inevitable problems and made things right. Starting in mid-September 2017, we met at least once per week to develop our design, select materials, and document a very detailed work order that listed tasks and costs. The project commenced in early November 2017 and culminated in early April 2018. For over five months, Dave was at our home virtually every weekday morning to let us know exactly what would be happening that day and to inspect the quality of the previous day’s work. Always good-humored, he was never defensive when we’d point out inevitable shortcomings; he simply made sure the sub-contractors did it again—and sometimes, yet again—until they got it RIGHT. And sometimes HE identified shortcomings we had missed, and made sure they got corrected. The project was tackled in two phases that enabled us to continue to live in our home throughout construction. The first phase tackled the master bedroom, bath, and closet. Walls were moved, ceilings raised, and more. A lot of design had to be done “on the fly” as hidden infrastructure had to be accommodated. In some instances pipes and HVAC infrastructure were relocated to accommodate our preferred design. In other instances we worked together to devise innovative work arounds. In the end, it all came together with spectacular results. Dave’s pleasant demeanor and constructive attitude made it an enjoyable, teamwork process that might otherwise have been a disastrously contentious and stressful debacle. The second phase involved a bedroom, hallway bathroom, craft room, and office. This phase was not as complex design-wise, but received no less conscientious effort from Dave. In the past, I have dealt with owner-contractors who at the outset gave me their “personal number” so I could reach them anytime. However, once the project commenced, they didn’t answer calls or respond in a timely manner. Not so with Dave. He always responded immediately, cheerfully, and helpfully. I have no doubt that I could have easily found another contractor at a significantly lesser cost. But I also have no doubt that I could never have found as good a VALUE in terms of commitment to excellence, responsiveness, and a stress-free experience.

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• Overall A

• Price A 

• Quality A

• Responsiveness A

• Punctuality A

• Professionalism A

Description of work:

Remodeled the entire 1,450 square foot second floor of our home consisting of master bedroom, master bathroom, master closet, hallway bathroom, bedroom with closet, office with closet, craft room.

• Category: Cabinet Making, Carpentry - Unfinished, Ceramic Tile, Closets, Countertops, Drywall, Electrical, Flooring Sales/Installation/Repair, Framing, Handymen, Hardwood Flooring Sales/Installation/Refinishing, Housecleaning, Insulation, Interior Design & Decorating, Lighting, Plumbing, Remodeling - General, Carpentry - Woodworking, Ceiling Fans, Marble & Granite, Remodeling - Kitchen & Bathroom, Painting - Interior, Doors

• Services Performed: Yes

• Cost: $185000

• Work Completed Date: 4/16/2018

• Hire Again: Yes

• San Antonio, TX 

With the guidance and vision of D. Michael Designs, our 36 year old master bedroom has been transformed from a tired same ole, same ole look to a vibrant, fresh – is this really our bedroom – awakening. The renovation encompassed a complete new look from ceiling to floor. The ceiling was freed from its stale, dusty and out-of-fashion “popcorn” treatment. It and all its supporting walls were freshly painted and textured. A new ceiling fan was installed and a new television was wall-mounted. The wall-to-wall carpet gave way to the warm look of real wood flooring throughout the main bedroom, vanity enclave and walk-in closet. The vanity enclave received a new granite countertop, two rectangular vessel sinks, two separate wall mirrors, two medicine cabinets (one for him and one for her). The supporting vanity base was painted a complimentary grey tone that appeared throughout the master bedroom. The crown jewel of the renovation was the offset shower and commode (enclave). The shower walls, shower flooring and the drainage system were given an enchanting mixed application of tile placement – from the floor up three walls to the ceiling. We installed a modern 36” lateral drain along the longest wall in the shower, and the gradual, effective sloping to drain was exceptionally done. When finished, the tile placement gives the impression of one sharing their shower with a real waterfall. A very nice touch. A large two section niche´ is included in the elongated vertically placed tile. New stainless steel shower head, faucet handle, ADA safety hand bars and double curtain rod (with curtain and a spot to hang our towels) truly enhanced the look. The tile flooring in the remainder of the space and adjacent commode, along with the towel cabinet and built-in laundry hamper continued the effect. This entire room was tastefully done in shades of grey… Enough of the narrative. We’ll let the pictures speak for themselves. A huge thank you to D. Michael Designs and his entire team. The whole process of a major renovation while still residing in the space brings its own level of stress and pressure. From the very first meeting and discussion of what we wanted to do, Dave was by our side. His architectural, design and contract capabilities are above what I could have expected. His punctuality, daily coordination and communication were impeccable. This was a huge undertaking, and without Dave’s patience, ideas and knowledge, I can’t imagine how it would have gone over the past months. I will be forever grateful to Dave and the friendship we developed. I would recommend beyond five stars D. Michael Designs. Robert and Barbara 

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• Overall A

• Price A

• Quality A

• Responsiveness A

• Punctuality A

• Professionalism A

Description of work:

Master Suite

• Category: Ceramic Tile, Countertops, Electrical, Hardwood Flooring Sales/Installation/Refinishing, Interior Design & Decorating, Lighting, Plumbing, Remodeling - General, Windows, Carpentry - Woodworking, Ceiling Fans, Marble & Granite, Remodeling - Kitchen & Bathroom, Painting - Interior, Doors

• Services Performed: Yes

• Cost: $50000

• Work Completed Date: 7/25/2019

• Hire Again: Yes

• San Antonio, TX 

D. Michael Designs is extremely knowledgeable, professional and polite. I am having my entire house remodeled, including knocking out walls, adding a kitchen island, adding a unique water feature to my entrance and many other changes. I contacted them to get a bid for the design all the way to construction completion. I did not want to deal with the all of the various trades needed to do this project. They told me they could do it all. AND THEY ARE! I met with Travis first to provide my basic remodeling list. Then Dave came out and he, Travis and I walked through my entire house. I told them what I wanted and then Dave and Travis offered additional suggestions. I liked 99% of what they suggested. Within a very short time, I was very comfortable with them and felt like they were part of the family. Travis did an excellent job developing the design specs. (One of the things that impressed me was that he remembered all of the specific things I mentioned during our walkthrough.) Once I agreed on the design, he went with me and offered suggestions for the various materials. There were some special requests that I made. Travis researched all of them to get me an answer and an approximate cost. As Travis and I were working on the design, Dave lined up all the contractors needed to complete the construction. Another thing I really appreciated is that Travis learned what I like and then gave me two choices for the fixtures, etc. so that I did not have to do all the research and look at the thousands of choices for each item. Once the design was finalized, construction began. I’d say they are about 1/3 finished with the actual construction. Daren, Dave’s brother, is leading the construction. He keeps me informed regularly (several times a week, sometimes multiple times a day) on what work was completed and what is next on their list. I thoroughly trust them to get the job done. I will go to the house periodically just to see the progress. Also, they clean up the construction site before they leave every day. They pulled all the necessary permits and are getting the various inspections before moving forward. I have never worked with any other contractor that is as professional as they are. I am very happy with the work they have done and will use them for any future work I need done!

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• Overall A

• Price A

• Quality A

• Responsiveness A

• Punctuality A

• Professionalism A

Description of work:

Complete home remodel

• Category: Interior Design & Decorating, Remodeling - General, Remodeling - Kitchen & Bathroom

• Services Performed: Yes

• Cost: $100000

• Work Completed Date: 8/12/2016

• Hire Again: Yes

• San Antonio, TX