J S
5/5
This review is long overdue (and long itself, sorry).
Eagle Pride Construction completed our kitchen remodel in December of 2019 with Jessie as our foreman. I'm finally getting to this review after I overloaded a circuit and had some concerns with our electrical panel (installed by others). EPC stands behind their work and fixed our problem within 24 hrs. The issue ended up being a faulty breaker not helped by my overloading a circuit, likely not due to work by EPC, but they replaced the breaker immediately and free of charge regardless.
The Short-ish…
I would have no hesitation using EPC again if I was in need of a GC. EPC performed the design, structural engineering, permitting, the kitchen remodel itself (structural + exterior, windows, tiling, relocating drains below slab, etc). We were tight on budget, so I did the demo, re-insulation, painting, and re-installed our laminate to save some money. Aside from a delay I place on the City of Ventura's permitting office, EPC delivered a beautiful kitchen within a rigid timeline before the birth of my son.
EPC worked with our budget and delivered as quoted aside from a change order for additional work requested outside the original agreed upon scope. The engineering for the structural work likely cost more than quoted and some small changes I requested throughout added labor costs. The change order was reasonable and did not seem to offset these extra costs likely incurred by EPC.
The Long... Bid & Design:
EPC was the third quote we received; all three quotes were higher than what we had originally budgeted, with EPC's quote in the middle. Just like the other two, we told Gary our budget and what we envisioned. Unlike the other two, Gary was straight forward in telling us the work requested is more than our budget would allow, but offered some areas where we could save money. There was zero pressure for us to sign any agreements after the estimate.
I did opt for separating the design, engineering and permitting apart from the construction bid given our tight budget. The design price was competitive and we could have gotten bids for the approved plan set from other contractors. A good chunk of the project cost was addressing the structural issues from a previous homeowner's unpermitted remodel.
EPC worked with us, modifying the scope and I did some of the work in order to get us to a price we were comfortable with. The allowances for owner purchase-contractor install were accurate. We did spend extra on natural stone for the backsplash, but there were plenty of options within allowance. We selected a composite quartz countertop from EPC’s showroom at a competitive price and still looks great.
The design process was collaborative, Gary listened to our quirks and offered his own design tips. Now, after two years of use, I really can't think of a single thing I wish were different other than just spending the extra money to replace the living room window
Construction:
After the city’s permitting delay, work moved forward with a tight deadline. Our son was due late Dec and I completed demo mid-Oct. EPC completed the kitchen by mid-Dec. I worked on completing the pre-agreed upon final painting, re-flooring, etc. as time allowed. Given the scope, EPC was efficient in meeting our hard deadline.
I made minor changes to the design throughout, and anticipated a change order on some but the only one change order when we decided to address some drywall work in the living room and electing to have EPC install the floor tile (I was originally going to complete). They worked while we were away as requested and left the area tidy and clean to where my pregnant wife and 2 year old child weren’t breathing in dust or finding sharp objects to play with.
I worked closely with Jessie (foreman) who was always available if I had questions and on rare occasions come over in the evening to meet me. I probably annoyed the heck out of both Gary and Jessie, as I can be quite particular, but they didn’t show it if I did.
