Custom Dwellings

This is our 2nd run with Custom Dwellings and again, we love the end product! Their attention to detail (ours and theirs) is probably what impresses the most. Stephanie's design was exactly what we wanted and Russell and Mike (project manager) made sure we got to the end of the project and were satisfied. We came across some issues during the project that pushed up the price somewhat but those issues needed taking care of and Custom Dwellings knew who to go to and oversaw the work to the end. Amy helped with some of the design aspects and we liked what she added as well. Work undertaken inside the house is never easy but someone was always there to oversee and we never felt we had to be in attendance. In fact, we left on vacation for 3 weeks while they worked - that was the level of trust. Highly recommended. You get what you pay for!

Our whole-house remodel experience with Custom Dwellings was truly an amazing experience. From the first meeting with Stephanie and designers to the last finishing touches, we were more than satisfied with the team's communication, professionalism, high quality craftsmanship and knowledge... I could gush all day! The team listens but also provides very clear, thoughtful, and appropriate recommendations when we weren't sure which direction to take. The project took 10 months but we knew that going in - the timeline went as smoothly as it could have possibly gone, and there were VERY few instances where we hit snags (i.e., items no longer available, longer lead times, etc.) - but the team worked their magic and our new home is gorgeous. We hope to work with Custom Dwellings again for "Phase 2!"

We were very pleased with the work done by Custom Dwellings on our kitchen remodel, flooring in foyer, painting of our family room, foyer, and upstairs hallway. We also decided to replace our family room carpeting. Russell and Stephanie Ives (owners and decorators), were very professional and tracked the progress of the project. Their project manager, Mike, was very hands on. Their selection of subcontractors was very good and all had excellent knowledge in their fields. We were on track on the budget. There were some slight delays, not due to work schedules, but due to issues relating to product quality out of their control, i.e. flooring would just not lay right. All things considered, we would use them again for future remodeling projects.

Great team. Easy to work with. Wonderful ideas and stayed within our budget. Very happy with our screened in porch and new deck.

Custom Dwellings did a wonderful job on our recent kitchen remodel. Every part of our old kitchen was removed. They designed and installed a beautiful new kitchen. All work was done on schedule and they did an excellent job. We love everything about our new kitchen and are so very proud of it. We highly recommend Custom Dwellings!!!

Stephanie and Russell renovated my kitchen, and I am so pleased with the results. Stephanie worked the designs until it gave me exactly what I wanted -- more light, a massive island, with good flow for normal traffic and the ability to interact with guests at parties while cooking. Russell's work is impeccable. I've never heard of a renovation site being kept so clean. No problems at all with the load-bearing wall removal or new skylights. And even when I made changes last second, they rolled with it without hesitation. A pleasure to work with them. I use them for all my projects.

Stephanie listened to my wife and me in our first interview. She heard what we wanted out of our deck renovation and then drew plans that reflected what we wanted. Later she tweaked the plans when we she suggested changes that improved the total design. We also used Custom Dwellings as our GC and were totally satisfied. We have had had nothing but compliments on our renovation.

We did a design/build with Custom Dwellings. We could not be more satisfied with the design and the quality of the construction. This was our third major project with Stephanie's design work and we would definitely use her again.

Stephanie Ives came recommended by our contractor. She designed an updated 4 piece bathroom and closet from a 70's styled tiny bathroom/ dressing area. We have incredible amount of storage. The best part is that she went with me to pick out the materials for cabinets , tile and marble. Also helped me choose tub, sinks, commode and faucets. The whole effect is a very beautiful, custom look. I was very pleased and would use her again.

Stephanie provided design services for a large addition to my home, including a kitchen expansion, a master closet and exercise room addition, and a covered porch. She is extremely attentive to detail and has a great eye for tying in existing and new details. She has a very pleasant demeanor, and I would highly recommend Stephanie for design services for future renovation and addition projects.

Stephanie has provided superior CAD support services for a number of my Architectural projects. She has a degree in Architecture and has great professional experience. I hope that we can work together in the future.

Starting in August 2009, my partner Becky and I worked closely with Russell Ives, President of Custom Dwellings, to build a new home based on our architect’s design for a Frank Lloyd Wright inspired house. The project was a large one that required many different skills of Russell and his team as we moved from demolition of the small house that was already on the property through all of the stages of new construction with the Certificate of Occupancy issued in February 2011. By the end of the building process, we had an amazing new house. We had learned to respect Russell for his building skills, his ability to interact with and supervise subcontractors and other workers, his ability to make the architect’s vision into a solidly built house, and his communication skills. Building a house is a long, complex, emotionally and financially demanding, scary, and exciting experience. We were fortunate to have Russell Ives and his team as we made our journey from empty lot to new house. On a scale of 1 (un-satisfactory) to 5 (outstanding results), we give Russell Ives and Custom Dwellings a 5.

Custom Dwellings did a great job on our house. We upgraded our kitchen, as well as other upgrades and changes in the house, and they handled it all very quickly and cleanly. Very professional, and always kept us in the loop on progress and options. We'll use them again anytime we need minor or major work done.