Lensis Builders, Inc.

Lensis builders remodeled an old addition, including completely removing the old and poorly performing cathedral ceiling that was under-insulated and had chronic condensation problems. New siding and electrical work was also done. Rich was thoughtful and thorough in evaluating the problems and developing the solution. The design, execution and craftsmanship were superb. Everything was completed on time and at the originally estimated cost. They exceeded our expectations, and we highly recommend them to anyone. A special thanks to John the master carpenter and to everyone at Lensis who contributed.

Great job with a renovation in our home in Fairfax. Lensis took a pretty ugly and outdated in-law suite and transformed it into a beautiful master suite. We were very pleased with the outcome. The work was done in a timely and very professional manner.

My apologies for the lengthy review but this was the total gut of a 1901 farmhouse kitchen so I want to accurately depict the scope of this work performed by Lensis Builders to help you make an informed decision when selecting kitchen companies for your job. We hired Lensis for a major kitchen renovation of our 1901 farmhouse. The kitchen, while having a lot of square feet, was rectangle and narrow. So it is really just a large galley with breakfast area at the far end. We initially considered making the kitchen larger to square it off, giving us the opportunity to have the much desirable center island. In the end, we could not see the cost of expanding the kitchen just to have the island, so used the space we had. Our goal of this kitchen project was to make the most of the space we had: a state of the art kitchen with all the modern conveniences while maintain the character and charm of our 117 year old farmhouse. We had other challenges as well - there was currently no heat in this room (steam radiator heat in rest of house) and the outside wall had 2 large 72 inch windows - though beautiful, we needed that wall space for cabinets and counter. Since the home is 1901, things such as electrical were not up to code and the floor needed to be reinforced prior to loading the room with new floor, cabinets/counters and appliances. The breakfast room portion of the kitchen was an 8x8 add-on done many years ago (not by us) and it was sinking. We also had this large "chimney" running up the outside wall to the roof. The outside surface of that chimney was plaster. The chimney could not be removed so whatever was done had to be built around it. In addition to all of these big ticket items, we had several smaller ones, too, such as insulation, etc. All of this had to be addressed before we ordered our first cabinet. It took many months to complete the kitchen design phase. When people ask me why it took so long, the answer is simple. Me. As mentioned earlier, I wanted state of the art amenities with 1901 charm. The problem is, I'm not a visionary. Meaning, I couldn't tell you what I wanted but as Lensis offered up countless ideas, I seemed to know what I didn't want quite easily. Through it all they remained so incredibly patient with me. Some things I knew I wanted. The kitchen has 14 foot ceilings. Since we were losing the large windows, I wanted clerestories installed to bring in light. I also wanted to keep the ceiling beams and top row of wall cabinets (too high to ever be used, but wanted to keep true to the time period). After many, many sessions, emails, phone calls and internet searches, we finalized the design in early May, 2018 and immediately went into contract to start construction mid- late-May, 2018. The kitchen was complete mid-July 2018 with only a couple of minor setbacks. There was about $2000 additional cost not in initial scope, but there was no way to know until the walls were knocked down. This wasn't a surprise. Lensis warned us in advance that due to age of the house, they could only estimate until the walls were down and they could actually see in there. The finished product is just beautiful. Lensis already posted pictures of our kitchen - labelled Bristow, VA - so I don't need to post pictures here. So besides giving us the most amazing kitchen we've ever had, I want you to know these things: 1. Lensis was onsite everyday 5 days a week except holidays and broom swept the area and took out all garbage at the end of every day. Not even the typical empty water bottle and subway wrappers left behind. 2. A Project Manager was assigned to our job. Jeff had a detailed schedule of the project so there were never any surprises unless there was an unforeseen event (like the additional electrical, which added a couple days). He was always there first thing in the morning to discuss the day's events. 3. The owners made frequent check-ins to ensure the project was on-track and looking as expected. 4. The Lensis craftsman assigned to our job, John, I don't even know what to say. Calling him a "craftsman" says it all I think. Wow. What attention to detail! 5. The office people (Meghan) are phenomenal too. 6. I have been meaning to write up this review for the last 2 months. In a way, it is good that I delayed because I can tell you that since the kitchen was complete, I had 2 issues and I think it is important for you to know how Lensis responded - One was a water leak at the newly installed radiator. We emailed them that night. They immediately contacted us to explain how to shutoff the water to the radiator. By 8am the next day, Lensis had the plumber there who did the install, plus their craftsman, John and the Project Manager, Jeff all making sure it was fixed ASAP and correctly. It was squared away before 9am. The 2nd issue was that 2 shelves wobbled. Jeff came by, saw they were warped and ordered 2 new shelves. They've since been replaced. Our next project is to add a master bath. It will be Lensis builders and it will need to meet the same criteria - modern amenities with 1901 farmhouse charm. I'm hoping I don't drive them too crazy this time ;)

The team from Lensis Builders really delivers on a project. We couldn't be more happy with the entire process. They worked with us on a design, then handled all the permits, and delivered exactly what we expected. Every person we met with was professional, true to their word, and committed to the project being on time and on budget. There are a lot of builders and re-modelers who promise the world and don't deliver. You won't find that to be the case with Lensis Builders. We are already working on another idea for the house and I am 100% confident we will use Lensis for this project too.

Lensis built our 18x20' screened-in porch and large interior closet a year ago. They did an excellent job and we have had no problems with them. They customized the projects to our specifications and they came out just as we wanted. They kept to the budget and handled well the little glitches that always come up without nickel and diming us. John M., their lead carpenter, is very skilled, easy to work with, and always cleaned up the site each day.

Excellent quality, true craftsmen who care about their trade. They keep the job site clean and well organized, are very timely, do what they say when they say they will do it! The Lensis crew are polite and professional, respectful of our property, and always eager to do what it takes to get the job done right. We had Lensis remodel two bathrooms and our kitchen. All turned out beautiful. And even after a couple of years of hard daily use, their work is as good as new.

I have used Lensis Builders on three separate occasions: to build a garage, renovate a kitchen, and upgrade two bathrooms. I give them 5 stars for their work on each project. I especially appreciate the time they spent with me on planing, the quality of the workman ship, and and their responsiveness in answering questions and addressing any issues I raised during the progression of the work. At the end of the recent bathroom project I wrote to say that I gave them an A+.

From the moment I met Richard and Stacy Lensis, I could tell I would like them. Having interviewed several builders for my addition, the Lensis struck me as being the most trustworthy and informative builder for every question we would posed (and I could understand them). Our county setbacks were a bear to deal with but, like a true professional, they worked with us until we were satisfied with our planned addition. Their staff were professional, friendly, and on time. Laurie, the project manager, kept me posted daily on the schedule, not to mention she and Steve were a big help picking colors for my kitchen. It was like working with family. To be honest, I miss having them around.

Lensis started and completed master bathroom remodel in a timely manner per the contract. Lensis worked continuously without days off to complete the project, coordinating and supervising all subcontractor work perfectly.. All staff are professional and courteous and immediately responsive to all questions and emails. On site manager/expert tradesman was there every day and is exceptional. Finished product much much better than expected. We highly recommend.

Starting with a major kitchen reno, followed by an air sealing project, and starting next week a siding job. Absolutely hands down the most trustworthy contractor I have ever worked with. Richard Lensis has stood 100% behind his work since day 1, through 2 major projects so far. A third major project is scheduled to start next week and I have zero concerns the work will be done right the first time, or that Richard will ensure things are made right.