Starcom Design/Build

Issue have been resolved by Starcom Design Build. Owner contacted me and worked with me I am happy with the outcome.

Renovation of almost entire downstairs of home (4 rooms). I really wanted this experience to be a good one and was very hopeful after reading reviews and looking at rating on multiple sites. Unfortunately, the whole experience ended up being more of a hassle than anything else and a disappointment since the project manager and designer ended up being a lot of the problem. All very nice people, when you actually get a response from them, but a project that was estimated to take 7.5 - 9.5 weeks ended up taking 14 weeks to complete and is only complete now because I had to stay on top of everyone every single day. Multiple problems throughout construction because someone didn't measure correctly and lacked in expertise and professionalism to know what needs to be dome in certain situations and when to order items. They bring in people to do the work that either don't know or don't care about the work they are doing (installed 9 feet of windows crooked by almost 2 inches, spilled stain on new blue stone hearth and tried to "fix" by putting paint thinner on it, dumpster placed w/o wood under the rollers, dry wall installers that covered over lights, vents, numerous wires and cables, no regulator installed on gas line). Their lack of communication and responses makes everything much more difficult and infuriating when you are trying to get to problems taken care of or information. All very frustrating and a disappointment and I have withdrawn my recommendation to 3 friends who are looking for someone to do the same kind of work in their homes.

Never refunded us MONTHS later after sending polite certified mail. Did unlicensed [not licensed for asbestos work, nor is their employee for inside heating/air conditioning work), unapproved work. (smashing tiles their employee told us were asbestos filled, filling side of heating duct with expandable foam) The work they are licensed to do was equally awful. Drywall cut jagged edges, tape seams, wood shelf removed and taken away without approval. No decent cleanup, no replies for days from people in charge. One employee here doing a horrible job. Wore earplugs turned up so loud you couldn't talk to him unless you came up to his face. Scary, unprofessional and horrible experience. After finding out flooring we paid for was never even ordered and finding the worker had disturbed and smashed asbestos tiles without approval even though he knew what it was, we let this company go. Want a full apology for exposing us to Asbestos, dirt, dust inclduign unwrapped fiberglass and a refund already.

We contracted with Starcom on April 28, 2016 to build a front portico with stone porch and stone sidewalk for $29,000. A deposit of $9500 was paid. Starcom decided to opt out of the contract, and has not returned our $9500 deposit. Most surprising is the “OPT OUT PROVISION” of the contract we signed (on page 4). “Either Starcom or the Owner can opt out of the Contract at any time, upon written notice, at which time Starcom will invoice the Owner for final payment of all amounts due and owing for labor performed and materials then delivered, bought or allocated and/or any obligation incurred by Starcom in the normal execution of the Contract, including a portion of project profit and overhead costs.” In other words Starcom can decide for any reason to avoid starting any construction, then charge us an amount they determine. In our case, the evidence shows that they decided that they underestimated their contract quote, and asked for an additional $4600 from us. We refused to pay more since we made no changes whatsoever to the contract details and didn’t believe we should pay for Starcom’s mistake. So we now have no portico/sidewalk and lost $9500. Here are some details: We became increasingly concerned as work on the project still had not started. Three times over the course of 2 months we were sent incorrect drawings for the contracted project; the stone mason and project manager Derek had a version of the drawings we had never seen, including a smaller sidewalk, no demo of existing sidewalk and shallower footing than originally contracted. These “mistakes” were apparently an attempt to reduce Starcom’s cost. Nevertheless, with each drawing mistake and delay, the Starcom salesman, Scott apologized, took ownership, and assured us “It’s a matter of trust” that he would resolve the problems and deliver the portico and stone sidewalk as we had originally contracted. Although we really wanted to get the project completed, we had offered to Scott that we would consider releasing Starcom’s contractual obligations if they would refund our $9500 deposit (if Starcom didn’t wanted to perform the work for any reason). However, Scott assured us that Starcom wanted to complete the contract. After a discussion about the faulty drawings, Derek and Scott both called us the next day to apologize for the actions of the owner (Bob), and warn us that Bob wanted to opt out of the contract. A few days later, the fourth set of corrected drawings were sent to us by Bob. The new drawings were sufficiently correct (included original contract details, nothing more). We immediately responded with our approval of the drawings and we were looking forward to starting work. Less than 24 hours later we received an email from the owner stating that they were “opting out” of the contract. Moreover, since we had approved the drawings, he would be keeping $2900 of our $9500 deposit if we agreed to release Starcom from its contractual obligations. We refused and suggested that Starcom had the reasonable options to either complete the contract work, or return our $9500 deposit. In retrospect it seemed like a continuing deception to charge us more for the original contract work, and/or reduce Starcom’s cost by reducing the masonry work with modified faulty drawings, and delaying the project. However, sending us corrected drawings after we were told that owner Bob decided to opt out of the contract, and luring us into approving those drawings with a false implication to start work on the project, was deceptive since Starcom was not providing these services in good faith.

Starcom did a siding/brick job for us 6 years ago - and they did a very nice job. After 6 years, a minor repair was needed and they came right out and took care of it. I really appreciate it when a company stands behind their work/product. It has been a pleasure dealing with Jerry at Starcom.

Bob and Jerry have been so helpful and patient with us while we work together to design our new custom home in Potomac, MD. They made it an easy process. We can't wait to see the finished project!

Starcom renovated my bathroom over 3 years ago. It's beautiful! Recently, I noticed a slight grout problem in the flooring, made a phone call to starcom. Without hesitation, they came to the house and rectified the problem. Great job to the Starcom Team!

A few years ago my wife and I decided to begin some work in our upstairs bathroom. The house, built around 1911, had gone through a number of "adjustments" over the years. Not having unlimited cash we decided to start with a tub enclosure and after getting some estimates called in Starcom, to do the work. As it was a small job one person was sent to tear out the old and insert the new. All work was done in a timely manner, with the worker informing us of noise, amount of dust and dirt, and how long the job was going to take. When a mishap came in unexpectedly it was handled with speed and effectively. All dust, dirt, and items that were replaced were removed. After a bit of time one of the panels came loose at a corner and upon calling the company they responded quickly and dealt with the issue. Should we decide to move forward to another project Starcom would be first to be called in for there ideas, and a bid to do the work. I will confirm that the date listed below is "close" since I cannot for the life of me find the paperwork that was in play when the job was done. Jim Fletcher

Installation of shower/tub door. The product was first class and the service was also. I would highly recommend Starcom Design/Build for any job in the home. Bill Gardner

We had burst pipe disaster and needed help. Total insurance claim was $70,000 plus. Starcom came to our rescue with amazing professional services. No funny stuff... excellent staff, superior work. If they made a mistake, they fixed it. Many small extras to help us along this difficult path. They have my highest recommendation.

Starcom completed my basement after consulting with them on cabinet and flooring selections we could not be more happy with the outcome. The workmanship is excellent, on time, and on budget. I highly recommend Starcom for remodeling, or additions as they are very well run and do quality work., R. Kent Ellicott City, MD

Starcom Designbuild completed a new build/renovation for our 1940 Colonial in 2013. The job included a garage conversion into a gorgeous, functional groundfloor mudroom/laundry with a beautiful and seamless brick porch (no one can tell it's a conversion, which was our goal). Starcom also renovated and built the most beautiful kitchen that opens to a beautiful wood deck. The kitchen is a transitional space. It features a banquet where our family can gather for meals and games, and is a galley so the outside space comes into the kitchen through the large windows and sliding door. Moreover, the house had original arched doorways. Starcom incorporated those archways in the new design so that the kitchen flows with the rest of the house, including the original dining room, which was very important to us. In the dining room, Starcom installed built-in china cabinets that are definitely focal pieces that everyone comments on--again, though they are new, but they were incorporated in a way that makes them look original and BEAUTIFUL! Finally, Starcom renovated and expanded an existing sunporch into a spacious master suite. The bedroom features a wall of windows that again brings the outside into the house, which is so beautiful and natural. The bathroom features a doorless shower, which will allow us to age in place. Starcom was the most amazing company to work with during the project. We always look back on the experience with positive feelings. The question is why are we writing this review now? To us, the key to a good company is what they do AFTER the project is over, after the last check has been deposited. Recently, our house was broken into. It was devastating for us. The criminals smashed the sliding glass door into the kitchen and ransacked several rooms. As we struggled to put our house back together, we called Starcom to see if we could get any help finding a sliding door as the product we used is not stocked in any stores. The owner of Starcom, Bob Weickgenannt, not only took our call on a Saturday but he and our former project manager, Jerry Harmon, jumped on the task not only locating a door but having their employee install a temporary, safe plywood door and then finally the new door--in under a week from the date of the break in. It was outstanding. This was all done so quickly, so kindly, and it reinforced what a great company Starcom is, and the devotion to the customer is evident. To us, if a company is truly there for you and stands behind its product even when its something beyond the scope of the work, you know that you made a good investment. For these reasons, we would nominate Starcom as the best construction company in the DMV (District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia). David and Erica Simpson http://www.starcomdesignbuild.com/portfolio#1 http://www.starcomdesignbuild.com/portfolio#7,8,9