There is much in a name, and explaining why his is called Well-Balanced Designs has often proved “a door opener,” Martin says.
His first project was a $450,000 condominium remodel, completed in four months inside a 1,750-square-foot space on the 27th floor of a building. The resulting layout maximized both the room and the views, including a spectacular view of the ocean that previously was blocked by walls. Five years later, the owners of an apartment on the same floor asked him to build out theirs.
The company offers a two-year workmanship warranty on jobs but is flexible. Three years ago, it built a $100,000 kitchen. Soon after, paint began cracking on the Shaker doors. Martin told the client to keep an eye on it. When doors began to warp, the company made new doors and repainted the kitchen. The cost: $10,000.
Takeaways
- Martin’s first project was a $450,000 condominium remodel, completed in four months inside a 1,750-square-foot space on the 27th floor of a building. The resulting layout maximized both room and views, including a spectacular view of the ocean that previously was blocked by walls. Five years later, the owners of an apartment on the same floor asked him to him build out theirs.
- Since a fair number—about 25%—of the company’s projects are constructed inside hig- rise condominium buildings, Martin has developed the practice of writing a personal letter to neighbors on upper and lower floors right before demo commences. He explains, “what we have to do and that it’s going to make a lot of noise, that we’re very sorry.” He also gives them a rough idea of when it’s going to be over. That letter minimizes problems and complaints.
- Well Balanced uses Corecon construction accounting software to track work-in-progress, with great satisfaction over the last five years. “We try to write as many subcontractor contracts and purchase orders as we can in the beginning, before we start, so we know we are going to be okay” on achieving projected gross margin, Martin says.
- The company offers a two-year workmanship warranty on jobs, with the understanding that that is flexible. Three years ago, for instance, the company built a $100,000 kitchen and shortly thereafter paint began cracking on the Shaker doors. “We told the client to keep an eye on it,” Martin says. “We didn’t know if it was the dampness of the winter or the dryness.” When doors began to warp, “we re-measured the whole thing, made new doors and are repainting it.” At a cost of $10,000.
