experience with bolster

Did you move forward with Bolster? Or talk to anyone who has used them?

no ended up interviewing several architects, and went with one who had done several other apartments in my building. worked with him to bid out the job to several contractors. a year later we are very happy with the results.

our initial contact at bolster was someone who kept trying to sell us on the benefits of bolster, when we really wanted to hear more from their architect and contractor. the bolster architect would have charged for a sketch. the architect we ended up choosing spent a lot of time looking at the apartment's details and coming up with ideas, and he even did a couple of concept sketches for free before we hired him.

Thanks for the feedback. I'm having a similar experience. If you would recommend your architect and/or contractor, do you mind sharing the name(s)?

We used Alfred Wen (http://ksaarchitects.com/) and Alphacraft (http://alphacraftny.com/). You can get an idea of their work from the portfolios on the websites.

Thanks!

Hi, I wanted to follow up on this thread. 1st_timer, did your architect provide project management during the construction process, or was the architect’s role primarily in the design and permitting phase? We are looking to do a gut renovation of our apartment, but with the extra wrinkle that we live in CT so we need a project manager type person to make sure that the renovation stays on schedule.

Liz_UWS, who did you end up using and did you like them?

Thanks in advance for your thoughts!

Paperpusher,

Most architects provide project management for anywhere from 10-30% of the complete project.
Please know that just because you have an architect overseeing the project does not mean it will stay on schedule. As a contractor most of the time we are delayed has more to do with decision making and items being delivered that are either incorrect or damaged.

If you have very detailed drawings you can hire a very good contractor and have expectations that they get done on time.

I would say only 30% of the projects we do have an architect who provides construction management.

If you would like any advice feel free to email me at :

primerenovations@mac.com

Jeff
www.primerenovationsnyc.com

Hi 1st_timer - Bolster here! We're sorry you were unhappy with your initial experience with us. Our belief in our product and concern for homeowners doing things the traditional way is so strong that sometimes we get a little overzealous when talking about our company and mission