"I knew about 2 weeks into my bathroom project that I would have to have SCAL add a screened-in porch and deck as well. My relationship with SCAL actually started with an architect. SCAL had done work for him. They were the only outfit he recommended when I started thinking about renovating my small bath and a half in my 50 year-old ranch. So late one night, the room lit only by the glow of my computer screen, I tapped in www.smallcarpenters.com and started my structured dreaming. The pictures of projects on your website got me thinking but the comments of customers post project partum got me hooked.

Unlike so many websites with an email feature, where you email for additional information with no response, when I emailed my general ideas, I got a call the next day from the owner of the company.

A couple of days later, your designer, Amanda and a crew of silent engineers, were out at my house, crawling all over the attic and basement, taking measurements and pictures. I couldn’t fully comprehend this level of attention to my modest home until we were further in the design phase. I realized no surprises for you, no surprises for me.

Sure, I had general ideas. Even thought for a while that I knew exactly what I wanted. However, Amanda opened my eyes to a multitude of better options that I would never have considered. Meeting with her was like talking with my analyst, except less expensive, more pleasant and I got drawings when I left. It was like she knew what I might like. She didn’t pressure me but rather left me with options to think about for the next meeting. And when she finally rolled out the plans, there we not one or two but three options for my consideration. She translated my instincts into plans within my budget. She had listened to me. That day, I quit analysis.

I was then introduced to Rick who said he would be overseeing the project. “If you have any question, here’s my card, cell number, email…call me for anything.” I was sure I’d never see him again. Instead, he showed up every week, sometimes many times in a week, conferencing quietly with the crafts people onsite. More puzzling was when the owner showed up on his bike and Amanda with her camera. My small bathroom project was seemingly even more important to them than it was to me.

I noticed that the tile people were in contact constantly with Amanda and Rick, that nothing got changed without thoughtful consideration with me and among themselves. The plumbers, electricians, cabinet-makers and painters were top notch, cleaned up after themselves, and showed up when scheduled. Progress was made every day.

From one and a half pathetic, poorly designed and embarrassing bathrooms, I now have two full, totally cool, off-the-hinges bathrooms which seem larger somehow than the ones they replaced in the same space. On time, within budget, better than I ever thought possible, no surprises. Amanda’s superior design work up front really paid off.

Now I am in the middle of the screened-in porch and deck project. Yesterday, Steve, who is not prone to poetic discourse, is truly a poetic craftsman, singlehandedly was powering huge beams of cedar up to his minions on the roof. Rudi, Kevin and even Rick were responding with precision to Steve’s unique language of nods and grunts, unintelligible to the lay person. By the end of the day, all the rafters were up and the site was cleaned.

I am already imagining an early fall morning cup of joe before I hit work, or a Sunday afternoon nap in the hammock, no flies or bugs, the smell of grass that needs to be cut, the subject of green envy by all my neighbors. Worth every penny.

Thanks to all of the great folds at SCAL for making the projects fun and a whole lot better realized than I could of ever imagined."

Robin Nash

"We're on our fourth house, so we've been around the block a few times when it comes to home renovation. Too often homeowners have to settle for less than they thought they were getting. Maybe the design work is uninspired, or the craftsmanship is just not there. But we had a completely different experience with SCAL. From our very first meeting to the day when the paint had dried, we knew that we were working with consummate professionals who take immense pride in their work. They were creative, attentive to detail, fast-moving, and responsive to our needs. In the end, we had exactly the basement renovation that we had envisioned, not to mention one that prompted a lot of oohs and ahhs during the Inman Park Festival Tour of Homes!"

Jeanne L. & Jim A.

“I like the fact that SCAL handles all the details from beginning to end. Danny and his folks pay attention to quality, and in the long run, that is really what counts. The fact that we are three time repeat customers says it all about the folks at SCAL. I am only saddened by the fact that there is nothing left now to redo. ” 

Carol Smith & Steve Kraftchick

"SCAL Home transformed our small 1954 Brick Ranch house (1,100 sq. feet) into a spacious Mid-Century Modern marvel (2,400 sq. feet) that is highly functional and exceedingly aesthetically pleasing.  All of the employees were masters at their particular role and the final product showcases their talent and dedication to getting the job done correctly, on budget, and on time.  In fact, our project beat the deadline by two weeks. 

Among the many things I appreciate about SCAL is the honesty with which they handled our renovation, and that began at the earliest stage – the estimate.  SCAL gave us a realistic estimate and told us up front some of the challenges we might face along the way, and when we encountered some challenges, we were prepared.  Additionally, we remained in our house during the renovation, and the entire SCAL team and the subcontractors were extremely thoughtful when managing their work and our lives (which includes a four-year-old son and two cats)."

Terry E. & Theresa S.

"I cannot say enough good things about SCAL. We have been using them for more than 25 years. They have remodeled our kitchen twice, built a brand new second story to our house, and added a third story under our house. We have never sought another bid from another contractor since our first job. The workmanship is first rate and the communications process is better than any other contractor relationship I know of. 

One specific episode sticks in my mind. During the second story renovation, and before the house was weatherproofed, a rain storm came in. It was February, and at about 9 pm Danny came to the house (un prompted) to check on the condition of the temporary tarp. He climbed up on the roof in the pouring rain to check that it was secure. If contractors could earn medals for conduct "above and beyond," Danny won one that night. 

We lived in the house for all of the renovations except for the first. Danny was always solicitous of our needs in living through the construction. He and his team listen, they respond, and they do what it takes to make sure the job comes off successfully. 

The creation of a living space under our house - which required excavating under the house to within 3 feet of the foundation - was an astounding feat of construction engineering. As he excavated, he had to continue to support the house, maintain utilities, and minimize cracks in 80-year old plaster. He had to waterproof the underground space make sure the house was secure once it was complete. I would simply not have done the project if it was any other contractor. I understand the project was published in the Journal of Light Construction."

Patrick Flinn & Karen Hegtvedt

"SCAL really performed magic in changing our little kitchen into a beautiful, open space. The biggest surprise has been how it has made the whole house feel nicer.

From beginning to end, we couldn't be happier with SCAL. Amanda really listened to us and provided us with options to make our project turn out just the way we wanted. Rick did a great job of keeping us informed and keeping the project running smoothly. Steve's work in completing the project was superb. We were happy with all the subcontractors; they did good work and were thoughtful and respectful in working around the house.

The fact that Jennings and I were both working out of the house while the remodel was going on could have been a real nightmare. Instead, it felt like SCAL understood how stressful this sort of disruption is to homeowners, and went the extra mile to take care of us. And I think the finished project is gorgeous.

We did a lot of research before selecting SCAL. We got a few cheaper bids, but it was clear that the work would not be up to the level of quality we wanted. But several of the bids were a good bit more money. SCAL helped us make good decisions to get the greatest value for the money we spent.

Jennings and I are happy to recommend SCAL without reservation. You guys get a 10 from us. Thanks for your hard work around our home "

John Ballew

"The nicest complement I receive is the look of shock on my guests’ faces when they hear my home is actually a full home renovation. SCAL transformed my one-story brick ranch into a beautiful two-story home that looks like an original Craftsman design. Every detail of the renovation was carefully crafted so the existing home and new construction blend seamlessly. The new kitchen and back porch have added an entirely different dimension to entertaining at home.  I never would have imagined I would enjoy my home as much as do. 

My family and I lived in the house during the extensive construction project and appreciate the care and consideration SCAL took to make us as comfortable as possible during renovation process. The finished product exceeded my expectations and has provided countless days and nights of enjoyment for me and my family and friends. I highly recommend SCAL Home for any remodeling project. In fact, I’ve engaged SCAL for additional projects, and they remain at the top of my referral list."

Angie Fife

"SCAL has been our partner for several years as we worked to transform our 100 year old house into something comfortable for a family with young children.  They came up with beautiful designs that made great use of our small spaces and stayed true to the spirit of an older home.  From design through the completion of each project SCAL demonstrated a high quality focus and meticulous attention to detail in completing the work.  We were thrilled with the outcome of each project and will definitely call SCAL for our next remodel!" 

Karol & Coleman L.

"SCAL enclosed our carport and took down a wall to create a large room, laundry room, and half bath. SCAL was amazing to work with and are a very conscientious and professional group of people. Their attention to detail, quality of materials, workmanship, and communication were all outstanding. It was a big job that had some unexpected surprises, but they handled everything professionally and we were always well informed. We would absolutely hire them again and recommend them to others. They may not be the cheapest option for remodeling jobs, but if you want it done by a team of pros, you should definitely give them a call."

Cylinda P. and Yen T.

"SCAL has transformed our 1960's ranch into a place we both cannot wait to come home to. From the initial meeting with the design staff to the first consultation at the house itself, SCAL was professional, timely and just good folks. They made what is by default a very stressful process, not only tolerable but in a way, a very pleasant experience.

The job supervisor was always at our home with a smile on a daily basis making sure the crew did the job efficiently, well and on time. Communication was always clear and available. Not once did SCAL leave us hanging or questioning a price, procedure or a deadline. They were always up front, honest and eager to please.

The final result is a work of beauty and comfort. Friends and family alike are awed at the transformation. I cannot recommend SCAL enough.

If you want a Contractor who is going to do the job right with artistic integrity, then SCAL is for you. They told us up front that they might charge more than your average general contractor. It was worth every penny and then some. We knew exactly what we were expected to pay and each nail and brick we were paying for. If anything went over budget it was only because we chose an item that may have cost more than originally suggested. There was always the option to spend more or less depending on our own tastes. Amanda, the designer made sure to give us many options. We never felt trapped into choosing a particular design or item.

If we ever renovate further, there is no question who will be our contractor: the crew at SCAL."

Kim and David Chamberlain

"When we first started thinking about a second floor addition, we heard the usual horror stories from friends and colleagues who had miserable experiences during renovations – the contractor that absconds with the money, the small project that doubles in size, the finish date that expands by 4 months…we’ve all heard them.

Having just finished an eight month project with SCAL and moving into our new 1600 square foot second floor, our only complaint is that you did such an excellent job that we have no “horror” stories with which to amuse our friends. Not a one. You finished the project early. You did so almost exactly on budget (with SCAL-initiated change orders totaling less than 1% of the project cost – good work by Mark Camillo). You and your team were a joy to work with.

From starting the design work with Amanda, who is both practical and creative (a rare combination), to the contract management by Theresa, to the day-to-day on-site supervision and work of Steve and Rick, and all of your other employees such as Jennifer and your subcontractors, the entire process was exceptionally smooth. This would not happen without your superb management and obvious passion for renovations (just TRY to keep you from crawling in the red clay basement crawlspace, even in new pants).

We greatly appreciate the sensitivity and care you showed to keeping the house livable throughout the project, especially for our 5 cats. We are certain that this was not always easy, especially when cats escaped into the ceiling area more than once.

In short, if we were to do this again, we would, but only with SCAL. You not only did superior work, but you also left a good spirit in the house. It is a testament to your company that we felt as happy and excited about this project at the close of it as we did when we began. For this we can only thank you and your team."

Lisa and Corey Keyes

"SCAL did our kitchen renovation. From the evaluation and bid process through design and execution, our team at SCAL was phenomenal. The project budget and timeline were met, and the quality of work was first rate. Their expertise in working with our 100+ year old home and meeting the challenges it presented were invaluable; we highly recommend them for any project, large or small, new house or old. We are very pleased with the outcome of our renovation, and look forward to working with SCAL on our next project."

Anne & Pete DiFilippo

"We would like you to know how happy we are with our recent renovation experience. Thank you for the excellent service and outstanding workmanship from SCAL. We have been through major renovations on 3 different Atlanta homes during the last 5 years, so we know better than most how important integrity, experience, skill and reliability are in a contractor. Your firm exceeded expectations in all categories. Indeed, we feel we have found the best in SCAL. We just wish we had found you sooner!

We’re glad we hired SCAL, and we’ll do it again."

Rocky Atkins and Sally

"We hired this company to convert a kitchen closet space to a wet bar and also to redo floor tile, sinks and countertops in three bathrooms. 

The design work for the bar was tricky given the space but SCAL devised a clever plan that made use of the limited space. Our wish for a zinc countertop was challenging but a local supplier was located. 

The subcontractors hired were very professional and the project manager kept us informed daily about the process, problems or decisions needed. Working areas were kept reasonably clear and considerations were made for our comfort during the renovations. 

One of the most appreciated aspects of working with SCAL was their dedication to our satisfaction. It was clear, this was a high priority for the team. And much appreciated."

Polly N.

"We really thought our basement was hopeless. Because it was primarily underground the only light coming in was through tiny little windows at the tops of the walls. The pipes and vents were hanging down so low that we couldn’t imagine how we could get a ceiling to work. The SCAL Team came up with a design that addressed all the challenges—creating a beautiful space with high ceilings, lots of light, and a seamless transition from the rest of the house. We adore our basement. It doesn’t feel like a basement at all. The guest room is cozy and comfortable, my new office is my favorite room in the house and inspires me to work, and we spend a lot of time in the main room enjoying time together. 

We had heard such dire predictions from friends about doing a renovation but we found working with the SCAL team easy and enjoyable. They were responsive, professional, and sensitive to us living in the house—even cleaning everything out for a holiday weekend. We were informed along the way and the project met all of our budget, time, and outcome expectations."

Janice & Dave Darling

"Over the years, we have been through many renovation projects. The only thing that they had in common was that they took longer than expected and cost more than expected. Funk & Wagnalls Dictionary defines the word "project" as "Something proposed or mapped out in the mind, as a course of action; a plan." And there lies the problem with a renovation project. There are usually several minds mapping things out and unfortunately, by the time it gets from the several minds to the one finished product, it can be a very different project.

Our largest project to date was to re-create a large residential Grand Foyer in a 1911 building. When our residence had been built it was a 4,000 square foot home that took up half of a floor. Over the years it had been chopped into 3 small apartments with a small common space foyer that was shared by all three. We currently had 2 of these apartments. When the third one became available we purchased that and the small foyer. Our goal was to connect the three apartments with the original Grand Foyer space. Our building is on the National Historic Register and it was important to not only us, but to the Board of Directors, that we stay true to the architecture and quality of craftsmanship that would have been found in 1911. We had very little to go on. SCAL worked diligently with everyone involved to make sure that they got it right. It seemed that everyone at SCAL knew our project - from the President of the company to the receptionist and everyone in between. To our amazement it appeared that the right hand actually knew what the left hand was doing. We had a Project Manager, an on-site Supervisor, the same carpenters from beginning to end, the same painters, etc. The continuity was incredible and the workmanship was superior. SCAL took pride in their work. And it shows. People that are unaware of the fact that this Foyer has been renovated simply cannot believe that it has not always been this way. When we point it out to these same people, we try to show them what exactly SCAL did, but it is difficult to get them to see where the old ended and the new began. I do not know of a better compliment than that.

My mind is busy mapping out our next renovation. And I know who will be able to share my vision. Also, for the record, this project took no longer than expected and cost no more than expected. What a team!"

Swan and Jim McKnight

"Our kitchen turned out to be not only spacious and functional but also beautiful and unique, we just love it! The design of our master bath and kitchen redo was everything I had hoped for, it turned out wonderfully! Everyone at SCAL was so friendly and easy to work with." 

Jennifer & Nic P.

"SCAL has just completed an addition to our home. It was a most satisfactory experience.

Before construction began Danny and his staff spent hours talking to us and to our architect making sure that they understood the drawings and details. This consultation continued throughout the process.

Once work started, we were assigned a head carpenter who oversaw the progress and interfaced the subcontractors. Any problems or concerns were promptly solved.

Behind the scenes, the office staff ordered materials, arranged for timely delivery and coordinated with the subs so that the schedule flowed smoothly. It was a very orderly process and a very neat one also. The subs left their work area clean at the end of each work-day.

SCAL will be the company we will call for our next project."

Mary Lynn and Wray Eckl

"We love the wonderful changes to our home that are the result of the two projects you have done for us. Project number one was the kitchen, guest bath, laundry area and breakfast room. Project number two was to change the old bowling alley of a living room/dining room into a functional music room, dining room and home office. Both of these projects changed inefficient, not completely usable spaces into areas that we use daily. Since we had lived through a previous renovation, we had anticipated a difficult process, but SCAL gave us confidence that things would be done well and on budget.

Danny, Amanda, Rick W., Rick H. and everyone else at SCAL helped us envision and then live through these two transformations. We’ve loved working with everyone there without exception, and appreciate the smart guidance we’ve received as well as the creative approach to the work. In fact, we began to refer to Rick H. as “our Rick” and I have him on speed dial in my phone. Even though the project is over, I’m very certain that he would respond immediately if I called.

Thank you for helping make our 1950’s ranch home (which we already loved) into something that is even more perfect for us today and will be into the future. When we get ready to do another project, you will be our first call."

Rebecca Locke & Nedra Wick

"I wanted to write to thank you and your crew for a wonderful job they did on my house remodel. Your crew walked into a mess left by another contractor. Not only were they able to fix the disaster the first contractor had left but they were able to complete the job with a quality I never expected to see on my home.

I also appreciate the fact that your crew always cleaned up before the left and insured that my home was secure. Karl, the lead carpenter on my job, was terrific. Not only was he there every day on time, he also made himself available via cell phone if I had any questions arise during the day. I never had to take time off from work to meet with subcontractors or to discuss issues with Karl.

I think the one thing that sticks out above all was my final walk thru. I was to put together a punch list of items that still needed to be finished and we were to review it at the time of the walk thru. The time came for the walk thru and I didn’t have anything on my list. Everything was completed and the quality of work either met or far exceeded my expectations.

Thank you again for the fabulous job you did on my home. I hope to be able to use you again in the future when I am ready to remodel my kitchen."

Dawn Anderson

"Jeff and I wanted to write a note to you to once again express our gratitude to you and your team on the outstanding job you did in every aspect of the "small" job that turned large at our house!! What started as "let's get a new roof" to new gutters to an entire house painting with new screens AND HVAC! Wow! We were so grateful to you - for not only the extraordinary quality of craftsmanship, attention to detail, professional expertise and timely completion - we totally trusted the integrity of the workers and left our house with total confidence every day that everything would be safe and clean when we returned!! You and your team were flexible, patient and wise! For all of that we are grateful!!

I often worry that many people are looking for the best deal - which means lowest price! What we found in you and SCAL was indeed the BEST deal and at the right price!! There is nothing more important than to trust the professionals with whom you work and know that every time the work that they promise will come in on time, under budget and better than expected!! Wow - you can't do better than that - but you seem to do that very thing - every single time!! Many, many thanks to you and your quality teams! It was a joy for us to be the receivers of their magnificent work! I still like to just stand outside our house and look at how "pretty" it is!Yea! You did it! Many, many thanks!"

Ann W. Cramer

"It is now several months since SCAL completed the work on our house. I wanted you to know that you have transformed our house from one that we were comfortable in, to one that we now thoroughly enjoy. You would not believe, the number of times Kathy and I have said, “I really like our little house.”

Thanks for your efforts and the professional attitude you took in producing the final results."

Len Wood

"The team at SCAL provided great customer service. They were always very responsive to questions or concerns and had a "make it right" approach. We were pleased to work with a local business who are connected to the community. They brought the functionality of our house up to date without it losing the bungalow charm that made us pick our neighborhood and house 15 years ago."

Sue & Chris P.

"Lisa and I are savoring the joy of a wonderful Thanksgiving in our “new” house. From the first step through the front door to the ease with which the kitchen and dinning room handled 25 friends and family members, we felt as though we were living out a dream come true. Everyone who saw the results of your hard work raved about the beautiful job you did.

Any renovation of an older home comes with a lot of hope and a lot of uncertainty. The first day Danny came to our house and so obviously shared our hope (climbing through attic and basement to explore just what the real possibilities were) we knew we had found the right person to lead our renovation effort. We knew our house had a lot of potential, but the surfaces were tired and the chopped-up spaces wasted a lot of usefulness. Danny and Amanda did a great job of listening and exploring the options that would turn our hopes into reality. Amanda’s design gave us everything we hoped for and more than we’d even thought possible.

A beautiful design is one thing, the hard reality of having your house gutted and rebuilt is another. My wife Lisa works for a construction company and I’m a journalist. We were both pretty familiar with the possible pitfalls and had heard plenty of horror stories about home renovations gone awry. Thankfully those experiences are still just hypothetical situations for us.

I can’t say enough good things about the professionalism and craftsmanship shown by the entire SCAL team. Danny, Amanda, Rick and Steve laid out a plan and executed it just the way they said they would. The inevitable small glitches dealt with quickly. Everyone was always available to answer questions and open to ideas Lisa and I had along the way. The job got done early and we got a little money back at the end of it!

Thank you for a “new” house that truly feels like home."

Joe and Lisa Conley

"We were incredibly impressed by the quality and professionalism of the SCAL team. From the initial walk through, to the comprehensive design process and all the way until the build was finished, we felt like Danny, Amanda, and Steve were determined to ensure our satisfaction. The initial walk through was comprehensive with Danny and Amanda listening carefully to our ideas, needs, and budget. The plan that we ended up choosing was not what we originally described--after Amanda proposed it to us, however, it was clearly the best use of space. There was never any pressure to spend more, and every option was clearly priced. Over a year later, we have only come to appreciate the quality of their work even more--they finished on time, on budget, and solved the one significant issue that occurred in our favor (despite it not being their direct fault)--we would use them again and have recommended them widely."
 

Rahul N.

SCAL recently completed a complete kitchen renovation for us in Morningside, including refresh work in the adjacent family room space. The ownership team has a great deal of experience together, and brings a wealth of knowledge to the table. We changed up the entire layout/appliance work spacing, which was a bit of a challenge working in a vintage 1933 home. SCAL found a way to make it all work to our design plan. Communication is key, and both the owners and our Project Manager kept us up to date regularly. Road blocks were addressed quickly and smoothly. It's clear they believe in their trade. We would highly recommend them!

Janelle & Kirk A.

"We loved what SCAL did to renovate our front porch. Once we provided them with the type of design we wanted then they did the rest. Everybody loves our front porch! It's the envy of the neighborhood. 

We love hanging out in our outdoor space with SCAL help and design. Our outdoor space has the rustic, cabin-like charm that we were looking for! Thanks SCAL Team!"

Paul Pantalone & Craig Adams

"I'll be the first to admit that we had NO idea what we were doing when we started looking to do an addition on our home. We just knew our little house needed more space since we would now be working from home. We sort of knew our budget and we sort of knew how we wanted our home to function. Enter SCAL. Of the 3 contractors we talked to, SCAL was far and away the best. The design/build aspect of their work was most appealing to us since we knew everything we needed - from plans to permits to construction - was coordinated by one team. Their process was clearly laid out from our first conversation and communication stayed constant during the project. We always knew where we were in the process and what to expect next. SCAL stuck to our budget and timeline, despite the ongoing pandemic chaos, and now we have an even more beautiful home with space to work, live, and play!"

Jenny D. & Patrick H.

"On behalf of our guests, volunteers, staff and board members, thank you for your generosity and support of Samaritan House/Cafe 458. Thanks to the time and energy you put into tiling the floors of Cafe 458, the room has been transformed! Thanks so much for managing the entire project, staying late each night to finish the job and make sure things ran smoothly. Thank you for your efforts, the room's appearance and how our guests and visitors feel about it has dramatically improved.

Again, thank you for your support of Samaritan House of Atlanta!"

Sherrie Snipes-Williams (Executive Director) and Kari Smid (Executive Chef), Samaritan House/Cafe 458

"We love the kitchen! Both of our families have been out to see the transformation and they are so amazed at how wonderful the kitchen looks. And most importantly, Baxter (the dog) really loves the built in bench, although he isn’t allowed on it.

We just want to express our thanks again for the great job you guys did with our kitchen. We will definitely look to you again in the future if we decide to do anymore home renovations. And we happily recommend your company to friends looking to do renovations. Thank you again for making our kitchen a nice gathering area and a great place to cook!"

Jeff and Adriana Hageman

"We worked with SCAL on three major renovations to our home since 2002 - attic  master bedroom suite (2002); expanding small galley kitchen to large open kitchen connected to den (2005) and a screened porch with portico below (2010). Throughout the course of these renovations, SCAL were consummate professionals.  They are creative in  helping scope the project and very accurate with initial cost estimates. During the project they keep accurate records and time logs. The crews are extremely clean and tidy, vacuuming all drywall and dust daily. After the project all team members continue to support you with any questions or follow-ups.

Our renovations were done with care and precision and built to last, so much so that almost 15 years later, we are still enjoying their outstanding craftsmanship.

It has been a true pleasure working with the SCAL Team. Their special care exceeded all our expectations.  We highly recommend them for any project large or small."   

Todd & Jaime Cregar

"Thank you for fixing the problem with the window. I know it wasn’t your fault and I appreciate you taking care of it so quickly.

More important, thanks for a job well done on the project at our home. The screened porch is truly a showcase that is admired by everyone who visits. We enjoyed it all to briefly last summer and fall, but it is one of the main reasons we decided to keep our house in Lake Claire while we enjoy our “adventure” in D.C.

Contrary to horror stories that one often hears about renovation projects, our experience with SCAL was pleasant in all respects. The workmanship was fine, the price was fair, and every one involved was a delight to deal with.

Feel free to use me as a reference with any potential customers."

Charles Walston

"The project was well organized and executed. There was great attention to detail and always a quick response if a problem came up. We lived in our house during the renovation, and SCAL went to great lengths to minimize their impact, we knocked out an old chimney to open up space and added beautiful milled heart pine floors. It was a comprehensive job from the bottom up including foundation, floor system, mechanical system, and even a new sound system. We now have a beautiful and functional kitchen with lots of storage space. Job well done!"

Patsy & Fred Fisher

"Looking back, we could not have made a better decision than to choose SCAL to design and build our second story addition. Every aspect of the process, even living through six months of construction, was positive. In fact, from the time of our very first meeting with SCAL, SCAL stood out in the crowd of contractors we spoke with about doing our remodeling project. Our first impression of their professionalism, focus on the customer, creativity, and genuine interest in the project characterized our entire experience from the design phase to completion.

The fact that SCAL did both the design and build aspects of the project helped to streamline the process and keep the project within our budget. Amanda, who designed our addition, is very talented and was able to translate our wish list into a second story floor plan that far exceeded anything that we could have envisioned on our own from both a practical and aesthetic point of view. Amanda incorporated the details of the old space into the new space. The second story is so well proportioned and consistent with houses of its era that many people have commented that our addition looks as if it has always been there - a true testament to Amanda’s ability.

The construction phase of our project also went very smoothly, even with having our entire roof off during a very wet winter. The construction team showed up every day and worked diligently. Our lead carpenter, Steve, and his construction crew were terrific. We were very impressed with the quality of their work, and their courteous treatment of the job site and of us as we lived under a major renovation for 6 months. Steve treated our home as if it were his own. It was not uncommon for him to show up late at night or in the early morning hours to ensure that our roof was properly covered during heavy rains. He updated us regularly on the progress that was being made and scheduled the work to be done with our convenience in mind. Steve’s expertise, commitment to his work, and his ability to bring the project in two months ahead of schedule were very much appreciated!

Overall, we feel that the key to the success of our project is directly attributable to the people SCAL employs. Office staff to construction crew, every member of SCAL’s staff that we encountered was professional and a pleasure to work with.

SCAL’s professionalism, expertise, high standards, quality staff, and customer focus make it well worth the investment. Our new, old home will serve our family well for many, many years."

Leslie and Mike McGuire

"Thank You!

We can’t say those two words enough! You have turned a home that probably should have been leveled, into a home that will more than stand the test of time. A home built in the 1920’s, that may not have make it to 2020, will now lead the neighborhood well into the 21st century.

Family member, after neighbor, after random passerby, has shared with us how impressed they are with the transformation of this home. In fact just last week, a neighbor who has lived in the area for decades, stopped us to share that our home once was the most ugly on the block and now it is the best on the block. He noted that when people drive by our home, they slow down or come to a complete stop, just to look up at it.

Another long-time resident neighbor, who had seen the house deteriorate over the years, commented that “this house never looked that good.”

Last year, a couple that lived here in the 1950’s stopped in with their now 50 year old son who was born while they lived in this home. They have fond memories of their time spent in this home including rolling their Victrola out onto the upper porch to play the soundtrack from “South Pacific.” They too, were among the many who can hardly believe their eyes when they see the work you have done to this house.

We selected SCAL for many reasons; here are just a few:

• We had already tried to do the work ourselves and knew it was over our heads – SCAL’s combination of design and build was just what we needed to put our ideas and dreams into motion.
• We had already tried other contractors who were either unreliable, careless on the jobsite, couldn’t blend the design ideas we had into the overall plan, or were not performing up to our expectations. We quickly learned that SCAL was extremely reliable, cleaned up the job site at the end of each workday, lived by the design/build concept, and always performed at or above our expectations.
• To expand on the above bullet point, SCAL was always there when they said they would be and would call if they were going to be just 5 minutes late. We loved their Monday through Thursday work schedule that allowed us to plan for Fridays and weekends without construction or disruption and with the knowledge that everything would be cleaned up at the job site at the end of the day.
• The friendliness of the SCAL staff was apparent form the very first phone call and continued through each project in its entirety. Each staff member is polite, trustworthy, respectful and seems to take a great amount of pride in what he/she does.
• SCAL is all about quality. The workmanship in our home is unparalleled.
• We have now chosen SCAL for three phases of our never-ending project. We could go on forever about SCAL, but the bottom line is that we would choose SCAL again and again on this project or any other future project in which we wanted things done right the first time, on schedule, with the utmost quality, and with the epitome of professionalism. We have recommended SCAL to friends and neighbors and will continue to do so. SCAL gave us peace of mind. We never had to worry about a single thing once SCAL was running our project. SCAL can stand behind their work with their heads held high."

Carrie Overhiser and Katrina Bergbauer

When we contacted you about adding a screened porch to our house, we really had no idea what we were doing and were a little overwhelmed by the project.  Your team completely put us at ease.  I can't imagine any contractor offering better customer service.  From the initial meeting to the design process to the construction phase of the project, everything was completely up front and professional.  And, when we found out we were expecting in the middle of the project, you turned on a dime and helped us convert our sunroom into a nursery.  In the end, we are 1000% satisfied with the design and workmanship for both the nursery and screened porch, and we will enthusiastically recommend SCAL to anyone considering a home renovation project in Atlanta!

David and Leslie O'Neal

"I’m still unpacking boxes and figuring out where to put things in my new kitchen, but I had to take a few minutes to express formal thanks to you for that very kitchen.

I can’t say anything that you haven’t heard before – how great a group of people you have working for you, how smooth and how painless all of them made the entire process, how creative the solutions were to so many things, and how wonderful the results are. I love my kitchen – and I appreciate so much Amanda’s work in figuring out how to do all that I wanted in it – but I think I love it even more because the process of creating it was such a happy one. Only when I was in the middle of it did I begin to see how complex and scary it could have been if I hadn’t been lucky enough to be working with SCAL. Now I can’t imagine doing any work on my house without you guys!

In addition to saying a heartfelt thank you to Amanda, Rick Hetzel, Rick Wadsworth and Jennifer, I also want to say how incredibly nice every single group of workers were, from those doing the demo to the painters, the electricians, floor guys, cabinet makers, plumbers and counter top creators, and how much I appreciated the care each of them took to keep my place secure and my very timid dog at ease.

So thank you again for the journey as well as the destination. I’m looking forward to phase 2!"

Maureen Kelly

"Over a period of nearly 20 years, SCAL has done two different jobs for us. The first was relatively small—and I use relatively in the most generous way. It involved relocating our front door to the center of the house (its original location), and adding a portico and a connecting brick walk.  The second, completed this past summer 2015, was a much larger job.  We added a screened-in porch over what had been an open patio; slab stone walks and an outdoor shower; and reconfigured an upstairs back room to become a bedroom-bath.  We have been unfailingly satisfied with SCAL’s work.  The team, which has changed over the years but is always top-notch, are creative, attentive, and intent on making sure the client is pleased.  They are also relatively expensive.  It has been said that you get what you pay for.  We feel we’ve gotten excellent value for our money.  We have been delighted with everything about both projects, and we know we’re fortunate to be clients of SCAL."

Lynne Moody & Michael Thun

"As our project closes out, John and I wanted to take the time to write to you and tell you, again, how thrilled we are with our renovation and to congratulate you on a job extremely well done. As I have said, I don’t think it can ever be “fun” to go through a renovation (especially a kitchen!) but your company has made the experience as good as it can be.

You have created a company culture that we believe truly sets SCAL above other competing companies. Your personal commitment to our satisfaction trickles down to every level in your company. Every time we reached a challenge in the project, our requests and concerns were met with a can-do attitude and response. The team that worked our project was incredibly talented and the design and workmanship was superb.

Danny, John and I thank you again for all that you have done to successfully complete our gorgeous new kitchen and family room. We love it and look forward to years of happy cooking!"

Maureen Theresa Callahan

"We hired SCAL Home for our kitchen renovation project. This was our fourth renovation with SCAL. We had previously used them for a darkroom, a laundry room/sewing room, and exterior repairs. As we had worked with them before, we knew what to expect, but even so, they managed to exceed my expectations. SCAL's work was on budget and on time. They said 3 months and the kitchen was completed in 3 months (almost to the day!). And thanks to the very thorough pricing done before the renovation began, the final cost of the kitchen was exactly what we thought it would be. 

Working with Amanda Johnson, SCAL's designer is an absolute dream. Not only are her ideas very creative, but her demeanor is steady and easy going. She is a wonderful communicator, so I felt very informed all the way through the process and there were no surprises. As with most renovations, there are a few bumps and we had a couple of them. Our drawers came with panels that we did not expect and the crown molding on the cabinetry was different than what we discussed. All I needed to do was email Amanda. She was at our house almost immediately. The cabinet makers came that day to take the wrong pieces and replacements were made in a timely manner. All of this was done with efficiency and without drama. 

Our project manager Steve Schuchardt did a beautiful job of keeping all the subs on track. He was always available if we needed him and he's the kind of guy that you don't mind having in your home for 3 months. He's always respectful and pleasant. 

Now that the kitchen is finished, I have to say that I am overjoyed with the result. First of all, the design is impeccable. I had hoped that the kitchen would function better, but cooking and cleaning is even easier than I thought it would be. Amanda did an incredible job of giving us the storage we need, so that everything has it's place. The placement of the appliances and cabinetry makes cooking an effortless experience. Considering that Amanda was working with a smaller space than most modern kitchens and that our budget required using the existing footprint, this was no small task. 

Our cabinetry is very high quality, and I'm thrilled with the way the tile backsplash and countertops all came together. My friends have repeatedly said, "It's just so PRETTY!" It's something pretty that also works really well. 

Hopefully we are done renovating for a while, but when the next project arises, there is no doubt who we will be hiring. SCAL Home is our team, for sure."

Tracey H. & Santiago V.

"I cannot begin to tell you how pleased we are with every aspect of the project just completed by SCAL. The projects to build our screen porch and remodel parts of the kitchen have both turned our beautiful.

Tom’s meticulous daily attention to detail and pleasant personality certainly helped make this a more pleasant experience. In addition, your crew’s ability to perform major demolition and repair to our kitchen under our time schedule, and without disruption, was very appreciated.

I assure you that many neighbors and friends will see our work and I will be pleased to vouch for every aspect, from initial design concepts to final product.

I look forward to working with SCAL again for future projects."

Scott Fleischman

"Integrity in the pricing and the work made me a repeat customer of SCAL. We won a regional award for design and build in Phase I, and Phase II now is almost complete and beautiful! SCAL’s design professionals gave me exactly what I wanted and they provided the highest quality workmanship. I’m now planning Phase III, which will complete the transformation of my modest Morningside home into a luxurious retreat. Thank you, SCAL!"

Anne Landrum

"Amanda Johnson was the designer for my kitchen remodeling done by SCAL, and she is the single person most responsible for the excellent finished product. Being an architect greatly helps her design sense--she's sensitive to an entire space, not just the objects in it. Amanda never tells you what she wants you to have but encourages you to describe what you like. She can then refine your ideas. She's very knowledgeable about materials and finishes but will admit when she's not personally familiar with a particular product. Amanda is is particularly inventive when it comes to presenting alternative schemes for an entire room. She is punctual and promptly and efficiently works with dealers. Amanda is very generous with new ideas that may have come to her since you last discussed something. I heartily recommend both Amanda and her work."

Kenneth G.

"Working with the folks at SCAL was a pleasure.   They listened to what we wanted and came up with a thoughtful design that stayed true to the character of the house.  The new floor plan opened up the kitchen and gave us a better connection to the back yard.  They worked hard to design to our budget and made sure we were happy each step of the way. They were professional, thorough, responsive and made the entire process much easier than we had envisioned.  Our project manager Rick would even walk our elderly dog around the block when I couldn't get home at lunch to let him out!  We will definitely use them again!"

Alison & Chris W.

"I wanted to take a moment to let you know how pleased Nan and I are with the renovation work SCAL performed on our house. The quality of your work was superior. Your whole team exceeded our expectations. I would like to especially thank Rudi for his meticulous attention to detail and Rick for constantly keeping us informed on the progress of our job.

Thank you again for the outstanding job. We definitely made the right choice when we chose SCAL for our renovation projects."

Paul O’Connor