"I can't tell you how many times during this past year that Betty and I have exchanged the observation of how lucky we were to hook up with you to build our house. Probably hundreds. And we'll continue making that observation indefinitely I have no doubt. From the beginning or our relationship we had optimism and high hopes for a good result, and throughout the entire building process we were never disappointed.

We learned to simply take for granted that you were, personally, always aware and available, answered phone calls promptly, anticipated and helped with solving possible problems, design issues, hardware and electrical fixture selection matters whenever such things were needed; and you were always alert to anticipating the need for our participation and decisions before the last minute of their need. We really felt we were an integral, daily decision-making part of the entire project, and we appreciated being always included (as far as we knew). I can imagine that it's not always easy for the General or the workers to have an owner in daily, sometimes hourly, contact with what's going on, virtually looking over the shoulders of the performers; yet we never received an expression of impatience nor resentment from anyone.

For the seasoned general contractor, the most important owner-judgements about a house, however, may probably be appreciation for and understanding of the actual construction details - how everything fits, is aligned, the quality of the selected materials and the execution of assembly. Perfect! No apparent shortcuts or compromises, no lack of conscience, no failure to address the inevitable problems and solve them properly. We constantly look around our house to appreciate how the molding joints fit, how there aren't gaps or squeaks anywhere or rough spots and paint blemishes here and there - how your choice of our most excellent foreman, Olie, the framers and tiles setter as well as subs for cabinetmaking, plumbing, electrical, painting, drywall and roofing each performed with excellence and goodwill, for that's your standard, and nothing less will do. Thank you for all of them, and I hope you'll also thank each of them again of our behalf."

Robert A. Reeds