Submitted
by Judy on 08/24/2017
5 Star Review by Judy
As a beyond satisfied client of AR-KE design-build, noted in a previous review, I have to add my review. We bought a wonderful home in Charlottesville a year ago and started in on needed updating. We didn't think we could afford custom cabinetry so we started phase one, of an eventual whole house remodel with AR-KE, using a semi-custom cabinet company. That outcome didn't meet our expectations and we realized we couldn't afford NOT to choose custom cabinets. We were able to have Jeff Cherry and his craftsmen create all of the custom cabinets for the rest of the house. We could not ask for better quality, creativity and professionalism! The photos posted by AR-KE design-build are of our project and we couldn't be happier with the outcome. Thank you Creative Construction!
I cannot say enough about Creative Construction's professionalism, creativity, and integrity! I have to agree with previous reviews that talk about their amazing work. We contacted Jeff Cherry on the advice of a well-regarded cabinet store in Charlottesville. A custom kitchen? We feared it would be beyond our means. We have a tiny kitchen in a Thomas Kinkade type cottage from the 1930's and didn't want to enlarge the kitchen, just make it as useful as possible. We were immediately struck by Jeff's can-do attitude and willingness to direct us to even better ways to do the project. On hearing that we wanted to return the kitchen to the 1920/30's, Jerome (Jeff's nephew - it's a family business) went online and researched our neighborhood, the builders, and the styles at that time. Who does that anymore?? During designing and planning, Jeff and Jerome built a mock up to make sure our kitchen would work in the tight space allotted. In doing so, they made everything fit exactly...exactly! No lost space, creative little cabinets and drawers, heavy gliders to hold my collection of cast iron pots. Jeff even thought to look ahead 30 years and made adjustments that would accommodate us in our "twilight years." Jerome commented that a small kitchen is harder to build well than a large kitchen as there isn't room for error and only one or two men can work in it at a time. This wasn't just a job for Jeff and Jerome, it was a creative act of personal pride and professionalism. We are average people. We feared we couldn't afford such quality. Jeff maintains such a small online presence as he works so often with quite wealthy, famous customers and has more than enough business; yet he and Jerome always made our kitchen a priority. Our house now looks like it belongs on Houzz, House Beautiful, and Cottage and Bungalow, but we didn't have to cash out the retirement for the quality! I am continually amazed at Jeff's and Jerome's intelligence, perfectionism, and creativity. They are truly master craftsmen from the old school. Saying "thank you" to Jeff and Jerome and "we so appreciate you, your integrity, and your patience" doesn't even begin to communicate our gratitude. Don't hesitate to work with Creative Construction. Their work is extraordinary!
A year later... Jeff, we still love the kitchen! Wonderful quality! Thank your for such attention to detail. Thank you again for your excellence and patience. You and Jerome are true, old fashioned craftsmen!
Submitted by Susan Crumley on 12/07/2019
My wife and I can't speak more highly of Jeff and his team in terms of their character, their process, and the final outcome. We used Jeff on the recommendation of a friend who had recently renovated a kitchen. We loved the way that it turned out, and she kept telling us how pleased she was w. Jeff.
From our first phone call w. Creative Construction, we were beyond impressed with how thorough and helpful they were during the planning stages. Additionally, when they said they were going to do something, they did it: according to plan, within budget, and on schedule. The guys were not only quick to listen, but also didn't hesitate to make professional recommendations given the limitations of our space that sometimes conflicted w. our vision. We really appreciated that input from them.
Our kitchen has quickly become where we spend the majority of our time while at home, and we very much have Jeff and his team to thank for that. We had high hopes for what the project could be, and Creative Construction absolutely delivered. We haven't had one moment of regret -- be it what we chose to do, how we chose to do it, or, especially, who we chose to work with. We were genuinely excited by any chance to visit their shop, or to have them stop by for touchups, or to kick ideas around the phone. Their personalities, professionalism, and expertise will quickly draw you in.
I've since gone back to Jeff for his help on a much smaller project, but -- big or small -- I would recommend him and his team without question.
Submitted by Kase Luzar on 11/07/2017
My wife and I completely renovated our mid-century modern home and Jeff Cherry and his crew did all of our custom built-in cabinetry. Their installation was excellent, their attention to detail and craftsmanship went beyond our expectations. We love our bathroom vanities, walk-in closet cabinetry and the kitchen which tops everything else! Thank you Jeff, Glenda and the rest of Creative Construction's talented craftsmen!
Submitted by Andres Martinez on 08/23/2017
Wanted a ~1740s wardrobe restored as far as minor repairs - replacing broken connector pegs, fixing cracked board in back. Creative Construction actually glued and nailed wardrobe together so that it could no longer be taken apart for moving. Charged $650 for basically destroying the integrity of a family heirloom. I had to move this piece of furniture, over 7 feet tall, to another restorer who fortunately was able to remove glue and restore item, as best he could, to original condition, for another $225.
I did find Mr. Cherry to be likable and very personable, however he evidently does not know anything about restoring antiques.
Submitted by Paige Rohmann on 06/20/2017
