Rescuing a Dream Home: Turning a Construction Disaster INto a Successful Project
Client Background and Vision
Our client, John Vigil, had begun building his dream home — a sprawling 9,800-square-foot contemporary residence — through another builder. Unfortunately, the project quickly became a nightmare. The previous builder mismanaged the timeline, used subpar materials, and failed to meet basic quality standards, leaving the project 25% completed and riddled with issues.
The problems included:
Structural Deficiencies: Cracking in Tie beams and deflection of the 2nd floor slab.
Communication Breakdown: The previous builder had stopped providing updates, leaving the client in the dark.
Budget Overruns: Costs had spiraled due to mismanagement, leaving little room for error in completing the project.
Frustrated and stressed, John decided to cut ties with the original builder and reached out to us for help.
Our Approach
1. Comprehensive Assessment and Plan
We began by conducting a full audit of the site and the work completed so far. This included:
Engaging a structural engineer to assess the integrity of the tie beam & 2nd floor slab.
Reviewed the original plans to identify deviations and scope gaps.
Met with the architect, engineers and designers to understand the vision and priorities.
Based on our findings, we developed a clear action plan:
Fix existing issues and bring the project above what code requires.
Streamline the budget to maximize value while maintaining quality.
Implement a realistic timeline to complete the home.
2. Fixing the Tie Beam and Deflection Issues
The first step was stabilizing the project:
Repaired and reinforced the tie beam to ensure long-term durability.
Corrected 2nd floor slab deflection by adding additional support columns.
Worked closely with engineers to guarantee the structural integrity of the Project.
3. Maximizing the Design within Budget
With the structural issues resolved, we focused on enhancing the design while carefully managing costs:
Value Engineered Remaining Scopes: We carefully reviewed all remaining work, identifying cost-saving opportunities without compromising quality or functionality.
Renegotiated Subcontractor Contracts: We successfully renegotiated existing subcontractor agreements to improve terms and reduce costs, ensuring the project remained on budget while maintaining high standards.
Strategic Design Recommendations: We implemented thoughtful design changes, such as optimizing lighting placement and layout, which not only enhanced the overall aesthetic but also improved functionality and efficiency.
4. Restoring Trust with Transparent Communication
John was understandably cautious after his previous experience, so we prioritized transparency:
Weekly updates, including photos and site walkthroughs.
Clear documentation of costs and progress to eliminate surprises.
Collaborative decision-making for all design and material changes.
Results
1. A Transformed Home
What began as a stressful, poorly managed build was transformed into a stunning, high-quality home that exceeded Johns original vision. By resolving structural issues and enhancing the design, we ensured the home not only met but surpassed expectations.
2. On-Time Completion
Despite the setbacks from the original builder, we delivered the project within 11 months of taking over.
3. Budget Realignment
We carefully reallocated funds to stretch the remaining budget, delivering luxury and quality without further financial strain.
"The end result is a home I’m proud to call mine.
I was completely frustrated and lost prior to Landmark taking over. They not only fixed every mistake but also made the process enjoyable. The end result is a home I’m proud to call mine, and I couldn’t be more grateful for their expertise and dedication."
— John Vigil
Key Takeaways
This project highlights our ability to step in, correct critical issues, and turn a challenging situation into a success story. At Landmark, we don’t just build homes; we rescue and refine visions, ensuring every project becomes a landmark.
Maximizing the Design within Budget
With the structural issues resolved, we focused on enhancing the design while being mindful of costs.
