Testimonials
We are fortunate to work with some amazing clients and to do work that we are passionate about. Below is some of the feedback we have received on our projects.
“I have used Lee Stewart for many years now in my Real Estate business and personal properties, he has become a very important integral part of my team. Having many occasions to refer Lee to my clients has resulted in very happy customers with Lee exceeding expectations without exception. Lee’s attention to detail and knowledge of all the trades is paramount to a successful project!”
-Alex Johnson
“We could not be happier with Lee Stewart Construction LLC and the remodel they did of our home. Not only were they able to complete the work on time and on budget, but they also have continued to be available to fine tune the work that they completed as things settled and to be a resource for how best to maintain the work they did. While in our home, they were respectful and organized, keeping any disturbances to a minimum. I would recommend them without hesitation.”
-Devon Caroselli
“If you’re thinking of remodeling your home, I have a strong personal recommendation for you. I also found Lee and his crew through a friend’s recommendation. Everyone working on the job has a great work ethic (on time, works hard and is very pleasant to you and each other. I had a lot of work done (kitchen, dining area, hallway, laundry, bath and a half, huge 2-level deck with pergola, in addition to lots of repairs and house trim paint). It took 5 months and I lived here the whole time. True my daily routine changed as their work progressed, but surprisingly it was interesting to be present and watch my dream house unfold. They made it pleasant to be around. Don’t wait until you’re ready to start the remodel because Lee’s knowledge can be of great insight while considering your choices and you want to be as prepare as possible before the actual work begins (saves time, stress and money). Lee really listens to your ideas and concerns and the results show his belief in a job well done.”
-Margie Harris
“We highly recommend Lee Stewart and feel blessed to have met him at the right time as we were undertaking this big project. We learned a lot from Lee, and we respect and value him and the work he and his team did for us over a 3+ year timeframe.”
-Martin and Donna Schmidt
Full Testimonial:
“We purchased a multi-family residential property in Live Oak (a 3 bedroom 2 ½ bath home with a granny flat and duplex) as a 1031 exchange, and we knew going in that it was a real fixer. There was an old garage to be torn down, site work and tree removal, considerable remodeling/renovations required for all three units, and then the design, planning and permitting process for ground-up construction of a stand-alone 1,000 square foot ADU at the rear of the property.
Because we live in San Diego and this was our first investment property purchase in Santa Cruz, we had to find a General Contractor who had local and qualified subcontractors so we could move forward quickly. We are so grateful that our Santa Cruz area realtor introduced us to Lee Stewart (Stewart Construction) in March of 2020. Lee had done some work for him and Lee came very highly recommended.
We met Lee at the property along with our architect friend and toured the property together. We really like Lee as a person right away—he was straight forward, open and honest, and knowledgeable of construction (and we liked that he is an expert in rough and finish construction and many other trades). We assessed the condition of all four units including their “as-built” challenges and the vision for each of them to achieve our objectives. We then discussed the “unknowns” and what it would take to transform this into an up-to-date and legacy multi-family property. We came up with fantastic ideas and had some productive conversations to determine next steps, how we would “stage” the work (including the site improvements and all four “projects”,and determined a timeline. Lee was so interested in the transformation we want to undertake, and we quickly established very effective communication and working-together strategies to get the project, budget and work in progress.
Stage One
Remodel of two mirror duplexes (each 1050 square feet and each 2 bedrooms + 1 bath) so we could get these rented as soon as possible. From termite damage to building systems and new walkways, exterior courtyards, updated bathrooms and new windows and doors, interior and exterior work, new kitchens, roofing and solar system, etc. (and the list goes on), Lee worked with us as “owner builder” to accomplish this. Lee had great ideas, recommended ways to save money and know-how to get things done effectively and efficiently. As planned and promised, we had the property ready (on time and under budget) to be leased and new tenants moved in August 1 of 2020. The quality of work was so impressive, we had people begging to rent from us.
Stage Two
Site work to demo existing garage, regrade driveway/entry and large parking area, new asphalt, concrete walkways, built frontage fence, etc.
Stage Three
Remodel 3 bedroom 2.5 bath mid-century modern house (1600 square feet) plus a 600 square foot granny flat. Same extensive renovation and remodel as described in Stage One. And same extraordinary workmanship, communication and cost-effectiveness.
Stage Four
Ground-up construction of a 2-bedroom 2 bath stand-alone ADU. This was a considerable undertaking, and Lee was up for the challenge of this modern ADU with cedar ceilings, finished concrete floors, and beautiful/complex architecture. The photos speak for themselves.
We highly recommend Lee Stewart and feel blessed to have met him at the right time as we were undertaking this big project. We learned a lot from Lee, and we respect and value him and the work he and his team did for us over a 3+ year timeframe.
Lastly, which is something uncommon, we were able to contact Lee and connect with him – we had his cell phone number and we could text him and connect with him. He was always responsive and even now that we are done and this is in “the rearview mirror”and all the units are rented, we can still text him and reach him when we have a need for maintenance or questions.”