We always love hearing from our happy homeowners, and this thoughtful note from Angela Crump Volcy and Guerdy Volcy was too special to cut down. We couldn’t help but share it in its entirety:
Hoping you and the team are all well. I am writing to express our sincere appreciation and life long thanks to John Pavlik and the Craftmark Homes team who built our lovely home. After extensive research for the best builder including several trips from overseas to view the various home building companies, we came to the conclusion that Craftmark Homes offered the best designs, quality, build on your lot program, and reputable project leads. Our next decision was who is the best project lead for our home. John Pavlik’s name came up multiple times in conversations with different sales offices. Dave, thanks to your leadership and help with the process, we were ready to sign and requested John as our builder even if we had to wait.
From start to months after the project finish, John showed true passion and dedication to his job. He gave our house great care and attention to details so that the house was built the “Craftmark way.” We felt like he cared as much for our home as if he were building his own dream home. His personality was always smiling and pleasant, professional, customer-focused, knowledgeable, patient, committed, and corporate. We simply LOVE our new home. John as the project lead orchestrated all the players and kept us moving forward.
At settlement, John walked us through how everything worked and reminded us of needed next steps to keep our investment paying back high dividends. For us, John was the builder’s bible or “house whisperer” and we followed all his suggestions because we trusted his proven track record.
Additionally, his team clearly respects him and would follow him off a cliff if he asked. His rapport with the suppliers meant our job has its items ahead of schedule or on time, and never late. With Howard County’s unreal permit process, the lengthy approval process felt like being pregnant (times two) and giving birth – all without medicine. Dave, you get the kudos for getting us through this portion… THANKS again.
Once we had all permits and approvals, John’s ability to get the ball in his hands, take it down the court as a team and deliver winning shots time after time, allows us to stay on a tight schedule and come in with an exceptionally well built final product. To us, John is deserving of a bonus, a promotion, new golf clubs if he plays, and a two-week all-expense paid vacation. Sadly all of our funds now go towards the mortgage, so we offer these options to Craftmark for consideration! In short, John is our favorite builder and we brag on John Pavlik, Dave Pastva, and Craftmark Builders all the time.
Before we close, our new home also generates a few complaints including the following:
1. Our house is so lovely that it causes occasional traffic jams, especially on Sunday morning as folks just happen to drive down our cul de sac to look at our house possibly after church.
2. We now must get four to five quotes versus two to three for all yard or pool work as at least two quotes will highball us thinking we are rich after they view our lovely home.
3. The BGE electric bill is so low that we have to call and ask for a monthly bill. The energy bill’s notation is always the same “best utilization” and cost savings in the neighborhood despite the fact that our home is double the size of some neighboring homes.
4. When we have any work done in the yard, the individuals or sole person stays for hours versus a few minutes. They work super slow to “take in the views”. When we need to speed them up, we give them the builder’s name and say they will build on your lot just “Give them a call.”
5. Some folks have knocked on our door and asked for a tour; we decline and give the builders name.
6. Our friends and family want to host EVERY event at our home even during the pandemic. We have declined during the stay at home order and spaced out the other request pre COVID.
7. We are appealing a high property tax assessment as they see how nice the home looks. We reminded them of our neighborhood and the difference between options and core items… TBD.
8. We have been asked by visiting guests more than once if we would consider renting out the basement like an Air B&B. We declined.
9. Last, the house is so lovely that it is hard to go to work and leave it. Our children also asked us never to sell as this is their home when we eventually die (hopefully no time soon).
Well there you have it, besides the “complaints” above, we are over the moon happy. Our thanks to John and his awesome crew, to Denise, and you for working with us. We are life long Craftmark Builder fans. With the current pandemic, we are even more thankful to have a spacious lovely well lit home for quarantine. My oldest is becoming a Tik Tok “viral hit” in her words while in quarantine. I tell her it is the lovely background of the Craftmark kitchen, family room, or back yard views in addition to her contributions that garner so many likes. We agree to disagree.
In closing, we are looking forward to seeing whomever when it is safe to visit for the wrap-up. We don’t have any major items and are so thankful for the quality build of our home. With sincere thanks, Angela Crump Volcy and Guerdy Volcy.