LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION FROM SANDY BLAKE

It is with great pleasure that I tell you about my experience with Caleb Johnson, my architect and general contractor. We met by accident while in the Code Office at City Hall. We chatted and he gave me his business card. I had been mentally working on my project at Hills Beach for a long time and finally decided it was time to interview potential architects. I was not convinced that any candidate so far was a “fit.” When I called Caleb he expressed interest in my brief description of the project so we set up a “meet and greet” at the site and did a walk-thru followed by a long discussion of my thoughts and ideas. He listened and listened, digesting all I had to say. His quiet enthusiasm captured the essence of what I was looking for in an architect. He did not shove his thoughts into my head, he did not discredit any of my wildest dreams—we were both looking for a positive working connection.

We soon moved to the drawing board where the red pencil came in handy. Caleb was so patient with my indecision, changes to the plan, back to the original again. I always left our design reviews feeling that good things had been accomplished. We were in constant communication via phone or email. He kept me on board with all activities that had just been completed or were projected for the upcoming week. I was encouraged to pick out appliances and light fixtures ahead of their need so there would be no downtime.

Caleb told me he would be on-site every day of the process. He was there. I would drive up from Massachusetts almost every week to take pictures and watch the progress. Caleb’s crew was the best. His principal carpenter, Bill, was always willing to drop his hammer and take me through the events of the past week. Ice, wind, snow never kept Caleb from the project. He is a perfectionist and the finish work shows. All his other contractors were equally qualified. It was all done to my satisfaction.

The project was completed on time, as promised. He stayed within the parameters of available funding. The site was always clean at every stage of construction. He took time to field all my questions. Would I do anything differently? No. Would I recommend Caleb for your project? Yes. He is a credit to his profession.

My beach cottage is located at 4 Island View Drive off Hills Beach Road in Biddeford, Feel free to take a look, and if I am there I will gladly show you what he accomplished.