Testimonials
I call my home a contemporary cottage. Built in the 1990s, a little more than 1700 sq. ft. it was what the electrician called a “code” house. Sitting atop a hill and backing up to a wooded reserve it was an ideal location. On the interior, I was struck by the open space and natural light. I purchased it in 2014 and began planning renovations. I was also new to Eastern Long Island and didn’t know any local tradespersons nor contractors. After many inquiries, I was referred to Shoreside Homes from no other than owner Brenden Tolley’s father-in-law. Well, I thought what better referral I could get.
My plans were modest and I had a good idea of what I wanted, so I was not planning on using an architect or designer. Brenden and I met several times before even committing to a project. We talked about my vision for my home, how I would use the space and most importantly how we would work together to see it to fruition and stay within my budget
- We agreed to spread the renovation into several projects:
- Replace all windows and repair exterior cedar siding, repair and paint trim and replace roofing tiles and gutters as needed.
- Add on a screened in porch to the rear of the house facing the reserve
- Add brick patio and outdoor shower off of the porch
- Completely renovate the kitchen with new windows, lighting, cabinets, counter tops and appliances
- Completely renovate the 1st floor master bath and powder room and add a laundry room to 1st floor space. Replace 2nd floor bath tile, appliances and fixtures.
- Full interior painting
- Miscellaneous items including replacing interior doors, refinishing floors, remodeling closets, add interior ceiling fans, etc.
As Brenden suggested, breaking the renovations up into separate projects enabled us to manage the process for permits, approvals, surveys; etc. We could start the work not requiring approval, and it afforded me better control over the budget and schedule.
Someone once told me that in any interaction or dealings, you remember the beginning and end but never the middle. With my home renovation, the middle was most memorable. There were many things I did not know or didn’t think I needed to know. Why choose from three different types of wood, screens, stains, hardware, finishes? Brick laying patterns! Door knobs! Who knew? Brenden knew and it all did turn out to be very important to me. It affects the quality, the cost and the finished look. When I needed to cut cost or we ran into an unexpected expenditure, I was able to make adjustments and not adversely affect quality.
The hours Brenden and I spent talking and going over details paid off. Overall, I stayed within budget and the work was completed within a reasonable, mutually agreed upon time frame. For this, I also need to give a shout out to the crew of Shoreside Building Co., especially my project leader, Claudio; they were professional, hardworking, and very skillful. The same kudos go for the subcontractors; plumbers, electricians, tilers and painters.
Happily, my little “code” house is charming, comfortable and functional.
- Mary McKenna
Brenden Tolley's work is of the highest caliber. I have used Mr. Tolley's company Shoreside Building Co. for several projects at our Sag Harbor house over the past eight years. His work, both interior and exterior was done with skill, attention to detail, historical respect and a high degree of trust. His organization and industry contacts make general contracting work seamless and timely. I recommend Shoreside Homes for any construction project without reserve.
- Joseph Trevisani
Our relationship with Shoreside Building Co. started with a simple door replacement after the purchase of our house. Their work with us since then has run the gamut, from installing completely new hardwood floors and sub flooring, to building us a brand new kitchen, to building custom cabinets, and even hanging our daughter's ferry net above her bed. The Shoreside Homes crew is impeccably neat, extremely professional, kind, and remarkably talented. Brenden has strong integrity and takes pride in doing an exceptional job, and expects nothing less from his employees.
Most impressively, Brenden and his guys took a simple drawing of a tree house, and created what can only be described as the coolest, safest, most awesome play structure on Long Island. I'm confident that the tree house could withstand any hurricane, tornado, or monsoon. Perhaps all three together.
Our continued work with Shoreside Homes is a testament to our trust in their company, and we would not hesitate to recommend them.