Dear Coastal Builders,

After my husband’s father passed away, the family home in the historic area of Ellicott City remained vacant for two years. Although the 1920s Sears kit house had charm, it lacked bathroom and kitchen space and the original front porch had been destroyed by termites. We decided to contact contractors for estimates to make repairs and additions that would maintain the historical ambiance of the original house.

When Rich Campbell of Coastal Builders first arrived at our house, we were impressed by the great interest he took in its history... somehow that was a clue that he would care just as much about the future of our home. Rich spent evenings accompanying us to the Howard County Historical Committee meetings, bringing along various samples of siding, flooring, roofing, and other materials needed for the approval of any exterior changes to a home in the historic district. Rich also spent countless hours designing a gourmet kitchen addition with cherry cabinets, granite countertops, 2 bars (one a coffee bar), 3 sinks, 2 dishwashers, a gourmet grill cook-top, and double oven.

The carpentry crew headed by Jeff Miller and Ron Logsdon could not have been nicer to have around; they arrived early each morning and worked on our home as if it were their own. Their constant communication with us enabled us to make timely decisions that saved us from costly mistakes, and their suggestions resulted in a spectacular home.

We cannot say enough nice things about the sub-contractors who work alongside the Coastal employees: The Greco brothers stonework added the historic touch to the exterior and also to the family room fireplace; Tony Anderson of Marino’s Plumbing not only did a top job, but is also tops for customer service; and Shane Lowery of 5-Star Electric pulled together our computer, TV, and electrical service for a technology driven household.

John Watts has certainly put together a great team of artisans working for Coastal Builders; the professionalism of his staff is laudable. Our friends and family who are familiar with the original house are astounded at the metamorphosis into a modern, yet charming and historic home. We couldn’t be happier with our “new old home”!

Sincerely, Candace and Frank Taylor