Berriz Design Build Group

Thoroughly inept and inexperienced major project management. (More details soon to come, including public complaint filings submitted directly to the DC Government permitting authorites.)
Jun 11th, 2022

Bob Berriz is a scammer. He has elaborated website portraying himself as a high end contractor. He's only interested in taking your money and disappear. I signed a contract with him to build a screened porch in May this year and paid him $29k deposit. To this day, he hasn't done anything for me. Wonder anyone out there has the similar experience and how do you resolve it? Greatly appreciate it for any advice!
Nov 2nd, 2021

My Wife and I contracted Berriz Design Build Group for a deck patio project north of $200k on October 1st of 2020. At this price premium there is an expectation of not only quality but timely, professional service. To say Bob Berriz of BDBG fails miserably on the latter would be a gross understatement. To start Bob required a hefty down payment with the agreement that this project would be delivered by the end of the calendar year (December 31st 2020). After the entire month of October went by without even an email, I reached out prior to Thanksgiving to inquire about the delay and Bob began what I would come to realize was an elaborate web of excuses, lies and incompetence. To cut to the chase, no one showed up on site until February of 2021 and as we sit here November 12th of 2021 we are still not even close to being done (Day 407). After a few weeks of work in February, Bob and his crew disappeared until April. Again, Bob laid on the excuses thick, but when we asked him for documents of his correspondence with the County (his excuse for what was causing the delays), he would conveniently forget, promise next time, or change the subject all together. Frustrated with the lack of professionalism and a concrete plan, we asked Bob to furnish a project plan that would give us a sense of when this effort would complete and asked for a revised payment schedule given his inability to manage the project effectively. Again, the excuses and the tangled web of nonsense ensued. Similar to the first time on site, Bob and his team were around for a few weeks and then disappeared until late June. By this point, the grill and pizza oven that we purchased for the outdoor kitchen had been in boxes for six months. When they were finally opened and installed, damages to the grill were discovered. Given the time lapse, we could not return or exchange the equipment. To this, Bob took no responsibility and blamed us for not utilizing one of his guys. After refusing to pay anymore installments, Bob gave his word that things would get back on track and his team would focus on my project. For a few weeks, I thought we had real change and then it all came crashing down when we failed our electrical and gas inspections. What was supposed to be a small misunderstanding with what had been previously submitted to the county has now taken 5 MONTHS and counting to rectify. This failed inspection was prior to July 4th 2021 and needless to say, no one has been onsite since. I again have asked for correspondence with the county, phone calls to get updates anything to be treated with respect but nothing. Given Bob Berriz has not responded to a single text, email, phone call, since September of this year, i will continue to post here with updates until the project is complete (Day 407). v.E.1
May 19th, 2021

Steer clear.  They are happy to take your money, but then will disappear, not complete the project, and will not return calls, emails, or text messages.  I would leave zero stars if they would let me.
Apr 7th, 2021

Berriz Design Build Group has completed several projects for us: master bath and master bedroom renovation, kitchen and family room renovation, addition of large front porch, replacement of deck with two terraces, and extensive landscaping. The level of customization and design creativity are exceptional. Workmanship is done to a high standard. The owner has special ability, the best that I have experienced in this type of work, to translate customers' wants into practical solutions.
Mar 19th, 2021