We first met the Harwicks in 1997 when we purchased a lot in Rookery Lake. Mark Smith was the new guy on the block and was our ‘supervisor’ through the building process. Having never done something on this scale it was a real challenge but made very easy by the Harwick Team.
Beth and I consider ourselves very lucky to have befriended Mark and his team – they’re fantastic. Now that Mark has taken over the reins of the company we all know it is in good, stable, reliable hands. Times change and the Harwick Team has risen to the occasion every time a new challenge has been put in front of them.
We wish Mark and the ‘new team’ all the best for continued success in the future.
It will be three years next month since we took occupancy of our beautiful home. Judy and I want to let you and your team know that we could not be more pleased with our decision almost five years ago to select Harwick Homes to build our home in Grey Oaks.
We looked at many, many existing homes, condos and lots in the Naples area before we decided to build. We began to look at new home models that were on the market and both came to the conclusion that there were only two or three builders we would want and one of those was Harwick. We quickly narrowed the choice down to Harwick after visiting some of your models and after meeting with the two of you at your model home in the Estuary. We were impressed by the attention to detail, the quality, the process that you described and the likeability and the sincerity of you and your team.
Judy and I wanted a builder that was extremely trustworthy because we were going to be building the home while we lived in Minnesota. The two of you were very responsive in providing us access to your financial stability, your customers, your suppliers, your accountant and bankers. I spoke with many people and I can best sum it up with the comment from one of your suppliers who said, “If all builders were like Harwick Homes, this industry would have an entirely different reputation”.
We even spoke to someone in Illinois who knew of you and said that, “Harwick is the best builder in all of Florida”.
All were extremely complimentary and satisfied with their experiences with Harwick Homes. This gave us the confidence we were seeking.
We thank you for helping us think through the decision of going “fixed bid” or “cost-plus”. We selected cost-plus and we’re glad we did. It made the decision making process much easier. The process of supplying us with every single invoice and an accounting summary each month worked exceptionally well.
The entire process from start to finish to three years after move in has been outstanding. Mark, you and your team were most helpful in assisting us in making the hundreds of decisions that were required. The team you assembled was professional, knowledgeable and FUN: Eric Brown, architect; Sherri DuPont, designer; Russell Bencaz, landscape architect; Mary and Manny of AVL/PRO, lighting and audio/visual; Preston, construction superintendent; Kathy Katasak, project manager; and Tori and Tom, in-warranty.
When we asked if you could supply us with pictures each week with the progress of the home you were most accommodating. Preston did a wonderful job and got them to us by 6:00 AM in Minnesota each Friday. Judy and I looked forward to each Friday morning with great anticipation. The pictures added a wonderful way for us to be a part of the process even though we were 1700 miles away.
When you described the process, you told us about the services of Collins & DuPont and said that it was our choice if we wanted to use them and that if we did, their services would be billed separately. We are thrilled that we elected to use them. They are the very best! They made the selection and design process truly enjoyable. We even have used them in decorating an English Row home we built in Lake Forest, IL.
The after move in service has been outstanding. Your team resolved all issues quickly and professionally. The follow-up is the envy of all of our neighbors who have used other builders.
People who visit are impressed and complementary about every aspect of our home and many ask about what they perceive as the difficulties of building a home of this size and complexity. We let them know that it was an energizing, fun and worthwhile experience. Judy and I rave about our experiences and recommend Harwick Homes and Collins & DuPont every chance we get. In fact, we cannot imagine someone selecting anyone other than Harwick to build his or her home.
You have established a fabulous reputation by the quality of what you do and the way you serve your customers. It is well deserved.
Thank you again.
As always, I would consider it a privilege to write a testimonial letter speaking of the many positive things to say about Harwick Homes.
Upon our first visit to Southwest Florida in February 1996, we fell in love with the area and immediately purchased a lot in Spring Ridge in Bonita Bay. That same night we were invited to a party at the model on Mandevilla Drive in Spring Ridge. We were totally in awe of the home, the design, the location and the craftsmanship. This ultimately became our most loved home in all of Bonita Bay. Once the realization had set in that I had just spent “that much money” on a lot, I immediately wanted the home constructed so that we could start living in it. I had talked to several people and they had told me that Harwick Homes was the best builder, but that he had too much work at the present time and probably couldn’t take on our home. So I solicited bids from 3 other competitors and had my home built by another very qualified builder.
We completed the home in 6 months and moved in in January 1997. Soon after, Harwick Homes started building a home next to us. With me being in construction, I took special interest in watching this home being constructed, and must say I was very impressed with the quality, workmanship, and cleanliness of the job site. I also realized that in my haste to build my home so quickly, that I failed to have certain trims and upgrades that were common in a Harwick Home.
Fast forward several years, and our Dream Home, that was Harwick Homes model in 1996 was coming on the market. I proceeded to negotiate the purchase of this home with the owner, purchased it, made some changes and then refurnished it. Now I am set, I have the home of my dreams, made some changes to give it my touch and am NEVER going to move again!
Fast forward another 3 years, and we go to Harwick’s newest model in Mediterra. It was a beautiful home in Bella Lago, and I am talking to the owner and asked him if he still had the previous model in Padova. He said he did and the next day I went over to see it, and wasn’t 5 feet inside the front door, and said Oh My God, what am I doing again? So we left our Dream Home, for yet another Dream Home in Mediterra and must say we are still very much in love with this home and do enjoy living in Mediterra. So we went to sell our Bonita Bay Dream Home and the Realtor had several home inspections done, which everything passed on this now 8 year old home except the inspector found a water spot on the plywood to the overhang of the roof on the Lanai. Of course this contractor would fix this for a considerable sum of money so as not to hold up this settlement. So I called, and within 2 hours the superintendent met me at the house, investigated the claim and the repair work was completed and never charged for on an 8-year-old house. I have found the Harwick team to be very good about standing behind their work and keeping the reputation that they have worked so hard to establish. They have been fabulous to deal with in all aspects of the building process, but the real test is how do they perform with the warranty work after the job is completed and he has been paid. And I, being in the business, will say that there is no one any better than the Harwick team. That is the way I built my business and Rick has done a wonderful job of that also. No one is perfect, but how one acts in times of adversity is particularly telling.
You may find someone who is cheaper in the original price, but that’s what you will get is a cheap job. It has been my privilege to work Mark and his Superintendents.
Over the past 30 years we have built or remodeled 10 homes. It’s a sometimes trying and difficult experience, which usually requires a great deal of time on the part of the homeowner. However, when Harwick built our home in Port Royal that was not the case. The Harwick professionals made it a simple and easy process from start to finish. Equally important, the occasional warranty follow-up items were always attended to quickly and completely.
Of course, quality is also very important and we couldn’t be happier with our Harwick Home. Congratulations on 25 years of doing things right and taking care of your customers!
How did we select Harwick to build our home?
The Harwicks were building a home here in Bonita bay and I went by on my bike and went in to see that was going on. I was shocked to see the amount of molding that was being painted in the garage. As a weekend woodworker, I know that builders don’t take the time to use that much molding, or paint it before it goes up – this is not the case with Harwick Homes.
Our Harwick Home was built in 1998 and we love it to this very day. It was a great experience, during, after, and even now, with ageing repairs and updates. Congratulations to all of you at Harwick Homes on 25 years of business.
Mark, we are always happy to tell others about our experiences with Harwick Homes. As you know, we first hired Harwick Homes in 2000 to build a custom home for us in Port Royal. The home exceeded our expectations, and became an award winner. Based on that experience we have recommended Harwick Homes to many friends, who all later thanked us for putting them in touch with your company.
In 2007, we unexpectedly received an unsolicited offer for our house in Port Royal that we couldn’t refuse, so we moved into the Estuary at Grey Oaks, and hired Harwick Homes again to build for us another custom home. This home, which is now our primary residence is spectacular, and as you know, won the national Aurora Award for best custom home in the highest price category.
Harwick Homes completed our current home in 2007. Having built 5 previous homes in California, Nevada, Colorado and of course here in Naples, Florida, I/we can say without equivocation that it was the best experience we’ve had building a private residence. We had visited a home built by Harwick in Port Royal (the home of John & Pam Blakely) and were very impressed. When it was time for us to select a builder we called the Harwick team and when I asked if they could build a home of the Blakely caliber, they assured me it would be no problem and we got to work building a wonderful home.
The team was friendly, helpful, courteous, and committed to completing the home on time. They did indeed deliver the home within the time frame originally promised. We will comment that having Sherri Dupont on our team made all the difference in the world. Were we to build another home we would select the same Builder and Interior Designer. Over the past 4 years we’ve had many events and or dinners here and always we hear comments such as: “This may be the most beautiful home in Naples” or “Who was your builder, the quality is stunning”. I can say that the experience building a home with Harwick Homes was painless.
Thanks for making the process so enjoyable.
Just a short note to congratulate you on the occasion of your 25th anniversary. You should be very proud of not just the longevity of Harwick Homes, but also of the outstanding reputation that you have achieved as the most respected quality builder in southwest Florida.
It is hard to believe that it has been 15 years since you built our home in Spring Ridge in Bonita Bay. I still have night visions of you coming in with all of the “changes” Donna ordered. That was a whopping bill and worth every penny!
Then about 4 or 5 years ago you added a major addition to our already beautiful home.
We have owned 17 different homes across the USA and your product is the best we have ever had. Quality is king for Harwick Homes and everything you put into our home was the best. Your promises were always kept and your timing, follow-up, and advice were all outstanding. So, I would have to rate you OUTSTANDING! In fact, you have instilled the Harwick legacy into your staff and they too reflect your commitment, from Mark Smith to your basic laborer.
It has been, and continues to be, a pleasure to do business with Harwick Homes.
Reaching 25 years in the building business is a terrific accomplishment and milestone in your careers. We have known you for the last 5 years and have learned that you deal with your clients fairly and with a strong commitment to customer focus.
Our building experience with you resulted in us moving into our home in the timeframe you gave us, with just a small punch list and lots of support from your organization. You’ve hired and retained excellent personnel, who have expertise and loyalty to Harwick Homes, which is rare, especially these days.
We are very satisfied with your “service after the sale” approach. You do what you say you are going to do and efficiently communicate with us. When we are away, we have confidence that Harwick is looking after our home to make certain maintenance issues are resolved quickly. You are proactive and pay attention to details.
We are very glad that we contracted with you to finalize our home. Thank you for your dedication to your customers. Congratulations on this milestone event!
When we chose Harwick Homes to build our new home it turned out to be one of the best decisions we ever made. From the first day we met the staff to the day we moved in our new home and they came walking down our driveway with their basket of goodies, everything was good. Maria and I had three homes built for us in the past, all with some sort of misunderstandings or problems about various things, but none of the kind with Harwick Homes.
There are a lot of great things I could say about Harwick Homes like the quality of their workmanship, the detail, the pride in their work, etc., but the one thing that stands out is the overall organization. I have never dealt with a company that did not have a weak link in their chain somewhere. From Kathy Katasak, our project manager who kept the flow going to our superintendent, Phil Washell and everyone else we met at Harwick, everyone was very professional. We have been in our home for two and a half years, would not change a thing, and could not be happier.
We stay in touch with the Harwick Team through their Preventive Home Maintenance Program, which keeps our home looking like new every day.
It began when we first visited our friends, the Fords, in their brand new Harwick home. It was stunning. Our new home was across the street, had been the builder’s model, and was the recipient of praise from builders and neighbors. Yet the difference in quality was apparent.
In a short period of time we started having construction problems with the house. Meanwhile, our friend’s fantasy home was having zero difficulties. Four years after construction of their home, a problem finally occurred. Within 30 minutes of a call, the Harwick folks were on the scene. The damage was repaired that day.
We loved our street. The only impetus to ever move was if a waterfront lot was available and if Harwick Homes could build it. It happened, and we designed our dream home. The genius of the Harwick process, which coordinates integration of every phase of the design and construction, ensures a stress free experience. Before, during, and after construction, this is the most competent organization that Jo Anne and I have encountered.
We decided to buy in Grey Oaks at about the same time we decided, after looking at several dozen properties, that we wanted a Harwick Home. It was then only a question of waiting until the right one came along and when we ultimately bought 1399 Great Egret Trail we could not have been more thrilled. The house embodied for us the spirit of Naples living – and three years later still does. What is it that makes it special? On first encounter it is beautifully designed and built, the quality of the detail from floors to faucets is astonishing and while reasonably large, the house achieves a surprising feeling of comfort and intimacy. And it is helped further by being on a stunning lot. As a result it is what it should be – a wonderful home.
But doubtless other builders achieve that! But what makes Harwick Homes particularly special? It is that they stand behind every aspect of their work whether you contracted the original build or like us inherited the relationship. Whatever we have needed in maintaining and developing the property, the team at Harwick was there immediately to make sure it happened and the outcome was at the same high standard as the original. While operating this way makes sound commercial sense, Harwick does not appear to be driven by this but by the culture within the company that customer satisfaction is their pre-eminent value.
Little wonder that they now celebrate 25 successful years in business!
We have been in our home for three years now and still feel as excited as the day we closed. We spent 2 years looking for a home that we wanted to live in that we would enjoy.
It became clear after looking at several areas in Naples and several homes that we wanted a Harwick home. The quality and service you provide is simply the best. It is nice to know that even today 3 years later if we need something done or if something breaks you are only a phone call away and respond immediately. I can’t even put in to words how caring Jim Nelson is when we have a problem. We are so glad we bought the Pavia as it suits our lifestyle.
Building our home in Bonita Bay could have been a difficult experience as we were living in Argentina at the time and only occasionally visiting Florida. But we found working with this team to be an easy and enjoyable experience.
Design and planning meetings at the office were always productive and fun, and the quality of on-site supervision made communication very easy at the worksite.
Follow-up service and support for our home has been superb. The Harwick team clearly seeks to ensure the happiness of their customers for the long-term.
25 Years is a big mile stone and we have enjoyed a friendship with the team at Harwick Homes for almost 13 years. We take great pride in the finishing touches that have become this fine company’s trademark. I have never seen finishing work in any other builders that is as beautiful as ours. Our home has been enjoyed by many, many people because it is a perfect home for entertaining and we have opened it up to so many charities and art events. We wish you many more years of success and prosperity.
Many people choose to write letters to businesses only when they are dissatisfied; the purpose of this letter is to applaud the work of the fine company of Harwick Homes. We recently moved into our totally remodeled home in Windstar on Naples Bay Country Club: a process completed in 110 days from the permitting to completion.
Choosing Harwick Homes was very simple: reputation for quality work. When we signed the contract for our home in March 2010, due to seller’s personal issues, we were unable to close until September 15, 2010. This, however, did not delay the essential and thorough pre-planning of the Harwick Team. The team met with us, viewed the home, and spoke with us about our extensive plans for remodeling. With their expert guidance, a plan within our budget was quickly in place. Major changes to kitchen, baths, flooring, ceilings, fuel, lighting and doorways presented no problem to the team; our greatest expectations and more were met.
The next step was to choose as many products before we left in May in order to save valuable time. Shane Klepko, special projects manager, produced a detailed list of businesses and key people, clearly outlining and prioritizing the choices we needed to make. My fear of not knowing where to start was quickly dispelled as we met each vendor. Vendors already had our blueprints and measurements, which had been forwarded to them by Shane; there was no waiting and we were given undivided attention. Amazingly, by the time we left Florida in May, we had all ready chosen a theme, decorator, appliances, cabinets, floor covering, and most plumbing fixtures. All before we even closed on our property.
So many positive experiences followed I would be remiss if I tried to include them all. The attention to every detail and communication with all professionals involved can only begin to broadly describe the smooth operation of the Harwick Team. In contrast, our friends undertaking a similar project encountered delays, miscommunications and costly mistakes; they started before us and 7 months later are still not completed.
Primary to the outstanding team was the decorating team of Denise Ward Interiors. Their knowledge of design, function and color combined with entirely warm and helpful personalities made our remodeling process not only painless, but enjoyable! Each step of the way our vision was unfolded and realized with professionalism and understanding. Denise and Lori did not employ the typical “one size fits all” decorating approach. They incorporated many of our own furnishings and décor items, saving us costly mistakes. Again, communication with Shane and project superintendent, Preston Brown was ongoing and seamless.
In conclusion, we can only say that we would not only highly recommend Harwick Homes, we would not change one thing about this whole remodel process. Please call us to discuss our experience if you have any questions.
I am writing to you to express that we are very pleased with our beautiful Harwick Home. We enjoyed the creative process of building our home with you and your team. We also have the peace of mind knowing that we can call with all our questions concerning our new home and we get answers. The follow-up with Jim Nelson has been terrific. We will be very happy to share our experiences with anyone that is interested. Take care and thanks for your attention to the “details”.
Congratulations on your 25 years of business in Southwest Florida!
We have enjoyed our Harwick home for over seven years and we are always proud to answer the usual question from new friends – who built your home and how was the experience?
Our building experience was wonderful. Your personal involvement, the quality of the design team, and the overall attention to detail was fantastic. We have built with three other builders in Ohio, New York and Florida and no one has given us the quality of finish work as Harwick.
Even though the real estate market has gone down, no price can be put on the daily enjoyment we receive from our beautiful home. We love to entertain and the open lanai, kitchen, and great room area makes it so much fun! The theater room and billiard room give special enjoyment to our grandchildren when they visit.
Not only was the building experience exceptional, Harwick continued to support us well after the home was built. We appreciate being able to contact Mark Smith for advice on any maintenance and remodeling issues that come up.
Our best wishes for continued success!
We switched from building with another company on a lot we owned in Mediterra to a home under construction by Harwick Homes on the same street.
We got a great lot with a new, wonderful floor plan with a staff that was patient and helpful through the completion and closing process. Their team of landscape and house architects, as well as the interior designers, was outstanding.
We have the pleasure of waking up every morning and saying ‘wow’. We are grateful and thank you and wish you all the best.
Harwick Homes built our home in Grey Oaks and since then has done a number of significant remodeling projects.
Our experience has been as close to perfect as one could expect in the building business. They have met their commitments on timeliness, cost and outcome. They have never come close to compromising quality and have done all of this in a friendly and courteous manner.
We are pleased to add our congratulations to Harwick Homes 25th Anniversary. It has been our good fortune to have chosen them as our contractor.
Harry and I have been “Happy Harwick Home Owners” since 2001. Since the very beginning if there were any problems, they would be on it immediately, and the problem would be fixed.
As our family grew, so did the house. In 2006 we added rooms above the garage, which made it perfect for when we celebrated our 50th Wedding Anniversary, with all of our children and grand children.
We have always considered Harwick to be the best builders in Naples. Because of that, three of our friends have built Harwick Homes, and others have used them for smaller jobs.
You have given us the joy of living in the perfect home in Paradise!
I don’t want to let pass the last little project that Harwick has done for us (fixing some roof drainage and related issues) without telling you how very impressive your staff is both as building professionals and in the very pleasant and efficient way they handle everything. We are always pleased to see them here because we know that the visit will be enjoyable and the problem – whatever it is – will be fixed in consequence. I might also add that your subcontractors are cut from the same cloth, too. Thanks as always for your support – and for fielding such excellent people to help us.
