Fall 2002

Hammers & Nails

Who says Rauser Professional Contracting only builds custom homes or very large projects? While these certainly represent a large portion of RPC work, it is certainly not all the company does.

Two recent renovation projects serve to illustrate the versatility of the company, and they also serve to highlight one very important fact: RPC turns client wishes or visions into feasible construction projects and satisfied clients. Whether those visions are for a master suite, or a 4000-square-foot custom home, RPC listens, advises, and delivers—working as a team with the client and the architect every step of the way.

According to Joan Murphy, for whom RPC converted a very old bathroom into an extraordinary master bath, “There wasn’t anything I didn’t like—from the first time we met to the final walk-through.” She says this with awe in her voice as she explains the complexity of the project, including the already-into-the-project discovery of some hidden plumbing problems, warped studs, and cracked ceiling joists that “Rauser could have never anticipated.”

And, while such a discovery necessitated some extra work (and extra cost), Mrs. Murphy says that RPC did what they had to do and were extremely professional and informative through the whole process. This communication was particularly important to the client; since she was so comfortable and trusted RPC, its employees, and its subcontractors “to do what was right,” she moved out for the month while the project was being done.

They gutted the entire bathroom of the Catonsville home and converted the standard three-piece bathroom to a new master bath including a custom walk-in shower, whirlpool tub, and a linen closet. Best of all, RPC did this all in the same square footage as the old traditional bathroom.

Mrs. Murphy also commented that she is so glad she went with Bill Rauser’s recommendations on something as simple as ceramic tile. Since going with white, as he suggested, she is free to accent the room with whatever she wants. She says, “His suggestions were great, so I left everything in his hands and felt comfortable doing so.” No regrets, that’s for sure. On second thought, Mrs. Murphy says, “The only thing I regret about this project is that I didn’t take before photos,” to reflect what a dramatic improvement the $26,000 investment has made in her home and in her life.

Another client, Barbara Eddins, shares similar sentiments about her renovation project—an enlarged kitchen in her Columbia home. Working with RPC allowed her to replace an old screened-in porch with an airy breakfast room, which “really opened up the kitchen.”

With this $30,000 project, RPC removed the porch and extended the kitchen by 14 feet. She said the old part of the kitchen and the new part blend well thanks to RPC’s recommendations. And, she also commented about the fact that everyone associated with the project—from Bill Rauser to the electricians—were professional, timely, neat, and trustworthy.

According to Mrs. Eddins, “We even enjoyed their company, and we definitely love our new kitchen.”

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