Rebel Builders

Lori Dinh on Rebel Builders

I’m a homeowner currently working with Rebel on a relatively extensive remodeling project (remodeling our attic to add additional bedrooms and a bathroom, changes to the floor plan in our main floor), and I would say our home is NOT Instagrammable/super aesthetic — just another multi-family home in the Boston suburbs. My partner and I really enjoyed working with the Rebel team throughout every step, from the design process to the actual construction projects, and each person we’ve interacted with has been friendly, helpful, and receptive to our vision/ideas/requests. Their willingness and patience to brainstorm and think through some of our requests is admirable.

As some background, I have never done such a major renovation before and so I spent almost a year (literally 11 months) vetting design-build firms in the Boston area. When Lina (and Diana (the owner) came onsite for our initial consultation, they came PREPARED: they had done some prep work on their end and were able to speak to our town/neighborhood’s zoning requirements and what that would mean for our potential project, they took a closer look at our existing structure and had some suggestions, and they had detailed information about what the design and construction process would entail when we had questions. That left a strong impression on us, compared to some other contractors/design-build firms we chatted with, but we were also really happy with how we had connected conversationally and felt comfortable with the two of them. They gave us the impression that Rebel would be good, reliable partners - which is so important when you’re about to spend a lot of money on a huge project, and want to ensure your vision is seen.

We are now wrapping up our project in the next month or so, and everything is looking like the renders/videos that Rebel drafted for us during the design stage (which is super exciting!!). There were some hiccups that came up early during construction, but they were immediately addressed by the full Rebel team. I had no doubt that they would take care of things while we were away for that phase of construction.

Overall, working with a design-build firm is going to be pricier than working with a contractor, but for me it was 100% worth it. We had peace of mind because the Rebel team oversaw everything from designing with architectural/structural input from the beginning, applying for the permits, and taking those design schematics and bringing them to life - all with full communication on their end. As the client, we only needed to focus on the aesthetics - and what we’ve designed together with Rebel is so wonderful :)

Sisy Thomas on Rebel Builders

I wish we had the same experience as everyone else. We knew Diana from a previous design build experience and were so delighted to know she started her own firm. We had such high hopes for this partnership, but it unfortunately left us disheartened and at a huge loss financially. At first we thought the team was really listening to us. I had dreams about my kitchen and bathrooms which we held off on renovating until the spaces were really in need of help. At the team's request, I completed their Google surveys and Houzz assignments so they could get a sense of what we were looking for. Countless hours were spent with this and in person meetings to really get that style down. I was so excited for the day of Rebel's first proposal, only to find myself in tears via video chat.

There were so many things which I had explicitly said I didn't want (white cabinets, light floors, contemporary fixtures, etc.). I kept asking myself how communication could have gone so wrong. We had paid Rebel $16K up to that point for the design process and were left feeling pretty devastated. At that meeting, we were told that this was just the first phase and they would continue to refine with us. But how did we spend so much money for Diana's team to take time adding things our family did not want? We realized we couldn't afford to continue with Rebel. There was no recourse because we signed an agreement and according to the firm, they completed their contractual obligation with the design they presented.

If your home is Instagram worthy, perhaps you'll get some of the beautiful designs that Rebel showcases. Unfortunately, that wasn't our experience. The pictures are all we have for what we spent. We were left with nothing usable from the process and lost so much money as a result of choosing Rebel. Please think twice about going with Rebel Builders and if you do pick them, consider carefully where your design costs are going. They're not bad people, but sadly we had a really bad experience with them.

UPDATE: This review was not written with any intention to distort or cause issues, but only to share our family's perspective on the experience we had with Rebel Builders. We had made attempts to reach out to find resolution and was met with a lack of empathy. We just don't want anyone else to go through the same.

John Di Ruggiero on Rebel Builders

We are in love with the work Diana and her team did with our kitchen remodel! The entire process was clearly communicated throughout the duration of the design and building process and the quality and attention to detail was unparalleled from the custom hood to the walnut coffee nook. I will never not use a design build team going forward! They help the homeowners find the best finishes and coordinate all the trades for you so you do not have to have the headache of organizing an entire project. The whole team was careful, caring, and professional. Highly recommend!”

Julia Wynyard on Rebel Builders

I have worked with Rebel Builders on two projects: a condo renovation, which included a full kitchen remodel, and a whole house renovation. Working with Diana and her team is a dream! They are extremely creative problem-solvers and they truly care about the quality of the work and service they provide. Highly recommend!

Alesha on Rebel Builders

We worked with Rebel on a large kitchen remodel as well as some less sexy projects (electrical update, HVAC conversion, etc.). This was our first experience with a construction project, so we weren't sure exactly what to expect with the process. We are so glad we decided to go with Rebel. Working with Diana and her team at Rebel was wonderful - their communication and organization made the process as smooth as construction can be. The design process was very collaborative, they were so helpful flushing out our very vague initial vision, and the final results are nothing less than gorgeous! We loved working with them so much that we're planning on hiring them again for a home addition!!