Client Interview: Elena

Post-Project Interview with Homeowner Elena, by Downy Home Remodeling - November, 2025

Hi Elena! Can you tell us what was your home like before the remodel?

Elena: The kitchen was small, dark, and cramped. A wall separated the kitchen from the living room, which made both spaces feel even smaller. Nothing had been updated since the 1980s—the layout, the appliances, the finishes. It felt dated and closed-off, and I knew immediately it needed a complete remodel.

What made you decide to make changes?

Elena: This is my first home, and I wanted to invest in it intentionally. The kitchen was the number-one priority. I started demo the day I got the keys! They say the kitchen is the heart of the home, but this one wasn’t functional or inviting. A full kitchen renovation just made sense.

What was it like working with Wayne and Downy Home Remodeling?

Elena: Honestly, I can’t say enough good things. I only wish I had found Wayne sooner.

I started the project by hiring individual tradesman myself (flooring, electrical, tile) and I quickly realized how challenging it is to manage a remodel without a general contractor overseeing the work. Some work wasn’t done correctly, some wasn’t finished, and some details were overlooked entirely.

When Wayne arrived, he immediately noticed things I didn’t even know to look for. Instead of just pointing problems out, he quietly fixed them. For example, the tile installers left uneven, messy caulk along the backsplash. I didn’t catch it, but Wayne did. He cleaned and smoothed it before it dried so the finish would look clean. That level of care was consistent the entire project.

My house has uneven walls and floors, which made the cabinet installation tricky. There were gaps and angles that didn’t line up. Wayne took the time to shim, level, and adjust every cabinet until everything fit perfectly. He even built a custom wood drop-down to close the gap above my fridge so the whole kitchen looked seamless.

There were also issues with the outlets not being level, and under-cabinet lighting only half-wired. The outlet covers that were installed over the textured tile were crooked, which seems like a hard thing to get right. But Wayne corrected it. He didn’t complain or criticize others, he just wanted the work done right. That meant so much to me.

Working with someone who truly cares about craftsmanship was the biggest difference in this remodel.

Do you have a favorite design detail or feature?

Elena: So many! Even though I designed the kitchen myself, Wayne’s input made everything so much better.

I originally planned to edge the base cabinets with a standard ¼” round trim. Wayne suggested a 1” rectangular trim instead, explaining how much cleaner and more modern it would look. And he was right. I notice and appreciate it every day.

Another favorite detail is the window. I would’ve left the window sill white, but Wayne encouraged me to match it with the wood cabinetry around it. That one change made the whole wall feel aesthetically aligned.

These were small ideas I never would’ve thought of, but they made a huge difference in the final result.

Did anything turn out differently than you imagined—for better or worse?

Elena: The only thing I still think about is whether we should have moved the island three inches toward the living room. We decided not to because it would have narrowed the walkway. It might have helped with oven clearance, but honestly, that’s such a small thing. Everything else exceeded my expectations.

How does your home feel to you now?

Elena: It feels like a completely different home! It’s bright, open, and welcoming. The kitchen is spacious, full of extra headroom and natural light. As an artist, I really appreciate the precision and craftsmanship Wayne’s attention to detail brought to the entire space.

Living in a home I invested in and helped design feels incredible. I finally have a space that’s fully my own.

If someone you care about was thinking about remodeling, what would you want them to know?

Elena: I’d tell them to hire a general contractor from the start. It saves so much stress, time, and cost in the long run.

And honestly? I’d tell them to hire Wayne. He cares about quality, function, and longevity, not just getting the job done. A lot of homeowners struggle with contractors who cut corners or don’t finish things completely. Downy Home Remodeling is the exact opposite of that.

I feel lucky I found them when I did.

Read more about Elena’s kitchen remodel project on her dedicated project portfolio page.

For more client interviews, click here.