At BNW Builders, we’re proud of the decks we build, the roofs we replace, and the homes we help improve. But what means the most to us are the relationships we build along the way. Every project is an opportunity to earn a homeowner’s trust—not just for one job, but for years to come.
When Richmond homeowner Dee Rybiski first contacted BNW to replace a deteriorating deck, she expected a quality finished product. What she didn’t expect was the lasting connection she would form with the people behind the project. Since then, Dee has trusted BNW with her deck, roof, and now plans to call on us again for siding and gutters. Her story is a reminder that home improvement is about more than materials and craftsmanship—it’s about people, communication, and doing things the right way.
Here’s Dee’s story, in her own words.
Good morning, Bruce.
I had been meaning to send you a note for a while, but things always seem to get away from me.
I am sure you don’t remember me (we met a few times), but I know several on your team who do – Chris (Jr.), Tim, Tommy, and Daniel to name a few. I retired back in January of 2024 and had planned several rather large home improvement projects for that year…deck replacement being one of them. I had an old, rotting wooden deck that quite frankly was becoming dangerous. I LOVE being outside and knew that the deck was going to be one of my most important investments – so I chose BNW. That was my first introduction to you guys, via Chris. The team (Tim, Tommy, Daniel and others) that came to my house to build my deck were phenomenal! They were friendly, hardworking, took the time to explain things and answer my questions, and more importantly quickly became family! There was never a morning that my grandson (who lives with me) wasn’t greeted with waves, high-fives or fist-bumps before leaving for school/camp. So imagine my thrill and disappointment at the same time when the deck was completed. I was left with an absolutely beautiful, perfect deck; but our engagement with the guys ended. Until…
Last year, my home incurred storm damage to the roof. So, I placed a call to Chris – who arranged a time to come to the house and talk all things roofing. Happy to say we had that chat on the deck. I wasn’t the only house that had storm damage by any means, but listening to my neighbors their insurance companies certainly took care of them…mine, did not. I was low-balled by them, comparatively speaking, by more than $10K it seems. When I challenged them, they would not budge on the numbers unless I provided an itemized invoice explaining what all was needed, etc. to rebuild the roof. Although I learned that BNW doesn’t do itemized invoices like what the insurance company wanted, it shouldn’t be a surprise that I chose BNW, once again, to rebuild my roof – so I ate what the insurance company wouldn’t pay for and paid for the roof out of pocket. Although disappointed in them, once again BNW excelled in my expectations for a top-notch project. The guys completely broke down my old roof, to the rafters, and replaced 100% of the plywood before building out another top-notch project.
Recently I came across Tim and his team building a screened-in porch at a house in my neighborhood. After driving by and watching the progress for a couple of weeks – not wanting to disturb their work – I saw Tommy drive up one morning so I stopped to say hi. I got to chat with Tim and Tommy for a little bit, and made sure to tell Tim that he had absolutely no idea how happy he has made me…that I am just as thrilled with my deck today as I was the day they finished, but I missed seeing all of them. Not sure he wasn’t just being polite and playing along like he remembered me, I was taken aback when he recalled several things about me and my family and my property…so clearly we all made an impression on each other. That neighbors project has been completed. They have a beautiful addition to their property and I don’t get to see your guys daily anymore. Until…
You guessed it. I will be calling Chris, asking for a visit to discuss siding and gutters now. This past Sunday’s violent storm and yesterdays wind tore a huge section of siding from my house and a simple fix isn’t going to work. And since the roof was replaced, rainwater has always flushed over the gutters – so I might as well get everything done at once. There is no other business I would consider calling. I have called the insurance company (for a lot of good I suspect that will do) and when asked who I want to use I told them your business.
So although this is an upsetting time, I know that putting my trust in ya’ll is a no-brainer! You may not be the least expensive business, but the finished product and all the little things in between (people, details, family experience) more than make up for it.
I am running out of projects around here for ya’ll to do. After the siding and gutters are done, you might as well use my house for marketing purposes because you guys will have almost rebuilt it: deck, roof, siding and gutters. The only thing left is windows and I think I can get a little more out of those (hopefully).
Hopefully this will be a “Tim” and crew project, I didn’t see who did the siding to the enclosure down the street, but regardless I know I will be pleased.
Sorry I rambled, but I owed you and the guys a huge THANK YOU for everything done so far.
Looking forward to doing business with you all again,
Dee R.