Frequently Asked Questions about Rissay Ltd.
How long have you been in business?
Rissay Ltd. Architecture | Construction was first founded in January 2004 by Jason Thompson and Scott McLeer. To find out more about the
partners of the firm, please visit the about us page.
How many people work at Rissay?
There are currently 4 full-time employees. Jason Thompson, Partner & Principal Designer. Scott McLeer, Partner & Principal Foreman. Jim
Epright, Lead Carpenter. Dillon Rhodes, Designer & Administrator. We also have a particular set of subcontractors we use for specialized
work, such as plumbing, mechanical, electric, etc. We hold all of our subcontractors to the same level of care and detail as we would expect if it
was our own home.
Where do you work?
We work throughout all of center-city Philadelphia and the surrounding areas. Predominantly our work has been located in Society Hill, Queen
Village, Rittenhouse, Mt. Airy, Chestnut Hill, and the Main Line.
What kind of projects do you do?
We do mostly high-end residential renovations, additions, and custom millwork. Projects can range from a beauty on a budget bathroom
renovation to gourmet kitchens to complete home makeovers. Rissay also has vast experience with roof decks, window and door replacement,
framing, drywall, tiling, we do it all.
We especially take pride in our custom millwork, which is entirely made in our own workshop. We can custom design built-ins to fit any niche,
create the ultimate entertainment system, fulfill your ideal walk-in closet, or for you to finally have your dream library.
Rissay can not only do residential, but light commercial as well. Rissay Ltd, was the designer and contractor behind Art in the Age (www.
artintheage.com). We custom built the majority of the displays ourselves, so stop by at 116 N. 3rd Street to see some of capabilities and
craftsmanship.
What makes Rissay different than the rest?
There are a lot of things that make Rissay more than a notch above the rest. First off, we care and make sure we cover every little detail. We
approach everything as if it was our own home. We take the time to ensure everything is done right the first time and of the highest quality. To
attest to that, most of work is from referrals. Our clients love our work enough that they always pass our name along and continue to call us
themselves for their next project.
Rissay is an architecture and construction company, typically known as design/build. We do everything in house from surveying, drafting,
design, permits, and material selections to the complete build out. We are also capable of doing 3D models of the project to better help clients
visualize the project. No need to go to a separate designer then to a contractor and try to coordinate the two. Using one company, such as
Rissay, will help guarantee accurate pricing, since it won’t be different companies with different processes and ideas. Going with Rissay for
both design & build services helps streamline the project in terms of cost, time, and coordination. If you do however go elsewhere for design
services (not sure why you would want to though with our excellent design team), you can still turn to Rissay Ltd. for reassurance that your plans
will be built with the highest quality.
Do you competitively bid jobs?
No, we do not. We are generally approached by a client as the preferred designer and contractor and at that time we start the estimating
process. Detailed and accurate estimating can take a significant amount of time. We will then set up a meeting with the client, review the
property and discuss a preliminary budget and the scope of work to be done. The initial meeting is free of charge. Following that meeting, we
begin the detailed cost estimating and setting up allowances for materials and products.
What is the contract process?
If the client decides they wish to proceed after the initial estimate stage, a contract is signed for pre-construction services. Pre-construction
services include surveying your property, the design process, cost estimating, scheduling, obtaining estimates from subcontractors, as well as
resourcing materials and products. During this process is constant communication with the client to ensure we are meeting their needs and
wants in terms of design, budget, and time.
After approval of the design, costs for construction & materials, and the schedule, a contract is signed for the construction of the project. Within
the contract are the project totals breaking down the costs for the client. A deposit is made to start ordering materials for the project. If the client
wishes to change a portion of the design or materials cost change throughout a project, a formal “change order” will be written and signed by
the owner for approval.
All of our contracts follow PA’s Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act (HICPA) standards. HICPA was passed by Pennsylvania
Legislature late last year in an effort to protect consumers from disreputable contractors. Go to www.attorneygeneral.gov/hic.aspx for more
information on the Home Improvement act. On the attorney general’s website, you can also search for registered contractors. To make it even
simpler for you, Rissay’s number is PA035479.
How many jobs do you manage at a time?
Rissay only takes on a handful of jobs at a time. We take pride in being able to effectively manage all of our projects at once and keep
everything right on schedule. We may be in the design phase of several projects at once depending on the scope of work, while usually only
building out one to two projects at a time.
Will I get the lowest price with Rissay?
We may not always be the lowest price in terms of contractors. Philadelphia has plenty of low budget contractors, but very few can match our
quality and attention to detail. With Rissay you streamline your whole project by having us both design and construct your project. By going with
one company for both design and build services, you can dramatically cut your costs versus paying for both a designer and contractor
separately. Each have different agendas, ideas, costs, and overhead. Coordinating ideas, construction details, budgets, and time between the
two is eliminated when it’s done all in house as it is here at Rissay Ltd. We guarantee you’ll be more than pleased with our work; ask all of our
clients that keep coming back and referring us to all of their friends and family.
How do I find out more or get an estimate for my project?
Feel free to call our office anytime at 215-713-0750 or send an e-mail at Jason@rissay.com.
We have references upon request, several with whom you may chat to discuss us and the process.
How long have you been in business?
Rissay Ltd. Architecture | Construction was first founded in January 2004 by Jason Thompson and Scott McLeer. To find out more about the
partners of the firm, please visit the about us page.
How many people work at Rissay?
There are currently 4 full-time employees. Jason Thompson, Partner & Principal Designer. Scott McLeer, Partner & Principal Foreman. Jim
Epright, Lead Carpenter. Dillon Rhodes, Designer & Administrator. We also have a particular set of subcontractors we use for specialized
work, such as plumbing, mechanical, electric, etc. We hold all of our subcontractors to the same level of care and detail as we would expect if it
was our own home.
Where do you work?
We work throughout all of center-city Philadelphia and the surrounding areas. Predominantly our work has been located in Society Hill, Queen
Village, Rittenhouse, Mt. Airy, Chestnut Hill, and the Main Line.
What kind of projects do you do?
We do mostly high-end residential renovations, additions, and custom millwork. Projects can range from a beauty on a budget bathroom
renovation to gourmet kitchens to complete home makeovers. Rissay also has vast experience with roof decks, window and door replacement,
framing, drywall, tiling, we do it all.
We especially take pride in our custom millwork, which is entirely made in our own workshop. We can custom design built-ins to fit any niche,
create the ultimate entertainment system, fulfill your ideal walk-in closet, or for you to finally have your dream library.
Rissay can not only do residential, but light commercial as well. Rissay Ltd, was the designer and contractor behind Art in the Age (www.
artintheage.com). We custom built the majority of the displays ourselves, so stop by at 116 N. 3rd Street to see some of capabilities and
craftsmanship.
What makes Rissay different than the rest?
There are a lot of things that make Rissay more than a notch above the rest. First off, we care and make sure we cover every little detail. We
approach everything as if it was our own home. We take the time to ensure everything is done right the first time and of the highest quality. To
attest to that, most of work is from referrals. Our clients love our work enough that they always pass our name along and continue to call us
themselves for their next project.
Rissay is an architecture and construction company, typically known as design/build. We do everything in house from surveying, drafting,
design, permits, and material selections to the complete build out. We are also capable of doing 3D models of the project to better help clients
visualize the project. No need to go to a separate designer then to a contractor and try to coordinate the two. Using one company, such as
Rissay, will help guarantee accurate pricing, since it won’t be different companies with different processes and ideas. Going with Rissay for
both design & build services helps streamline the project in terms of cost, time, and coordination. If you do however go elsewhere for design
services (not sure why you would want to though with our excellent design team), you can still turn to Rissay Ltd. for reassurance that your plans
will be built with the highest quality.
Do you competitively bid jobs?
No, we do not. We are generally approached by a client as the preferred designer and contractor and at that time we start the estimating
process. Detailed and accurate estimating can take a significant amount of time. We will then set up a meeting with the client, review the
property and discuss a preliminary budget and the scope of work to be done. The initial meeting is free of charge. Following that meeting, we
begin the detailed cost estimating and setting up allowances for materials and products.
What is the contract process?
If the client decides they wish to proceed after the initial estimate stage, a contract is signed for pre-construction services. Pre-construction
services include surveying your property, the design process, cost estimating, scheduling, obtaining estimates from subcontractors, as well as
resourcing materials and products. During this process is constant communication with the client to ensure we are meeting their needs and
wants in terms of design, budget, and time.
After approval of the design, costs for construction & materials, and the schedule, a contract is signed for the construction of the project. Within
the contract are the project totals breaking down the costs for the client. A deposit is made to start ordering materials for the project. If the client
wishes to change a portion of the design or materials cost change throughout a project, a formal “change order” will be written and signed by
the owner for approval.
All of our contracts follow PA’s Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act (HICPA) standards. HICPA was passed by Pennsylvania
Legislature late last year in an effort to protect consumers from disreputable contractors. Go to www.attorneygeneral.gov/hic.aspx for more
information on the Home Improvement act. On the attorney general’s website, you can also search for registered contractors. To make it even
simpler for you, Rissay’s number is PA035479.
How many jobs do you manage at a time?
Rissay only takes on a handful of jobs at a time. We take pride in being able to effectively manage all of our projects at once and keep
everything right on schedule. We may be in the design phase of several projects at once depending on the scope of work, while usually only
building out one to two projects at a time.
Will I get the lowest price with Rissay?
We may not always be the lowest price in terms of contractors. Philadelphia has plenty of low budget contractors, but very few can match our
quality and attention to detail. With Rissay you streamline your whole project by having us both design and construct your project. By going with
one company for both design and build services, you can dramatically cut your costs versus paying for both a designer and contractor
separately. Each have different agendas, ideas, costs, and overhead. Coordinating ideas, construction details, budgets, and time between the
two is eliminated when it’s done all in house as it is here at Rissay Ltd. We guarantee you’ll be more than pleased with our work; ask all of our
clients that keep coming back and referring us to all of their friends and family.
How do I find out more or get an estimate for my project?
Feel free to call our office anytime at 215-713-0750 or send an e-mail at Jason@rissay.com.
We have references upon request, several with whom you may chat to discuss us and the process.
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