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Custom Built-ins
Entertainment centers, built in bookshelves and cabinets, lockers, cubbies, custom closets, murphy beds, murphy doors, mudroom benches and storage etc. Most of us don't need bigger homes, we just need to use the space we have better!
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Kitchen and Bathroom Cabinets
Built to order. Make the most of your space and get exactly the look you are going for. No need to settle for factory made sizes which can often be restricting. Always made from durable plywood and locally sourced hardwoods to ensure that your cabinets last for generations to come. I am also happy to install any cabinets you may order.
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Trim WorkCrown molding, base molding, chair rail, custom wainscoting, coffer ceilings or other custom ceilings, wall paneling, fireplace, mantles and surrounds, etc. |
Custom Furniture & Murphy Beds
Kitchen and dining room tables, bookshelves, bunk beds, murphy beds, bookshelf doors, headboards, custom countertops, etc. Also available now: Murphy Bed DIY Kits. |
3-D Modeling
It can often be difficult to visualize what the end result of a project will look like. That is why I prefer to draw a 3-dimensional, scale model of the project before beginning. It helps ensure everyone is on the same page and can help me design the project to your satisfaction.
CUSTOM LIGHTING
I offer custom lighting on any of the projects I build for you using Haefele Lighting Products. Click the link to view their catalog to see the plethora of options available. All systems are low voltage and can typically just be plugged in to existing outlets and then controlled by a switch, remote or even your phone. All lights are customizable for color temperature and dimmability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the process for having something custom built?
It depends on the project but often times I can give you a rough estimate of cost without even meeting in person through emails and pictures. If that is not possible, we can meet in person, I will take down any measurements I may need, take pictures and then send you an estimate. If everyone is on the same page price-wise and you would like to move forward, I will make a scale drawing of everything. After I have a signed proposal and a deposit (typically one third of the final cost) you will be added to my job queue. I do not cash deposit checks until work on your project has actually begun.
How long does this process take?
My typical lead time is approximately 3-5 months but this can vary quite a bit depending on how much work is coming in and also the size of your project. I am unable to give exact dates until it gets close to the time when the work will be completed. My normal practice is to just tell customers how many jobs I have left to complete before I get started and update you occasionally of my progress. I have attempted many different approaches to scheduling and this seems to be the most honest and realistic.
Where are items built?
Almost all the work I do is done in my shop and designed in such a way that it can be disassembled and then reassembled on site in your home. Most installations are done in one day. I do this to minimize the impact on your home (dust, noise, etc) and also because the tools and machines in my shop can produce a much better result than anything that could be done on-site, especially when it comes to paint and finish.
What types of finishes do you offer?
I use mostly General Finishes products on all of my projects. I have tried almost everything on the market and have found them to be the most durable and also look the best. They also have top notch customer service which is very important to me. For painted projects, I can color match any Sherwin Williams or Benjamin Moore color and can do any of the General Finishes Water Based Stain or Dye colors. Almost everything I do is spray finished which produces an incredibly smooth, durable finish that is very difficult to match with a brush or roller.
What types of materials do you use?
I try to source as many of my hardwoods as possible from trees taken down in the South Hills of Pittsburgh. I have a stock of the more commonly used ones such as oak or maple and have connections with some local sawyers from more rare species such as cherry or walnut. For sheet goods to build cabinetry and shelving I much prefer to use cabinet grade birch or combo-core plywood. It is extremely strong, holds nails, screws and glue very well and takes paint or finish well. Other sheet goods such as MDF take paint well and are appropriate for some situations such as paint-grade cabinet doors or supported countertops but can split and sag if not used correctly or if the correct type of MDF is not chosen. I never use particle board. It's veneer chips off easily, it melts in water and does not hold screws, nails or glue well at all. If available, I use FSC Certified sheet goods to ensure that they are made from sustainably harvested trees.
What forms of payment do you take?
Currently, I only take payments via check. Cards and other payment services charge significant fees and I have not found them cost effective for my business at this time. I have tried various electronic payment methods as well but have had a lot more issues with people simply forgetting to pay and it became more of a hassle than a help. I also do not accept cash payments to protect all parties involved and ensure that there is documentation of every transaction.
It depends on the project but often times I can give you a rough estimate of cost without even meeting in person through emails and pictures. If that is not possible, we can meet in person, I will take down any measurements I may need, take pictures and then send you an estimate. If everyone is on the same page price-wise and you would like to move forward, I will make a scale drawing of everything. After I have a signed proposal and a deposit (typically one third of the final cost) you will be added to my job queue. I do not cash deposit checks until work on your project has actually begun.
How long does this process take?
My typical lead time is approximately 3-5 months but this can vary quite a bit depending on how much work is coming in and also the size of your project. I am unable to give exact dates until it gets close to the time when the work will be completed. My normal practice is to just tell customers how many jobs I have left to complete before I get started and update you occasionally of my progress. I have attempted many different approaches to scheduling and this seems to be the most honest and realistic.
Where are items built?
Almost all the work I do is done in my shop and designed in such a way that it can be disassembled and then reassembled on site in your home. Most installations are done in one day. I do this to minimize the impact on your home (dust, noise, etc) and also because the tools and machines in my shop can produce a much better result than anything that could be done on-site, especially when it comes to paint and finish.
What types of finishes do you offer?
I use mostly General Finishes products on all of my projects. I have tried almost everything on the market and have found them to be the most durable and also look the best. They also have top notch customer service which is very important to me. For painted projects, I can color match any Sherwin Williams or Benjamin Moore color and can do any of the General Finishes Water Based Stain or Dye colors. Almost everything I do is spray finished which produces an incredibly smooth, durable finish that is very difficult to match with a brush or roller.
What types of materials do you use?
I try to source as many of my hardwoods as possible from trees taken down in the South Hills of Pittsburgh. I have a stock of the more commonly used ones such as oak or maple and have connections with some local sawyers from more rare species such as cherry or walnut. For sheet goods to build cabinetry and shelving I much prefer to use cabinet grade birch or combo-core plywood. It is extremely strong, holds nails, screws and glue very well and takes paint or finish well. Other sheet goods such as MDF take paint well and are appropriate for some situations such as paint-grade cabinet doors or supported countertops but can split and sag if not used correctly or if the correct type of MDF is not chosen. I never use particle board. It's veneer chips off easily, it melts in water and does not hold screws, nails or glue well at all. If available, I use FSC Certified sheet goods to ensure that they are made from sustainably harvested trees.
What forms of payment do you take?
Currently, I only take payments via check. Cards and other payment services charge significant fees and I have not found them cost effective for my business at this time. I have tried various electronic payment methods as well but have had a lot more issues with people simply forgetting to pay and it became more of a hassle than a help. I also do not accept cash payments to protect all parties involved and ensure that there is documentation of every transaction.
