Lasting Strength have been servicing the Connecticut area for over 25 years. We pride ourselves on customer service and the quality of work that we do. We specialize in framing, trimming, tiling, flooring and all special custom cabinetry as well as making the "can't be done" projects a reality. Call us today for a free estimate. Fairfield county area only.
"The carpenter that did the job (Adam) was amazing. He had to expand the space for one window, narrow the space for another, and repair much cedar siding that had rotted away due to water damage. He also reshaped my patio door so it would close and lock more easily. He is a very talented carpenter and I have no qualms about highly recommending him."
Marilyn R on October 2024
Lasting Strength have been servicing the Connecticut area for over 25 years. We pride ourselves on customer service and the quality of work that we do. We specialize in framing, trimming, tiling, flooring and all special custom cabinetry as well as making the "can't be done" projects a reality. Call us today for a free estimate. Fairfield county area only.
"The carpenter that did the job (Adam) was amazing. He had to expand the space for one window, narrow the space for another, and repair much cedar siding that had rotted away due to water damage. He also reshaped my patio door so it would close and lock more easily. He is a very talented carpenter and I have no qualms about highly recommending him."
Marilyn R on October 2024
Michael Bogues Construction, LLC, is dedicated to providing our customers with the best quality and craftsmanship. We are here to build relationships with our customers and communities and to provide our employees with a great place to work. Michael Bogues Construction, LLC, is a leader in providing our customers with the highest quality products and craftsmanship in an honest, efficient, and professional way. Our pledge is to create successful relationships with our customers, employees and community by building trust, treating every project with the utmost integrity and exceeding expectations. We look forward to working with you!
Michael Bogues Construction, LLC, is dedicated to providing our customers with the best quality and craftsmanship. We are here to build relationships with our customers and communities and to provide our employees with a great place to work. Michael Bogues Construction, LLC, is a leader in providing our customers with the highest quality products and craftsmanship in an honest, efficient, and professional way. Our pledge is to create successful relationships with our customers, employees and community by building trust, treating every project with the utmost integrity and exceeding expectations. We look forward to working with you!
Galmac Construction Corp is committed to excellence every aspect of our business. We uphold a standard of integrity bound by fairness, honesty, and personal responsibility. Our distinction is the quality of service we bring to our customers. Accurate knowledge of our trade combined with ability is what makes us true professionals. Above all, we are watchful of our customers' interests and make their concerns the basis of our business. Bringing over 20 years of Construction experience in the Industry between Ireland and the USA.
"Very competent and responsive"
Rick C on November 2020
Galmac Construction Corp is committed to excellence every aspect of our business. We uphold a standard of integrity bound by fairness, honesty, and personal responsibility. Our distinction is the quality of service we bring to our customers. Accurate knowledge of our trade combined with ability is what makes us true professionals. Above all, we are watchful of our customers' interests and make their concerns the basis of our business. Bringing over 20 years of Construction experience in the Industry between Ireland and the USA.
"Very competent and responsive"
Rick C on November 2020
Better Business Bureau Accredited firm with an A+ Rating. 2017 Connecticut Better Business Bureau Marketplace Excellence Awards NOMINEE for SUPERIOR CUSTOMER SERVICE. Established in 1998, R.A.M. Contracting, Inc. is Robertson Michaud company specializing in Custom Projects. We are based in Connecticut and are one of the most highly regarded companies for our craftsmanship, attention to detail and customer service. Fully licensed, insured and bondable. We service Federal, Industrial, Commercial and Select Residential clientele. Registered with the United States Government Systems for Award Management (SAMS), State of Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection and Vermont Office Of Professional Regulation. We are an Environmental Protection Agency Lead Safe Certified Firm. Please provide details about your project in the Homeowner Description. Leads without any description will not be accepted. For more information please call us at 860-413-2263. We are available 7 days a week.
"Very responsive, clear and professional. Gave me information I needed and then some."
Vivian Z on July 2018
Better Business Bureau Accredited firm with an A+ Rating. 2017 Connecticut Better Business Bureau Marketplace Excellence Awards NOMINEE for SUPERIOR CUSTOMER SERVICE. Established in 1998, R.A.M. Contracting, Inc. is Robertson Michaud company specializing in Custom Projects. We are based in Connecticut and are one of the most highly regarded companies for our craftsmanship, attention to detail and customer service. Fully licensed, insured and bondable. We service Federal, Industrial, Commercial and Select Residential clientele. Registered with the United States Government Systems for Award Management (SAMS), State of Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection and Vermont Office Of Professional Regulation. We are an Environmental Protection Agency Lead Safe Certified Firm. Please provide details about your project in the Homeowner Description. Leads without any description will not be accepted. For more information please call us at 860-413-2263. We are available 7 days a week.
"Very responsive, clear and professional. Gave me information I needed and then some."
Vivian Z on July 2018
At Handy Man Services, we pride ourselves on delivering exceptional customer service backed by 25 years of experience in the industry. Our extensive background has equipped us with the knowledge and expertise necessary to tackle a wide range of home renovation and maintenance projects. We understand that each client's needs are unique, which is why our team comprises skilled professionals who are not only adept at their craft but also committed to providing personalized solutions. Whether you require minor repairs, major renovations, or routine maintenance, our dedicated staff is ready to assist you every step of the way, ensuring that your home remains a comfortable and well-maintained space.
"Excellent customer service, job done right and efficiently. Highly recommend!"
Jen B on April 2025
At Handy Man Services, we pride ourselves on delivering exceptional customer service backed by 25 years of experience in the industry. Our extensive background has equipped us with the knowledge and expertise necessary to tackle a wide range of home renovation and maintenance projects. We understand that each client's needs are unique, which is why our team comprises skilled professionals who are not only adept at their craft but also committed to providing personalized solutions. Whether you require minor repairs, major renovations, or routine maintenance, our dedicated staff is ready to assist you every step of the way, ensuring that your home remains a comfortable and well-maintained space.
"Excellent customer service, job done right and efficiently. Highly recommend!"
Jen B on April 2025
We take great pride in our experience, expertise, quality and customer service that we provide to meet the consumers needs. It is our mission to provide excellent workmanship and complete customer satisfaction from start to completion of a project. In order to understand the needs and expectations of our customers, we take great care to work and communicate with every customer in a professional manner. Our reputation is based on service, safety, and quality, regardless of how large or small the job.
"He did a fantastic job.I am more than satisfied."
Robert R on April 2025
We take great pride in our experience, expertise, quality and customer service that we provide to meet the consumers needs. It is our mission to provide excellent workmanship and complete customer satisfaction from start to completion of a project. In order to understand the needs and expectations of our customers, we take great care to work and communicate with every customer in a professional manner. Our reputation is based on service, safety, and quality, regardless of how large or small the job.
"He did a fantastic job.I am more than satisfied."
Robert R on April 2025
With 25 yrs experience improving homes & businesses, we specialize in excellence & pride ourselves on craftsmanship while setting our standards of quality & customer service to the highest degree.
"Exactly what I was looking for, when I hired this company: they “delivered” a good quality product! They were fast, serious and did not overcharge. Yes! I would definitely ask for their service again and absolutely I would recomend them to my friends and family."
Luciana G on October 2018
With 25 yrs experience improving homes & businesses, we specialize in excellence & pride ourselves on craftsmanship while setting our standards of quality & customer service to the highest degree.
"Exactly what I was looking for, when I hired this company: they “delivered” a good quality product! They were fast, serious and did not overcharge. Yes! I would definitely ask for their service again and absolutely I would recomend them to my friends and family."
Luciana G on October 2018
We offer free estimates for any size project : kitchens, bathrooms, exteriors, roofing, additions, decks, bedrooms, basements, or even an entire home. We also provide design work with multiple photo realistic renderings and 360° views along with full floorplans and elevations, so you can really envision your new space before you build it. We help to guide our clients through every stage of a renovation so that it comes in on time and on budget. Call us today at 203-644-9124.
"I highly recommend DDR. There are so many contractors out there and it is difficult to know what youâ ll get when you hire someone, from the quality of the work to the level of communication. This team did a great job from start to finish, and delivered a beautiful new space for my family. We selected DDR after getting multiple bids to update our walk-out basement into a more livable space. Key in this selection -- the price was competitive, and the team seemed attentive to the project needs as outlined. I had a tight budget and relatively aggressive timeline for this project. Admittedly the timeline was impacted by a few things that were out of DDRâ s control, including the Town building inspectorâ s schedule and a delivery delay (a new window arrived damaged and had to be reordered.) Nevertheless, the team stayed on budget and delivered a wonderful new basement. What a great project team -- led by Alex, the team (including John + Angel) truly transformed a dark dingy space into a bright fresh room. Alex was very thoughtful in suggesting options that would improve things and was exceptionally attentive to detail. He was super responsive to any texts or questions. In particular, I appreciated his high level of â perfectionismâ in how the finished product turned out. For phase 2, we need some custom cabinetry built for the space and I look forward to having the DDR team return to work on this next phase."
Alison F on November 2024
We offer free estimates for any size project : kitchens, bathrooms, exteriors, roofing, additions, decks, bedrooms, basements, or even an entire home. We also provide design work with multiple photo realistic renderings and 360° views along with full floorplans and elevations, so you can really envision your new space before you build it. We help to guide our clients through every stage of a renovation so that it comes in on time and on budget. Call us today at 203-644-9124.
"I highly recommend DDR. There are so many contractors out there and it is difficult to know what youâ ll get when you hire someone, from the quality of the work to the level of communication. This team did a great job from start to finish, and delivered a beautiful new space for my family. We selected DDR after getting multiple bids to update our walk-out basement into a more livable space. Key in this selection -- the price was competitive, and the team seemed attentive to the project needs as outlined. I had a tight budget and relatively aggressive timeline for this project. Admittedly the timeline was impacted by a few things that were out of DDRâ s control, including the Town building inspectorâ s schedule and a delivery delay (a new window arrived damaged and had to be reordered.) Nevertheless, the team stayed on budget and delivered a wonderful new basement. What a great project team -- led by Alex, the team (including John + Angel) truly transformed a dark dingy space into a bright fresh room. Alex was very thoughtful in suggesting options that would improve things and was exceptionally attentive to detail. He was super responsive to any texts or questions. In particular, I appreciated his high level of â perfectionismâ in how the finished product turned out. For phase 2, we need some custom cabinetry built for the space and I look forward to having the DDR team return to work on this next phase."
Alison F on November 2024
Connecticut Basement Systems is your trusted expert for basement waterproofing, crawl space repair, basement finishing, and foundation repair. Using patented, warrantied products, we provide permanent solutions for your home. Have a wet, flooded basement or crawl space? Tilted or bowing foundation walls? A basement you want to finish? We have a solution. We proudly serve homeowners and businesses all throughout Connecticut & Westchester County, NY. Call us today for a free inspection and no-obligation, estimate. Financing available. Additional phones - (203) 881-5090. Award winning.
"The visit to my home in West Hartford was a nice affair. The technician explained everything. He even mentioned that I had to get a plumber to remove the sink away from the wall, so the work could be done to repair the window and wall area, but I did not hear him mention that I had to pull permits. The problem with this permit pulling issue is that I never initiated the pulling of permits, and this also is a red flag for me. The pulling of a permit should always be done by the contractor who is doing the job. It ensures that the permit pulled is to code. It ensures that the permit pulled follows local ordinance and CT. laws and statutes regarding construction, and that also includes consumer protection mandates in the State of Connecticut. Having me pull the permit to allow the CT. Basement Systems to do the work is a big, red flag, and it can result in my home owner's policy being cancelled if the permits are pulled either after the fact, or the permits pulled do not line up with the inspection process. I can also be fined by the town for pulling permits after the fact too. I've had my furnace replaced. The plumbing company who replaced the furnace followed state law and guidelines. Especially, since funding provided through a loan from a Credit Union chosen by the State of Connecticut ensured that permits were pulled correctly, legally. The same applies to my roof being replaced. The roofing company pulled the permit. Having a customer whom you are charging in excess of $20,000 to pull a permit is putting that customer in legal jeopardy, which is unacceptable. If I sell my house, and I had the work done in my basement, and the permits were pulled by me. The person who bought my house could sue me for an incorrectly pulled permit. How would I answer questions from the town about the technical aspects of the job, which should be handled by the contractor directly? Why introduce another layer of bureaucracy that slows down communication? Have the contractor pull the permit, so that the contractor and the municipality, town or city can communicate directly, and the pulling of the permit is done correctly and legally. How would I know, when the town should be doing an inspection during or while the job is being completed or after the job is completed? This should never be a requirement of the customer to pull the permit for a job to be done. The tech who visited my home mentioned that I had to hire a plumber to move a basement sink, but they did not mention about pulling of permits, but I went and re-read the quote again, and it is at the bottom of the quote page under "Customer Will" that states not only hiring of the plumber but also pulling permits and scheduling inspections. I did not have this job financed by CT. Basement Systems. I, instead, decided to get a home equity loan. If I did not get the home equity loan, then decided to go with CT. Basement Systems financing, then I would be screwed. The best thing I did was slow the process down, seek my own financing, and ask larger, bigger, deeper questions that prevented me from making a mistake by allowing this work to be done."
Marcus L on August 2023
Connecticut Basement Systems is your trusted expert for basement waterproofing, crawl space repair, basement finishing, and foundation repair. Using patented, warrantied products, we provide permanent solutions for your home. Have a wet, flooded basement or crawl space? Tilted or bowing foundation walls? A basement you want to finish? We have a solution. We proudly serve homeowners and businesses all throughout Connecticut & Westchester County, NY. Call us today for a free inspection and no-obligation, estimate. Financing available. Additional phones - (203) 881-5090. Award winning.
"The visit to my home in West Hartford was a nice affair. The technician explained everything. He even mentioned that I had to get a plumber to remove the sink away from the wall, so the work could be done to repair the window and wall area, but I did not hear him mention that I had to pull permits. The problem with this permit pulling issue is that I never initiated the pulling of permits, and this also is a red flag for me. The pulling of a permit should always be done by the contractor who is doing the job. It ensures that the permit pulled is to code. It ensures that the permit pulled follows local ordinance and CT. laws and statutes regarding construction, and that also includes consumer protection mandates in the State of Connecticut. Having me pull the permit to allow the CT. Basement Systems to do the work is a big, red flag, and it can result in my home owner's policy being cancelled if the permits are pulled either after the fact, or the permits pulled do not line up with the inspection process. I can also be fined by the town for pulling permits after the fact too. I've had my furnace replaced. The plumbing company who replaced the furnace followed state law and guidelines. Especially, since funding provided through a loan from a Credit Union chosen by the State of Connecticut ensured that permits were pulled correctly, legally. The same applies to my roof being replaced. The roofing company pulled the permit. Having a customer whom you are charging in excess of $20,000 to pull a permit is putting that customer in legal jeopardy, which is unacceptable. If I sell my house, and I had the work done in my basement, and the permits were pulled by me. The person who bought my house could sue me for an incorrectly pulled permit. How would I answer questions from the town about the technical aspects of the job, which should be handled by the contractor directly? Why introduce another layer of bureaucracy that slows down communication? Have the contractor pull the permit, so that the contractor and the municipality, town or city can communicate directly, and the pulling of the permit is done correctly and legally. How would I know, when the town should be doing an inspection during or while the job is being completed or after the job is completed? This should never be a requirement of the customer to pull the permit for a job to be done. The tech who visited my home mentioned that I had to hire a plumber to move a basement sink, but they did not mention about pulling of permits, but I went and re-read the quote again, and it is at the bottom of the quote page under "Customer Will" that states not only hiring of the plumber but also pulling permits and scheduling inspections. I did not have this job financed by CT. Basement Systems. I, instead, decided to get a home equity loan. If I did not get the home equity loan, then decided to go with CT. Basement Systems financing, then I would be screwed. The best thing I did was slow the process down, seek my own financing, and ask larger, bigger, deeper questions that prevented me from making a mistake by allowing this work to be done."
Marcus L on August 2023
Additional e-mail - info@better-built-basements.com. Award winning. The Mission of Better Built Basements, LLC is to have Connecticut homeowners select us as their remodeling contractor by providing innovative and affordable basement solutions. We strive to build trust and confidence with our customers with precise quotes, honest and consistent communication, professional appearance and demeanor, and accurate time lines for every project.
"Unfortunately I give BBB a 1 star rating. The project began October of 2021 with demolition, upon completion of each phase I sent an email to Better Built Basement management thanking them for their work effort and identifying items that either required further explanation and/or resolution. As the project went on, I became increasingly frustrated with their lack of communication, lack of accountability, lack of caring, and lack of skill. The straw that broke my back was when Jim (an owner) called me a f’ing c’sucker. Randy, (an owner) sent me the following email: No one has time to read your 3-page condensing e-mails. You have done nothing but complaint. It's obnoxious and draining to everyone you come in contact with. There isn't one person who cant wait to have you out of our lives. I terminated Better Built Basements on June 7th, 2022, here are some of the details of my experience: - The demo crew was excellent in and out in a day and did a great job cleaning up - The electricians were very consultative in their approach to the project, providing input on lighting and outlet placements. - Framing was mediocre. Despite using laser equipment, one wall was wavy and the ceiling grid has a large gap. Pictures attached. - New steel stud framing and pre-hung doors should be dead on straight as an arrow instead, two of the doors has an aesthetically noticeable skew. - The replacement to an existing door resulted in using the wrong hinge set for the existing mortices, inclusive of color – all the other hardware is brass they used chrome. Picture attached. - 3 of the four doors were either chipped or cracked. BBB was notified before the ‘final’ paint job, but they failed to address the issue. - I returned home the day they applied joint compound to find glops of joint compound on the floor, which I tracked around my house, and glops on wood work on a floor where no work was occurring. Pictures attached - Following the flooring installation, they left garbage in my basement for 2.5 weeks, then did not take it when they came back – in frustration I disposed of it myself. - Many of joints on the ¼ round trim molding were caulked excessively to cover up sloppy miters. - Cracked switchhplate was not replaced. Picture attached. - Sub-contractors have sub-contractors, who seem to be able to sub contract – direct employees of BBB other than the demo and electrical were rare. BBB demands using a lock box, Many people have the combination, providing little sense of security over access to the home. Overall, BBB does a bad job communicating, managing expectations and fails to deliver on their stated objectives at best they are contractors not craftsman."
Lou Z on September 2022
Additional e-mail - info@better-built-basements.com. Award winning. The Mission of Better Built Basements, LLC is to have Connecticut homeowners select us as their remodeling contractor by providing innovative and affordable basement solutions. We strive to build trust and confidence with our customers with precise quotes, honest and consistent communication, professional appearance and demeanor, and accurate time lines for every project.
"Unfortunately I give BBB a 1 star rating. The project began October of 2021 with demolition, upon completion of each phase I sent an email to Better Built Basement management thanking them for their work effort and identifying items that either required further explanation and/or resolution. As the project went on, I became increasingly frustrated with their lack of communication, lack of accountability, lack of caring, and lack of skill. The straw that broke my back was when Jim (an owner) called me a f’ing c’sucker. Randy, (an owner) sent me the following email: No one has time to read your 3-page condensing e-mails. You have done nothing but complaint. It's obnoxious and draining to everyone you come in contact with. There isn't one person who cant wait to have you out of our lives. I terminated Better Built Basements on June 7th, 2022, here are some of the details of my experience: - The demo crew was excellent in and out in a day and did a great job cleaning up - The electricians were very consultative in their approach to the project, providing input on lighting and outlet placements. - Framing was mediocre. Despite using laser equipment, one wall was wavy and the ceiling grid has a large gap. Pictures attached. - New steel stud framing and pre-hung doors should be dead on straight as an arrow instead, two of the doors has an aesthetically noticeable skew. - The replacement to an existing door resulted in using the wrong hinge set for the existing mortices, inclusive of color – all the other hardware is brass they used chrome. Picture attached. - 3 of the four doors were either chipped or cracked. BBB was notified before the ‘final’ paint job, but they failed to address the issue. - I returned home the day they applied joint compound to find glops of joint compound on the floor, which I tracked around my house, and glops on wood work on a floor where no work was occurring. Pictures attached - Following the flooring installation, they left garbage in my basement for 2.5 weeks, then did not take it when they came back – in frustration I disposed of it myself. - Many of joints on the ¼ round trim molding were caulked excessively to cover up sloppy miters. - Cracked switchhplate was not replaced. Picture attached. - Sub-contractors have sub-contractors, who seem to be able to sub contract – direct employees of BBB other than the demo and electrical were rare. BBB demands using a lock box, Many people have the combination, providing little sense of security over access to the home. Overall, BBB does a bad job communicating, managing expectations and fails to deliver on their stated objectives at best they are contractors not craftsman."
Lou Z on September 2022
Converting a garage is worth it because it can significantly increase your home's value while providing additional living space for your family or guests. Adding a bedroom or bathroom enhances your property's appeal to potential buyers, and creating a guest suite or apartment can even generate passive rental income while you still own the house.
A garage conversion can take between two and six weeks for the construction work, depending on the size and complexity of the project. Before construction begins, you need to secure the proper building permits and hire a contractor. Keep in mind that contractors are often in high demand and might schedule several weeks out. If your garage conversion is extensive or involves significant structural changes, the timeline could extend to eight weeks or more. For attached garages, the proximity to your living space may cause some disruption during construction.
To make your garage livable, at a minimum, you need to insulate the walls, add in legally required egress windows, install flooring, put up drywall, and add in air conditioning and heating. If you intend to use the space as a bedroom, office, bathroom, or kitchen, you will need to consider additional electrical and plumbing needs.
A garage conversion counts as living space when it meets certain criteria. The converted garage must be attached to your home and include permanent features like proper insulation, finished walls and ceilings, and adequate ventilation. It should be suitable for year-round living, with heating and cooling systems to maintain comfortable temperatures in all seasons. Meeting these standards allows the converted space to be included in your home's total square footage, potentially increasing its value.
In most cases, you do not need to hire an architect for a garage conversion. An experienced garage conversion contractor usually has the skills to help create your desired design and ensure the project meets building codes. However, if your conversion involves complex structural changes or a large-scale redesign, hiring an architect can be beneficial. An architect can provide detailed plans and oversee the design to maximize space and functionality, ensuring the conversion aligns with your vision and complies with all regulations.