The Importance of Making Relationships with Your Contractor: An Interview with D&H Construction

Please describe a little bit about your company and the services you offer.

We are a second generation, family-owned and operated, remodeling company in Peabody, MA. We specialize in siding, roofing, window/doors, porches, decks, kitchen/baths, additions, and most interior and exterior remodeling.

How did you get into this line of work?

After graduating from college, I was a little lost as to what direction I wanted to pursue. My father, Melvin, who owned and ran D & H Construction at the time, thought I would benefit from working full time for him out in the field, then in sales. I took his advice, and I've never looked back.

Is remodeling ever a necessity or is it simply for aesthetic beauty?

When your roof is leaking, you have rotted wood in areas, or wood eaten that seems to be deteriorating possibly from insects, or your pipes are leaking and causing mold and mildew to grow in your walls. These are a few examples of problems, that if they are not addressed sooner than later, will cause bigger problems, cost more, and in certain instances might be dangerous.

What sets your business apart from other comparable companies? What do you do better/different than the competition?

We care more about our customer's home remodeling project than they do. Why? First and foremost, we attribute most of our success to being a repeat-customer and referral-based company. Most of our work comes from past customers, whether they come back for different projects, or move to different homes, or recommend us to their family, friends, and neighbors. We live or die by word of mouth, so we do our best to ensure that we do the best job possible with the best products available within their budget. We are not perfect, but we strive for perfection, and if we fall short and something needs addressing, we come back and take care of it for our customers.

What are some steps homeowners should keep in mind during the remodeling process?

The most important things that homeowners should keep in mind is that good, reputable, contractors are striving to do the best that they can at all times, but that things can happen, and that delays due to manufacturing, deliveries, product damage, and weather, etc. can sometimes be a factor for the contractor.

What are some aspects of your business philosophy that you will never sacrifice? (ex. Refusing to decrease the quality of materials used in order to stick within a customer's budget)

We will never use inferior products, knowingly. We do our best to stay educated on new and upcoming trends and products, as well as, following and using the tried and true. We will not lover the quality of work to cut costs or corners. We will always address any concern the customer has to the best of our ability.

What should homeowners be looking for in a qualified construction company?

Longevity, quality work, proper licensing, the character of the owner. We are all about making relationships with our customers and keeping them.

Are there any easy-to-see signs that let a homeowner know it is time to remodel a certain aspect of their home?

Certainly rotted wood, stains in ceilings, difficulty with windows and doors opening and closing, tiles falling off the bathrooms walls, etc.

What are the most difficult kinds of projects?

The most difficult projects are those in which the customer has no idea of what they really want, or when they are at odds with the other person/persons involved in the project. When they have no concept of what they truly want to spend, or any concept of "You get what you pay for." Those customers that want it all, and don't want to spend what it truly costs. It's not realistic.

What are some of your personal favorite projects to work on?

Our favorite projects are those that make the biggest impact on the homeowners' feeling about their home. People should be comfortable, like, and even love their homes. Whether it's a new front entry door, a remodeled kitchen, energy-efficient windows, or a new room for them to enjoy. If we can help them in any way to achieve that goal, we feel we've done our job well.

You seem to offer a good amount of services. Would you pick any specific one out as your specialty?

Our specialty is D & H Construction, from the owner down to the laborer who sweeps up the job site. We are, hopefully, engaging in a relationship that will last for years. We want our customers to call us back for everything and also to share their experience with family and friends. It's all about the relationship! When the customer knows the contractor and the quality of work, and the contractor knows the customer and their likes and dislikes, there is a comfort level that just makes for a better project outcome all around.

What's the best way for people to get in contact with you?

D & H Construction can be reached through our website at www.mydandhconstruction.com, our showroom in Peabody at 33 Central Street, our email dandhconstruction@verizon.net, or our telephone number which is 978-532-8188.

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