Comments from our customers
and coworkers . . .
"David Drake completed an extensive home remodeling project on our property over the course of 2020-2021 that involved new construction as well as interior and exterior renovation. David was able to implement a vision for our home through careful design and craftsmanship, resulting in a total transformation that included not only aesthetic upgrades, but foundational stability that has instilled in us confidence in the integrity of our home. He also worked with us to reuse existing materials by moving/reusing windows and doors that allowed for maximum use of our resources. We appreciated this both from a financial and environmental standpoint. Finally, he negotiated all of this through a pandemic - which presented very unique challenges.
Regarding the process, I credit David with transparency. He met with us, listened to our requests, took notes, and was forthcoming about costs and timelines. He completed all documentation for permits, provided us with drawings of the addition from all four views, developed a detailed contract outlining timing of payments, which were linked to work completed, detailed description of work, material allowances, and estimated dates of completion. This level of planning instilled for us a sense of commitment to our project. And after all was said and done, he honored his word, showed up on time every day, and did what he said he was going to do!!
Our project included excavation, structural reinforcement, framing, roofing, siding, electrical installation, insulation, plumbing, tile flooring, decking, bathroom remodel, and masonry - demonstrating David’s wide range of capabilities. David completed the majority of this work with his two man team, but he skillfully oversaw all of his subcontractors and suppliers, holding them accountable for every detail. The result was nothing short of miraculous!
Furthermore, David stands by his work. Although he is a perfectionist, weather happens, and problems arise. David can be trusted to address problems both during and after the project, leaving us worry free that our home was in good hands. David is really the total package, and can manage an extensive project. He is a master craftsman that has the knowledge and ability, through effective communication, to turn a client vision into a fulfilling reality! He took as much pride in our home as we do - and for that we are incredibly grateful!" ― Jill C.
Regarding the process, I credit David with transparency. He met with us, listened to our requests, took notes, and was forthcoming about costs and timelines. He completed all documentation for permits, provided us with drawings of the addition from all four views, developed a detailed contract outlining timing of payments, which were linked to work completed, detailed description of work, material allowances, and estimated dates of completion. This level of planning instilled for us a sense of commitment to our project. And after all was said and done, he honored his word, showed up on time every day, and did what he said he was going to do!!
Our project included excavation, structural reinforcement, framing, roofing, siding, electrical installation, insulation, plumbing, tile flooring, decking, bathroom remodel, and masonry - demonstrating David’s wide range of capabilities. David completed the majority of this work with his two man team, but he skillfully oversaw all of his subcontractors and suppliers, holding them accountable for every detail. The result was nothing short of miraculous!
Furthermore, David stands by his work. Although he is a perfectionist, weather happens, and problems arise. David can be trusted to address problems both during and after the project, leaving us worry free that our home was in good hands. David is really the total package, and can manage an extensive project. He is a master craftsman that has the knowledge and ability, through effective communication, to turn a client vision into a fulfilling reality! He took as much pride in our home as we do - and for that we are incredibly grateful!" ― Jill C.
"We hired Dave to replace our aging deck. His quote was very detailed and the quality of his work was excellent. The deck is now the envy of the neighborhood. He completed the project on schedule and on budget. We would definitely hire Dave again for future projects. ― Cathy C., Glastonbury, CT
"I just want you to know that I am thrilled with the way the bathroom turned out. It is just beautiful, you did an outstanding job--we are so happy with it! Thank you so much! ― Cathy S., East Berlin, CT
"Mr. Drake was professional, easy to work with, and trustworthy. He did an exceptionally great job on our kitchen remodel. I would highly recommend him and definitely will hire him again." ― Bernard C., Moodus, CT
"We hired Dave to replace an old block ceiling in our spare bedroom with new sheetrock and wood molding and trim to match the other ceilings in our house. He also patched the bedroom walls. In addition, he replaced the exterior plywood soffits on our home with vinyl and installed two vents. Dave was very easy to deal with, he started and finished the work when he said he would. He provided quality work that was priced fairly. Working with Dave was a good experience and we would highly recommend you hire Drake Building and Remodeling." ― Susan S., Haddam, CT
"Great to work with. We have used this company for a major addition plus kitchen remodel. We then used them for a bathroom remodel and also a pool deck. Honest, very professional, fair, and easy to communicate and work with. Would highly recommend." ― Jon E., Middlefield, CT
"Hired Drake to do a basement finishing. He is a true professional and provided a very detailed contract, timetable, and had all the suppliers' deliveries carefully organized. He and his team do great work, use the best possible quality materials, and he is very knowledgeable." ― Anna D., Clinton, CT
"Drake is reliable, honest, trustworthy and a highly skilled woodworker, carpenter, and general contractor. He starts the job when he says, stays with it until the project is complete and customer is satisfied. He has worked on several projects in our home and I will continue to work with him anytime we have a renovation or remodeling project. Very high quality workmanship." ― Claire S., Middletown, CT
"This company has completed three projects for us. One was completing a deck system. Another was installing french doors on our house. The last one was an 800 square foot addition. It consisted of a master bedroom, bathroom, laundry room, and a small office. All of the work was excellent. He stayed within his estimate throughout the project. Any changes that I wanted to make, he professionally handled through change orders so there were no surprises on the final price of the project. He's an excellent craftsman, and he stays on the job every day. I will hire him again for any future work that I may have done on my home." ― Homeowner in Essex, CT
"Two bathrooms, excellent job. Can't speak well enough. Showed up on time every day, cleans up, very conscientious. Easy to do business with." ― Cheryl H., CT
"He is a good communicator." [Built an addition for this client] ― Barry E.
"The thought of updating our bathroom was a chore but, after speaking with Dave, he explained he could maintain a functional bathroom throughout the project. Very important, since we have one full bath! He listened to what we wanted and recommended suppliers and products. He made suggestions to update the old space and increase storage space with a pocket door. During the work, he communicated every stage of the project so there were no surprises for us. The subcontractors he used were very professional and courteous. The bathroom came out beautiful! We were very pleased with the quality of the work and professionalism." ― Lynn, Haddam, CT
"I have known and worked with David Drake for fifteen years. He is a skilled craftsman who genuinely enjoys his work. His ability to get right to the heart of a problem and solve it makes him an excellent choice for difficult projects as well as simple ones. He can build a small garage or a large home with equal attention to all the details, making any project he undertakes come out to the complete satisfaction of the client. I heartily recommend him for any project you might consider." ― William F. Meyers, Meyers Construction LLC, Moodus, CT
"Having worked with David Drake on a variety of projects over time, I highly recommend Drake Building and Remodeling, LLC. He brings many years of experience in all facets of construction and related trades. Combine that with his extensive knowledge of today's building materials and their suppliers, lets him provide the best quality products that his customers expect and deserve. But most importantly, Dave really listens to his clients. He asks the right questions and addresses their hopes, needs, and concerns. Simply put, he wants your project and building experience to be the very best." ― Thomas Kronenberger, Jr., Retired President, Kronenberger and Sons Restoration
"We have used David Drake for numerous home improvement projects spanning 13 years. The largest project Dave did for us was a 1600 sq. ft. addition to our home in 2001. This project lasted 7 months. Dave was very professional to work with, providing us with a business proposal and completing the project in a timely manner. Any additional costs or changes were always discussed ahead of time. In addition to this large project, Dave also did remodeling of our kitchen and dining room, master bath and laundry, and a pool deck. All projects were completed on time, professionally and within budget. We would highly recommend Dave for your building and remodeling needs! We could not be happier with Dave's quality of work and attention to detail!" ― Jon and Kim, Middlefield, CT
“David installed new windows and siding in my home and he was a joy to work with! He presented a variety of products for me to choose that fit my budget. The window installation was done with very little disturbance to my furnishings. The siding gives an old house a new modern look. I highly recommend David!” ― Lynn, Haddam, CT
"David is a true craftsman, a professional, and a gentleman in every sense of the word. We have found him to be honest and dependable, and he delivers a high quality service at a reasonable price. Dave has done excellent work in our home that we are very satisfied with and we have no hesitation whatsoever recommending him for any type of home, commercial building, or remodeling project." ― Kathy and Kevin R., Housatonic, MA
"I had the pleasure of working with Dave for four years at Kronenberger and Sons. During that time I found him to be one of most dedicated, kind, helpful, and honest coworkers that I have ever worked with. His work ethic was conducted as if it was his own company. While as Sr. Estimator he showed the ability to multi-task estimating both private and public projects involving both historical restoration and new construction. This was for municipal, and state involving prevailing wage and non prevailing wage projects. He also supervised a small staff which included teaching and mentoring young interns to grown and move up within the company. He would always find the time to help others including myself. He really believed in a team effort." ― Fran Lawrence, former Administrative Assistant at Kronenberger and Sons Restoration
"No one remains at one company as long as David has without providing that company with substantial business. Estimating is a high "burn out" environment with singular pressure to win new business that provides work for scores of workers and the profitability for the company. David is my contemporary counterpart and we have bid against each other for at least ten years. We have met at pre-bids and discussed the complexities of our tasks. I have found him highly versed in construction knowledge, knows commercial estimating inside out, takes the success of each bid as a personal undertaking of pride and expertise, and shows those stellar qualities of perseverance and fortitude that are needed for success." ― Moe Villano, Senior Estimator at Connecticut Carpentry Corporation
"David is an excellent estimator and project manager. We have worked as sub contractors for projects that he managed and they were professionally managed. He has the knowledge and integrity that any company should be looking for. All of our experiences with bidding his projects have been great." ― Michael MacClain, Owner of MacClain Construction Company, LLC
State Certified Home Improvement Contractor HIC 0638918