I started this as a side job to take on small tasks for extra money in summer of 2016. I was working with a local carpentry & remodeling contractor, both friend & mentor, at the time, but his health began limiting his availability, so I sought to find some small tasks; minor repairs, appliance installation, and such; through local stores as a way to keep busy & make money between projects. Eventually, as my mentor became less and less able to pursue work, I slowly expanded by taking on property repairs and market prep jobs for my father's real estate clients. Once my mentor passed in late 2018, I officially pursued making this my full-time career, incorporating the business and bringing on a few part-time laborers to help provide extra hands for larger tasks. My goal now is to continue to grow my business to the point that I can formally provide full-time employment to my workers and take on more and larger tasks.
Owner Russ Garrett started as an apprentice in a local Coralville cabinet shop in 1978. He also worked for several residential builders and spent a year in commercial construction before starting the company in 1989. The company's focus has changed from predominately new construction in the early to mid 1990s to primarily remodeling and renovation for the last 15 years, specializing in unique structures and spaces with emphasis on energy conservation and historic preservation. From inception to completion, every step of the remodeling process is critical to the final outcome. The end result being a space that is well planned, well built, and energy efficient with a design that stands the test of time.