Durham Properties Construction

My husband and I contracted with Charles for an extensive renovation that lasted from mid 2019 to early 2020. The house was fully gutted and the work that Charles was predominantly contracted to complete were major structural modifications that included installing steel beams and LVLs per engineered drawings supplied by myself. Additionally a new roof, full house framing, windows, chimney demo , building a back porch and demo of an addition. Smaller items included building two staircases and installing a french door. Charles ripped the roof off beginning of summer 2019 and allowed it to rain in the house until Mar'20, when he was fired for not obtaining a roofer that could complete the work within a reasonable amount of time. He did find a roofer to do some of the work, which was done improperly. We were forced to find a roofer on his behalf to complete the job. The part of the roof that was done by his guys, we are already having issues with. The gutters don't drain and the corners leak, downspouts are hanging off the house, and they failed to properly install an overhang over the fascia boards. We thought that was the worst of it, until he did not get the job inspected before he was done. We asked him when he was going to get everything inspected and kept telling us that he had to wait until the mechanicals were completed. We, the homeowners, got it inspected after he was fired since he failed to do so. The inspector instantly failed his structural work. Multiple LVLs were not properly fastened together, he failed to line up structural members between floors so that the load could be appropriately transferred, failed to install a steel post per the engineered drawings, and cut LVLs on the third floor that were supposed to span the entire width of the house. The porch he built did not have proper fasteners to attach it to the house, nor did his ceiling joists have joist hangers. We have had to spend thousands of dollars fixing this work that is a major liability. Don't worry, there's more. None of the framing he did was done 16" on center. That means that every sheet of drywall needs cut in order to hang it. Additionally, almost none of the walls are plumb, and almost every single window was framed with the weak side of the 2x4 exposed. Not only that, he did not install proper headers above any closet or door. Several studs are barely attached and can be twisted with one hand. All of this has had to be fixed which has also cost us thousands of dollars. He installed a subfloor in our kitchen. Discovered a two sheets of subfloor that he failed to line up on the floor joist - they were floating between two floor joists. Instead of cutting the subfloor to size and making sure they line up on the joists below, he put a little block of wood underneath the seam. HOMEOWNER BEWARE.

This was our 2nd time using Durham Properties Construction. Just like the time before, Charles and Chuck showed up on time and worked long hours to get the job done. They were very easy to talk to about concerns that I had and they kept everything clean. I'm sure that I could find somebody to do the jobs cheaper, but I'm willing to pay a little more for the peace of mind that comes with Durham Properties Construction - They do great work, show up on time, follow up with emails/calls in a timely manner, and are honest.

Charles was very prompt with a response. He followed up with emails and estimates on the work that I wanted done in a very timely manner. Him and his helper, Chuck showed up on time both days and worked diligently and kept everything clean. Charles was extremely honest and easy to talk to when I had any concerns. Durham Construction was the best contractor experience that I've ever had and I will be using them again!

Mr. Durham was contacted for an estimate about a rental bathroom that had been gutted due to water infiltration. I had selected him as he had good feedback from other property owners and he had expressed he understood expenses when it involved rental units. Demo was already completed and I had thought that would have helped in the overall cost. I was not looking for a dream bathroom but merely returning the tub enclosure back to its original condition. Mr. Durham was courteous and professional to deal with. He suggested a couple options but none that were economical to the situation. Another company did and came in considerably lower in cost, achieving the same goals. My timetable was interrupted by some unforeseen issues but I was finally able to complete the project anyway.

Mr. Durham and his worker arrived as scheduled and worked long hours to get the play set up and running. Over two days around other commitments, they managed to construct the play set. Mr. Durham is a very professional worker and businessman who we have since used to do another project on our cedar siding. We plan on using him for other projects in the future. My son is very happy with his play set. It is solidly built and secured into the ground. I have no worries when my son and other neighborhood children play on the set and swings. My wife and I are happy and completely satisfied with the work. He also honored the military discount offered by his company. They did a good job cleaning up also. I'm glad I found him on Angie's List. I recommend him to any one else.

Durham Properties/Charles is our go to man for just about any type of remodeling/handyman needs. He recently leveled our back yard, cleared an area for playset and swings and built the base for a unique playhouse for my children.. He also met us at another landscaper friends lot to help load some free blocks and pavers to help save costs on this job. The weather turned poor so we are scheduled to finish this spring. Charles is a 1 stop shop and can do most plumbing.carpentry, and electrical needs for your project. When he's here we also have Charles look at our small, odd jobs and he recently helped repair our electric garage door which had broken a bracket and a sliding door which had a broken latch. Stay tuned for further reviews and updates on the play area. Wish we could post photos here!

Installed kitchen handles. Alittle disappointed he chipped the cabinets from running the bit in to fast a lot of cabinets need touched up.

Words cannot describe the experience. Charles was punctual, professional, detail oriented and always soo accommodating. We probably drove him crazy a few times with changes, but he never blinked and cared for them. He offered several ideas during the process which were very much appreciated and helpful. Excellent personality, always with a smile on his face. His work is outstanding, i cannot say enough about his work. He took his time, never rushed the process and NEVER made us feel like we were just another job. He was here every day, from start to finish. The level of detail he put into his work was refreshing to see and now admire! I have already discussed with him several other very near future projects. He even cared for a few items at a rental for me to! We were very fortunate to have met Charles and conducted business with him. He has a client for as long as he is in western pa area. I highly recommend him and have already begun referring him to friends.

I have never experienced a contractor that would return your phone call, send you a quote and provide references along with insurance certification all in the same week, until now. Charles, the owner does the work, and cleans up afterwards. He is a God send to this industry. Not only is he polite, but his work is excellent! I would use him again, if the need arises.

Very well.

very well

I’ve dealt with a lot of contractors over the years, and have had a lot of bad experiences. But this guy is great! I’ll use him for everything. He is very good about picking up the phone and calling you back. He shows up at the time he has promised. He is very reasonably priced. He can do it all, so he doesn’t have to call in other people, which is rare. He has a super personality and is a pleasure to have in your home. I can’t say enough nice stuff about his guy!