John May

We wanted someone to add built-in cabinets to a small upstairs bedroom with no existing storage, to improve the usefulness of the space. We asked around for recommendations and talked to two local carpenters. John was helpful in providing design ideas and determining the scope of the project. The cost of the project matched his bid. We made a small design change during the process (added drawers) and the discussion of that change and associated cost was straightforward. John was easy to work with during execution of the project. He adopted an informal interpersonal style which suited us well. He was able to clearly explain his technical decisions, and was always open to input and questions. He also identified that our schedule was flexible, and spent extra time getting the work perfect, which we appreciated. John is proactive about communication. He called us with updates on a regular basis, and let us know early if timelines were going to slip. John approaches his work somewhat like an artist. He has preferred style elements that he incorporated where we did not have opinions about how things should be done. I highly recommend his preferred, hand-made handles and drawer pulls over purchased hardware. John suggested making the countertop out of slate from the cache of antique chalkboards in his shop, and it turned out very lovely. His workmanship is extremely fine, with careful attention to details that I would never have thought of. We were looking for functional storage, and John provided a showpiece much classier than I had imagined. For the required functionality, the price was probably a bit high. For the level of craftsmanship, attention to detail, expertise and care that John applied, it was a bargain.