DG Custom Built Homes and Remodeling

We have been working with DG through an extensive remodel and addition to our home in various phases. They have provided us with high quality work and professional interactions the entire time. We highly recommend them.

About the reviewer: I retired from the Navy as a nuclear machinist mate just prior to our home remodel. I have an extensive background in engineering, I am obsessive and settle for nothing less than total perfection on any project that I am a part of. That being said, the following is the story of how I came to find the only contractor I will use for the rest of my life. After retiring from the military my wife and I decided to settle back on Long Island. We purchased a small, 2 bedroom 1 bathroom home that was built in 1947 and hadn't been updated since. We knew we wanted to buy a small old house and do a remodel to make it our own. The first step we did was find an architect to help us come up with some plans to submit to the village. Knowing what we know now, I should have gotten in contact with DG Custom before looking into an architect. The guys at DG custom just had much better ideas and we ended up having to redraw our plans several times. After getting all the architectural business out of the way we started researching contractors. Choosing your contractor is the most important and one of the most difficult decision you will make when it comes to your remodeling project. After interviewing about a dozen contractors here's why I chose DG Custom Built for my project. 1 - DG Custom Built understands the value of their reputation 2 - DG will rectify any issues with sub contractors (some contractors flat out told me if a sub contractor does something wrong it would be between me and them to figure out) 3 - The owner, Desmond, is constantly going to educational courses to keep up to date on all of the latest technologies. He has an impressive wealth of knowledge and is truly passionate about his job. Many contractors have no formal education on the newer systems such as heated floors, tankless water heaters, and green technologies and they are unwilling to install them or they will use your project as a learning experience. Not an ideal situation. 4 - Their price DG quoted me was right in the middle of the other contractor estimates and I consider it to be very fair. 5 - The crew is friendly, talented and just wants to make you happy! They use the best materials and tools to get the job done right. If you take the time to get to know them you may find yourself with a few more life long friends. 6 - Desmond is constantly sending his crew for additional training and certification in things like job site safety and language courses. 7 - Desmond has a great personality and he easy to talk to. When problems arise, as they will on any project, Desmond never loses his head. I find having a contractor that you trust who stays calm when presented with a problem really helps to keep the homeowner calmer and makes for a more enjoyable construction experience. 8 - DG Custom Built owns most of their own machinery and dumpsters. This just makes for a smooth process, not relying on a third party to drop off equipment can save a lot of headache. It also keeps costs down. 9 - Desmond comes from a family of contractors and it shows. Construction is in his blood and he loves it. 10 - They will rectify any issues you have after the project was completed within reason. They wont change a paint color you picked but don't like, but let's say you do a project in the summer and when the winter comes around you have a problem with your new heating system they installed. They will fix it! Once many contractors finish the job and get their last check they don't care how their work holds up. They will claim it is a maintenance issue. That is not the case with DG. Those are the big 10 reasons we chose DG and they did not disappoint. Now, a little about the project. I mentioned earlier we purchased a small one bathroom 2 bedroom home, about 1400 sqft total. By the time we finished we had an award winning 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom, home with a new den, sunroom, laundry room, and a full basement as well as a new driveway and porch. -We gutted the house to the studs, replaced everything and doubled the size. Replacing all of the siding and windows was a major upgrade that went a long way making the house more efficient and much quieter. -We installed radiant floor heating throughout the home (AMAZING) along with central air conditioning, air purifier, humidifier and smart thermostats. I haven't had a gas bill over $200 this winter. -We chose to do a lot of wainscoting and built-ins and a custom fireplace mantel, all done by the craftsmen at DG and it is beautiful. -We also installed a central vacuum. Imagine a vacuum that increases the value of your home! A simple upgrade that we highly recommend. -When we expanded out basement we chose to use Insulated Concrete Forms. I hadn't heard about these before DG but once I looked unto the details, it is the obvious choice. -DG installed all of our kitchen cabinets as well as appliances instead of subcontracting it out to the guys who built the cabinets. This keeps things cheaper and simpler with one less party involved. - We used spray foam to insulate the attic and now it is a steady temperature and humidity there all year long. - The whole house generator seemed like an obvious upgrade in light of all the wacky weather we have been having. It has come in handy a few times and Desmond got me a good deal on it. - My favorite upgrade, this week anyway, is the heated driveway. The second it starts snowing my driveway automatically heats up and we get a snow day without having to shovel! This is how homes should be built. I am sure that I am leaving out some of the wonderful things DG was able to do here but I just can't think of anymore specifics. As I said earlier, these are my contractors for life. Even the village inspectors were impressed with DG and the inspectors here are a pain in the butt. Some quotes from the building inspector as he toured the job site: "Now that's how you install a window" and "That is some impressive house they are building". A contractor who keeps the inspector happy is critical in getting a project done in a timely manner. Since my project I've had DG do work at my fathers house and would readily recommend him, if not insist upon him, to friends and family. They understand that there is only one way to build anything and that's the right way. No cutting corners here. If they do make a mistake, as everyone does, they have always been up front about it and we have come to a resolution quickly and fairly. Long story long, I can't say enough positive things about this company. I would like to give a special thank you to one of DGs top crew members, Nelson. “He who works with his hands is a laborer. He who works with his hands and his head is a craftsman. He who works with his hands and his head and his heart is an artist.” You are truly an artist Nelson and I honestly thank you for all of the heart, sweat and blood you put into building my home! Thank you DG!

I hired DG Customs Built Home & Re-modelling for a complete tear-down remodel project. They were able to complete the project on time and on budget! They have knowledge and expertise in all aspect of remodeling homes, and job is done extremely professionally. There are no surprises with pricing mid-project; also post-project customer service is also exemplary. My project was submitted to NARI-COTY awards by DG Customs; our project won the platinum award.

Excellent, professional work and follow through. The crew worked fast and accomplished the job in the timeframe in which they estimated.

DG's estimate for my project was reasonable there were no surprise charges or costs as the job moved along. We had all the windows in the house replaced with new construction Marvin Windows, a new roof, new siding, a new front porch, and hardwood floors in three rooms. Desmond and Olman were able to make positive suggestions about the projects and were also flexible about minor changes that I wanted as the the work progressed. The crew was punctual, hardworking, neat, trustworthy, they took pride in their work trying to get even the smallest details perfect. The business office always responded quickly to my questions and concerns . The project was completed on time and we are very happy with the work that was done.

True family run business. With good family values. Excellent value for work performed and material installed. Desmond is not afraid to say yes and not just push you off to another trade. He will manage it all for you. Very good people working for him respectful and kind. I highly recommend DG Custom built.

I have a 4800 sq ft building need to do a top to bottom complete renovation.after interview 5 construction company, I end up choose DG Custom built home and remodeling. Reason is not only because he give me a very fair price also because the way Desmond talk and his recommendation make me feel he is very professional and honest. During the process when unexpected problem come up, Desmond and Olman always can manage and fix it. Most important is Desmond never use this to get benefit from me, he always willing to do extra to get the job done, he is fair and honest, I really appreciate for that. It took them few months to finish, in this process period, I enjoy there work and appreciate their care, they really doing a excellent work for me. I had use other company before on my other project but DG is definitely the best. I recommend DG to everyone and will use them again. Thanks Desmond and your worker again

I had used DG initially to fix some leaks in my home that were caused by poor garage and window construction which included siding and window flashing. Subsequently, DG roofed my home and resided the front along with stone facing. I even had them build a ramp for my dog. They are knowledgable, dependable and finished every job very professionally.

I can't recommend dg custom enough!! They were incredibly nice to deal with and very helpful during the process, which was all new to us. NOONE had any attitude and answered our questions and concerns courteously. Their goal was to provide quality work and to make the customer happy, which they certainly did. We love our new remodeled house, especially our kitchen and bathroom. everyone who walks in says that my kitchen should be in House Beautiful. The owner, Desmond, was always eager to please and said that everything was possible no matter how difficult a task it looked to us. The project manger, Olman, was fantastic. I can't say enough good things about him. He was so nice to deal with and was Mr. Can Do. if you ever needed him, he was always there. He always got back to us expeditiously and even when things slowed down or there were problems, he always answered our concerns and never an issue with getting back to us. A few problems did arise during our construction which temporarily slowed down the project, due to sub contractors, but was dealt with fairly and completely by the company. All in all, it was a very positive and rewarding experience. we love coming home every evening to our new house. We would definitely use them again and would highly recommend them to anyone who is looking for a great contractor!!!

Hired DG Custom Built to do a top to bottom renovation of a 2800 ft sq home. Faced with a very tight timeline to completion, the DG team delivered in every way possible. The crew was on site every morning as promised and worked a full day. All workers were extremely courteous and respectful. A few projects were completed after my furniture was moved in and floors were finished and they were very careful about not making a mess or damaging anything. I would hire again.