Customer References

Maybe you found my flyer came in your mail or you discovered my ads in the Courier Journal or your neighborhood newsletter. Since I'm back in Kentucky, I have gotten a lot of requests for all kinds of repairs or new wood creations, with the list of interesting jobs growing continually. Below you will find some references from customers of some of those jobs. And to my customers: thank you for your trust and for all the great feedback, as well the many nice referrals to friends and family.

Fine Built Construction
Design, Construction Solid Wood Cabinet/Doors & Walnut Kitchen 2inch Counter Tops
"After a long search, I were delighted to find a carpenter who could refurbish my mahogany kitchen cabinets and make them look like they were original to my 1870 house. Mike replaced the old cabinet doors with new handmade shaker doors, he built new drawers and a completly new pantry cabinet and everything looks incredible. The most challenging work for him was to built new extra thick countertops from solid walnut what he bought in a flawless quality from a Kentucky sawmill. The new countertps are amazing and the new highlight in the kitchen. Each job has been done by Mike with precision, an amazing attention to detail and the result of his work is a perfect example of excellent craftsmanship. If you are looking for quality work of someone who knows what he's doing, if you want to work with a reliable craftsman who comes when he says he will, if you want to get an estimate that you can trust and not get hit with surprise costs, call Mike! Mike is a master craftsman and an absolute delight to work with."
Design, Construction of Hardwood Fireplace Mantel Surround & Bookcase with Work Station
"We are happy to write this reference for Mike, with whom we have further projects planned for 2020. We contacted Mike because of his flyer and website. The large spectrum and the quality of the work showcased on his website impressed us greatly. Mike crafted several built ins for our house in Anchorage, as well as conducting some repairs. From planning to the on-time execution, Mike displays great professionality and reliability. His work is first class and great craftsmanship. Mike is an extremely talented designer and carpenter, and it is a delight to work with him!"
New Handmade, Maintenance-Free French Country Style Shutters & 6' Flower Box of Solid Wood
"After receiving Mike's flyer, we contacted him to add some much needed curb appeal to our house in Indian Hills. Mike constructed a beautiful flower box and stunning shutters for our windows. He was easy to work with, provided graphic simulations of the house prior to the start of construction, and consistently kept us updated on the progression of our project. We appreciated Mike's attention to detail and professionalism. We look forward to working with Mike on future projects!"
Wood Installation, Built-in Wine Racks and 500 Bottle Wine Cabinet of Solid Ash
Glenview
"We are very happy to write Mike this reference. After extensive renovation of our old cellar for use as wine cellar for entertaining, we needed a fine carpenter to make the built-ins from domestic wood. Mike was recommended by friends and his excellent website and the impressive recommendations showed that we had found the right craftsman. His consultation was excellent. The wood that became the wonderful built-ins came from a local, family mill. We are particularly proud of the large cabinet and the wall installation of split wood. In contrast to others we spoke with, Mike made a guaranteed price offer. He was finished in the time we had agreed upon. Mike is an excellent craftsman of the kind you don't find any more. His skill in woodworking is matched by his since for interior design. He is reliable, lays great store on precision and is a very pleasant person to work with. We recommend him most highly."
Deck Landscape in Prospect Overlooking Ohio River
"It is rare indeed today to find someone whose workmanship exceeds your hope. For several years, we were looking for a new design for our terrace, that was paved with brick. Mike excellently realized our wishes for our deck landscape. The care and precision with which he addressed the curves we wanted in the deck and the nice curves in the steps is stunning. Many friends have complimented our new deck as something special and remarked how tightly everything is built. We enjoy our new, beautifully made deck every day, and we are so grateful to have found Mike."
Design & Interior/Exterior Construction of a Highlands Wintergarden
Julia, Highlands
"If you have something you like and think for a very long time about doing something new, you wonder if the change will meet your expectations or be disappointing. In this case, it turned out even more beautiful than I had imagined, thanks to Mike. He has just converted a screen porch into a tv room/winter garden at my home. By chance, a worker who had poured my concrete driveway years ago stopped and said that often, when things are built new, he thinks they should just have left it like it was, but that this new building flows with the lines of the house and looks like it had always been that way. I was very pleased to hear that and wanted to repeat it in my recommendation because I think there is no better compliment that could be made on Mike's work. I have shown many friends and neighbors the room from the inside, too, and all find it fantastic. Mike is an excellent carpenter who took great care in design for making the room attractive and environmentally sound. He provided assistance to me in the choice of windows, doors, paint, flooring, etc. Mike searched for internet specials to get the best prices while choosing quality materials and found an excellent electrician for me. I have found Mike to be totally trustworthy and dependable. He is honest and is just an all around great guy."
Design and Construction of 2-Pergola Pool Landscape in Cedar
Michael and Melissa, Indian Hills
"After talking to friends, we decided to use Mike to build our pergola. Uncertain of how to achieve the look we wanted for a pool pergola in our backyard space, we gave him a great deal of flexibility with the concept and design, and he helped us decide on a form that complemented our house and pool. The end result was everything we had hoped for. Mike was able to take our fragmented ideas and turn them into two stunning pergolas with features that reflect the house architecture and are in harmony with the surroundings. Not only is Mike an excellent craftsman, but he has a very perceptive talent for design. He was timely, neat and clean, communicative and on budget. We will have him back based on the creative design, the attention to detail, and the excellent work ethic he brings to the job.. Mike is an extremely talented designer/carpenter and we would highly recommend him for any woodworking project. Thanks, Michael and Melissa"
Design and Construction of Hardwood Fireplace Mantel Surround and Media Center Enclosure
Vic, Polo Fields
"What a find Mike has been for us. Typical of the construction of the era, our great-room was built around old electronic technology. We knew that we would soon have and want to replace the old '90's technology. We also wanted to change the focus of the great-room from television casual to a slightly more formal area for the occasional gathering. Mike was able to take our ideas and design exactly what we wanted. After his and our ideas were finalized, Mike's incredible craftsmanship produced a convertible focal point for both casual television viewing and more formal entertaining. Mike designed and crafted a mantle that is absolutely perfect for the previously plain fireplace front. His design allows us much more flexibility in our great-room, but his workmanship is the selling point. Simply put, Mike is the consummate craftsman who will accept nothing short of perfection of his product. Thanks Mike!"
Construction, Finishing and Installation of 12' White Oak Window Bank
Donna and Mark, Highlands
"Mike built and installed a beautiful oak wood window bench for our living room picture window to cover an existing painted plywood window bench that had been severely scratched by our 2 year old border collie, Mouse. He carried out the job with creativity, professionalism and pride in his craft. We strongly recommend him to others seeking the services of a carpenter. Sincerely, Donna and Mark"
Construction of a New Fireplace Wood Rack, Bookcase and Shoe Dresser in Solid Pine
Margot and Gordon, Highlands
"We've known Mike for 3 years, and whenever we need a carpenter, he is our first choice. He renovated several things to our full satisfaction in our 100 year old house in the Highlands. This year, before Christmas, we wanted several built-ins from solid wood. Like always, Mike took care to discuss and incorporate our design ideas. What I really appreciate is that his written offers always include an overview of both labor and material, and come with price guarantee for the work. We are excited by our new wood rack, shoe dresser and bookcase. Mike built exactly the furniture we wanted with great attention to detail and took care to preserve the original baseboards behind the built-ins. Mike is a great fine carpenter and craftsman. His perfect work and attitude shows that he enjoyed an excellent apprenticeship in Germany."
Design and Construction Office Pantry with Solid Ash Elements and Split Wood Wall Installation
Pat and William, Downtown
"For our law office, my husband and I were searching for some time for a new, modern concept that would harmonize with the building. Mike was recommended to us by a colleague, and, after a first look at his website, we thought he could be the right partner for our project. Mike's design concept convinced us thoroughly. In particular, the wooden wall installation has become a much admired arty highlight in our office. From planning through realisation, Mike proved to be a reliable partner who assured that the cost, as well as the scheduled time, remained in the framework we had agreed upon. Mike is a very pleasant person, interesting to talk to and a master of his craft. We recommend him warmly."
Construction and Installation of 8' Kitchen Island Counter Top from Solid Kentucky Walnut
Linda, Norton Commons
"After waiting ten years to remodel our kitchen, we had a lot of ideas about the look and layout we wanted to achieve. Finding an island top that would be the centerpiece of the kitchen and would seamlessly fit with the contemporary look of our 1950s home was important to us. In addition, using locally sourced walnut for our butcher block island was appealing. Mike built and designed such a piece. He hand-selected the Kentucky walnut boards from a local mill, and milled, assembled and finished the island top with great skill and care. Mike masterly crafted an eight foot countertop that really showcases the beautiful grains and colors of the native wood. We expected beautiful work from Mike, but the finished piece far exceeded our expectations. Our Kentucky walnut countertop is as durable as it is beautiful. Everyone who enters our home raves about the island top-it is the first thing they notice in our kitchen; it is the centerpiece our kitchen required."
Professional Repairs
Repairs to Woodwork/Baseboards, Doors and Windows, Built-ins, Drywall
Mike, Glenview
"After water damage to our home in Glenview, I contacted Mike for his opinion about the necessary renovation. It is pleasant to communicate and work with Mike, and his professional advice was very helpful. In the last months, Mike has done several interior jobs in our home and pool house. In particular, as problems arose with our windows, and the window company was unable to solve the problem, he proved to be a creative and competent problem solver. We are very happy with the solution. Mike is absolutely reliable, trustworthy and an excellent carpenter. I highly recommend him and will definitely be using his services again in the future."
Repairs to Original Shutters, Weather/Insect Treatment, Painting
Thomas and Vanessa, Anchorage
"Mike was referred to us by a business partner who is a client of his. I initially contacted Mike to ask him to construct some new shutters for our guest house, because we were told that the old ones weren't worth repairing, and we don't trust the quality of factory made shutters. We were very surprised to hear from him that the old historic shutters can restored and he did not disappoint. Mike is professional and completely trustworthy. Add that to being an extremely talented craftsman and you have the reasons why we continue to have we work on our homes in Anchorage. The quality of his advice and offer and his work was superior to all others that I contracted in the last years."
Rotten Wood Repair of Two Mahogany Porches and Construction of New Railings and 12 ft Baby Gate
"I needed some work done on my two porches to replace and rebuild railings and decking. I received four estimates. The main reason I picked Mike was he gave me several good ideas and alternatives that would enhance the quality and durability of the repairs. I have never had anyone that was as particular about the quality and attention to detail as he was. The finished product was really nice. I look forward to using Mike on any future work I may need."
Hinged AC Surround, 8'x 5', Handmade of Solid Cedar
"Mike has "Old School" sensibilities coupled with "Old World" skills and craftsmanship. He is knowledgeable, professional and innovative in background an approach to his many and varied projects. This is especially helpful with older properties! Let it also be said that Mike is friendly, courteous and respectful of one's home and property. We have been very happy to be working with Mike!"
... and summer 2019 rebuild of a cedar fence
Repair of Exterior Redwood - Deck, Siding, Trim, Columns, Gables, Facia and Windows
Joan and Stewart, Indian Hills
"We contacted Mike based solely on the quality of his flyer and his website. When we decided to sell our house in Indian Hills, we wanted to do something about the obvious aesthetic deficits to curb value on the wooden parts of the house. It had been only two years since we'd had the house painted and we were concerned by rotten wood and peeling paint. Mike listens to the client's concerns, wants, and needs, and he gave us the perfect solution. After a careful inspection, he found that numerous rot problems concerning windows, facia, trim and stairs were present. He was very conscientious at every step in the project, from the initial proposal, though final cleanup. He proved reliable in completing the job in the agreed time frame, and was dependable in that the end price really was the price he offered us. Importantly, the work he offers is of excellent quality. He is a joy to work with, either in person or on the phone as we were out of town. If you are looking for professional rotten wood repairs, we highly recommend Mike."
Various Repairs Including Drywall, Baseboards, Windows, and Other
Lora and Dawn, Old Louisville
"Our only wish is that we would have found Mike earlier!! Mike is the consummate professional accomplishing his work with incredible detail. He provides a fair quote, shows up on time, protects all surfaces, and cleans up when finished. He is trustworthy, nice, and takes pride in his work which is unmatched in quality. As colonel in the US Army, I and my partner have moved around the world, and Mike is by far the best we have found."
Restoration of Historical Stairs, Porch, Columns and Front Door
Joseph, Highlands
"We highly recommend Mike. Our home was built in the 1920s, and Mike has done an outstanding job of completing needed structural repairs to exterior support columns and doorways damaged over the years by use, time and weather, as well as interior repair to custom made wood shelving. He is a master craftsman who has given us honest assessment, sound advice and first rate work at a fair price. It is a pleasure to know someone who takes so much pride in what he does. We will be undertaking more work soon and will certainly ask Mike to take on these restorations."
For German quality and excellence in fine woodworking
Call Mike (502) 804-7696

Terms of Service

Estimates that I make for jobs are, in fact, guaranteed, total-price offers for the work in question. As special service for you, I always separate the exact cost of the material and labor in my offers, too. For larger projects, there is a down payment for work of 25%, which will be calculated against the final payment.