James L. Graves Construction

I would recommend this business to anyone. JL Graves redid our kitchen. It is in a projected room off the back of the house, mostly covered in glass. On the second day of demolition they discovered that the entire back wall along with the rafter ends were rotted out, presumably from an inept installation of gutters that allowed water to leak into the wall. I suspect that this would be well outside the wheelhouse of most remodelers. There was a lot of reviewing of the situation – the original glass installation was custom made and an expert on glass installation was brought in whose advice was overruled by the owner, one of several decisions that he made that seem to reflect his extensive experience . Ultimately the roof was rebuilt, the rotten rafter ends replaced with a technique called scarf jointing, apparently a boat building technique that the project manager, Mitch, knew how to do. The owner James Graves was very involved in the project and visited regularly. We are very happy

My wife and I hired them to remodel our kitchen and most of the first floor. From the design phase with Lana and Beth through the entire project with Mark and Jim they were very professional very easy to work with. The project was done on time and no surprises. They were thorough, paid attention to the small details, kept us informed as to their progress, and were always professional in their work and attitude. I highly recommend them and would not hesitate to hire them again. We are looking to redo our bathrooms next.

Always on time, very professional, cleaned up after themselves daily, very respectful, all work completed as promised and on time, EXCELLENT craftsmanship. I love my new master shower!

We combined two bathrooms into one large bathroom. James L. Graves Construction helped us with the design layout, then with building our new design. People who've seen our bathroom have said "what an awesome bathroom." We're really pleased with our Cambria counter top and our over-sized tile shower.

Once again, JLG Construction has done amazing work on our home. We hired JLG to makeover our kitchen, family room, and foyer in two phases this year. We had previously worked with them to re-do our master bath and guest bathroom. Owner Jim Graves takes personal pride in making sure things are happening on schedule and personally checks in to ensure the quality of the work. His crew is friendly and also take pride in getting the work done to perfection. For our living room, foyer, and powder room, we worked with an interior designer for the first time. JLG worked seamlessly with the designer and made the entire process as easy as these sorts of things can be. We look forward to working with JLG again and highly recommend them. A high quality, trustworthy contractor is a hard thing to come by, and JLG is just that.

We hired Jim to design and finish our basement. We had waited 16 years to do this project, and it was important to us that we hire a reputable, licensed, talented team -- and we did! We got three bids, and Graves Construction's was head and shoulders above the other two; Jim was professional, had a great portfolio to show us, a ton of experience, and invited us to see his own basement and that of his neighbors, both of which he designed and constructed. Working with Jim was a pleasure, and he is a talented designer. His expertise and his team's incredibly high-quality work resulted in a gorgeous basement that does NOT feel like a basement! Specifically, his advice on lighting made a huge difference to the look and feel of the rooms, and his recommendations on materials we could use to abate the noise from the theater room were excellent. We were pleased with every member of his construction team and are absolutely thrilled with our basement!

We hired Jim and his company to finish a second floor addition and full house remodel after our first contractor walked off the job. Jim and his team members were a breath of fresh air. Not only were they courteous and professional, they completed the job on time, within budget and exceeded my expectations. Jim graciously worked with the tile and cabinetry subcontractors that we had already chosen with our previous contractor, was patient when I just couldn’t decide on the front and back door hardware, and without complaint changed the position of the bathroom vanity and mirror when I found the original position to be too awkward for my 6’ 6” husband. I wished I started the original project with them. I have already recommended his company to my dearest friends.

Description of Remodel: Complete 2nd floor remodel of our Baltimore City row home. This was a 3 1/2 month job that included demolition and gutting of the entire 2nd floor. Moving the plumbing from the middle of the house to the back of the house. Removing and reframing the ceiling. Reframing three walls and plastering one wall. Installing insulation, electrical and plumbing throughout. Installing new bathroom with travertine tile and glass enclosed shower stall. Installing hardwood flooring, maple wood window casings and trim, maple baseboards, new staircase and balusters. Our Experience: When we approached James L. Graves with our proposal to remodel, he was responsive, efficient and very thorough. As the job progressed, I was very much involved in the decision making and Jim was always available to discuss the many, many questions I had. His crew was also very personable, responsible and willing to answer questions on the spot. As a woman, I never felt belittled or taken advantage of and always felt respected and that Jim had my best interests at heart. When the job was completed, and my husband and I were finally able to spend our first night in the house, the quality of the work became even more evident. The bathroom was like a resort spa and the bedroom suite felt like a chic New York City loft. It was like we were on vacation. And to this day, we still feel the same every time we go upstairs. We are so grateful that Jim's crew took the time to pay attention to the details and to craftsmanship so that we can relax and enjoy the space without worry. It is still baffling to me, that Jim and his workers were able to take our crooked, decrepit little house with all its imperfections and turn it into a beautiful work of art. See pictures for "OLD WORLD ROW HOUSE"

Excellent hand holding service, which is exactly what I was looking for. Very responsive during the job, which is excellent because of all the decisions that are required during a kitchen renovation. Jim Graves was up early on phone conversations and in the evening also when needed. That is also very needed when a kitchen project is happening because I couldn't always be available for conversations during the day.

Jim came to our home. He listened to our wish list for our master bath and provided feedback when required. He was very thorough and knowledgeable. A comprehensive contract was developed and signed (no surprises). We picked out what was needed to complete the project. The Grave's company did the rest. the process was well thought out, anxieties were addressed promptly and accurately, and the work was completed without incident. All in all, it was a great experience and we are enjoying our new bath! I would use them again and I would not hesitate to recommend The Graves Construction company to family and friends.

We hired James L. Graves Construction to re-make our master bathroom. Having worked with a number of contractors over the years, I can honestly say that James L. Graves Construction was, by far, my best experience. They were extremely open and attentive to our requirements and offered a high level of input that positively added to the overall design and quality of execution. I loved that they made me feel that none of my ideas were stupid (several were, believe me). I was greatly impressed by their "get it right" attitude with respect to the quality of the work and I appreciated that someone was on the job almost every single day, and if not, I was always give a specific logical reason. In other words, they stuck as closely to the estimated time of completion as was possible - which was a first for me in dealing with a contractor. The high level of communication during the process was impressive and welcomed. The resulting overalll work was great and we thoroughly enjoy our new bathroom. I typically don't write reviews on sites like this but we were so impressed with their work that I thought they deserve a positive shout out.

You may have seen the New Yorker cartoon of a milk carton with a picture on the back, captioned "Our Contractor." But have you ever heard of a contractor who: 1. Gave estimates that were guaranteed (absent change orders, of course)? 2. Charged about 1/3 less than other estimates? 3. Required subcontractors to do work perfectly or do it over at no charge? 4. Stood by the work for months or even years after payment? 5. Always responded quickly to calls? 6. After the work was, in your eyes, a friend? You have now. Jim Graves, whom we found on Angie's List as a star performer, did all that and more. He and the family members who help run his business are friendly, responsive people, on top of being first-rate professionals. We have had them do two major renovations for us (full kitchen, powder room, sun room, deck & patio -- joists to crown moldings and everything in between) and would never let anyone else touch our house.

I hired James L Graves company for a remodel of our dinning room, family room and powder room. This involved the removal of a wall between the dinning room and family room, construction of a new entry way hall closet, and dining room China closet. Also, the remodel of our powder room with additional shelving in our kitchen. New baseboard and crown molding were added as well as completely painting the entire downstairs and the upstairs hallway. Their was complete coordination of all of the sub contractors with excellent work performed by all. James was on site each day to check and coordinate the work. Due to his excellent management there were no delays in our projects completion. From start to finish it took approximately six weeks for a complete remodel. We were extremely satisfied and would use James L Graves company again if we needed another remodel.

James L. Graves renovated our kitchen at the end of the summer of 2012. They took an older dilapidated galley chicken and turned it into a modern open kitchen that we are very proud to have in our home; it has totally improved not only how we entertain but our lives day in and day out. They replaced the floor, took down a wall to create an open quartz peninsula that extends into our dining and living rooms, replaced all of the counters and appliances. They employ high quality sub-contractors for electrical work, plumbing, etc… and are focused on ensuring the customer is happy with the results. They were upfront and transparent about costs and we would definitely hire them again! Jane and Bill O'Donnell, Severna Park, MD

I suffered a catastrophic loss when a pipe in a 2nd floor bathroom in my house burst during a cold freeze. Two floor were ruined (luckily water does not run uphill, so the 3rd floor was spared). I hired James L. Graves Construction on the recommendation of neighbors...the husband and wife were both architects and had worked with the firm and thought highly of Mr. Graves and his company. Mr. Graves was my savior, guide and tutor during the multi-year undertaking to rebuild my 3 bedroom/2-1 bathroom home that won national awards when originally constructed in the late 1970's. I knew nothing about construction (I do now), but with him by my side I learned what to look for, ask for and avoid. He and his employees and subcontractors walked me through the innumerable problems and decisions I had to make, but never rushed me and provided me all the pros and cons and cost options so that I could feel comfortable with the outcomes. When I explained I never wanted to deal with a ruptured pipe or be cold in the house again, Mr. Graves did research into foaming the entire house...the cost was high but the results have been amazing. When the city insisted that we had to install a fire suppression system (the city council had just passed an ordinance), Mr. Graves worked with the city for a year to figure out what they wanted and would approve (mine was the first house subject to the ordinance and the fire department apparently used us a learning opportunity, and, thankfully, Mr. Graves dealt with the frustration far better than I ever did). Mr. Graves went with me to see city officials when I had questions about new city regulations impacting the restoration. He went with me to the architectural firm I hired to prepare plans for the restoration. He was an active participant in these meetings, raising issues I hadn't thought to ask and being there for me. We became a true team as we tackled the project of rebuilding my home. I unintentionally created a few problems, but Mr. Graves never noticed. When I bought a refrigerator that was too deep for the kitchen, I suggested a solution...a bump-out in the exterior wall into which the refrigerator could be recessed...and Mr. Graves made it happen. When I bought the wrong exterior fixtures for the showers...the wouldn't work with the plumbing that had been put in...I received an education on plumbing (!) and then understood what I needed to buy, returned the wrong products and got the right ones. Easy!! When the powder room proved too small for a regular sink cabinet, Mr. Graves' on-site project manager (a fabulous person who I adopted him as a honorary member of my family!) built a custom cabinet that fit the space perfectly. When I came out one tile short for a backsplash for a bar area, Mr. Graves picked up the phone and asked and got from his supplier for that single tile. His associates love working with him and give him their full and immediate attention. Mr. Graves gave me that same quality attention, whether I called, texted or sent an email. He was always there. Always. We set and adhered to a budget (I paid for some things that I wanted but had not included in the budget) and the finished house is what I envisioned when we began this effort. Staying within the footprint, it now is a 21st century modern structure...with spa-like bathrooms and a gorgeous kitchen...that was entirely rebuilt from the framing in. it is a new house wrapped in the old cedar bones...and it is ready to be entered into another competition. And in Mr. Graves I have found a friend, a professional mentor and, should I ever renovate another house, my next and only general contractor!