SHAW design co.

Over the past three years, we’ve hired Matt Nicholas of Nikota for three jobs of very different scope: rebuilding a large closet / room divider original to our 1959 mid century modern home; replacing builder-grade bi-fold doors with a custom closet sliding door system, and a total kitchen / bath redesign that opened up our living space in a period-appropriate style. During the design and planning process, Matt was collaborative, taking into consideration our own strong points of view and improving that vision with his years of experience and design acumen. In the construction phase, his work was meticulous. We’ve never worked on an interior project where, at the end of the day, someone left the job site cleaner than they found it. He also took the safety of our young children into account by providing a safe work site. And the end result: He created many one-of-a-kind custom cabinet and shelving pieces. As for the carpentry, he brings the passion of a true craftsman. You won’t find his custom pieces in a showroom, but if you want something perfectly suited to your needs, you can likely create that with him. In the future, we plan to design another bathroom vanity and an entertainment shelving unit. We could get something off the shelf that’s not quite right and try to make it work - but we would rather go with Nikota.

We hired Matt Nicholas for two projects over the past four years. The first, in 2009, was a major kitchen remodel that involved major structural work to improve the flow between the kitchen and the dining room, install a new sink, granite countertop and new appliances. The second project, in 2012, involved the addition of a mudroom and a storage loft in the garage, and the renovation of a family room connected to the kitchen that involved the installation of new windows and a hardwood floor. Matt is a master carpenter who strives for perfection in his work. We were extremely happy with his workmanship and his professionalism and were happy to recommend him to friends (as well as hire him twice!). . He finished all work as promised and came back for check-ups to remedy any issues. On top of that he is super nice and has become a friend. We completely trust him and recommend him without any reservations.

Matt Nichols has done both inside and outside work for us. He did an absolutely outstanding job and his work is meticulous. I would go to him for any renovation work that I needed. He is reliable, honest and generally great to work with. He renovated our basement five years ago and did an absolutely beautiful job. He also did some outside deck work and installed an under-deck drainage system for us. I highly recommend him.

Over the last few years this contractor has done, four closets, a bathroom in the basement, wheelchair ramp, handicap sink and other improvements to our house. The work is excellent. I would hire this company again. The projects were completed over several years (2011 and 2012) and at different times of the year.

Matt Nicholas of Nikota was a great contractor to work with and met the important characteristics were work looking for in our contractor. 1. Quality product. Matt is a master carpenter and craftsman who takes great pride in the quality or his work. Ultimately you want a good, timeless product that will stand that test of time without defect and up to code and Matt will deliver on that 2. Creative, innovative solutions. Matt did a nice job working with us to come up with creative and innovative design solutions to meet our family's needs and goals for our remodel project, as well as stay within our budget limits. Matt helped us priortize hte parts of the project that would give us the most bang for the buck, which allowed us to be most happy with the final project. 3. Transparent. Some contractors make it difficult to figure out where the money is going. Matt was upfront about costs and helped us make design choices to get the look we want within our budget constraints, which ultimately helps a client get a final product they are happy with without blowing the budget. Sometimes you can't get the dream project with budget constraints, but a good contractor like Matt will get you as close as you can. Matt may be a man for few words, but more importantly he is a good listener who can synethesize ideas into a find, affordable product.

Matt is an outstanding craftsman...with impeccable attention to detail. His custom library ladder and cherrywood chopping block truly helped redefine the kitchen. His management skills helped the project end on schedule and to our complete satisfaction.

Extensive renovation of ranch house in preparation for wheelchair use by owner. We met Matt when he worked for the architect whom we hired to redo our house (2006). Included: new closets on first floor remodel of basement: two bedrooms + bathroom. backyard wheelchair ramp insulate sunroom floor repair and replace rotten wood in sunroom level sunroom floor new garage roof many other tasks Matt is the only contractor I will hire. He is honest and extremely competent. He is very precise and understands architects' sometimes quirky ideas and details. He is not afraid to let me know when I try to impose some dumb idea (like a tall tower in the backyard). I would trust Matt with any size project.

Nikota has worked with us intermittently over the past 6 years to preserve a historic mid-century modern home in Ann Arbor Michigan. Like many mid-century homes the concept was well ahead of the building technology. Matt Nicholas, Nikota's owner, has approached every aspect of each project from re-framing windows, to installing new doors, to re-engineering and replacing fascia and roofs with a methodical and patient manner. He makes, the much oversimplified work of a carpenter and builder seem as easy as many pedestrians believe it to be. Matt and his team solve problems with clean efficient solutions in a prompt and respectful manner. Our projects have involved a number of various tradesmen to accomplish the tasks at hand and Matt has been a resilient leader for every team. Not only is Matt a true carpenter, but he also has the mind and management skills of a great general contractor. We wholeheartedly endorse Nikota and will be working with them again very soon.