Abbott Builders

Fifteen years ago I was looking for a carpentry contractor. I had the opportunity to take a look at the finish carpentry at another house in town just nearing completion. I found the quality of the work outstanding, and I asked who the contractor was. It was Dmytro Dovgan, the principal at Abbott Builders. In the ensuing fifteen years, he and his team did all the finish carpentry on our 7,500 SF house in New Canaan, including two substantial remodels. This has included every aspect of residential work: installing doors and windows, interior partitions, installing hardware, shelving and cabinetry, and above all beautiful running trim and trim details. I found him a pleasure to work with: always willing to go the extra mile; always able to suggest solutions to any design or materials problems. His team of carpenters has changed over the period. But, not during any particular job. His lead carpenters have been dedicated, experienced craftsmen. Good at reading plans. Good at laying out jobs precisely before starting. His assistant carpenters have always been competent and efficiently used to keep costs down. Never pushed ahead of their experience level. We began working fixed price. But, I quickly found that working hourly was more cost effective. Abbott Builders has been one of the few contractors one could trust to fill every hour with an hour’s worth of work. If there is an unresolved design detail or missing materials, they’ll just switch to another task automatically. If they complete the current list, they’ll down tools and stop charging. They like doing their best work. Working hourly helps ensure they get to do it. Dmytro has always been very flexible. When I needed 5 carpenters, I got 5 carpenters. When I only needed one, I got one. If work could be done more efficiently at his shop – cabinetry, custom molding profiles, panels – then it would be done there simultaneously with the work continuing on site. Abbott Builder’s prices have always been very competitive: always adding value to the overall project. We all know vendors where work is not as fast as one would wish, but where invoicing is remarkably quick. If Dmytro has one fault, it’s that you sometimes have to remind him a few times to get an invoice. But the invoices are accurate and fair. Dmytro and his team are very experienced, businesslike, and efficient. He’s available when you need him and communicates well. Not all his carpenters are fluent English speakers. Where not, he teams them with others who are. Dmytro himself has always been patient, polite, reasonable and reliable on project after project. I never hesitate to recommend him to anyone considering a residential construction job from a whole house to a small remodel.

This review is 3+ years in the making. Initially in 2018, I reached out to Abbott Builders for a quote on finishing the attic of my 2 bed 1 bath 1940s cape cod home. Dmytro promptly answered my inquiry and we scheduled a time to meet and discuss what I had in mind. When the day of our appointment arrived, he was punctual and professional, providing detailed references which I appreciated very much. I met with several architects/Builders and Dmytro was a clear stand out candidate for our project because he was honest, knowledgeable, flexible, and accommodating. Due to a family emergency, we held off starting the project right away. I still kept in contact with Dmytro when my husband and I had questions about the possibilities of our future project. Then in March of 2020 (March 12th, 2020...at the beginning of the pandemic) We reached out to Dmytro of Abbott Builders to finally get our project started. The timing was crazy with the pandemic but I was also 6 months pregnant. Dmytro took all the precautions. Though we mostly met over zoom, if we did meet in person, he made sure to wear all the appropriate PPE. We ended up adding a dormer and two skylights to our attic transforming it from creepy storage space into two lovely bedrooms, a comfortable bathroom, and hall closet. Throughout the process, Dmytro was amazing!...amazing and patient! We changed our mind so many times I lost count and yet he was patient; always ready to help. He always answered our calls, or followed up as soon as he was able. I cannot stress enough what a stellar experience we had using Abbott Builders and working with Dmytro. If you use his services for your project you will not be disappointed!

My husband and I had a very good experience working with Abbott Builders. Their work was done with a great deal of craftmanship and care. Dmytro was a great project manager. He handled all the project details and our specific requests in a professional timely manner. We are very happy with how our renovation turned out and would gladly hire Abbott Builders again.

Abbott Builders transformed 2 rooms in our pre Civil War home into contemporary, aesthetically handsome and newly functional spaces. Dmytro, the head contractor was professional, detail oriented and highly communicative at all times. His capable workers were polite and pleasant throughout the process. Time and budget constraints were well maintained. We are extremely pleased with the result.

ABBOTT BUILDERS, spearheaded by Dmitri, does fine mill work wood carpentry. Their cuts are to the 18th of an inch. Perfection is their basic standard. Dmitri responds immediately to potential project requests. He hears you and what you want. He describes different ways to accomplish your goals or vision. He verbally talks you through potential costs at the very beginning. And then happily and within 24 to 48 hours sends you an architectural drawing and a detailed estimate. Dmitri is a kind, respectful and talented builder/ home improvement specialist. Cannot say enough about his project insights and his work ethic. It took months to find him.