James L. Graves Construction

Our experience started with clear expectations based on signed contracts, but unfortunately the project did not close out properly and several significant issues remain unresolved. The contractor stated that the siding work was completed correctly, but that does not match what we observed. The GAF WeatherSide Profile Fiber-Cement siding shingles are installed improperly, with multiple deficiencies: no flashing around windows, inconsistent trim application (windows vs. doors), uneven use of J-channel, mismatched trim colors, inconsistent backer strips, missing trim where the siding meets the deck, loose sections due to missing nails and the side door frame is not well supported. These are fundamental installation concerns, not minor cosmetic issues. Equally concerning, no formal inspection checklist was ever completed for either the Sunroom & Deck project or the Interior Work project, despite this being required in the contracts upon substantial completion. The required limited warranty was also never executed. Communication became increasingly difficult as we tried to address these items. While a manufacturer settlement was issued for defective siding materials, disagreements arose about responsibility for correcting the installation and completing the remaining work. Ultimately, the contractor chose not to continue the relationship, leaving multiple outstanding items. We would recommend that future customers ensure inspections, documentation, and warranties are fully completed before making final payments, and pay close attention to installation details throughout the project. But based on our experience, we cannot recommend this contractor.

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.