Cabinetry & Construction, Inc. (CCI) has been serving Richmond homeowners since 1992 when the founder, Rob Wright, saw a need for a construction company that could offer the highest levels of craftsmanship and design for remodeling and renovation projects. Our specialty is the sensitive renovation of older homes - in fact, our slogan is "We bring new life to old homes."

While our origins and name point to a long-standing appreciation for exquisite cabinetry, woodworking, and finished carpentry, we have evolved into a full-service design/build firm. Our projects include everything from large-scale additions and gourmet kitchens, to luxurious bathrooms, sumptuous libraries, and even wine cellars. Similarly, we can help clients capture new living space to fulfill a dream. Whether it is converting a basement into an entertaining media room, or outfitting a real home office that provides that enviable 5-minute commute, we always seek design solutions that are in keeping with the architectural character of the property.

We typically take on no more than 3-4 new projects per month. We purposefully keep the workload to a level that allows the owner to be involved, especially in the design phase. We also take follow-up and warranty work very seriously, going back to our clients to make sure they are happy with the projects some weeks and months after we are done.

Our clients seem to value the creativity we are able to bring to our projects as a design/build firm. We are able to convert a client's dream of what their home can be into sketches and conceptual drawings, then working plans, and finally the end result. Concurrently, we maintain an eye toward fresh new approaches and state of the art materials. Rather than put our stamp on a project, or build something so trendy that it will date quickly, we place great emphasis on the timelessness of what we build. We bring old houses into the present gracefully, providing modern standards of comfort and livability while seamlessly joining new to old.

First is often a deep and abiding appreciation for the craftsmanship associated with older structures. Richmond is fortunate to be home to a number of neighborhoods filled with architecturally rich, older homes. Our clients often spend a lifetime investing in a home that they have come to love and feel a need to preserve.

Our mission is to provide great craftsmanship but also to work in as efficient manner as possible. Like any business, we know that communication is the key to smooth-working relationships. From the start, we work with our clients extensively in the early stages of the project to understand their needs and desires. The time we all invest in the beginning enables us to build those wishes into the project and convert them into reality. Our experience has told us that the best way for a client to work with a contractor is to be open about needs, expectations, and budget. In return, the contractor must make it clear just what the contract is to include. We are committed to a level of dialogue that keeps projects on schedule and within budget. Our goal throughout is to minimize surprises and to leave them thrilled with the results for years to come.

The company was born our of the owners' appreciation for the quality and craftsmanship of older homes, and their recognition that the homes, while beautiful, could be made more functional for modern lifestyles. Initially, our concern was about maintaining and preserving the historic buildings that are the backdrop for the rich and diverse city of Richmond. Later, we came to realize that the modification and preservation of these existing homes has a positive environmental impact. Remodeling a home rather than tearing it down preserves our history; and is inherently "greener" than building a newer home in some distant suburb.

We tend to spend a lot of time in the planning stage, learning what the client wants - and doesn't want - so our design is the best fit possible. It is helpful for them to have done some homework. Many cut out things they like from decorating and other shelter magazines. Others pick up useful ideas from home and garden tours. We have extensive questionnaires that we provide clients for some of the more detailed projects that ask them numerous questions about how they live, how they want to live, what they like, what they dislike, etc. The key is communication. The more clients convey their expectations to us, the more on target we will be in our design and execution.

We understand that most people are not very experienced in remodeling so the process can be intimidating and foreign. Nothing helps to calm those fears and give people confidence like a solid referral from a close friend. Therefore, the core of our marketing involves nurturing and building our client base. Over time, we have amassed a loyal following of repeat customers in key, select neighborhoods filled with beautiful, older homes that are in constant need of repair and upgrades. Their projects and all-important referrals sustain us. We are delighted that a great majority of our customers consider themselves "Clients for Life."

We're interested in sustainable, "green" building. We would love to interest our clients more in the benefits of green building and show them that these technologies can be incorporated beautifully into an older home. We have recently become a dealer of a line of solar energy products.