Craftsman Direct Handyman Home Improvement
Located in Durham, North Carolina
Address: 2012 Ward St, Durham, NC 27707, United States
Phone: +1 919-612-9000
Rating: 4.4
Services
- Online estimates
- On-site services
- Appointment required
Categories
- Carpenter
- Bathroom remodeler
- Handyman/Handywoman/Handyperson
- Deck builder
- Remodeler
- Tile contractor
Photos
Latest Fire Recovery & Restoration Services
Comments
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Review 1 (2024-11-13 - Rating: 5)
Lee and Rick came to my place and spent well over an hour looking at the space and talking to me about my needs. This was a very tricky bathroom/pantry/closet remodel. They were willing to work with me on my schedule and budget constraints. I decided to move toward putting the house on the market and they then spent the next three or so weeks working EVERY SINGLE DAY non-stop on the job. They are super friendly, kept me informed of everything along the way, texted on the way to the house every day etc. I also got 2 new puppies during the process and the dogs loved them too! Craftsman Direct is a breath of fresh air in the local home improvement market. I have already talked to them about booking the next jobs! -
Review 2 (2024-08-07 - Rating: 5)
Lee and Rick recently completed a fence project for us, and we couldnt be more pleased with the outcome. From start to finish, they were extremely thoughtful, ensuring both our needs and our neighbors were considered throughout the process. The quality of their work is excellent---they went above and beyond in every aspect of the job. Lee provided valuable advice from the initial design phase through to the final touches, making the entire experience smooth and stress-free. This is the second project weve complete with Craftsman Direct, and once again they exceeded our expectations. We highly recommend them to anyone looking for top-notch craftsmanship and exceptional service. -
Review 3 (2024-11-20 - Rating: 5)
We had a bunch of small projects — shed door replaced, shed painted, deck spruced up, some siding replaced. Lee was affordable, did great work, responsive when we had questions and kept us updated. Highly recommended. -
Review 4 (2024-08-14 - Rating: 5)
Although this review is several months overdue, but it absolutely must be shared. Lee is a fantastic businessman and craftsman and with Rick he refurbished our old, rotting deck. Lee carefully checked in with us along the way and worked to ensure we had exactly the design and materials we wanted. Notably, he made a point of saving what could be saved so less wood was wasted than with a traditional demo project. The results have given us a beautiful, solid space to enjoy the outdoors. Don’t hesitate if you’re in need of deck repairs; these are the folks to call! -
Review 5 (2024-07-20 - Rating: 5)
Bottom line: we are extremely pleased with the work that Craftsman Direct, specifically, Lee and Rick, performed. Much of the work involved replacing rotted wood around windows, decks, corner boards and trim. We received a detailed statement of work and estimate within a day of the initial visit. Lee removed a badly deteriorated wooden walkway and meticulously rebuilt a new one. Rick removed and rebuilt the rails and balusters around a front porch and stairs. As they progressed, Lee informed me of additional problem areas with rot, and Lee and Rick were able to add them to the task list. All the replaced wood was painted to match the existing color and caulked; the house siding was retouched where it abutted the new work to make the work completely inconspicuous. The house and drive/walkways also were pressure washed, and the gutters cleared. We are impressed by the attention to detail and precision craftsmanship displayed by this team. They will be ‘first call’ on any future projects. -
Review 6 (2024-08-30 - Rating: 5)
I had a very large rotten old deck from the 90s that I needed repaired last Fall. It looked like I needed the whole thing redone, which from other quotes would have cost at least 60k and in one case around 90k! I talked to Lee and he said that the foundation and support beams were in good shape and we just needed a cosmetic fix. He made sure I was in the know of everything that was going on. I really wanted metal posts, but he convinced me to go with wood, because it would save me a lot of money and I am happy the he changed my mind. If there was any question, he’d stop and talk to me before he continued. I got an amazing deck for a fraction of the cost from other reputable builders. He even brought his big leaf blower and went above and beyond to take care of the fallen leaves in my backyard. -
Review 7 (2024-11-26 - Rating: 5)
Our entire experience with Lee and Craftsman Direct was wonderful. From the initial (very detailed) estimate of the work to the amazing (and affordable) finished product. An A+ experience all around. -
Review 8 (2024-06-21 - Rating: 5)
I wish I had found Craftsman Direct years ago!Lee and Rick tackled the fairly gnarly job of remodeling our master bathroom. It was a mess, with an old leak that was effectively just covered up with a shoddy one-day shower install and badly fitted acrylic tiling. Also, the original bathroom design was lazy and did not make good use of the space. Lee and Rick worked closely with us to figure out a path to fixing all of this. They are punctual, hard-working, respectful and will go above and beyond, sticking to the budget and very open to new ideas and suggestions. We got a freshly plumbed, tiled, painted and wired bathroom; once the new bath arrives, they will come back and get that installed also. From now on, for *any* project in the house, Ill be calling craftsman direct first. Before and after photos here... -
Review 9 (2024-08-31 - Rating: 5)
Lee came over very quickly and assessed my garage door. Then he went and got supplies and went to work. He fixed our door and tested it. I couldn’t be happier! Very quick service and he was very nice. Would highly recommend! Thank you! -
Review 10 (2024-07-31 - Rating: 5)
Worked with Lee on a small siding project and some minor electrical work. He was professional, knowledgeable, and responsive to feedback. He worked to fit me in as as soon as possible. He and his crew did a great job in a very limited amount of time. -
Review 11 (2023-12-26 - Rating: 5)
Lee and Rick built us a wonderful Deck in 2015 and has been providing the maintenance for our home and new deck every year since then.They pressure wash our entire home and Deck and we get the deck sealed every three years.It has been an absolutely fantastic experience working with this company. The quotes are reasonable and in writing. There are no surprises.We are so glad we found them. They are absolutely the best deck contractor I have ever worked with. -
Review 12 (2023-11-29 - Rating: 5)
Update:I have continued to use Craftsman Direct for more than 15 years now. I have relied on this company for all manner of tasks, ranging from simple (like securing a mailbox) to more elaborate (repairing a deck heavily damaged by a fallen tree) and everything in between.I have always been impressed by the professionalism, quality, and value of the services.I have been using Craftsman Direct for approximately 15 years now, and continue to be impressed by the quality and value of the work done.Projects have included replacing water-ruined drywall (ceiling), replacing/installing a mailbox, finishing/painting drywall in a garage, replacing rotted siding, repairing a slumped deck, repositioning insulation, and likely a project or two I cannot remember anymore.Most recently, Lee and his team fixed my deck stairs, replaced some siding, repaired some insulation, and handled a few other punch list projects.The work has been done efficiently and effectively. The pricing has been more than reasonable, and I very much appreciate that this business will also tell you what does NOT need to be done (and/or when things can be repaired versus replaced/rebuilt). Likewise they are very upfront about the work they dont do.After 15+ years, I have no qualms about using or recommending Craftsman Direct. -
Review 13 (2023-08-25 - Rating: 5)
Lee and Rick from Craftman Direct came and installed an exhaustion vent in my kitchen on Aug 25, 2023. I had already bought the vent I wanted from Amazon (Broan 509S), so Lee and I met a week prior in order to look through its manual, and inspect the location in the kitchen where I wanted it. Both Lee and Richard came right on time on the day of the installation, and were both very professional and courteous the entire time, as well as being very thorough and meticulous in detail, and worked really quickly. It was very obvious that they take great pride in what they do. Im glad I was able to find them, and would like to hire them again if something else comes up. -
Review 14 (2022-12-20 - Rating: 5)
Rick and his team are great handymen. I had stripped a screw out trying to take off a mount on a tv so that it could go on the wall. Without hesitation Craftsman Direct were able to get to my house within 30 min of call. Upon arrival, the handyman was friendly, yet professional, and told me his plan of action to get the screw out safely before he started working. The handyman was very careful with my tv, as it was 2700 dollars, and I am overall beyond satisfied with the service I received. -
Review 15 (2019-09-26 - Rating: 5)
Lee and his team did a complete demo and redesign of our Master Bath. The entire room was retiled, a new shower was constructed, new lighting, closet, and washer and drier installed. Rick’s tile work is absolutely exceptional-he is a true master craftsman. Through the project, from the beginning of the design to completion, Lee was a superb partner and advised us on potential problems and gave us great recommendations throughout. He was very transparent about choices we made that impacted on cost, and was in constant communication with us.We were so pleased with the the redesign of our Master Bath that we contracted Craftsman Direct to paint our Master Bedroom, replacing French doors and installing a ceiling fan and crown molding.He then installed hardwood floor in our basement. His advice was critical to us deciding the best options for materials for the project. And again, Rick was exceptional.Through these projects we could not be more pleased with the professionalism of his team and the excellent quality of the work.We will continue to use Craftsman Direct for other projects and will enthusiastically recommend them to our friends and neighbors. -
Review 16 (2019-11-25 - Rating: 5)
Great experience with Craftsman Direct. Lee was helpful in preparing a good summary of the work needed on our house. Rick did a great job, including replacing an exterior stair and repairing some water damage to a door frame. Highly recommended for great and timely service. -
Review 17 (2023-09-17 - Rating: 5)
I hired Lee and Rick because Lee answered the phone right away and gave me a bid the same day. They repaired a retaining wall as well as a deck and exterior stairs. Lee kept me informed during the process and didnt leave until I was satisfied with the job. -
Review 18 (2024-11-16 - Rating: 5)
Craftsman Direct was excellent throughout our project. Lee and Rick were prompt, gave competitive quotes, were excellent communicators, had helpful ideas and did excellent work. We had several relatively small repairs inside and outside (replace rotted wood on outdoor porches/stairs, repair split door frame, drywall repair, regrout/caulk leaking bath areas, etc). They never made to feel that these were too small and were professional in every way. I would hire them again without hesitation. -
Review 19 (2019-03-14 - Rating: 5)
We discovered water damage to the outside of our bathroom window. We called Craftsman Direct for a quote (along with 2 other companies). Rick came out to do the estimate and we received the quote the next day (which is more than I can say about the other 2 companies). Craftsman Direct, Rick and Lee, replaced the outside trim with PVC framing, caulked completely around the window and also repaired the inside trim work that had to be removed earlier to see if there was water damage inside the house. They arrived on time and had the job done in a couple of hours. We are very happy with them as a team and the workmanship. Thank you again for getting this done for us! -
Review 20 (2018-10-03 - Rating: 5)
We had these guys come out last weekend and do some work to our house. Lee replaced and painted a bunch of damaged siding we had, he made it look brand new. He also cleared out our gutters that hadnt been cleaned in years. I was very impressed with how knowledgable he was and how quickly he was able to get everything fixed up. He showed up early and worked literally all day long. He was very honest and transparent about everything. While he was fixing some siding he had to remove an electrical box from our house. The door to our storage room with the circuit breaker was broken, he noticed that and he fixed that for us too! I cant recommend Craftsman Direct enough! -
Review 21 (2018-03-25 - Rating: 5)
My wife and I are moving out of our rental house shortly, and into a home we bought. Our dog had done some damage to two door-frames, and we did some damage to a laundry closet doorknob. Our landlord gave us a lot of pressure to get repairs done quickly (unreasonably so!). Regardless, Lee (the owner and handyman) and Judi (in the office) were extremely cooperative and flexible with scheduling. The repairs were done quickly and look terrific! We will be using Craftsman Direct for any handyman needs in our new home. -
Review 22 (2017-11-21 - Rating: 5)
Lee put in a ceramic tile shower for us, power washed the driveway, installed shoe mold in bathroom and reset our toilet. He was amazing! I would strongly recommend him and his business. He went above and beyond to make sure that everything was done to our satisfaction. I would say aside from his professionalism and excellent craftsman ship that communication is one of his biggest strengths. Definitively use his company again. -
Review 23 (2016-09-06 - Rating: 5)
I had to get some rotted exterior wood trim replaced before I could get gutters installed- Lee did a fantastic job and was helpful with some insight on things to be sure to look for from the gutter installation company. Craftsman Direct is now my 1st stop for when I need handyman home repairs- and with a house built in the 1970s and a never-ending to-do list I already know Ill be calling them again for other repairs in the very near future. -
Review 24 (2015-04-23 - Rating: 5)
This is the second time I’ve used Craftsman Direct for handyman work. I had my deck sanded and stained, exterior power washed, and front porch cement re-painted (plus huge crack removed).After working with these guys a second time, I can confidently say they do not cut corners. They will make sure the job is done right and that you are happy with it.For example, we had problems finding the right color for the deck. Lee and Vesko had already purchased and applied stain when Lee suggested that the color will not do the deck justice. They took pictures, ran back to Lowe’s, and found colors that worked. You just get the sense that they’re looking out for your interest instead of trying to make a quick buck.Work aside, Lee and Vesko are incredibly professional and a pleasure to be around. I definitely recommend these guys. Thanks a lot for your work and for making my move that much easier. -
Review 25 (2016-06-16 - Rating: 4)
We had Kevin Hayden from Craftsman Direct renovate our full bath and powder room. The house was built in the 1950s and some of the fixtures were original. He put in a new tile floor (after repairing some subfloor issues), wainscot, and all new fixtures. It looks terrific! He showed up right on time to do the original estimate and was easy to contact via text or email. It did take longer than we thought it was going to but overall we are very pleased. -
Review 26 (2018-08-23 - Rating: 5)
We hired Craftsman Direct to replace some rotted siding, repair water damage in our master bath, and recaulk our bathtubs. They provided a fair quote, scheduled the service quickly, and performed excellent quality work. I would definitely hire them again. -
Review 27 (2016-09-16 - Rating: 5)
I was referred to Craftsman Direct by a friend who has hired them in the past and very pleased with their work. I hired them to do our roof and i was amazed by the professionalism, cleanliness, and friendly staff. The job was done on a timely manner and very thouroughly explained before and during the process. We are extremely happy with our new roof and with our choice of choosing them for the job. We will definetly use in the future! Thanks guys! -
Review 28 (2020-07-06 - Rating: 5)
I am sure at any time Craftsman Direct is professional, but during the COVID-19 pandemic Lee was also conscious of physical distancing and practiced it on site. He was straightforward in discussions and honest about the project and gave us a reasonable rate. Ours was a small job, but it was done quickly and cleanly. -
Review 29 (2014-09-24 - Rating: 5)
This contractor is great! Last year when I lived in Raleigh, NC I had them come out and repair our roof. A lot of other contractors came in really high and this contractor came right in under our budget. The crew that came out was courteous not only to us but also our neighbors. The roof looked brand new and the clean up they did afterwards was phenomenal! -
Review 30 (2019-07-08 - Rating: 5)
Lee and his professionals have really stepped up to sort our small homeowners association general maintenance issues. They are timely, professional, respectful, trustworthy, honest, neat, and totally customer oriented. They are a pleasure to work with and we very highly recommend them! -
Review 31 (2022-05-14 - Rating: 5)
We used Lee and his team recently to replace some trim on our house as well as our deck. They did a great job and when our mailbox knocked down by a delivery truck, they did the installation for us on very short notice. -
Review 32 (2019-05-23 - Rating: 5)
Have used Craftsman Direct 3 times now: painted house, refinished front door, clean and refinish deck. All 3 jobs were completed in a timely manner, at the quoted cost, and look great! Will definitely be using them again. -
Review 33 (2023-08-07 - Rating: 5)
These guys did a fantastic job working on some wood rot on my home, The repairs they made were done with such precision the repairs arent noticeable at all, Ive been very impressed with the work and had them quote out some smaller jobs that I just dont have the time for. I look forward to working with these guys again! -
Review 34 (2017-02-14 - Rating: 5)
When I needed a repair estimate quickly to close on a house, Lee Smoak made it happen. He worked me into his schedule to visit the site and got me a written estimate within a few hours. He was extremely professional and knowledgeable. -
Review 35 (2014-10-14 - Rating: 5)
I had to have my house repainted and some other little odds and ends that needed to be done before we could close on the sale of my house. I contacted Lee and his crew. They came out and the service was impeccable! They went above and beyond. -
Review 36 (2024-06-24 - Rating: 5)
Lee and Rick did a great job on two projects at our home – installing new cabinets, dishwasher, and an over the range microwave; and in our basement, updating our entry door and removing an old and porous sliding door for a board-and-batten wall. Lee made great suggestions on the project design when he first came to inspect and give us a quote. Lee and Rick kept us informed, did a great job, and kept to the schedule they provided. Excited for them to tackle future projects with us. -
Review 37 (2017-09-23 - Rating: 5)
We had some work done in our old house that ended up being very challenging. Kevin did a fantastic job despite the difficulty, and we are extremely pleased with the results. Highly recommend. -
Review 38 (2020-01-08 - Rating: 5)
Craftsman Direct first of all answered the phone when i called. They repaired vinyl siding in a timely manner and were reasonably priced. Thanks Lee! -
Review 39 (2019-06-19 - Rating: 5)
Called Lee to ask him about some project and he gave me some fantastic recommendation s. He has a wealth of knowledge and is incredibly helpful and informative. -
Review 40 (2013-09-09 - Rating: 5)
Jason from Craftsman Direct did a good job on the deck. I would recommend this company to others. -
Review 41 (2013-10-12 - Rating: 5)
The kitchen is really amazing looking now! Thank you boys for making this happen for the whole family, the kitchen looks very pretty and sturdy. -
Review 42 (2021-08-10 - Rating: 5)
I hired Craftsman Direct to install hardwood flooring in my home. I had hired Craftsman Direct a few years prior to remodel my bathroom and was very pleased with the end results, which I admit was second to none. When Doug was contacted concerning this new project, I knew based on my experience with him that the job would be reasonably priced, done in a reasonable time frame and that the job would be professionally done to include all debris removed. Craftsman Directs workman did not disappoint. I am very pleased and appreciative of the work done by Harry. I highly recommend Craftsman Direct as an excellent and upfront company to work with. -
Review 43 (2022-01-23 - Rating: 5)
We hired Lee and Rick to replace our rotting deck repair our fence. They were very honest about what did and didnt need to be done, which ended up saving us money over all. Lee always checked in with us when they encountered an obstacle so that we could all be in agreement as to how to proceed. They came in, got right to work and completed everything in a timely manner. In the end, the job site was left clean and we were very pleased with the quality of work that was done. Our remodeled deck ended up being more sturdy than the original. Lee and Rick are conscientious and friendly; we would most definitely hire them again. -
Review 44 (2022-06-30 - Rating: 5)
Outstanding work. Great work ethic and done early. -
Review 45 (2013-09-19 - Rating: 5)
I can’t articulate how appreciative I am to you guys. Thank you for building my house a home again, it only took a number of weeks and the house looks so fresh now. -
Review 46 (2019-03-04 - Rating: 5)
We are very happy with our experience with Craftsman Direct. Lee and Rick replaced our front door and fixed rotting wood around the door and under the hardwood floors. They replaced the hardwood in the area and worked really hard to match it to the existing floor. It looks great! They also did some smaller jobs for us like fixing a loose railing, hanging and leveling a new chandelier, caulking, pressure washing, etc. We couldnt be happier with the results. Lee worked with us along the way and helped problem solve to make the most cost effective decisions. We highly recommend Craftsman Direct and will definitely use their services again when we need work done. -
Review 47 (2019-10-28 - Rating: 5)
Great work very happy with the results -
Review 48 (2025-01-09 - Rating: 5)
We chose Craftsman Direct because of the glowing reviews and our expectations were exceeded. So pleased with our first major job that we added on two more.Lee immediately came out to diagnose our house leak, which required both exterior and interior repairs to our second floor. He was at our house daily--on time and all day--until the repair was fixed and the exterior and interior repaired and painted. He is meticulous, a perfectionist, knowledgeable, thorough and personable. He stuck to his quote with no surprises. He also refinished the wood on our banister...did an excellent job and we couldnt be more pleased. Communication is excellent and frequent. Quote had incredible detail. We will use Craftsman Direct for everything in our home in the future.