Started in 2001 by Michael Budman, MAB Home Services is dedicated to providing clients with the highest level of quality workmanship and customer service. Over the last 11 years we have completed a large number of residential projects for individuals in and around the Washington DC Metropolitian Area.

One of the cornerstones of MAB Home Services is our timeframe for project completion. While most companies work on a limited daily time schedual, we have developed a system of scheduling based on task completion. This innovative way of working allows us to complete all jobs on time and in many cases ahead of schedule.

MAB Home Services specializes in total service from concept to completion of your new kitchen, bath or home addition. Services include material selection, colors and finishes, project management and installation. Our in-house functional design, drawing and drafting, allows MAB Home Services to transform your dreams into a handsome reality.

bond | insurance | MD license | DC license

About our President

In the world of custom cabinetry and interior remodeling there are a few who stand out. Michael Budman is one of the few. Since 1973, Mr. Budman has honed his contracting and conceptual skills into a sharp and insightful profession. His credits include renovating the public areas of the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Crystal City, Virginia, and overseeing the interior finishes of the Lauriol Plaza Restaurant in Adams Morgan, Washington, DC. In addition to these public projects, Mr. Budman has produced fine furniture, built-ins, custom kitchens and baths for many private residences in and around the Metro Washington area. Now his 34 years of practical experience is available to you.

How to Select a Contractor

Do:

• Only hire a contractor who is licensed by the State or Municipality in which you live.
• Make sure your contractor has proper certificates of insurance. Ask to see them.
• Make sure your contractor's subs are also licensed and insured. Ask to see certificates.
• Check references. Talk to your friends and neighbors. Ask to see their work.
• Communicate clearly with your contractor and get everything in writing.
• Establish a friendly and professional relationship with your contractor.
• Get a proper contract that has clearly defined payment terms and start and finish dates.
• A proper contract has spaces for you and the contractor to sign on and date.
• Get a copy of all contracts, addenda and drawings for the project.
• If you wish to add work to your project after it has started, get a written add order signed by you and your contractor with a clear explanation of what is to be added and how much it will cost before the work is done.

Don't:

• Do not hire a contractor who cannot provide a license or proof of insurance.
• Do not accept the contractor with the lowest price. If you do, be prepared to accept the lowest quality and uncertain work scheduling.
• Do not hire a contractor who says - you will get a lower price because they have material left over from another job. ( no honest contractor will ever say that to you )
• Do not hire a contractor with whom you cannot communicate clearly.

What to Expect

Your contractor should provide you with a clear and complete proposal that spells out what is to be done and when. Payment schedules and criteria should be clearly defined and understood. If you collect multiple bids on a project be most careful of the low price estimates. Many who have chosen a contractor solely on the basis of the lowest price have the most problems. Expect your contractor to submit a reasonable price that includes a reasonable profit.

Profitable contactors are happy and concerned with delivering quality work to their customers.

Low price contractors are only concerned with limiting their expenses and will cut corners and compromise quality to achieve this.

Look at More than Just Price

A few years ago a referral client (we'll call him Jim) called me with a home addition project. He invited me to have a look at the project and submit a proposal for the work. Upon examination of the architect's drawings I notice a few details that MAB might do differently and made some suggestions. When the bid set of drawings arrived I noticed that the architect had made the changes that were suggested. Within two weeks MAB had submitted a proposal for the work, including a fair price and a promise of a 5 to 6 month completion schedule.

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