Diana Construction LLC

Not knowing this, we hired him for the job. SEVEN months later, our house is nowhere close to complete, our budget was doubled and when we neared the end of our payments, he was broke and none of the subcontractors were paid. We are still getting subcontractors showing up at our house looking for Pete stating he owes them money, money we paid him to pay them. He lied to us about having ordered expensive materials and stated they were already paid for, all lies. In the end, he took a 4 week vacation, and when he returned, our money was gone, he claimed to be broke. Our money is gone, he didn't spend it on the house. We put almost $400,000 in to the house since we hired him and we are now paying someone else $85,000 to fix the things he did wrong and complete the project he was legally not supposed to take on in the first place. If you are smart, you will NOT hire Diana Construction. He is all talk and will take you for everything you have. In the end, he stripped us of the excitement of owning our first home. We will never get that back, along with the money he cheated us out of.

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I interviewed 4 contractors before choosing Diana Construction to do my kitchen and dining room renovation.?They were cost competitive and the major reason I choose them was that Peter (owner) not only has the expertise and employees/subcontractors to ensure work is done correctly but could also help me design the project.?The other contractors were happy enough to create whatever I wanted but the problem was I was not sure what I wanted.?I had researched many different ideas and pictures but needed an expert to bounce ideas off of.?This is a value add that Peter has that created a kitchen/dining room that was beyond my dream.? Every step of the way, Diana Construction treated my home and money like it was their own.? I was on a very strict budget and Peter worked with me to find things we could compromise price on and those things that we did not want to compromise on. I was very specific on the kitchen renovation needing to be done for my daughter's trip home for Christmas and even with bumps along way, Peter made it happen. The dining room renovation included a handmade wooden?handrail for my existing iron banister overlooking the dining room and sunken living room.?Since replacing the entire unit was above my budget, Peter offered to repaint the iron work and hand make a wooden top rail to update the look of the banister.? The carpet was removed and replaced with hardwood floor.? The kitchen floor was already hardwood and it became apparent that we would not be able to match the color for the new floor.? Diana's floor subcontractor went above and beyond making the difference between the old and new floors seamless and the amount of work done by hand was impressive.? A doorway between the dining room and kitchen became a beautiful 6 foot opening.??Peter's understanding of the engineering made the change in a weight bearing wall safe and successful.? The dramatic impact with the wider?larger opening was beyond my imagination (although Peter knew all along that it would be just want I wanted!) The surprise plumbing we found in the wall and rerouting it didn't slow Peter down at all!? Diana Construction also repaired a plumbing error by another contractor that was causing an intermittent leak in the bathroom above the dining room and had caused the dining room ceiling to bow. The kitchen renovation was?a complete gutting.? New cabinets, granite, stone backsplash,?sink/faucet/garbage disposal, island, lighting, refrigerator and handmade window frame.?Peter worked with me to design the kitchen in?an efficient way that was also elegant and beautiful.? Being a townhouse, there?are space limitations but Peter found a way to include the upgrades I wanted that included a pantry, built in refrigerator and an island.? To that he added his special touches that I had not thought of which included under cabinet lighting, recessed lighting, wheels on the island so it could be moved, an overhang on the island that is a perfect sitting work space or hanging out with the cook, and building a new window frame for my floor to ceiling to floor front window.? Peter assisted with picking a paint that would compliment the granite. I chose and the living room color that I did not want to change.? He also recommended?a new hallway paint that would not clash with the new kitchen/dining room.?Rick, Diana Construction's tile expert, did an?impeccable job on my backsplash that created a beautiful focal point.? As our deadline approached and there were issues with the cabinet and granite vendors, Peter kept the pressure on to ensure our date was met.? He took my deadline on as his own and there was no way he was going to miss it! Peter was patient with me as I kept changing my mind about the new front door and checked several sources to find a stock door that I liked so we could avoid the extra cost of a custom door.? The result was a door that everyone that has seen it says "I love your new door!"? Always keeping his eye on details, Peter built a new door frame that matched my new kitchen window frame. Peter put the same care into even the more mundane parts of the job?like installing a utility sink replacement, having the entry hallway painted and replacing old ceiling lighting with recessed lights.? Every person I have been in contact with at Diana Construction as been professional, been expert in their trade and treated my home like their own.? I have already recommended Diana Construction to 3 friends who have been so impressed with what Diana Construction created in my home, that they just 'had to have them take care of work they need done!'? I use the word 'create' because what Peter and his crew did in my house was not a remodel; it was a? total renovation that created a home that has increased market value,?has a kitchen that is now a gathering place that flows into the dining room and the sunken living room and has beautiful curb appeal.? You can be assured that the next time I need work done in my home, Diana Construction will be the only call I make!

tPeter came to the house two days after we bought the coupon. he walked through what we wanted and came back the next day with contracts. Very stupid of me. The contracts were not specific enough for us  to hold him to dates and time but he sure was specific on collecting money. He would collect money and then not come back for a few days or a week or he would have someone come and do one little thing.We gave him additional money when we signed contract. Was supposed to start March9th but came the last week in February to tell me he was starting Monday March 1! Told him no because we were going out of town but he insisted ,and said no worry,they would do everything!!!!Showed up om March 1st but it was so icy they could not unload their equipment so his one workman showed up on March 2nd,and started right in..He was very polite and i asked for covers for everything and he said ok Pete would bring it. He started demolition and did not put up and tarps or protection for my 4 bedrooms and center hall stairs. I really got upset called Peter and he said it was dangerous to cover the stairs with his men walking up and down. I insisted it had to be covered.Never happened! <br /> I complained enough about the dirt which was everywhere they covered <br /> some things.He told me he would send in his cleaning crew,that never happened either. Problems continued he put in wrong size cabinet, even <br /> though it was listed in contract. Then cut the granite sink so you were <br /> standing in doorway to brush teeth.When I refused to accept it he was <br /> very angry,told me he would replace and could use the cabinet in his own <br /> home.  This was a bigger bathroom no space problem I wanted out of deal <br /> because he did not use coupon of $ 4,999 for the first BR,and we were <br /> having two BR done. Angies list did not help. Said I could not get my <br /> money back. So we went ahead with second bath. He covered everything <br /> this time.Not afraid of falling on stairs this time??? Thought we were <br /> on right track. THEN, in removing the tub and tile, <br /> he scratched and dented my wooden banister, then PUT FOOT THROUGH kitchen ceiling!!. <br /> Then put in shower pan much too narrow. We went neck to neck and he finally <br /> made it bigger by two inches. Then he didn't order my medicine cabinet even <br /> though he knew what I wanted. I supplied the other cabinet, I also <br /> supplied the hotel style towel rack even though he was supposed to built <br /> one???The quality of the cabinets are not high end.Then he ran out of money,and could not order the glass shower door! We would not give him the final payment ahead of schedule so we had to wait for him  TO MAKE MORE MONEY so  the doors could be ordered and for installation.(they are the best thing in that bath) <br /> .The painting in that master bath is terrible ,the original nail holes still show as does the spackle repairs. The new door frame has nail holes also. <br /> He used my garage for 5 months to do the cutting and storing of the <br /> equipment,not just for my home but for other jobs and he left all the <br /> demolition stuff in the garage until he had a dump truck come to haul it twice with other debris.The quality in the second or  master bath is very poor. The painting is spotty to say the least,a floor tile  has a hairline crack,and the paint is builders grade. We would never recommend his company and we don't like writing this but be forewarned and get everything in writing,including a penalty clause for not finishing! He can be very nice ...but...beware. Our home was covered in dirt and dust,and the master bath was never wiped down as there was dust all over that too. Worst Experience,We are  sorry it has taken this long to write but we were so upset we thought it better to get on  but <br />

One major home remodel project took over a year to complete.

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unknown

Peter and his team were timely. I needed my house to go on the market within a week, and Diana Construction completed all the big and little tasks to make our home look pristine. Most of all, he treated our home like he would his. I attempted to make short cuts on finishes to save money, but Peter insisted, especially with his many years of expertise and in home ownership on what were the best home changes to make. This being my first home to sell, I needed some guidance, and Peter was very kind and patient listening to my input as well. Great work. Not to mention, anytime a contractor has to fix another contractors work, this makes the job more difficult. Peter and team did it! <br />

Diana Construction was willing to work with me very closely on a price that met my needs while also giving me customized service that truly turned my apartment into something completely different. They gave me a new look to an old apartment. Diana Construction were flexible and creative. In an old building with many flaws, they found a way to make it work and look nice. My apartment had crooked walls, water damage, and other things. Diana repaired the damage and found ways to work around the problems that weren't repairable (ie. the building itself has some issues). <br /> What started out as a simple kitchen remodel, I was so impressed with their work that I had them do more and more, eventually having them do flooring, the bathroom, and more. If you want to see some photos of some of their work, you can check them out on Facebook. I'll be using them for all my future contracting needs. <br />

After two in person consultations, Pete and his team started work on a complete remodel of our kitchen on April 27, 2015.  I received a written contract based on what we discussed.  I was most impressed with Pete's ability to diagnose structural issues so that they could be resolved before they delayed the project. <br /> I received the following services: <br /> - Solid Wood Cabinetry <br /> - Recessed Lighting <br /> - Ceramic Tile Kitchen Flooring <br /> - Two Backsplash Walls with Shelving <br /> - A Wall Extension <br /> - Under-Cabinet Lighting <br /> - Granite Countertops <br /> - Custom-Built Eating Pennisula <br /> - Extra Depth Sink <br /> - Two Pendant Light Installations <br /> - Custom Built Pantry Closet <br /> t was wonderful working with Pete and his subcontractors.  I found Pete to be very insightful when it comes to his craft.  He made suggestions based on each stakeholder's ( 2 adults and 1 kid) vision for how the space should look, and then added his spin on it. The collaboration between Pete and our family  was a success.  I am so pleased with the results! It has taken a while, but our family has finally found the right contracting company for our home improvement needs.

<p>I had been sufficiently impressed with the work DC had performed from a previous job (bathroom remodeling), and given that they were in the area, that I chose to use their services again. I talked with Mr. Rivera to contract for some home interior wall repair and painting. Over to course of this job, there were other items that were later identified as requiring some repair/replacement that were included as a separate ?mini-contract? to cover the necessary work effort and expenses.  </p> <p><strong>Project:  Interior wall repair, painting, installation of new lighting</strong>:  </p> <p>When I talked with Pete regarding the condition of my condo?s interior walls, I pointed out the several noticeable cracks in edges and corners (thanks to settling, plus some shaking from an earthquake in the local area, 5 years ago).  There were also damages caused by HOA-contractor exterior work that indirectly impacted the interior walls (blisters & divots).  Pete asked if I would be interested in their painting team taking up the task of not only repairing these cracks, divots and cosmetic damages, but also follow up with a complete repainting of the entire condo?s interior ? I strongly concurred. </p> <p>To make a long story short, a small army soon showed up, moved and covered all my furnishings and floor area, and went-to-town in repairing all found wall damages and stress cracks, and then then sanded and painted all of the rooms in a very tasteful and pleasing combination of eggshell white ceilings, with an antique white for all walls within.  After they were done, there was absolutely no evidence that there were cracks or any other damage to the walls. </p> <p><strong>Additional Activities:</strong>  While all that was being done, I had requested the removal and (post-painting) replacement of all stairways? and hallways? overhead lights, as well as for the entry foyer?s hanging lamp ? all of those had been with the place since it was built over 30 years ago and their sorely showed that.  I purchased them to my taste, and Pete?s people installed them in due course.  </p> <p><strong>Concluding remarks</strong>: When all was done, I now have a pretty well rejuvenated home!  The costs, given the job and the additional efforts, were reasonable.  The young workers were all top notch, and Pete was an excellent boss: respectable, good manager, and definitely a hand?s on guy himself.  He fittingly completed the job by personally installing the last and I thought difficult item ? newly purchased custom blinds for a high-set window (the sill was 8-ft above the floor) over an open entry stairway. </p> <p>I must note that during the very quick pace of finishing and sanding the entire unit?s interior, a lot of fine old wall/ceiling paint dust coated itself on almost everywhere, despite the team?s best efforts to cover stuff (thank goodness for all those plastic sheets). This is something you just have to take into account when facing a pre-paint prepping of this size.  Depending on the magnitude of the job (and if you?re single like me), that?s probably where getting a good cleaner may help get you back to dust-free normalcy.</p> <p>I also realize that I am not the only customer to this busy group; I?ve dealt with good contractors in the past who?ve had to juggle several clients during the work week, yet making sure they are all kept happy with good work -- just as they had done for me! </p>

<p>The original plan was for Diana Construction to do a full remodeling of my Master Bathroom (MBth), as well as a Half Bath (HBth).  The HBth was so-so in condition to start with, but the MBth had sorely needed help since the day I had bought the place.  I had decided back then that when I did have a remodeling it would have marked improvements for my needs (such as a shower with ceiling-high tile, and doors & shower spray high enough to handle a near 6-ft guy without him having to stoop deeply; this also included new chair-height toilets for comfort).  The DC contractor representative, Pete Rivera, walked me through the separate contracts for both rooms, and using the Angie?s list deal for the MBth.  Later he drew up a similar albeit scaled down version of the contract for the HBth.  I need to repeat here that the original Angie?s List deal was meant for bathroom work, and was so applied to the MBth work.  The upgrades and additional requirements in the MBth were what raised to cost so; also the HBth was done as a completely separate contract.   </p> <p><strong>1. Master Bath</strong>:  The work on the MBth included removal of pretty much everything. The team nicely gutted the place to start from scratch (while carefully remaining within the assigned dimensions of that room, in accordance with strict HOA rules).  The team rebuilt the flooring (set in mortar) to equal the old flooring, and then added a layer of dura-rock (tile backer) for my tub/shower to reach the ceiling (for later installation of the tiles themselves.  After the tiling and painting, a cast-iron tub brought up and installed with a tall set of sliding doors.  To make the bath even more special, I had DC install a niche (also tiled) in the middle of the shower wall.  Great for placing shampoo and other items!  To top it off ? and to assist me in maneuvering in the shower with some stability, Pete added a combination short grab-bar & shelf for bath items. My bathroom now has a vanity sporting a granite top this time, with recessed ceiling lights, a larger custom all-wood medicine cabinet, and an additional larger wooden wall cabinet over the new toilet.  Finally, an old rickety bathroom closet was revitalized with new open shelving plus a built-in cabinet below with its own granite top for show and practicality.  In the end, this bathroom was transformed from the poor example it was.  At a mere 52 sqft, it's not like those huge palatial bathrooms you?d typically see in ads, but the effort done within that fixed space was beautiful to me!</p> <p><strong>2. Half-Bath</strong>:  As described above, the HBth work was a scaled down version of the MBth.  Like the MBth, the DC team installed tiling, fresh paint, and cabinetry (scaled down of course) with a new sink, faucet, mirror, a beautiful lighting fixture and again a chair-height toilet.  I?ll be adding a little set of shelves myself, over the toilet, but this bathroom has turned out to be a pretty little package. </p> <p><strong>Concluding remarks</strong>: When all was done, I now have a gorgeous pair of bathrooms!  I admittedly wasn't thrilled that the final costs incurred were a few factors above the original Angie?s Deal; but I fully understand that this was something to be expected, given the fact that I had tacked on additional work to this contract; plus, I had very much wanted to upgrade the quality of both bathrooms.  So I accepted that some of the items required for this task would not come cheap, but they will in the long run give great value and are built to last (e.g., cast-iron tub beats cheapo fiberglass anytime).  The DC people were doing really hard work (tearing up the old tile and mortared flooring, cutting and setting tiles, and hauling that iron tub up three floors), but all acted like pros.  Pete Rivera proved to be an excellent employer and manager ? smart, experienced, with a good eye for décor, and not afraid to get his hands dirty or banged up.  I am impressed!  In the future, I believe there may come the opportunity for more work on my place ? and so I?ll keep DC on my speed dial (and of course, keep an eye out for any Angie?s List deals for that later day).  </p>

DO NOT PURCHASE KITCHEN 3D DRAWINGS WITH DIANA CONSTRUCTION. I was interested in a consultation with 3D drawings to remodel my kitchen. After the consultation, I was told he would f/u in 10 days. After 2 weeks, I emailed requesting an update. No response. Therefore, I called I was told he was busy because of the weather and he would contact me in a few days. One week later, I emailed, no response again. I called and left a message stating if I did not receive drawings by email on Monday (4 days later) I would be requesting a refund from Angie’s List. On Sunday (4 weeks after his initial visit) I received an email that he would be stopping by in the afternoon to discuss the drawings and that the weather caused the delay (also that he would not be providing a bid for the project because they were behind with work due to the weather). I replied I wanted them by email. A copy of the drawings were left at my house anyway. I received an email afterward that he did not see the email (I had sent 8 hours ago). These drawings did not reflect the remodel we had discussed and were dated 3 weeks ago! Snow is not an excuse for weeks of bad communication, poor product, and ignoring client’s requests.

Total demolition of master bathroom, which led to a gorgeous new spa bathroom (floor, tiles both shower and floor, spa shower, heated floor, mirrors, reinstallation of double vanities, painted and coordinated and had inspections done by plumber who actually installed the spa shower).  His team also added a  kitchen backsplash, plumbing access door and  upgraded storage for emergency access to internal water and sewage.  Provided additional  plumbing services, fixed slow leak  behind the walls original tile.  He also painted both my garage door entry and outside french doors.  The additional trimming he added to the master suite entry way was an extra delight!

I was very skeptical that Diana Construction Inc (DCI) would be able to satisfy my taste.  Surprise!  They, being Pete, was able to provided outstanding guidance and a top notch product.  Pete picked my mind regarding my tastes and in particular my color palate.  He provided several color and texture samples that were right on.  I quickly realized Pete was the real professional at this type of project, so I allowed him to guide my way.  To say the least, an excellent decision on my part.   <br /> The cost was based on a tub to shower conversion which can open up several cans of worms.  Pete was able to convert a severely outdated bathroom into a luxurious sauna theme.  I had the walls and the floors replaced and also updated the lighting with a new vanity.  To say the least, my bathroom went from a C grade to an A plus. <br /> I previously had my kitchen counter tops converted over to granite and wanted a corresponding back splash.  Once again, Pete came through with an excellent selection. <br /> I asked my neighbor her opinion on the renovation and her answer was to contract with DCI and Pete.   <br /> I also passed along pictures of before and after and poof, more referrals for DCI and Pete.  That speaks for itself! <br />

<p><br /> </p> <p>Diana Construction did an excellent job with the construction in our bathroom.  They are a professional company and our money was well spent.  Mr. Rivera and his workers are a professional group of men.  They arrived on time as promised every day.  We can only so good things about Diana Construction.</p> <p>Clemmie Wilson</p> <p>Washington, DC</p>

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They did a good job with the tiling. They gave us a quote for 1 week and it took 3 weeks. The end result was nice, but the process was a little tiring.

<p>It went great!  From the initial contact for a bid to the final clean -up, Peter was consistently punctual, professional and helpful with the project.   He was infinitely patient with me as I have a tendency to change my mind and take a while to make decisions.  Peter was very helpful in teaching us about the variety of materials available for flooring and came with us to the tile shop to make the final selection for our floor and shower.   His tile man, Rick , did an excellent job with the small marble tile pattern that I ended up choosing for the floor.  Peter was most obliging with the various requests we had during the construction phase. We valued his recommendations and incorporated many of them into the design.   His craftsmanship is excellent . Peter was always very candid about how our decisions would affect the bottom line so there were no surprises with the final bill.    I highly recommend Diana Construction and will definitely call on Peter again when we have another job.</p> .

Pete was amazing with his professionalism and knowledge of carpentry, plumbing electrical work and design..  I hired him to remodel l one bathroom but was so impressed with his work that I had him do two bathrooms.  He had ideas that I couldn't even conceive.  Made my bathroom larger using wasted hall space, built storage into walls.  Redid old plumbing and electrical work.  My husband was hospitalized at the time and Pete did extra work like fixing and replacing a kitchen faucet and repairing and venting a portable air conditioner.  His wonderful crew of Steven and Rick were at my house early every morning.  They remained bright friendly, professional and actually cleaned up everyday before they left.  Their craftsmanship is unbeatable and the rooms they painted are far perfect.  He went out of his way in ways that are too numerous to mention.  He choose all fixtures and window treatments his ideas are amazing.  He also listened to all my ideas and had suggestions that were most of the time right with my thoughts but much better from a design point of view.  I can truly say that I am glad the job is done, but I sure do miss Pete and his crew.  They were like a part of the family.

The basement remodel went excellent. Diana Construction provided me with excellent service as well, I was very pleased with the remodel.

He gave me an estimate for all the powerwashing, painting, and the outside lights. His son put up the lights and two of them didn't work and when I brought it up he got angry.  I am please with the powerwashing and the lights that are up, but he wants more money to come out and finish the job.  He came today and said he's not going to finish the job, because he isn't making money.  Communication was very poor.

Spent more than original amount because Peter had to customize the new vanity to fit around plumbing and install new toilet - which was done well. Had one issue with the grout, but Peter was very responsive and quickly remedied. Finished product looks very good. Would use this company again.

We are very pleased with the final product.  The following was performed: <br /> Phase One - Demolition shower enclosure (removed: existing shower doors, existing tiles & sheet rock, rebuilt existing frame in shower, installed shut off valves, installed new shower door)  <br /> Phase Two - New Installation (installed: shower control, dura rock tile backer, and tile) <br /> Phase Three - Demo remainder of bath room (removed existing flooring tile, and cabinets) <br /> Phase Four - New Work (Repaired subfloor, installed new dura rock at entire floor area, painted bathroom, installed new tiles, installed new vanity top and faucets, installed two new doors). <br /> Phase Five - Final (completed punch list) <br /> The new remodeled bath room looks beautiful. It was better than what we wished-for.   The quality of the work was excellent.  We were very happy with the work performed by Diana Construction and would use them again.

One heck of a job.. The weather is killing him but we have no time line. Pete has been a great contractor as you have seen in previous posts from us. Yes he has staffing problems but rick is a great on the job supervisor. Pete has completely renovated our home. Our recommendation is 5 stars.