A & J Contracting Company, LLC is Pittsburgh's premier professional home improvement company operating as general and specialty contractors in the finish and rough carpentry industry. We are most famous for the beautiful custom kitchen and bathrooms we design and remodel for both our residential and commercial clients. You will find that we are a dedicated small business enterprise committed to providing quality construction services and on time service delivery within budget. Please call us today to schedule your appointment with Pittsburgh's true professionals. Your satisfaction is our guarantee.
"I donâ  t know where to begin to say how satisfied I am with A & J Contracting! I needed my basement renovated ASAP and Mr. Anthony met with me in a timely manner explaining in great detail the work he would perform and how pleased I would be! Let me tell you he did NOT disappoint because he and his partner Mark performed what I call a â  miracleâ  in renovating my basement and went above and beyond my expectations!!!! Iâ  ve shown many the before and after pictures of what I now can call my family room and the response each time was how â  beautifulâ  of a job Anthony did!! If you are in need a great contractor donâ  t look anywhere else but A & J Contractor and call Anthony NOW! My family still canâ  t believe what A & J Contractor did with that old and in bad shape basement!! Very professional and the many years of experience really was on display!! Thank you again Anthony and Mark for restoring our basement!! Iâ  ll definitely be utilizing them in the future and wonâ  t have to look elsewhere!!"
Steven K on May 2021
A & J Contracting Company, LLC is Pittsburgh's premier professional home improvement company operating as general and specialty contractors in the finish and rough carpentry industry. We are most famous for the beautiful custom kitchen and bathrooms we design and remodel for both our residential and commercial clients. You will find that we are a dedicated small business enterprise committed to providing quality construction services and on time service delivery within budget. Please call us today to schedule your appointment with Pittsburgh's true professionals. Your satisfaction is our guarantee.
"I donâ  t know where to begin to say how satisfied I am with A & J Contracting! I needed my basement renovated ASAP and Mr. Anthony met with me in a timely manner explaining in great detail the work he would perform and how pleased I would be! Let me tell you he did NOT disappoint because he and his partner Mark performed what I call a â  miracleâ  in renovating my basement and went above and beyond my expectations!!!! Iâ  ve shown many the before and after pictures of what I now can call my family room and the response each time was how â  beautifulâ  of a job Anthony did!! If you are in need a great contractor donâ  t look anywhere else but A & J Contractor and call Anthony NOW! My family still canâ  t believe what A & J Contractor did with that old and in bad shape basement!! Very professional and the many years of experience really was on display!! Thank you again Anthony and Mark for restoring our basement!! Iâ  ll definitely be utilizing them in the future and wonâ  t have to look elsewhere!!"
Steven K on May 2021
We pride our company on reliability, great communication, integrity, and quality work. We are experts in our trade and will do our best to keep you as educated as we can on your particular task or project. We look forward to earning your business! Book with us online or feel free to give us a call today!
"Easy to work with"
Richard E F on February 2024
We pride our company on reliability, great communication, integrity, and quality work. We are experts in our trade and will do our best to keep you as educated as we can on your particular task or project. We look forward to earning your business! Book with us online or feel free to give us a call today!
"Easy to work with"
Richard E F on February 2024
We take great pride in our experience, expertise, quality, and customer service that we provide to meet the consumer's needs. It is our mission to provide excellent workmanship and complete customer satisfaction, from the start to the completion of a project. In order to understand the needs and expectations of our customers, we take great care to work and communicate with every customer in a professional manner. Our reputation is based on service, safety, and quality, regardless of how large or small the job.
"We hired BenChat Investments LLC to do some painting in our sunroom a few months ago. On the date schedule, Joe and his crew showed up on time and tarped off all areas to create a controlled work environment which we appreciated. I've delt with other contractors before and Joe with Benchar Investments definitely has the best communication regarding his process. We would definitely recommend them to friends and family. "
Vanessa H on May 2025
We take great pride in our experience, expertise, quality, and customer service that we provide to meet the consumer's needs. It is our mission to provide excellent workmanship and complete customer satisfaction, from the start to the completion of a project. In order to understand the needs and expectations of our customers, we take great care to work and communicate with every customer in a professional manner. Our reputation is based on service, safety, and quality, regardless of how large or small the job.
"We hired BenChat Investments LLC to do some painting in our sunroom a few months ago. On the date schedule, Joe and his crew showed up on time and tarped off all areas to create a controlled work environment which we appreciated. I've delt with other contractors before and Joe with Benchar Investments definitely has the best communication regarding his process. We would definitely recommend them to friends and family. "
Vanessa H on May 2025
Kahoalii Koncrete is committed to excellence in every aspect of our business. We uphold a standard of integrity bound by fairness, honesty, and personal responsibility. Our distinction is the quality of service we bring to our customers. Accurate knowledge of our trade combined with ability is what makes us true professionals. Above all, we are watchful of our customers' interests, and make their concerns the basis of our business.
"Very professional and friendly!"
Joel G on December 2023
Kahoalii Koncrete is committed to excellence in every aspect of our business. We uphold a standard of integrity bound by fairness, honesty, and personal responsibility. Our distinction is the quality of service we bring to our customers. Accurate knowledge of our trade combined with ability is what makes us true professionals. Above all, we are watchful of our customers' interests, and make their concerns the basis of our business.
"Very professional and friendly!"
Joel G on December 2023
We are committed to excellence in every aspect of our business. We uphold a standard of integrity bound by fairness, honesty and personal responsibility. Our distinction is the quality of service we bring to our customers. Accurate knowledge of our trade, combined with ability, is what makes us true professionals. Above all, we are watchful of our customers' interests and make their concerns the basis of our business
"he misleads you he does not respect and he brings tears to my eyes. he tells you that he has to go, he has another job and has to go. be aware of him"
Debra N on December 2022
We are committed to excellence in every aspect of our business. We uphold a standard of integrity bound by fairness, honesty and personal responsibility. Our distinction is the quality of service we bring to our customers. Accurate knowledge of our trade, combined with ability, is what makes us true professionals. Above all, we are watchful of our customers' interests and make their concerns the basis of our business
"he misleads you he does not respect and he brings tears to my eyes. he tells you that he has to go, he has another job and has to go. be aware of him"
Debra N on December 2022
Betterliving Patio and Sunrooms provides a variety of general contracting services for residential clients throughout the Greater Pittsburgh Area. Betterliving specializing in three and four season sunrooms, screen rooms, patios and decks, as well as, windows and doors. Owner and operator Raymond Hepp believes that one of the biggest advantages of Betterliving is its ability to combine highly competitive pricing with first-rate service. Ray started Betterliving Patio and Sunrooms in 1999 after years of selling sunrooms for another company. He decided it was time for him to branch out on his own. He believes in providing the customer with affordable, quality products and materials made and manufactured in the USA. Betterliving is exclusive and the quality, local manufactured products cannot be bought anywhere else. Parts and products are constantly being scrutinized for the best technology and quality available. Ray believes in using only the best quality for his customers. He never compromises on the quality of products and services. Maintaining customer satisfaction is a crucial aspect of Betterliving Patio and Sunrooms. We are known for effectively communicating with our clients throughout every step of their construction projects and realize it is crucial to make sure every job is completed to the customer’s satisfaction. We stay in contact with our clients before, during and after their projects so we can confirm they’re happy with our work and the final result.
"We couldn't be happier with our new 4-season sunroom, and we can't say enough about the people at Better Living Patio Rooms! We've had a lot of work done at our house over the years, but the crew from Better Living stands above the rest. Once the project began, work continued - without pause - until it was completed. From Anthony in sales, Mike in project management, Michelle and Jenn in the office, and Frank and Justin (who did the work), they were professional, detail-oriented, and friendly. I highly recommend Better Living. Brian in McCandless."
Brian C on December 2022
Betterliving Patio and Sunrooms provides a variety of general contracting services for residential clients throughout the Greater Pittsburgh Area. Betterliving specializing in three and four season sunrooms, screen rooms, patios and decks, as well as, windows and doors. Owner and operator Raymond Hepp believes that one of the biggest advantages of Betterliving is its ability to combine highly competitive pricing with first-rate service. Ray started Betterliving Patio and Sunrooms in 1999 after years of selling sunrooms for another company. He decided it was time for him to branch out on his own. He believes in providing the customer with affordable, quality products and materials made and manufactured in the USA. Betterliving is exclusive and the quality, local manufactured products cannot be bought anywhere else. Parts and products are constantly being scrutinized for the best technology and quality available. Ray believes in using only the best quality for his customers. He never compromises on the quality of products and services. Maintaining customer satisfaction is a crucial aspect of Betterliving Patio and Sunrooms. We are known for effectively communicating with our clients throughout every step of their construction projects and realize it is crucial to make sure every job is completed to the customer’s satisfaction. We stay in contact with our clients before, during and after their projects so we can confirm they’re happy with our work and the final result.
"We couldn't be happier with our new 4-season sunroom, and we can't say enough about the people at Better Living Patio Rooms! We've had a lot of work done at our house over the years, but the crew from Better Living stands above the rest. Once the project began, work continued - without pause - until it was completed. From Anthony in sales, Mike in project management, Michelle and Jenn in the office, and Frank and Justin (who did the work), they were professional, detail-oriented, and friendly. I highly recommend Better Living. Brian in McCandless."
Brian C on December 2022
We offer quality and affordable general remodeling services.
"Kevin and his team did an outstanding job restoring our basement bathroom. From start to finish, they were incredibly professional, careful, and thorough. I was particularly concerned about moisture getting into the tub area, and Kevin’s team went above and beyond to find the right set of tub and walls to fit our basement. They even had to return one set because it didn’t fit, and I was really impressed with their ability to pivot and ensure we had the best solution. Communication was excellent throughout the project. Kevin was very proactive, mostly texting us each day to let us know when to expect them and being flexible if I had traffic issues. They worked diligently every day over two weeks to complete the restoration, and their attention to detail really showed in the final result. I’m honestly surprised by how much I love the basement bathroom now! I didn’t think I would care much about it since it’s in the basement, but the quality of work has truly transformed the space. Overall, we couldn’t be happier with the work Kevin and his team did. They took the time to explain our options, addressed all of our concerns, and delivered a beautifully restored bathroom that exceeded our expectations. Highly recommend!"
Yazmin D on September 2024
We offer quality and affordable general remodeling services.
"Kevin and his team did an outstanding job restoring our basement bathroom. From start to finish, they were incredibly professional, careful, and thorough. I was particularly concerned about moisture getting into the tub area, and Kevin’s team went above and beyond to find the right set of tub and walls to fit our basement. They even had to return one set because it didn’t fit, and I was really impressed with their ability to pivot and ensure we had the best solution. Communication was excellent throughout the project. Kevin was very proactive, mostly texting us each day to let us know when to expect them and being flexible if I had traffic issues. They worked diligently every day over two weeks to complete the restoration, and their attention to detail really showed in the final result. I’m honestly surprised by how much I love the basement bathroom now! I didn’t think I would care much about it since it’s in the basement, but the quality of work has truly transformed the space. Overall, we couldn’t be happier with the work Kevin and his team did. They took the time to explain our options, addressed all of our concerns, and delivered a beautifully restored bathroom that exceeded our expectations. Highly recommend!"
Yazmin D on September 2024
We specialize in creating custom cabinet and countertop solutions for your kitchen, bath or any other part of your home.
"I started working with Jim Seibert of Trademark Cabinet Company this summer in preparation for a significant kitchen overhaul in my townhouse. From the beginning, he was open to my questions and preferences, and helped me plan and design cabinets to fit in the existing footprint but far surpassed the functionality of my 1980s cabinets. When it came time to do the demo in October, he and his crew were both friendly and professional, and cleaned up after themselves. I watched them repeatedly do calm and focused problem-solving on the fly, and they finished earlier than we expected. Then when they brought the gorgeous cabinets we chose, they were meticulous in their installation and gracious as I watched the whole process from my spot on the stairs. The finished product was superb, the price very competitive, and I only have compliments for their work."
Susan B on October 2023
We specialize in creating custom cabinet and countertop solutions for your kitchen, bath or any other part of your home.
"I started working with Jim Seibert of Trademark Cabinet Company this summer in preparation for a significant kitchen overhaul in my townhouse. From the beginning, he was open to my questions and preferences, and helped me plan and design cabinets to fit in the existing footprint but far surpassed the functionality of my 1980s cabinets. When it came time to do the demo in October, he and his crew were both friendly and professional, and cleaned up after themselves. I watched them repeatedly do calm and focused problem-solving on the fly, and they finished earlier than we expected. Then when they brought the gorgeous cabinets we chose, they were meticulous in their installation and gracious as I watched the whole process from my spot on the stairs. The finished product was superb, the price very competitive, and I only have compliments for their work."
Susan B on October 2023
Our mission is to be a provider that brings back the personal touch with our customers. We will build a relationship that will last a lifetime once you see our quality work. We're passionate about delivering an exceptional experience. When you hire us, you're hiring a team of professionals who are trained and skilled to deliver lasting value to your home. As a locally owned and operated business we feel invested in our clients and constantly strive for customer satisfaction. We won't leave until the job is done right! Call or click to schedule an estimate today!
"Great I would Highly recommend Him. Did a great job cleaned up after he e was done."
Jay K on October 2023
Our mission is to be a provider that brings back the personal touch with our customers. We will build a relationship that will last a lifetime once you see our quality work. We're passionate about delivering an exceptional experience. When you hire us, you're hiring a team of professionals who are trained and skilled to deliver lasting value to your home. As a locally owned and operated business we feel invested in our clients and constantly strive for customer satisfaction. We won't leave until the job is done right! Call or click to schedule an estimate today!
"Great I would Highly recommend Him. Did a great job cleaned up after he e was done."
Jay K on October 2023
20+ years of experience! Barton Construction, located in Westmoreland County, is a family owned and operated home improvement construction company. We specialize in customer satisfaction and getting the job done right the first time. Call and deal directly with the owner, Dave Barton. Call for a free estimate and availability. Less Barton Construction, located in Westmoreland County, is a family owned and operated home...
"This company was awesome to work with. All of the guys doing the work were super polite and respectful. All easy going and willing to help however they could. I had some tile replaced in my basement in front of my fireplace and it came out looking amazing. They also did some demo to remove old paneling and put up new plasterboard and did a texture plaster job on the walls. It came out looking absolutely incredible! Also as part of the project I needed to have low dust and not a lot of mess since I have some pets and a young child. They accommodated in spades and did a really good job. 10 of 10 will hire again."
Jeremy H on October 2023
20+ years of experience! Barton Construction, located in Westmoreland County, is a family owned and operated home improvement construction company. We specialize in customer satisfaction and getting the job done right the first time. Call and deal directly with the owner, Dave Barton. Call for a free estimate and availability. Less Barton Construction, located in Westmoreland County, is a family owned and operated home...
"This company was awesome to work with. All of the guys doing the work were super polite and respectful. All easy going and willing to help however they could. I had some tile replaced in my basement in front of my fireplace and it came out looking amazing. They also did some demo to remove old paneling and put up new plasterboard and did a texture plaster job on the walls. It came out looking absolutely incredible! Also as part of the project I needed to have low dust and not a lot of mess since I have some pets and a young child. They accommodated in spades and did a really good job. 10 of 10 will hire again."
Jeremy H on October 2023
Your galley kitchen needs adequate clearance around any island installation to maintain functionality. Most galley kitchens lack sufficient width for traditional islands, as these layouts prioritize efficiency in smaller spaces.
If your kitchen has an unusual width, consult with a kitchen designer who can evaluate your specific dimensions and recommend appropriate solutions. For narrower spaces, consider alternatives like rolling carts or narrow work tables that provide additional surface area without permanently restricting movement.
Kitchen remodels require six to 10 weeks for completion, though timelines vary based on project scope and material availability. Simple updates like cabinet refinishing and countertop replacement might finish within a few weeks, while comprehensive renovations involving structural changes often extend beyond two months.
Planning stages add approximately four weeks before construction begins. Maintaining clear communication with your contractor and ordering materials early helps prevent unnecessary delays.
Common errors include insufficient clearance between opposing countertops, inadequate lighting that creates shadowy work areas, and poor storage planning that leaves countertops cluttered. Some homeowners select oversized appliances that overwhelm the space or invest in expensive features that don't address fundamental workflow issues.
Careful planning, accurate measurements, and consultation with experienced professionals help avoid these pitfalls and ensure your renovation successfully addresses your kitchen's specific challenges.
Whether expansion makes sense depends on your home's layout, your budget, and your long-term plans. Combining a galley kitchen with neighboring spaces creates more open, flexible layouts that many buyers prefer. However, removing walls involves substantial costs, particularly if they contain plumbing, electrical systems, or structural elements.
Sometimes, optimizing your existing galley layout through better storage solutions and lighting proves more cost-effective than expansion. Consult with a contractor to evaluate specific costs for your situation.
Effective galley kitchen lighting combines multiple sources to eliminate shadows and create visual spaciousness. Overhead fixtures provide general illumination, while under-cabinet lighting illuminates work surfaces directly. Consider recessed ceiling fixtures that don't protrude into limited headspace.
Lighting with dimming capabilities allows adjustment for different activities. Reflective surfaces like glass tile backsplashes or glossy cabinet finishes help bounce light throughout the space, reducing the corridor effect common in galley layouts.