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Our Other Reviews

Rufino was an absolute pleasure to work with on our mudroom/laundry room project. We’re thrilled with our new space and his creative design skills, attention to detail, excellent craftsmanship and genuine dependability and thoughtfulness are big reasons why. I highly recommend Rufino and look forward to working with him again. Background: We started our project with another excellent contractor and our laundry room and mudroom were separate rooms divided by a wall and archway. We had planned to buy semi-custom cabinets for the laundry room and for our contractor to build custom lockers within our existing mudroom closet. When we confirmed we could remove the wall and closet and make the space one room instead of two, we wanted the cabinetry and lockers to transition seamlessly and our current contractor said we really needed someone with a full shop to do it right as the scale of the work was beyond what he could do on site. I asked around and a friend suggested Rufino. I emailed Rufino on a Sunday and we set up a meeting for the next day. Process: Rufino listened to my wants, needs and ideas, translated them into a design during that very first meeting and within a couple hours had a good baseline design and 3-D drawing. He made a few suggestions and we tweaked the design together over the next few weeks until it was perfect. Then, since he is a designer AND a builder, he was able to move right into the build phase and didn’t lose anything in the translation which was wonderful and made it easy on me. While Rufino built the cabinets and lockers off site, our original contractor finished the tile floor and prepared the plumbing and electrical for the new layout. Outcome: In short, Rufino exceeded my high expectations. Being an engineer, I’m quite particular with design, build quality, fit and finish and the function of a space. Rufino communicated well and went above and beyond to help me make decisions. For example, one weekend and unsolicited, he built and dropped off a full scale prototype to help me better visualize the wainscoting. It was a huge help. The Bottom Line: Rufino is a gem. He is talented, dependable, courteous and an overall pleasure to work with. I like being in the room so much that I truly enjoy doing laundry!

Linda W. - Novi, MI

I have worked with Rufino Labra for almost a year. We explored a simple kitchen remodel to a full scale blow out with major additions and open concept ideas before settling on a final plan. His thoughts and ideas were very good, helpful and his design program helped us visualize what we could have and helped us settle on a final design. I don't make decisions easily and Rufino was patient with me and encouraging. I have to explore everything to be sure I am doing the right thing. He didn't get exasperated with me , just kept offering ideas in whatever direction I was going at the time. His fees were reasonable and he was very accommodating time wise. I love his furniture design. He is low key personally but quite talented professionally. I wouldn't hesitate in recommending him.

Robin N. - West Bloomfield, MI

We had our main deck completely demolished and rebuilt; we had a second-story deck demolished, a door removed and replaced with drywall; we had a smaller lower level deck rebuilt; we had the slope of a curved bridge modified and refinished. I highly recommend working with Rufino Labra and Labra Design + Build. The most important aspect of our project was demolishing our aging cedar deck overlooking a ravine, adding 120 square feet to it, and adding deck lighting which we had never had. We also needed an unused (except by the raccoons) smaller deck area demolished, the door removed and replaced with drywall. Additionally, we had a curved bridge over a gully leading to our entrance on which we wanted the slope modified to make the tie-in to the landing gentler. Initially we were looking at Trex or Azec (both "faux" wood) for the deck but after some investigation discovered cumaru, a Brazilian hardwood similar to ipe. Rufino was the only contractor we contacted to investigate this possibility, and offered to do the deck in the cumaru for the price of Azec, and included the lighting package at no additional charge. We were also initially considering glass railing panels, but knowing that we live in a wooded area and feed the local birds, Rufino mentioned that the birds might fly into the glass and get hurt or killed, so he gave us the option of stainless steel cable, and we are so glad we opted for that! The finished deck is spectacular! The woodworking detail is amazing. Rufino also offered to install soffit lights at no charge because he knew we would love them. We do! Rufino and his crew showed up every day on time, they worked efficiently and with enormous attention to detail. He has a degree in architecture from Lawrence Tech, so in addition to being an incredibly skilled craftsman he is also artistic and talented. He was in constant communication on any changes or issues (they found carpenter ants had chewed up a lot of the old deck and advised us to call an exterminator -- we did!). They all really went above and beyond, they finished within the time Rufino had estimated despite some rainy days, and we are enormously pleased with the results. We will definitely work with Labra Design + Build in the future.

Jeanie B. - Southfield, MI

Rufino Labra of Labra Design and Build did a great job on our house. literally the only builder I spoke to that grasp the full concept. Then he made incredible design suggestions and improvements throughout the process. Great handmade quality work at beyond reasonable prices. Give him a call!

Marci D. - South Lyon, MI

We were so pleased with the project that Labra Design did for our Mid Century Modern house. I saw a project he did (found it through Houzz) and Rufino was very quick to respond to my request, and he was able to squeeze our smaller project in quickly. We had a huge hole in our main room, and we needed a stair rail, needed it quickly because we have a two year old and the house just wasn't safe as it was. He was quick to draw up sketches and seemed to understand our aesthetic and what we wanted without ever seeing the project in person. He was also very willing to research different price options to keep within our budget. I was impressed with his effort and commitment to making sure the stair rail was as safe as possible. The install went smoothly and was right on time. We can't wait to use Labra Design again when we redo our master bathroom and kitchen!

Kate B. - Franklin, MI

We worked with Rufino to update the bathrooms and closets in our home – master bath/closet and two upstairs bathrooms and closets. He is a “True Professional” in many ways. He worked with my husband and me to create a modern design that encompassed our ideas. He introduced us to options that are more current in design as well. He created 3D images of our proposed master bathroom and custom closet using our material choices. These images were incredibly helpful in understanding what the finished rooms would look like. His calm demeanor put me at ease with the project and took away my reservations of having our home renovated. Also, having workers in your home can be stressful and Rufino completed the work in the time proposed! Most importantly, I feel Rufino is very trustworthy and was very accessible to me during the project - answering my questions and communicating the next steps in the work being done via cell, text and email. Our bathrooms and closets were finished with detailed workmanship and expert service. He worked hard to make sure we were totally satisfied. They look simply AMAZING. We look forward to more projects with Rufino and Labra Design Build!

Lori Z. - Commerce Twp., MI