609-462-4260
Catherine M. Knight, AIA. Princeton, NJ.
John Garretson is a dedicated professional intent upon getting the most for his client out of every project – making it the best it can be and always remaining mindful of project budgets and schedules. His attention to detail is spectacular, leaving no unpleasant surprises at the end. I have particularly admired the work of Garretson Custom Builders on historical projects, which often pose special, complicated technical challenges. As an architect I have thoroughly enjoyed working with John. He has great ability to work effectively with owners, architects, and subcontractors, and I highly recommend him for any project.
Evelyn Gilbert-Bair. Princeton, NJ.
Having undertaken six renovation projects, I can say that John Garretson is one of the best builders you can hire. He stands out in his knowledge of and commitment to the highest quality construction standards. He took personal pride in his work on our house and did not cut corners even when under pressure. Rather, he bent over backwards to meet our exceedingly perfectionist standards. John is, without doubt, the most responsive contractor I have ever hired. He answered my calls immediately, met with us promptly and at our convenience, and often worked late into the night to get us a quote on a change order or solve a difficult construction problem. Even after we paid him our final check, he still showed up immediately to fix small problems that arose after the job. Finally, John is thoroughly trustworthy and honest. He worked very hard to reach a fair resolution when inevitable misunderstandings arose. He never took advantage of us, even when he could have. We have been in our newly-rebuilt house for some time now, and we grow more pleased with his work every day.
Mark & Jane Davis. Princeton, NJ.
Garretson Custom Builders did extensive renovations and additions to our 1970 Colonial home. We were extremely pleased with the level of workmanship and the attention to detail. We also found John and his crews to be conscientious and very responsive to concerns and issues which inevitably arose during the construction. We carefully considered a number of contractors for our project, and we definitely know we made the right decision to select John. We heartily recommend Garretson Custom Builders. Our neighbors now call our house “the pride of the neighborhood”!
Bob & Becky Seely. Metuchen, NJ.
John Garretson is the consummate professional – an expert in historic home renovation who provides not only the highest standard of workmanship, but also the highest standard of business integrity. We are extremely fortunate to be able to attest to this. Garretson Custom Builders was referred to us by our architect after an unscrupulous contractor left us in the middle of an extensive renovation of our circa 1868 Victorian Italianate house. John had to deal with not only with a very difficult existing situation of poor workmanship and improper construction, but with traumatized owners as well. He has far surpassed our expectations. John’s crew is also top notch – seasoned and talented professionals. Garretson Custom Builders not only gave us back peace of mind and a livable home, but also helped to give us back our vision for this grand old house.
Ronald Berlin, AIA. Princeton, NJ.
As a persnickety architect, I approached my first-time project with John with a certain degree of trepidation. Was he committed to respecting the design and able to sweat the details to realize the aesthetic intent? I quickly discovered that he had as much interest in making a beautiful building as I did. He contacted my office whenever a question arose on site, and we solved every problem collaboratively, always working together to achieve the best result. He dealt with me and my client with unfailing courtesy and fairness, and often contributed inventive suggestions utterly consistent with the design intent. An architect seeking to create a fine and artful building couldn’t wish for a better man to bring it into being.
Bruce & Marcia Willsie. Princeton, NJ.
When we began the historically-sensitive restoration of our 18th century farmhouse, we sought recommendations from The Historical Society of Princeton for a builder on whom we could rely and were directed to Garretson Custom Builders. We could not have been happier with the results. From early in the process it became clear that John Garretson was meticulous, professional and exceptionally honest. He was careful to keep us informed of necessary changes in the scope of work and was sensitive to our budgetary concerns. Innovative and a problem-solver, John found solutions for the frequently complex construction problems that arise during the restoration of old structures while remaining ever mindful of the historic integrity of the house. Whatever the type of your project, you will be in good hands with Garretson Custom Builders.
Carol Reimann, Office of Real Estate Finance. Princeton University.
Garretson Custom Builders recently completed substantial renovations and additions to a Victorian home on behalf of Princeton University. John and his crew painstakingly rebuilt the inside and outside of the house from bottom to top. Details were paramount to this historic renovation, and John’s attention down to the smallest item was remarkable. He even hand-fabricated the decorative soffit vents! The end result was a truly stunning and superbly crafted house. I found John’s willingness to work with me a true asset, especially his ability to provide options to solve various construction dilemmas. A truly professional company!
Peter Gruen & Anne Elliott. Lawrenceville, NJ.
Garretson Custom Builders remodeled the kitchen of our Colonial house, originally build in 1732. All the work John did was truly excellent, and it was a great pleasure to work with him and his people. Everything fit in perfectly with the old-style, careful craftsmanship of the rest of the house. We’ve invited John back to do other small projects around the house, and we have recommended him to our friends.
R.T. Princeton, NJ.
Garretson Custom Builders did a complete interior renovation of my apartment, including the kitchen, bathrooms, a coffered ceiling and many other architectural elements. The entire job was completed in a timely and professional manner, and the workmanship was splendid. In addition, John helped solve several thorny design problems arising from the age of the building and the layout of the apartment. Not only was the work of the highest quality, but all members of the crew were courteous, friendly, and of the highest ethical standards. I unhesitatingly recommend John and his team.
Andy Strauss & Leigh Gibson. Princeton, NJ.
We met John and the Garretson Custom Builders team as the carpentry subcontractor to our painter on a relatively small job – residing the cedar shakes on our old house in preparation for a comprehensive paint job. Although I knew John had bigger construction projects going at the same time, we were still treated as if our job was the most important. And when some problems arose in our house unrelated to his work, John quickly pitched in to help solve them. He will be the first contractor we call when we renovate again!
Architect & Client Testimonials