Business Spotlight: O’Shea Builders LLC

The mission of O’Shea Builders remains as basic as it did when the company was founded 20 years ago and that is to foster lasting relationships with clients through transparency, quality craftsmanship, and community focused values.

O'Shea Builders is a residential remodeling-only company
that provides quality kitchen, bathroom and whole home
remodeling services. SUBMITTED PHOTO

Warren O’Shea created O’Shea Builders as a residential remodeling-only company, and it offers comprehensive design and whole-house remodeling. The company is known for personalized solutions, integrity, and consumer advocacy.

“Very few companies are remodeling only,” O’Shea said. “I come from the hospitality industry which is built upon customer service, attention to detail, and customer satisfaction. At one time, I was the youngest member of the New England Innkeepers Association. Our most-sought qualities are trust and communication. Almost all our vacation home remodels have owners who are out of state. Keeping them informed and engaged is of the utmost importance.”

With decades of experience in remodeling, O’Shea says the company’s expertise lies in transforming and revitalizing his clients’ living spaces efficiently and effectively, with a primary focus on providing quality kitchen, bathroom, and whole home renovations.

“Over the last 20 years we have developed not only procedures, but systems to ensure unparalleled customer service,” O’Shea said. “We are like a personal chef, and we don't offer a drive-up window service. We strive to make the client feel exclusive. We do not put signs in their yards, we have no truck lettering, and we don't post their project on social media without their expressed permission. I do not want the client to feel that we are using their project as a springboard for prospecting new projects in the neighborhood. Their project is their business, and their privacy is mine. When we perform as designed, the work inquiries will come organically. We have a pre-existing NDA within our company for all O’Shea Builders employees and have performed under NDA's as well.”

Without reservation, O’Shea credits his employees for the company’s longevity and business success.

“O’Shea Builders is nothing without them and they are our biggest fans,” he said. “If you have the good fortune to meet any one of them, they will tell you that they feel valued, supported, engaged, challenged and well-compensated. Our benefits package is as robust as a company four times as large. My goal is to have each and every one of them be so stable and confident in their position that they do not consider working anywhere else.”

The company has more 5-star reviews than any contractor in Maine and is the top-rated remodeling services provider in the state. O’Shea attributes this to an emphasis on not only pleasing customers but a sincere desire to seek more.

“Our goal is not merely just customer satisfaction but exceeding expectations,” O’Shea said. “The basis of the positive feedback we receive is flatly, customer service,” he said. “The individual parts of customer service are knowledge, transparency, flexibility, and communication.”

That focus has resulted in long-lasting relationships with clients who continue to praise O’Shea Builders on social media.

“Responded quickly to inquiries and changes made during process. His team completely renovated two rooms in an ancient house without a single level board in the place, and they did an outstanding job. They also built a great set of stairs leaving the building. Highly recommend Warren for whatever your needs.” Angeline M.

“O’Shea Builders were instrumental in helping us sell our house. On multiple occasions, they came in with very little notice and fixed various problems that came up when our house was on the market. Once under contract, we needed to replace a large section of the wood floors in our kitchen. For a very affordable price and without notice, they did a beautiful job on the repair which included matching new flooring to an old/worn wooden floor. We can’t wait to get started with them in our new house!” John W.

“Wish we could give Warren and O’Shea Builders 10 stars. They were very responsive and professional. They not only did the repairs in a timely fashion, but they also made great suggestions for future repairs.” Karen B.

Serving most of Southern Maine and the Coastal and Lakes Region, O’Shea Builders has earned a stellar reputation through the years for quality, exceptional craftsmanship, thinking differently and responsiveness but O’Shea says its underlying core value is simple.

“It’s about creating relationships with our clients and being intuitive to their needs,” O’Shea said. “We get to know them to help them find their dream.”

For more details about O’Shea Builders LLC, visit https://buildwithoshea.com/ Find them on Facebook under O'Shea Builders LLC. <

Business Spotlight: Coastal Construction and Design

With every project it completes, Coastal Construction and Design adds to its reputation for exceptional quality, timeless design, meticulous attention to detail and putting the customer first.

Based in Gorham, Coastal Construction and Design is a full-service construction and design firm offering full General Contractor services for new construction homes or large-scale renovations. It also provides full Interior Design services for larger projects, and it is included in the cost.

Diana and Chris Friedlund are the husband and wife team
of Coastal Construction and Design. SUBMITTED PHOTO

“This includes designing all of the furniture that will go into your new home, ordering and installing the furniture for a truly one-stop shop turn-key package,” said Chris and Diana Friedlund, the husband-and-wife team who own and operate Coastal Construction and Design. “We work on new construction, existing family homes, camps, and even historic properties.”

According to Chris, combining construction and design in one company saves customers time and money.

“That makes an enormous difference if a client is looking for a seamless and efficient construction process. It can be emotionally draining when a client is stuck between their builder and their designer,” he said. “Or, in most instances, between their builder and their spouse for example. We cut out that stress. We communicate efficiently, and often since we are under the same roof. We really are a true ‘Maine’ couple that loves building a client's dream home, and we do it as if it's our own money. We don't waste time or money, and we really get invested. We care about the final result from the start right up until the very last day of work.”

He said Coastal Construction and Design is passionate about making high-end style accessible for all.

“We work with you to transform your environment into a comforting, timeless space so you can share it with those you love most,” Chris said.

“Having a custom home builder and designer under one roof keeps the building process efficient and effective. We believe that the best design solutions can only be realized when design and construction go hand in hand. That’s what makes us different.”

Diana says the couple’s ability to bounce ideas off one another and become energized with creativity on every job they take on creates a worthwhile final result.

“We also strive to have multiple subcontractors on the same page and that makes for smooth projects,” she said.

Best known for large-scale renovations, most Coastal Construction and Design jobs consist of kitchens, bathrooms and mudrooms.

“We focus on high quality specialty features in areas of a home that really wow our clients,” Diana said. “We specialize in problem solving and tackling even the most perplexing layouts. Are you dreaming of a beautifully renovated kitchen or living room that perfectly embodies your style and enhances your everyday living experience? We’re here to give you the home of your dreams, starting with your hardest working rooms.”

As a small company, Coastal Construction and Design can deliver extremely competitive pricing with exceptional results.

“I am certain our pricing is extremely competitive,” Diana said. “We pride ourselves on encouraging our clients to spend where it matters, and only where it matters. Design features do not have to be pricey. We can get the ‘look for less’ and have a truly magazine-worthy result, with budget-friendly materials like the tile, or the knobs, or sometimes the lighting.”

The couple says that most Maine homeowners can benefit from finding a company that drafts the plans, designs the entire home, builds their home, and then furnishes it, making it more efficient and a less stressful experience.

“That's where we excel,” Diana said. “We’re not the quickest or the cheapest, but we are honest.”

Chris started his career working for other contractors before deciding to launch his own business in 2014. At the time, Diana was a stay-at-home mom but loved design and helped her husband with ideas on the side all the time.

“So, I asked him ‘why did you put 'design' in the name," she said. “He said it was for me, in the future, when I was ready. Fast forward to 2019 when my daughter started Kindergarten, and I was ready to work full time.”

To learn more about Coastal Constriction and Design, call 207-577-1653 or visit www.coastalconstructionanddesign.com Find them on Facebook and Instagram under Coastal Construction and Design. <

Business Spotlight: Cleaning Essentials

The customer always comes first at Cleaning Essentials and it’s part of the reason the Raymond-based cleaning company remains successful.

Owned by Regan Burke, Cleaning Essentials offers personable, reliable, and experienced staff, flat-rate fees and customizable cleaning services while using green cleaning products and emphasizing efficiency.

“Helping our customers has always been our mission at Cleaning Essentials,” Burke said. “There are no surprises with our customized flat-rate fee based on the scope of work for your particular needs.”

She said that Cleaning Essentials has reasonable hourly rates for move-ins and move-outs or for deep cleans, and the company thoroughly trains its employees to be as efficient and productive as possible on the job creating total customer satisfaction.

Cleaning Essentials provides expertise in specialty surfaces. Regular maintenance includes floor care, dusting, mopping, vacuuming, and making kitchens and bathrooms sparkle. Extra al la carte services include ovens, refrigerators, making beds, and windows. No job is too large or too small for its staff, many of whom have been with the company for years.

“Our team of people are fully trained staff that can efficiently clean a house in a reasonable period of time at a fair and reasonable cost,” Burke said. “We clean homes, businesses, and vacation rentals. We also work closely with homebuilders and real estate professionals to get the job done right.”

The Cleaning Essentials company also is socially conscious and participates in a wide array of community service programs, including Cleaning For A Reason for cancer patients, and also offer a FLEX program for teachers, law enforcement, firefighters, and the elderly.

“It's not the 1950's anymore. Cleaning services are more mainstream than ever before, especially after COVID,” Burke said. “Regular maintenance cleaning is proven to reduce stress, anxiety, and to improve household relationships and overall health. This is a no judgement zone. This is what we do.”

Burke says that she started cleaning in her neighborhood during high school as a way to help pay for her horse. “Thirty years later when he passed, I started making natural products called Noteworthy Naturals,” she said. “Simultaneously, I joined up with another single mom to clean for extra income. The products and the company took off. I’ve come full circle.”

Since launching Cleaning Essentials in 2017, the company now has just under a dozen employees but continues to grow. “We’re small but mighty,” Burke said. “Consistency and reliability are what we are all about and we are not like the rest.

Customers have certainly noticed and Cleaning Essentials is now an award-winning company, taking home the 2023 Best of the 207 Award and in 2023 it was the gold recipient of the Eagle Choice Award for cleaning services.

Social media and Google reviews are exceptional.

“I have been very happy with the services provided by Cleaning Essentials. The crew that cleans my house are on time, friendly, go about their work efficiently and are the least disruptive of any previous cleaning services I've used. In addition, the admin staff are very responsive and a pleasure to deal with. Thank you, Cleaning Essentials!” Connee Bush

“I was impressed by the cleaning results, but also by the efficiency – there was no wasted effort. The company came to us highly recommended by neighbors who would never recommend anyone who wasn’t superior. Later, I used this company for interim cleaning of the toilets and kitchen. Once again, the work was done very well.” Peter Greer

“Cleaning essentials did a fantastic job on our family's camp! They cleaned very thoroughly and left the place in pristine condition. Regan and Amanda were also responsive and were very clear on price (which was a great value for how deeply they cleaned). Thank you!” Anna Hartley

“Love working with Cleaning Essentials. Everyone is friendly, responsive, and efficient. They do a great job cleaning and go out of their way to make us happy. 10/10 would recommend.” Sofia Prado Huggins

“I’ve used Cleaning Essentials for years. It’s the best cleaning service I’ve ever had. The staff does an excellent job. I never hesitate to recommend them.” Kerrie Mangione

For more information about Cleaning Essentials services or associated costs, call 207-804-8966 or visit their website at www.mycleaningessentials.com You can also find them on Instagram, YouTube, TikTok and on Facebook at Facebook.com/CleaningEssentials207. <