Our story began when owner Robert Kraft developed a love for historic homes at an early age. He became enthralled with a 1767 house near his hometown in Massachusetts, and this sparked his lifelong passion for carpentry. Robert graduated from college with a degree in economics, and after a cross-country road trip to the West Coast, began working as a carpenter in Eugene, Oregon.
In 1979, Robert was serendipitously introduced to the producers of Boston’s PBS station. They were about to air a new show and needed a carpenter/caretaker for the home they were renovating. Robert lived in the house and put his carpentry skills to work during the first season of “This Old House,” then returned to Oregon to settle down and build a life. It became one of the more popular TV series on PBS, resulting in a number of spin-offs, as well as a magazine.
In 1982, Robert obtained his Oregon General Contractor’s License and started running Robert Kraft Carpentry from the back of his truck. As business grew, he began working from his homeʼs basement, and by 1988, Kraft Carpentry, Inc. was born.
Kraft Carpentry continued to grow throughout the late 1980s and 1990s, reaching over 15 employees. To meet his business’ growing needs, Robert bought the old West Salem Post Office building in 1997 and completely renovated the space into what is now Kraft’s main office. It was around this time that Roger Stuckart joined Kraft as a Project Coordinator.
After years of expansion, Robert realized that bigger isn’t always better when it comes to a service-oriented business. He saw the value in taking a more personalized approach to each project. He did this by refining Kraftʼs systems and processes to ensure his clientsʼ needs and concerns were taken care of from start to finish. Most of all, he wanted his clients to be happy and love their home.
With this in mind, Robert made a conscious decision to downsize, and renamed the company in 2001 to Kraft Custom Construction, Inc. to better reflect his desire to provide a more sophisticated, personalized home remodeling experience.
Kraft now has a handful of dedicated employees who share his vision for providing the highest quality work, craftsmanship and service to a select number of clients in the Portland, Salem, and Eugene metropolitan areas.
We are Leaders. Kraft Custom Construction is a recognized leader in raising industry standards. Our work and our contributions to the community are well known in Portland, Salem, and Eugene.
We are Experts. Kraft has been in the business for more than 37 years. We have perfected our processes and procedures to minimize surprises and ensure the entire project is taken care of. When you work with us, you have a skilled contractor in your corner who values solid procedures and has the ability to exceptionally manage all the moving pieces of your job.
We Build Trust. Trust is everything. We help you create a home you love living in, that flows with ease—and lasts a lifetime. To that end, we use the highest quality materials, and only work with tradesmen we trust. We also work with clients who trust us to exceed their expectations.
You are Our Priority. We make sure designing and creating the home of your dreams is fun and stress-free. Through daily communication and mindful awareness, we aim to anticipate your needs and minimize disruptions to your daily routine. From the moment we meet you to the final walk-through, we are with you every step of the way.
We are Leaders. Kraft Custom Construction is a recognized leader in raising industry standards. Our work and our contributions to the community are well known in Portland, Salem, and Eugene.
We are Experts. Kraft has been in the business for more than 35 years. We have perfected our processes and procedures to minimize surprises and ensure the entire project is taken care of. When you work with us, you have a skilled contractor in your corner who values solid procedures and has the ability to exceptionally manage all the moving pieces of your job.
We Build Trust. Trust is everything. We help you create a home you love living in, that flows with ease—and lasts a lifetime. To that end, we use the highest quality materials, and only work with tradesmen we trust. We also only work with select clients who trust us to exceed their expectations.
You are Our Priority. We make sure designing and creating the home of your dreams is fun and stress-free. Through daily communication and mindful awareness, we aim to anticipate your needs and minimize disruptions to your daily routine. From the moment we meet you to the final walk-through, we are with you every step of the way.
Behind every successful company is a dedicated and hardworking team. Kraft wouldn’t be an industry leader without its talented employees. They are the bread to our butter and the foundation of everything we do.
"We're not just a business; we're members of the community. We have an obligation to this environment, to contribute to its maintenance and longevity. It's important to also give back to the community that we live in by volunteering with non-profits and civic entities. But in the end, it all comes down to treating people and their homes with respect, and with the same dignity and professionalism that we would like to be treated with."
"I love the variety; every job and client are 100% different. We are not cookie-cutter or production-based—everything is custom and individualized to each project. There are so many options and products on the market; We work with homeowners to find the best solutions for their needs and give them exactly what they want. We provide value and quality. That quality shows in the relationships we build and how most of our work comes from repeat clients."
PRO TIP"Predictability keeps your stress low. No matter how tidy and conscientious workers are, it is a construction zone. There will always be some degree of dust, noise and changes to your routine. We go above and beyond to protect your home and are sensitive to your individual needs. We will ensure you know what to expect so your life remains as peaceful as possible. And hey, this may be a great time to get out of the house and take a vacation!”
PRO TIP"Surprises are great, but not in construction projects. You want a contractor who’s prepared and organized—who goes over every single detail with you, twice, before any work begins. From design to final walk-through, extensive materials lists to detailed schedules, our love of super-thorough planning makes each project as surprise-free as possible."
PRO TIP"Know the company culture. Anyone can slap on a tool belt and claim to know what they’re doing. Before you hire a contractor, talk to past clients to find out if they had a good experience and are happy with the results. Integrity, service and professionalism are rare in this industry, but it makes a huge difference and that's what we're here for!"
PRO TIP"This process is about building relationships. Your contractor is going to feel like a family member by the time your project is done. They will be in your home, interacting with you and your pets, and should be sensitive to your needs. Don’t feel bad about interviewing multiple contractors and trusting your gut. Remember, you’re going to be around these people every day—so pay attention to how a company makes you feel."