Mapleton Avenue resident Mike Hall worked as a carpenter building movie sets for films that were shooting in Pittsburgh. The long hours and unpredictability of the film industry began taking a toll on his family life, prompting him to shift his focus to residential projects.
In 2019, Mike and his wife, Andrea, founded Craft Contractors. Known for its eco-conscious practices and attention to detail, Craft has built a reputation for high-quality work and thoughtful construction practices that minimize waste.
From the start, sustainability has guided the company’s work. The team reuses materials when possible, recycles job site waste and sources supplies from environmentally responsible vendors. Much of their hardwood comes from Vincent Gillen of Burgettstown, who harvests fallen trees on his 600-acre property. They also purchase from Green Building Products, which specializes in sustainable materials.
“Even if a client isn’t focused on being eco-friendly, we make it a point to recycle everything we can,” Hall said. “We sort metal, plastic and cardboard from our job sites and take it to Michael Brothers Hauling for proper recycling.”
Carpenter Sarah Krizon plays a key role in the company’s green efforts. Raised in a lower-middle-class household, she developed an early appreciation for reuse that shapes her work.
“I want to make sure that I’m doing everything I can to keep things out of the landfill,” she said. “If we can reuse something, we will. If we can pass it on to someone else to use, we’ll do that too.”
Craft Contractors operates with a small, close-knit team. Mike said a focus on client satisfaction, collaboration and craftsmanship drives their success.
“If it’s worth doing, it’s worth doing right,” he said. “We take pride in our work. If something isn’t perfect, we’ll make it right.”
Jenny Presto, Cedar Boulevard, hired Craft for multiple projects, including a kitchen renovation using Marmoleum, a flooring material made from natural products, with no toxic chemicals.
“Jenny is artistic and very open to using recycled materials,” Hall said. “We love when our clients are passionate about sustainability too because it creates a great partnership.”
Gennie and Eric Johnson, Firwood Drive, hired Craft to complete an addition to their home that blends seamlessly with the original structure.
“We have to tell people where the addition starts,” Gennie said. “They did a beautiful job.”
“They’re very cautious about dust control,” Eric added. “They’re different in a refreshing way.”
Earlier this year, Craft expanded into interior design. Andrea Hall, who has had a long passion for design, works alongside Krizon to guide clients through sustainable options.
“We can offer clients the opportunity to incorporate recycled and reused materials into their homes, helping them make more sustainable choices without sacrificing style,” she said.
The team often refers clients to places like Construction Junction, a Pittsburgh nonprofit that sells salvage and surplus construction materials, furniture and more.
“The goal is to show people that we can repurpose and reuse materials instead of tossing them in the trash,” Krizon said.
As Craft Contractors continues to grow, its mission remains rooted in sustainability and service.
“We try to take small steps toward sustainability every day,” Mike said. “It’s not always easy, but if we can make a difference, it’s worth it.”
Visit craftcontractorspgh.com [1] or call 412-605-2047 for more information.