Home / About

A small company that answers its own phone.

Distinctive Custom Renovation is a family-owned, licensed home improvement contractor run by Jose Peña. When you call, you talk to the person who will walk your space, write your proposal and be accountable for the result.

A finished DCR bathroom

Our crew does the work

Demolition, framing, drywall, waterproofing, tile, trim, doors and paint are done by our own crew, led by our foreman. Plumbing and electrical go to licensed tradespeople we work with regularly, under permits we file. That's how we keep quality consistent and schedules honest.

Estimates you can actually read

Every proposal is organized into sections by trade and area, each with its own price and a clear list of included labor, included materials and what's not included, so you can see what each part of the project costs. You choose the finishes; we supply everything that goes behind them. No lump sums, and no allowances that mysteriously run out.

A client portal for every project

Once you sign, you get your own private client portal. It shows your schedule, progress photos, documents and invoices, and it's where you approve changes, send us questions and pay invoices online, right from the invoice. Every payment is logged automatically, so your whole project record is in one place, and you'll always know where things stand without chasing anyone for an update.

One team, start to finish

Design help through the local designers and architects we work with, permits and building approvals, our own crew, licensed plumbers and electricians, daily cleanup, and a final walkthrough where we finish every punch-list item. One contract, one point of contact, and a job that gets done.

Who we work with

Homeowners, condo and co-op owners, landlords, architects and interior designers. We're glad to build from your architect's drawings or work alongside your designer and cabinet showroom. If you don't have one, we can connect you with local designers, architects and suppliers we work with who can help you choose finishes.

Licensed, bonded, insured, and easy to verify

New Jersey home improvement contractor registration #13VH06205100. We're bonded and fully insured. Certificates of insurance are issued to your building or management company on request.

Freestanding tub and glass tile

How a project runs

  1. Free walkthrough

    We meet at your place, measure, and talk through what you want, your budget and your timeline.

  2. Detailed estimate

    A price for each section, with exactly what's included and what isn't. Approve it online.

  3. Plan & permits

    Selections, schedule, permits and any building approvals, all set before work starts.

  4. Build

    Our crew and licensed trades do the work. You follow along in your client portal.

  5. Final walkthrough

    We go room by room with you and finish every punch-list item.

Let's build something you'll love coming home to.

Free walkthrough and a detailed, itemized estimate. No pressure.

Call nowFree estimate