Tesimonials

Recognized for Outstanding Craftsmanship, Leadership, and Organization

Finish Carpentry
New Construction Services
  • beautiful workmanship from my builder Matt

    I walk around my newly renovated/revamped/renewed home and it is hard for me to stop smiling. Much of that joy comes from the beautiful workmanship from my builder Matt. The initial project was a rebuild/expansion of an existing enclosed front porch but as soon as the old porch was removed, and I saw the light coming into my previously dark living room, I decided to merge the spaces. I was not exactly sure how to make it come together but after speaking with Matt I felt like he could make my idea work. At the end I was beyond pleased with the outcome and I ENJOYED the entire process of working with Matt.

    Responsive and communicative-such as time lines, when i could paint and when I needed to be finished etc….
    • Asked the right questions to elicit what my goals were for the space and how I wanted it to work/feel/look. Actually listened and did not push any other agenda..
    • Beautiful detailed workmanship. I feel like I should highlight this as I am still walking around admiring his craftsmanship. He is clearly thinking and problem solving all the time. He has the ability to find creative solution
    • Always left the project clean and tidy. Was aware of how the project came into my living space and made sure I had space to put up my Christmas tree.
    • All of the subcontractors involved in the project were scheduled through Matt and arrived as expected and if there were issues, he was on top of following up with them. Made sure my motion sensor was working which took 3 visits from electrician but I knew he was taking care of it
    • We had some major changes in the scope of the project and Matt provided the impact of the changes so I was aware of the end cost.
    • Project would have been completed on original timeline if I had not made such substantial changes. I am grateful he was able to work with me and expand the project.


    I am both delighted by the outcome and the entire process which is the best of all worlds.  Matt was a pleasure to work with and also a person of substance and integrity.
    Sarah G Bloy,
    Brunswick, ME
  • exceptionally skilled as a builder and a communicator

    I had the pleasure of working with Matt on a 7-month gut renovation, and I can’t recommend him highly enough.  I chose him based on glowing recommendations from my window guy and painter, and it’s clear his subcontractors love working with him. I now know why: he’s exceptionally skilled as a builder and a communicator and is very customer-focused. 
    From start to finish, his communication was exceptional. He kept me well-informed about timelines, challenges, and all available options, always making sure I felt included in the decision-making process. What stood out the most was his customer-centric and consultative approach. Whenever unexpected challenges arose, he always found and presented creative solutions that took into account what mattered most to me. With his exacting standards and technical skills, he turned my dream remodel into a reality! Extra bonus points:  he left the worksite spotless every day. 
    He’s become so popular in my neighborhood that my neighbors have been lining up for their own renovation projects!
    Lisa Noble
    Brunswick, ME
  • skilled builder and master of difficult repairs

    Matt Portela worked for our family as a skilled builder and master of difficult repairs. In addition, he served as an efficient contractor for other necessary services. He was able to recommend “responsible workmen in other fields such as plumbing, electricity, driveway paving, etc.” Aside from his having performed much exterior and interior work on our house, he was a delight to have on the premises: intelligent, friendly, and, during household emergencies (which most families face) willing to step in with assistance. All the aforementioned assistance being entirely outside his job description. A finer, more experienced builder, carpenter and repairman would be hard, if not impossible, to find. Our family gives him FIVE stars on a range of 1-5.
    Charlotte Thomson Iserbyt
    Dresden, ME
  • outstanding listener & problem-solver

    Matt Portela came highly recommended to my wife and I by Hammond Lumber Co., of Brunswick, ME. for a very unusual type of construction project on our roof trusses and a second project adding custom cabinetry and trim fixes as we replaced our W/D. Hammond’s Project Planning Manager described Matt as an outstanding listener, problem-solver and an excellent framing and finish carpenter. He also mentioned that Matt works well with the lumber yard’s construction designers and engineers, and other lumber yard personnel. We learned Matt is also a man of integrity and has strong work ethics. Too many details for here, but I can say our repair project required thinking outside-the-box, collaborating with engineers and designers to come up with unique fixes, and use of top-of-the-industry materials. Matt’s forte is building tiny houses, but that was not the case with our project; however, his ability to move and work in tiny spaces proved invaluable as much of our work dealt with working in very tight spaces. Matt worked without any wasted motions and completed the job well within of his estimated timeframe. He left the jobsite looking spotless. We are so very happy with the safety of our entire roofing system and absolutely love the look of our utility area – and, my wife can now reach everything. Now, we highly recommend Matt Portela. Matt Portela is one of those unique carpenters who can handle any type of construction project. We are 100% satisfied.
    Rex J. Harrison
    Bath, Maine
  • high quality work in a timely manner

    I am writing to recommend the services of Matt Portela of MP Customs. I have been a interior designer for 30 years and have worked with matt for over 2 years now. I would highly recommend him as an excellent builder and contractor and he is at the top of my list for any job, large or small. Matt is more than dedicated when approaching and completing a project. He has consistently produced high quality work in a timely manner. He asks all the right questions and is an excellent trouble shooter. he is pro active with innovative possible solutions and creative ideas. He is conscientious and responsive and approaches all projects with enthusiasm and professionalism. I am confident that any person or business hiring Matt will be totally satisfied. I am positive that once you have worked with Matt, you will be hard pressed to find a better person for your needs. As a designer, there is an ease in knowing that the project is in capable hands. the process of the work and the finished product will be seamless and successful. Matt Portela Customs stands behind their work and strives to please their clients. Matt’s integrity as a person and builder cannot be surpassed.
    Tracy Brent Huntington
    Huntington Interiors
  • craftsmanship, leadership, organization, and kindness daily

    Matt worked on our house for a major project last summer. It was a real pleasure to work with him and his team. Matt showed his craftsmanship, leadership, organization, and kindness daily. He took input from us, as home-owners and improved it. He planned the project out and had materials in hand so the crew could work efficiently. He was careful to leave the work site safe and clean at the end of each day. He consistently used his excellent craftsmanship so the project was done to the highest standard. We look forward to asking Matt back the next time we need help.
    David E. Winship
    President Knapp, Schenck & Company Insurance Agency
  • A True JOY to Work With

    Working with Matt on our renovation project was a true joy. He was incredibly responsive, his communication was exemplary and he came up with creative solutions to some unforeseen issues. Matt truly cares about his work and his craftsmanship is impeccable. I would enthusiastically recommend Matt to anyone!
    Steve and Beth Brooke
    Farmingdale, ME
  • managing with skill and without drama

    Matt Portela has excellent craftsmanship and clear communication skills, which made working with him for our two major renovation projects easy and reassuring. We knew before he finished whatever job he was doing that it would be done well and without unnecessary problems. He worked well with us as clients and we observed that Matt worked as well with others that he was managing with skill and without drama. He was always very clear and precise about what options there were, so we always knew what he was doing and what there was left to do on any task large or small. If carpenter-craftsmen got grades, Matt’s would be an A+. We would recommend him enthusiastically to anyone and have done so.
    George Oliver
    Bowdoinham, ME