Crafting and curating a forever home takes time, attention to detail, and expertise that often feels unattainable. Claudia De La O, the founder and creative director of D&D Total Construction, understands this and redefines what it means to create well-executed construction without exorbitant costs. "I want to add value to the properties I work on—not just through renovations, but through design," De La O explains. "High-end design and well-executed construction should be within reach for everyone."
Originally from Colombia, De La O immigrated to the United States with humble beginnings to build a better life for her two daughters. "I started in construction by developing a directory for companies. Through the years, I learned every trade from painting to laying tile,” she explains. “Eventually, I started my own company and focused on renovations. I’ve always had a goal to be better each year.”
D&D Total Construction specializes in kitchen and bathroom renovations and home additions. De La O considers her construction team like family, a group she’s worked with for nearly 15 years. They share her commitment to excellence that delivers results—sometimes in half the time of most projects. “What might take six months, we do in three. The work is seamless, and clients feel taken care of.”
Being a Latina woman in a male-dominated industry has not come without challenges. De La O used that as an engine to develop a deep understanding of the industry – not just for her, but for her daughters. "I want to be an example for them and show them that as a Latina, it’s harder for us to be successful,” explains De La O, “I need to show them that you can do whatever you have in your mind if you work hard and if you’re disciplined and consistent.”
But, the greatest gift De La O offers her client is her ability to make a house feel like a home. “I always include design,” she says, “That is a gift – having the opportunity to envision what the client wants and enhance that through design, construction, and finishes because I have all the resources to get it done at a good price” De La O is redefining what it means to build luxury—and proving that with the right vision and dedication, it’s never out of reach.