Cortney Kalfas

In the heart of Northeast Ohio, where the crisp autumn winds whisper through the leaves of Strongsville's historic oaks, there's a quiet revolution happening — one nail, one blueprint, one family story at a time. For over three decades, R.A. Kalfas Construction Inc. has been more than just a general contractor; it's been a steward of dreams, turning ordinary houses into extraordinary homes that echo with laughter, host cherished gatherings, and stand resilient against the relentless Ohio weather.

At the helm of this enduring legacy stands Cortney Kalfas, President and visionary leader, whose hands-on expertise in home remodeling isn't just a profession — it's a passion inherited from her father, forged in the grit of job sites, and now shared generously through the pages of this blog. If you've ever dreamed of a kitchen that sparks joy, a basement that becomes a sanctuary, or a deck that blurs the line between indoors and out, Cortney's voice is the one you'll want guiding you.

Cortney Kalfas wasn't handed the keys to the kingdom; she earned them, one summer sweat-drenched day at a time. Born and raised in the close-knit embrace of Strongsville, Ohio, she grew up surrounded by the symphony of hammers and saws that defined her family's life. As the eldest daughter of Bob and Andrea Kalfas, Cortney's earliest memories are laced with the scent of fresh lumber and the thrill of creation.

Her father, Bob, wasn't just a builder — he was a dreamer with calloused hands and an unshakeable belief in the power of a solid foundation, both literal and figurative. It was Bob who planted the seeds of her career, starting in the early 1980s when he traded his modest toolkit for the bold venture of hanging siding on local homes.

With little more than grit and a handshake agreement for his first major project — a home addition that would become the blueprint for his future empire — Bob Kalfas laid the groundwork for what would evolve into R.A. Kalfas Construction Inc. in 1990. That handshake? It wasn't just a deal; it was a promise of integrity, a value that would permeate every beam and shingle the company touched.

By the time Cortney was navigating high school, she was already knee-deep in the family trade. Each summer, under the watchful eye of her father, she traded teenage leisure for the raw rhythm of construction sites. Picture a young Cortney, barely out of her teens, hauling materials across muddy lots, clearing debris under the relentless sun, and even gripping the wheel of the dump truck as it rumbled to life.

Bob's philosophy was simple yet profound: "Start from the ground up." No shortcuts, no silver spoons—just the satisfying thud of a shovel and the lessons etched in sweat. She operated the backhoe with a focus that belied her age, learning not just the mechanics of machinery but the artistry of anticipation — knowing when a wall needed bracing before it buckled, or how a single mismeasured cut could unravel a week's worth of work.

These weren't mere jobs; they were initiations into a world where precision met passion, and where the humblest tasks built the tallest legacies.

Cortney's formal education only sharpened this innate edge. Heading to Bowling Green State University, she pursued a Bachelor of Technology in Construction Management, immersing herself in the science of structures and the strategy of sustainable builds. But theory alone couldn't contain her; those summers persisted, now enriched with stints at the City of Strongsville Building Department.

There, amid the bureaucratic dance of permits and inspections, she honed a keen eye for compliance and code—a crucial counterpoint to the creative chaos of the field. Working concurrently for R.A. Kalfas Construction, she bridged the gap between classroom diagrams and real-world grit, shadowing her father's every move.

Upon graduation, there was no grand ceremony of transition; Cortney simply stepped into the fray, splitting her days between the office's organized hum — managing schedules, sourcing materials — and the site's exhilarating unpredictability, where a sudden storm could rewrite the day's blueprint.

Today, as President, Cortney carries forward a torch lit by her father's unyielding spirit, especially poignant since Bob's passing in May 2025. The company, still family-owned and operated from its Strongsville base at 12001 Prospect Road, remains a beacon of trust in Northeast Ohio's remodeling landscape.

Under her leadership, R.A. Kalfas Construction Inc. has not only preserved its 35-year reputation for excellence but elevated it, blending time-tested craftsmanship with modern innovation. Fully licensed, insured, and committed to transparency, the team handles everything from initial consultations to final walkthroughs with a personal touch that feels like family.

Free estimates? Standard. A one-year workmanship warranty, plus manufacturer-backed material guarantees? Non-negotiable. And in an industry often marred by delays and disputes, their fully registered liability and workmen's compensation coverage ensures peace of mind from bid to bow.

Expertise in Home Remodeling

Cortney's expertise shines brightest in the transformative realms of home remodeling, where she turns visions into realities. Kitchens, those beating hearts of the home, are her canvas for blending functionality with flair — think quartz countertops that withstand the frenzy of family meals, islands that double as homework hubs, and cabinetry that conceals clutter while revealing character.

Bathrooms evolve under her guidance from mere necessities to serene escapes: spa-inspired soakers with rainfall showers for the weary parent, or compact vanities optimized for morning rushes in growing households. Basements spring to life as multifunctional marvels — waterproofed havens for movie nights, home gyms, or guest suites that welcome wanderers with warmth.

But Cortney's reach extends far beyond interiors. Roofing and painting aren't afterthoughts; they're armor against Ohio's capricious climate, with shingle selections that defy hail and hues that harmonize with neighborhood palettes. Storm damage repairs? She's a swift sentinel, restoring roofs ravaged by wind and walls wept by water, minimizing disruption while maximizing durability.

And oh, the custom decks — Cortney's outdoor odes to al fresco living. Whether it's a sprawling multi-level platform for summer barbecues or a cozy overhang shading a patio oasis, these aren't cookie-cutter additions. They're extensions of the indoors, crafted with high-quality composites or cedar that weathers gracefully, complete with railings that prioritize safety without sacrificing style.

A Lasting Invitation

For Cortney, building isn't confined to blueprints; it's woven into the fabric of community. Like her father before her, she's a pillar in Strongsville, serving as a Trustee Member and Co-Chair of the Strongsville Chamber of Commerce. Bob was the archetype of local advocacy—a coach shaping young athletes, a Booster Club board member fueling school spirits, and a Chamber trustee championing small businesses.

His volunteerism wasn't performative; it was personal, a reflection of the belief that strong communities build strong homes. Cortney embodies this ethos, channeling the company's success into initiatives that uplift neighbors: sponsoring local events, mentoring aspiring tradespeople, and fostering networks that knit Strongsville tighter.

As you scroll through these pages, you're not just reading a blog; you're joining a lineage. R.A. Kalfas Construction Inc., under Cortney's steady hand, continues to serve Northeast Ohio with the same handshake-honest ethos that launched it. From the bustling kitchens of Brunswick to the cozy basements of Berea, her work touches lives, literally reshaping the spaces where memories are made.

So, pull up a stool —virtual or otherwise — and let Cortney Kalfas guide you. Whether you're plotting a full-scale overhaul or a subtle refresh, her words will equip you, inspire you, and remind you: The best homes aren't built overnight. They're crafted, one heartfelt hammer strike at a time. Get started with Cortney and her team by calling Kalfas RA Home Improvement today.