What we do

JMF Construction is a full-service, high-end construction company, serving clients throughout northern New Jersey. Owner Joseph M. Fernandez launched JMF in 2004 with 23 years of design, woodworking, and general construction experience already under his belt. Today, Joe runs the business out of his home—which doubles as his showroom—and acts as the general contractor on a wide variety of construction, remodeling, and woodworking projects, including:

  • Whole-house renovations
  • Kitchen and bath remodels
  • Basement remodels
  • Decks
  • Closet systems
  • Additions
  • Exterior architectural and structural work
  • Barns and garages
  • Custom cabinetry
  • Finish carpentry
  • Custom furniture

JMF Construction is synonymous with exceptional quality: from the raw materials used to the completed project, we never cut corners or use low-grade products. With a wealth of design and building experience, we have a well-honed talent for creating beautiful, efficient spaces throughout our clients’ homes.

Our Story

Joe Fernandez meandered his way into the construction business over a period of more than 20 years, amassing a unique collection of educational and work experiences that would ultimately propel him toward his role as the owner of one of the foremost construction firms in northern NJ.

Joe studied Theater Design at Emerson College in Boston, MA, and began doing lighting design for theater and film productions in 1978. After graduation, in 1982, he moved to New York City and worked as a set and lighting designer for the theater as well as fashion and trade shows, soon picking up work constructing scenery in a New Jersey-based scenic shop. There, he met a cabinetmaker and, through the craftsman’s tutelage, Joe began to learn the trade. He devoured fine woodworking magazines and taught himself as much as he could. In 1983, Joe took a job as a cabinetmaker for Atlantic Architectural Woodworking Company. There, he was promoted several times and rose steadily through the ranks to become the foreman. Unfortunately, the company went out of business, leaving Joe jobless in 1986. Through a referral from someone who was familiar with his work, he picked up a job designing and installing an entertainment wall unit—the first solo job that would ultimately lead to the creation of Joe’s business. He launched a company, Woodtek, that same year, building custom cabinets and decks and doing finish carpentry for his customers. Then, in 1990, Joe moved to Hillsborough and opened up a cabinet shop there, changing his company’s name to JMF Fine Woodworks, LLC. As his business grew and expanded beyond woodworking to include remodeling and other interior and exterior renovations, he changed the name a final time, dubbing the company JMF Construction, LLC, in 2004. Joe also moved his business into his home, where he has a home office and workshop, as well as the benefit of using his entire home as a showcase of his wide-ranging talents.

With knowledge of a wide range of architectural styles, Joe is able to deliver the aesthetic design elements his customers want while maximizing functionality and efficiency, creating unique, one-of-a-kind spaces for his clients (many of whom have used JMF for multiple projects over the years).

Joe’s favorite architectural styles are Craftsman and what he likes to call New York City Contemporary. Much of his home features the latter, with a modern, clean-lined style that suites his tastes. He has amassed nearly 35 years of design, woodworking, and construction experience throughout his career and belongs to a variety of professional groups, including the North Jersey Professional Woodworkers’ Guild, the National Kitchen and Bath Association, the Mt. Olive Chamber of Commerce, and the Village Association of Long Valley.