Today we’d like to introduce you to Darnette Putney.
Hi Darnette, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Our story began with hard work and a willingness to start small. In 2008, my husband and I started Absolute & Total Construction, Inc. with the goal to build something meaningful that would support our family and serve our community.
In the early years, we didn’t have a team or big resources. It was just the two of us doing the work ourselves—painting, flooring, demolition, installations—whatever needed to be done to get the job done right. Our family members would often step in to help when they could, and those early days taught us the value of perseverance, teamwork, and treating every project like it was our own home.
While building the company, I was also working full time for Wake County Government. For many years I balanced both responsibilities—working my full-time job during the day and then working for the company in the evenings and on weekends. It required long hours and sacrifice, but we believed in what we were building. In December 2021, after years of growing the business, I was finally able to transition into the company full time.
As we completed more projects and built relationships with homeowners, property managers, and investors, our reputation grew through word of mouth. Clients trusted us because we were hands-on, detail-oriented, and committed to quality.
Over time, that small family effort began to grow into something bigger. We expanded our services into larger renovations, design projects, cabinetry, flooring, and specialty builds. Eventually, we were able to bring on employees and build a team that shares the same values we started with—hard work, integrity, and pride in what we do.
Today, our company continues to grow, but we never forget those early days when we were doing everything ourselves after long workdays. That experience shaped the way we run our business. Because we have personally done every part of the work, we lead our team with experience, appreciation for the craft, and a deep commitment to our clients.
What started as a small husband-and-wife effort, supported by family, has grown into a thriving company with a dedicated team. We are grateful for every client, team member, and opportunity that has helped us reach this point, and we look forward to continuing to build and serve our community for years to come.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No, the road has definitely not been smooth. Like many small businesses, we have faced our share of challenges along the way. In the beginning, our resources were very limited, so every job mattered—no matter how big or small or how much effort it required. We took on everything that came our way because each opportunity helped us keep moving forward.
That often meant doing the “dirty work” ourselves—demolition, hauling debris, deep cleaning, painting, and handling the tasks that many people don’t see behind the finished project. There were long days, late nights, and a lot of physical labor involved, but those experiences helped shape our work ethic and our appreciation for every part of the process.
We’ve also had to make many tough decisions and sacrifices over the years, especially while balancing family life, full-time jobs, and building the business at the same time. There were moments when things felt uncertain, but we stayed focused on the long-term vision we had for our company.
Looking back, those struggles were actually some of our greatest teachers. They built resilience, strengthened our commitment to quality work, and helped us develop the values that guide our company today!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
At Absolute & Total Construction, Inc., we specialize in residential renovations and home improvement projects, including kitchens, bathrooms, flooring, cabinetry, and full property updates. We also work with homeowners and real estate investors to improve and prepare properties for resale or rental.
Within the company, I serve as the CFO and oversee Human Resources and Accounts Receivable, managing payroll, billing, hiring, and the financial operations that keep the business running smoothly.
What I’m most proud of is how we grew the company from a very small operation with us doing all the work ourselves into a business with employees and a strong reputation in our community.
What sets us apart is that we truly understand the work from the ground up. Because we started by doing every part of the job ourselves, we bring a hands-on approach, attention to detail, and a strong commitment to quality on every project.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Growing up, I was always very creative and hands-on. I loved redecorating and repainting my bedroom, constantly changing things and finding ways to make my space look better. My older cousin also taught me how to do handyman work, which sparked my interest in fixing things and working with my hands.
I’ve always been both artistic and practical. I enjoyed taking art classes and expressing creativity, but I also liked learning how things worked and how to build or repair them. That combination of creativity and hands-on skills has really shaped the work I do today.
I’ve also always had a strong desire to help people. That passion led me to become a social worker and provisionally licensed therapist as an adult, where I was able to support and guide others through difficult situations. Even in my business today, helping people improve their homes and their lives is still something that motivates me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.renovateyourway.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/absoluteandtotalconstruction
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1C23FgFL1V/
- Other: https://share.google/i6jQKEc2RNrQRr1WM
