Amanda Dudek
- Mar 8, 2022
- 3 min read

Come Home to Cortese

Home: it’s more than a place. It’s a space of family, confidence, belonging, and satisfaction. For all this and more, we invite you to “Come Home to Cortese.”

A family business in its third generation, Cortese Construction was founded by two hardworking brothers in 1951. Starting with no funds and a serious language barrier, Frank and Nick Cortese grew their fledgling business from a concrete company in the basement of Frank’s house into a leader in the concrete industry and finally into what is one of the largest home remodeling companies in Buffalo and Western New York. They achieved their American Dream with passion and dedication to excellence.

Continuing its tradition of innovative and exceptional craftsmanship and service, Cortese Construction has grown into home remodeling under the leadership of Domenic Cortese, son of Frank Cortese. Following his vision, the company won The Better Homes and Gardens Magazine award for best Kitchen and best Bath in the United States. It was the first time in the magazine’s history that a kitchen and bath in the same house both won first place.

Domenic Cortese is probably best known, however, for bringing a new level of reputability to the home renovation industry. This has been in no small part thanks to his radio show, Hammertime, on WBEN News Talk at 9:30 am. For over 30 years, Domenic has held his call-in Home Improvement Hour on Saturdays at 10 am, and in 2016, he launched Hammertime TV, as well. His expertise and transparency continue to provide listeners with credible information for tackling difficult home improvement issues.

Today, Cortese Construction, the area’s most experienced and trusted home renovation company, is run by Domenic Cortese and his three children: Philip Cortese, Nicholas Cortese, and Michelle Cortese-Manfredo. Bringing Cortese Construction into its third generation, Philip, Nicholas, and Michelle worked their way up through the company, continuing to advance it as the area’s elite contractor for any home remodeling needs. In 2012, Domenic Cortese and family were humbled when Cortese Construction Service Corp. was honored as Buffalo Niagara’s Business Ethic award recipient for their outstanding operation in the day-to-day business treatment of its customers.

Now in its new location, Cortese Construction, Western New York’s one-stop, home renovation shop is showcasing everything they do. Home products, such as Cortese’s proprietary full-custom cabinetry line, Bella Cucina, are displayed in its 3,000 sq. ft. showroom as real-world vignettes, with additional rows of racks and displays discretely concealed from view. Warm and inviting, these vignettes (approximately 7 kitchens & bathrooms respectively) give the imagination a clear and vivid vision while allowing customers to experience product functionality.

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"From day one of the consultation to the last day they completed work, Cortese was incredible. Every step of the process was clearly articulated, planned, and implemented. The quality of the materials, the quality of the work and most importantly, the quality of the people were top notch. We have received so many compliments on the work, and we couldn’t be more proud to tell everyone that Cortese Construction did it all.” – PJ Tudisco

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Cortese Construction handles a wide variety of home improvement projects from kitchen renovations to backyard living, thanks to BetterLiving sunrooms and shade products. Not only does the company provide all necessities for a project from start to finish, but it also offers complete and unique design services, thanks to Michelle Cortese-Manfredo. Interior decorator Michelle provides her design services with every contract, advising on everything from architectural drawings to drapery. Whether you choose a current trend, your own signature style, or something in between, Michelle will help you find exactly what you need.

Financing is often available through Lakeshore Savings Bank. Cortese facilitates quality financing for its customers whenever possible. Having done all the shopping and negotiating to find the best rates, Cortese does whatever it can to provide the quickest service and the most efficient process.

Join us for a Cooking Class! Hailing from Italy, the Cortese family knows a home is not complete without a scratch-made meal. In its on-location, state-of-the-art kitchen, Cortese has introduced its Come Home to Cortese Cooking Classes. Guests are invited to explore the popular modern farmhouse trend of Cortese’s working showroom, offices, coffee room, and even break room. Seated around a 20’ table, guests will learn how to make upcoming Italian specialties with such mouth-watering titles as A Night in Naples, Tuscan Treasures, Piccante Calabria, Magical Marche, Bologna la Grassa & Holiday Traditions. Each evening will be a night to remember.