About Island Contractors OBX and the Clients We Serve
Island Contractors OBX helps homeowners across Dare County, Currituck County, Camden County, and the Elizabeth City area who want one licensed general contractor to plan, permit, and build major remodels, additions, and ADUs with a clear, low-surprise process. Since 1998, Tom May of Island Contractors OBX has completed nearly 500 local projects as a licensed NC General Contractor.
From the first phone call to final inspection, you work directly with the same person who plans, manages, and supervises your project on site, not a chain of salespeople, coordinators, and rotating crews.
Many of our clients have lived through 2008, hurricanes, and supply chain chaos. They have watched projects stall, drift over budget, or get abandoned halfway through. They are careful with money, even more careful with stress, and they want to understand what happens when things don’t go perfectly, not just how good the “after” photos look.
Because we are intentionally small and focused, projects don’t get lost in the shuffle. You get direct, practical answers and a steady process built around planning, realistic expectations, and accountability.
Our Local Roots + Where We Work
Island Contractors OBX serves homeowners and property owners throughout:
- Dare County
- Currituck Mainland
- Camden
- Elizabeth City
We work in coastal conditions and coastal rules every day and understand that wind loads, flood zones, tight lots, rental calendars, and town-specific requirements are normal constraints we plan around early, not surprises discovered mid-build.
We are rooted in this region and are proud of our connection to the community through family and local service, including my wife’s local roots and her teaching career, which has kept us grounded in the realities of the families who live and work here year-round.
How We Handle Our Construction Projects
A calm project is almost always the result of good planning. Our process is built to reduce change orders, minimize uncertainty, and help you make confident decisions early.
In-House Design for Most Projects
For many remodels, additions, and ADUs, we provide in-house design support so layout decisions, flow, and feasibility are clarified before construction starts. When needed, we coordinate with engineers and permitting offices to keep plans buildable and aligned with local requirements.
Limited Active Projects at One Time
We deliberately limit how many projects we run at the same time. That means clearer communication, better follow-through, and fewer “we’re stretched thin” delays that frustrate homeowners and derail timelines.
Planning, Zoning, and Permitting First
Outer Banks-specific headaches including zoning overlays, flood zones, wind requirements, and lot constraints, are addressed at the beginning. We emphasize feasibility, scope clarity, and permitting strategy up front so you know:
- when key decisions happen
- what drives cost
- how change orders are handled
- what the plan is if something unexpected shows up
What Homeowners We are a Good Fit For
Our clients are rarely chasing the lowest bid. They want a steady, planning-oriented partner who can stand between them and the churn of trades, inspectors, codes, and changing conditions. They appreciate honest feedback when a project, budget, or site isn’t a good fit, and they value a process that protects both their property and their peace of mind.
If you are cautious by nature, a bit skeptical of contractors, and serious about getting a well-managed project with fewer surprises, Island Contractors OBX is set up for the way you actually make decisions: clear options, realistic timelines, one accountable person, and a process that respects your time and long-term plans.
