Stephen Fanuka

At an early age, Stephen Fanuka learned the art of cabinetmaking and the ins and outs of the trade from his old-school European father. After graduating college and a brief stint in advertising, Fanuka joined forces with his father to create Fanuka Custom Cabinets. In 1994, he landed a renovation job that launched his career as a contractor. The Fanukas combined an in-house millwork, carpentry and custom-cabinetry factory with high-end renovating to form Fanuka, Inc.

Fanuka works with some of the world's top designers, architects and celebrities. His mission is still as simple as when he started: give the client what he or she paid for, a first-rate job with class-A service. On DIY Network’s "Million Dollar Contractor," Fanuka deals with the nightmares involved in the high-end world of opulent spaces, unbelievable materials and infinite dollar signs. Getting the job done right, on time and on budget, isn’t always as pretty as the $200-a-square-foot marble he installs.

Despite the hefty price tag, many of the same issues and problems on-site also occur in the homes of everyday people. He shares tips and tricks of the trade that first-time DIYers and home improvement aficionados will appreciate in DIY Network’s "Million Dollar Contractor" and in his new book, "What's a Homeowner to Do? 442 Things You Should Know", co-authored with The New York Times Magazine columnist Edward Lewine.