Inhab Group

As the general contractor, investor, and millworks partner on Dear Valentine properties, Inhab Group is closely connected to each step of the DV process.

WHO IS INHAB? 

Inhab Group was founded by native New Orleanian Mike Bertel in 2004. After attending Colorado State University, Mike moved back to New Orleans, but very soon, Hurricane Katrina struck. After this monumental tragedy, Mike began renovated properties damaged by Hurricane Katrina, and this work became the catalyst for founding what is known today as Inhab. Mike eventually expanded into real estate development, and was joined in 2018 by Caroline, as an in-house interior designer. Caroline, who moved to New Orleans from Monroe, Louisiana in 2013, has a keen eye for design and drives the design process of each project. The couple are now co-owners of Inhab.

“Our favorite types of projects are highly complex historic renovations. “

Inhab serves in two main capacities: general contracting and developing. As a general contractor, Inhab has completed hundreds of projects, with a focus on highly complex historic renovations. As a developer, Inhab specializes in small to midsize mixed use and hospitality projects utilizing federal and state tax credits.

TOULOUSE ST. MILLWORKS

In recent years, Inhab has expanded to include Toulouse St. Millworks, a full-service commercial millworks production shop with an expertise in complex and historical architectural woodwork and casework. Mike explains, “We have an in-house team of highly skilled craftspeople working in the field and our custom millworks shop. We’re able to leverage our longstanding relationships with industry experts to meet any project’s requirements.”

ON COLLABORATING WITH DEAR VALENTINE AND PARTNERS

When it comes to working with Dear Valentine partners, like Southkick Historic Preservation, and other creatives across New Orleans, Mike feels a connection to the familial legacy of woodworkers and artisans in New Orleans. He explains, “My grandpa told me stories about helping his dad build their house in the Bywater on Desire Street in the 1920s, and being connected to the people who built this city fuels me to continue their legacy.” 

While Mike and Caroline love traveling and have been lucky to visit many places around the world, they both feel that the sense of place in New Orleans is unparalleled. Preserving the architectural elements that define the city is a way for Mike, Caroline, and the entire Inhab team to contribute to keeping that magical, indescribable element of New Orleans — its sense of community and responsibility to history — alive.

Learn more about Mike, Caroline and their many endeavors here.