The story I read today about the demise of Tim Davis’ remodeling company played out in Lakeland, Fla., but it could have happened anywhere. Davis started his company 19 years ago with a pickup truck and a toolbox, according to the article in the Lakeland Ledger newspaper, and grew to a $4-million company. Here’s what…
According to a press release from the California State Contractors License Board: “The Contractors State License Board (CSLB) and partners from the Palm Springs Police Department and the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office are warning Coachella Valley residents to be aware before hiring people for home improvement projects. The warning comes after a two-day undercover…
Three SoCal contractors — in El Cajon, Fullerton and San Diego — have been included in the 2008 Big 50 list compiled by Washington, D.C.-based Remodeling magazine. According to the website for the respected magazine, which has named 50 top contractors each year since 1986, this is an "elite group of remodeling professionals . .…
Julia and Mark are planning a remodel but are missing one critical piece of the puzzle: a good contractor. Here’s what they wrote: We live at the top of Beachwood Canyon in a cantilevered home circa 1955 and plan to add a second story, go green, add a roof garden, etc. We are not interested…
Company name: DAD’s Construction Inc. Website: www.dadsconstruction.com Principals: Dan Derkum and Lori Derkum Contact info: Lori Derkum, 25422 Trabuco Road, Suite 105-220, Lake Forest, CA 92630, phone: (949) 380-0177, e-mail: lori@dadsconstruction.com or dan@dadsconstruction.com Years in business: 25-plus Specialize in: Kitchens, bathrooms, and full interior remodels Professional memberships: National Assn. of the Remodeling Industry (NARI), National…
A new chapter of NARI (the National Assn. of the Remodeling Industry) has started up in the Los Angeles area. There is an active NARI chapter in San Diego and more than 60 chapters nationwide. Members of NARI include contractors, interior designers, architects, product suppliers, manufacturers and service providers. Several contractors in Southern California have…
Question: My contractor just handed my contract to me, and I’m in shock! He wants 22% of the cost of materials, 22% over the cost of labor, 22% for subcontractors and 22% for labor management crew. I think this is way too much. First, the subcontractors are making a profit, and now the builder wants…
If you live in the city of Los Angeles and are planning some home improvements, the city’s Department of Building and Safety offers some fascinating FAQs: Do I need a permit to build a fence around my property? A permit is not required for any type of fence under 3’6″ in height. A permit is…
. . . to create awesome remodels. Based on my experiences, here’s my list: 1. Being clear about what you want 2. Becoming clear about your budget 3. Getting professional design advice 4. Checking out the companies you’re considering 5. Not taking the lowest bid 6. Sticking to the plan during construction 7. Not overestimating…
A tragedy occurred last week in Walnut Creek and the thought of it continues to haunt me. Here’s what was reported yesterday in the San Jose Mercury News: Murder and other felony charges were filed Tuesday against a Martinez contractor who prosecutors say killed a Walnut Creek man during a confrontation over a home remodeling…