We have provided these links to help you gather the information needed so you can put together a successful remodel project.
Subcontractors & Suppliers that We Recommend (no particular order here)
Sonoma Cast Stone
Precast concrete counters and other items.
Humanity Home & Cabinetry
Is a full-service interior design center specializing in kitchen and bathroom design and cabinetry.
California Seamless Gutters
Since 2001.
Capstone Roofing Inc.
This company is worth popping up a lawn chair, grabbing a glass of tea and watching. We actually got them on time-lapse video doing an entire roof (tear-off, load materials, install new roofing, clean up and gone) in less than 3-1/2 hours.
InVision Sash & Glass, Inc.
Windows, Shower Doors, Etc. Since 2006
Dee Jay’s Sash & Glass, Inc.
Established in 1960.
Kelly-Moore Paints
Paint products. Since 1946.
Redwood Coast Painting
Since 2004 – good quality work, attentive to the details, very knowledgeable.
Premier Bath & Kitchen
Featuring decorative plumbing fixtures and hardware from the cutting edge of contemporary, to the beloved classics.
Accurate Heating & Air Conditioning
Ron Dorris Electric & Solar
Since 1978.
O’Rourke Electric, Inc.
Since 1980.
Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Showroom
Checking Out A Contractor? More important links
We have grabbed some quotes from these links to give you a sense of what is found there.
California Contractors State License Board Website
Use the Instant License Check button on this page to find out if a “contractor” is really licensed, insured, bonded and carries workers compensation insurance to hire employees (and subcontractors, if needed). Also, lots of other information accessible from the left side of the page that is helpful in checking-out a prospective contractor. You don’t want to bear the burden of anyone that is operating illegally.
Don’t put yourself at risk by hiring unlicensed ‘contractors?’
“It is illegal for an unlicensed person to perform contracting work on any project valued at $500 or more in combined labor and material costs. Besides being illegal, unlicensed contractors lack accountability and have a high rate of involvement in construction scams. They also are unfair competition for licensed contractors who operate with bonds, insurance, and other responsible business practices.” [All for your protection.] So, if the ‘contractor’ gets caught without a license you could become responsible for workers’ compensation, liability insurance, extra fees and permits, possible liens on your property, and a number of other things.
Time-and-Materials / Cost-Plus Contracts
“The first thing you learn from the Home Improvement Contracts section of the California Contractors License Law and Reference Book is that there is no provision for time and material contracts in home improvement projects. Time and material agreements violate legal subsection guidelines that are required for home improvement contracts such as start and stop dates, and the firm payment schedule that specifically references the completed work.” That’s why it is always good to know how things should be done, so that you are better equipped to do the remodel and get the best results.
Links to Other Items Worth Considering
Hazards Still Found in Many Homes . . .
EPA’s webpage about Asbestos Hazards
Start here to learn about asbestos.
EPA’s webpage about Lead (the metal) Hazards
Start here to learn about lead.
EPA’s – OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL Report on validity of RRP Lead paint rule
EPA OIG Lead Paint Rule – Disagreement in-house?
Within the EPA there is serious conflict on the validity of the 2010 RRP Lead Paint Rule. This is a ‘Review of Hotline Complaint Concerning Cost and Benefit Estimates for EPA’s Lead-Based Paint Rule’ – Report No. 12-P-0600 – July 25, 2012 – no proper legal response has been made to this report. It claims a number of ways they were negligent in studying the issue and coming up with their rule. This is important because the EPA has policing authority to imprison or fine us for non-compliance with this rule. The rule – as explained in this report – is apparently not based on facts, nor sound research.
EPA’s webpage about Mold Hazards
Start here to learn about molds.
FEMA’s webpage about Mold & Mildew
More information about mold & mildew.
See elsewhere on our website about moisture and drainage issues, and about crawl spaces.
California Codes and Regulations . . .
Public.Resource.Org (toward bottom of this page)
Where to find several building codes and regulations. The newer codes are toward the bottom of the page. (Danger! This could affect your sanity.)
Water Conservation Measures for Home Remodeling Projects
This is why you have to replace existing non-compliant plumbing fixtures with water-conserving plumbing fixtures throughout your home for a remodel project. (Civil Code Sections 1101.1-1101.8 – Especially 1101.4)