Home Remodeling Boot Camp

Home Remodeling Advice and Contractor's Review

2010-02-15T08:00:00.000-08:00

Remodeling a home can be as simple as changing your interior decorating scheme, or as complex as a major construction job. It can revolve around the ideas and tastes of just the homeowner and his or her spouse, or require the talents and skills of professional architects, designers and contractors. It can be a quick and painless process, or it can involve weeks or months of living in a virtual construction site – it all depends on the planning you do in advance. Planning:Key to a Successful RenovationFor simple remodeling jobs, like, for example, changing the color schemes in a room or a group of rooms, planning might be a simple task. Put together a simple list of needed supplies, block out the time, and visit the local home center for paint color charts and suggestions. Most homeowners can figure out what’s needed: paint, brushes, rollers, a tarp to protect against spills – and even one of those cute little paper hats to keep you from inadvertently changing the color of your hair. This can be a do-it-yourself project, or you might be more comfortable hiring a handyman to do all the prep work, painting and cleanup. Either way, planning for this job is relatively simple, and the successful execution of a project like this is one most homeowners can handle.

The Bigger the Job, the Tougher the Choices

Other home remodeling jobs might be a bit more involved. Perhaps you want to change the entire look of a room by changing not just the color of the walls, but also the drapes, furniture, lamps and floors. This type of job requires more input from more people, and more visits to more stores. It still may be a do-it-yourself job, but you can see that as additional elements start to become involved, additional planning and coordination become necessary for the successful completion of the job. The more decisions that are required, the more complicated things become. Do you want hardwood floors and area rugs, or wall-to-wall carpeting? Do you want painted walls, or an exotic wall covering? Should you treat your windows with drapes or blinds? What color? Which texture? Decisions, decisions, decisions!

Hiring a Pro - Expensive But Worth It

Larger remodeling jobs, such as building an addition to your house, are major projects that require professionals of many stripes, and may include architects, engineers, licensed contractors and applications to the local government for construction permits. Such jobs can be difficult to coordinate and plan, and these are obviously not only more expensive remodeling jobs, but also ones in which costs can become unpredictable. Such home remodeling jobs require meticulous planning, but even then, with so many different tradesmen and professionals involved, lack of coordination can lead to a nightmare of cost overruns and jobs that might take days, weeks, or even months longer than anticipated.

What We Can Offer You

This site exists to give you a brief, but comprehensive, overview into the world of remodeling. Some of the advice we will offer may be obvious; many things you might already be aware of. That’s okay, because if you gain even a single piece of information that you didn’t have before, you’ll leave here just a little bit smarter – and hey, it didn’t cost you a dime. Heck, we may even save you one. We’ll take you through all aspects of the remodeling process – from the big stuff, like room additions, through the small stuff, like picking out a bathroom sink. We’re not going to overload you with lots of complicated do-it-yourself tips, but we will try to point out the who, what, when, where and why of home remodeling. Our site is loaded with links to pages that are packed with information on all aspects of home remodeling, so we invite you to relax, educate yourself and most of all - enjoy!

http://blog.home-remodeling4u.com/

A Holiday Tribute To Our Clients

2009-12-22T16:01:00.000-08:00

As 2009 comes to a close, we would like to take this time to pay tribute to our great clients from the past. Here's wishing everyone a Happy, Healthy Holiday Season and Prosperous New Year from everyone at Murray Lampert Construction. The Murray Lampert Construction Family has enjoyed serving the San Diego community of families since 1975 and we look forward to meeting new people in 2010.

Murray Lampert Construction's Staff Architect Frank Piermarini

2009-12-11T06:42:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to Frank Piermarini who is now our staff Architect. Frank has been with Murray Lampert Construction since 2004 and has been instrumental in creating a standard for our construction documents that is well received by all the local building departments. These standards not only expedite the permit process, they make it easy for our craftsman and project managers to build successful projects. Frank is also Green Certified incorporating Green Building practices in all of our projects.

Kitchen Countertops - Concrete Part 10

2009-12-10T07:29:00.000-08:00

If you are looking for a contemporary finish that you don't see all the time, concrete may be a good choice.

Pros
Unlimited colors and textures available. Very durable. Low maintenance.

Cons
Can be pricey. Possible cracking. Industrial look. Porous, but can be sealed.

Summary
For a contemporary look that is pretty much maintenance free, concrete is a good choice.

Kitchen Countertops - Marble Part 9

2009-12-09T07:12:00.000-08:00

Because natural marble is pricey and requires constant maintenance, it is not frequently used for kitchen counters other than accent areas.

Pros
Unlimited colors and textures.

Cons
Very expensive. Requires regular maintenance. Scratches easily and shows water rings.

Summary
Using marble for accent areas or backsplashes is a great way to enhance granite or other materials. Not practical for all kitchen surfaces.

Energy Effecient Features

2009-11-24T16:13:00.000-08:00

Why are our clients smiling? Not only is high quality craftsmanship import, energy efficiency is too. That's why when Mr. & Mrs. F in San Diego remodeled their home, we installed a high efficiency tankless water heater. The first full month, our homeowner saved approximately 26% on their gas bill. This is an example of the many ways consumers can save on energy costs. Many energy saving features are provided in normal construction at no cost. And there are many rebate programs available at http://www.energy.ca.gov/.

Kitchen Counters - Soapstone Part 8

2009-11-20T07:54:00.000-08:00

Soapstone ages nicely and tiny scratches from normal use develop into a patina like fine sliverware.

Pros:
Very dense, will not stain or harbor bacteria, and holds up very well in everyday kitchen use. More durable than granite or slate so cracking or chipping is less likely. Surface scratches can easily be repaired by the homeowner, disappearing when sanded with ordinary sandpaper then wiped with mineral oil. Does not require sealing of any kind.

Cons:
A softer stone that scratches relatively easily. Small slabs at a relatively high cost per square foot. Limited colors blue, green, gray tones, with varying veining. All mature to a deep charcoal gray over time. Depending on area, selection may be limited.

Summary:
With a unqique look and feel, Soapstone is a great choice if you want something out of the oridinary.

How to Avoid Remodeling Nightmares

2009-11-11T05:26:00.000-08:00

How to Avoid Remodeling Nightmares

Kitchen Counters - Stainless Steel Part 7

2009-11-10T21:01:00.000-08:00

If you are looking for a contemporary commercial look, stainless steel may be a good choice. Stainless steel is heat resistant and durable. The way stainless steel is extrooded, there are no seams.

Pros:
It can take hot pans and is very easy to clean.

Cons:
Stainless steel expensive, noisy; and damages easily. Fabrication is expensive and you can't cut on it. Shows duct, smudges and waterspots.

Summary:
Stainless steel is better suited for commericial applications.

Kitchen Counters - Butcher Block Part 6

2009-11-09T19:19:00.001-08:00

Wood countertops offer variety and funcitonality. Hardwoods such as maple and oak are most often used as countertop woods. Most frequently used for islands or an inlayed work areas.

Pros:
Easy to clean and a smooth work surface for baking. Can be sanded and resealed as needed.

Cons:
Can be damaged by water and stains over time. Scratches must be oiled or sealed according to manufacturer's specifications.

Summary:
A good option for islands when used in conjuction with other materials like granite. Due to the maintanance required, not a good idea for an entire kitchen.

KItchen Counters - Laminant Part 5

2009-10-30T07:59:00.001-07:00

Formica and Wilsonart are the major manufactures of laminant counter top materials. In the in the 70's and 80's plastic laminated counters, were very popular. With the emergence of solid surfaces and the price drop in granite, laminants are very seldomly used in kitchens these days.

Pros
Plastic laminants come in a huge aray of colors, textures and patterns at a cost lower than any other counter top materials.

Cons
Laminants will scratch, chip and burn easily.

Summary
Plastic laminant tops are an option for utility, storage, or laundry rooms.

Here are links to the two major manufacturs of laminant products:

www.formica.com
www.wilsonart.com

Kitchen Counters - Solid Surface Part 4

2009-10-27T11:26:00.000-07:00

Solid surface materials are manufactured by Dupont "Corian", Formica "Signatures", LG "Hi-Macs", Samsung "Staron", Wilsonart "Gibralter", and several others are a cost effective alternative to Granite or Engineered Stone.

Pros
Comes in hundreds of colors and patterns. The material is extremely durable, can withstand heat, the seams are nearly invisible, it can easily be repaired and easy to clean. Great as an alternative to ceramic tile.

Cons
Solid surface is even more generic looking than engineered stone.

Summary
An excellent option for a more cost effective remodel. No grout joints makes solid surface a maintanance free and easy to clean.

Here are links to some of the major solid surface manufactures:

www.dupont.com/corian
http://www.formica.com/
http://www.wilsonart.com/
http://www.lghi-macs.com/
http://www.staron.com/

Kitchen Counter Tops - Engineered Stone Part 3

2009-10-26T07:06:00.000-07:00

Engineered stone is solid surface slabs manufactured out of recycled quartz. The most common names are Silestone and Caesarstone.

Pros
Very consistant coloring with no veining. Unform slab sizing.

Cons
Pricing is almost as expensive as natural granite. Colors are limited and sterile looking.

Summary
Engineered stone manufactures claim that their product is more durable than granite. I do not find this to be true, and there is very little savings over granite slab. If you want something unique that fits your style, granite is a better choice.

Here are some of the major engineered stone manufactures:

http://www.zodiaq.com/
http://www.caesarstoneus.com/
http://www.silestone.com/

Kitchen Countertops Part 2 - Granite

2009-10-22T13:08:00.000-07:00

Granite slab, is the most popular finish choice for Kitchen counters these days.  Natural granite will look like the day it was installed with very little maintanance. Mild soap and water for daily cleaning and applying sealer every couple of years, is all that is required. Here are the Pros & Cons:

Pros:
Granite slab comes in an endless array of colors. It is durable and
requires very little maintanance.

Cons:
Exotic colors can be pricey. Fabrication is more expensive than solid surfaces like Corian.

Summary:
Granite slab counters are an excellent choice for just about any application if you can afford the moderate to high moderate price.

Kitchen Counter Top Choices Part 1

2009-10-21T06:57:00.000-07:00

There are many options when it comes to countertops. My list of top 10 choices with Pros & Cons will help you make an educated decision when you remodel.

Here are the most popular countertop choices:

1. Granite
2. Engineered Stone
3. Solid Surface
4. Ceramic Tile
5. Laminants
6. Wood or Butcher Block
7. Stainless Steel
8. Soapstone
9. Marble
10. Concrete

My next post will feature information on granite slab counters.

Green Building

2009-09-29T21:52:00.000-07:00

What is the definition of Green Building?

A sustainable building, or green building is an outcome of a design philosophy which focuses on increasing the efficiency of resource use — energy, water and materials — while reducing building impacts on human health and the environment during the building's lifecycle, through better siting, design, construction, operation, maintenance, and removal. Though green building is interpreted in many different ways, a common view is that they should be designed and operated to reduce overall impact of the built environment on human health and the environment by:

Efficiently using energy, water, and other resources
Protecting occupant health and improving employee productivity
Reducing waste, pollution and environmental degradation

For more information on Green Building, visit http://www.builditgreen.org/ or call Murray Lampert Construction at (619) 285-9222.

Respecting Homes, Families & Pets

2009-09-24T16:07:00.001-07:00

The most important responsibility of a Remodeling Contractor is to respect the homeowner, their families, homes, personal property and pets.

Meet Scarlett Oinky, Michael & Beth's pet pig. Scarlett was on the job every day while we built a major second story addition on her home in Ocean Beach. She is more happy then ever hanging out in her pool.

Everyone on the Murray Lampert Construction team works together to accommodate our clients individual needs. It is rewarding to hear all the compliments from our customers when we meet at the Post Construction conference.

To see the comments of other Murray Lampert Construction clients, please visit http://www.murraylampert.com/testimonials/index.html

Top 10 Reasons to Hire a Design/Build Contractor

2009-09-24T07:44:00.000-07:00

10. They will work within your budget.

9. You know up front, with no obligation, how much your project will cost.

8. Field changes are handled more efficiently with design and construction under one roof.

7. Design/Build contractors know what construction cost are.

6. It is easier to deal with one point person.

5. Design costs are usually much less.

4. One firm is accountable for the warranty on workmanship.

3. Value engineering is part of their service.

2. Design/Build contractors know how to work with city planning and inspectors.

1. A Design/Build company is your one stop shop for home remodeling.

For more information, please visit http://www.murraylampert.com/tips/index.html

Contract Allowances

2009-09-22T20:59:00.000-07:00

A home improvement contract or scope of work document frequently has allowances called out for finishes and fixtures to be chosen by owner. I suggest doing your homework, and shopping up front to ensure that the contractor isn't low balling these allowances.

A competent remodeling firm will provide you with a shopping list, and locations of their approved vendor showrooms. Making your selections up front will help insure that items will arrive timely, so completion is not delayed.

Here are some of the typical allowance items: Finished Flooring, Ceramic Tile/Natural Stone Materials, Granite Slab, Entry Doors, Door Hardware, Wood Windows, Specialty Cabinets, Plumbing Fixtures, Light Fixtures and Appliances. To see some design options, please visit http://www.standardsofexcellence.com/brandsbycategory_sc.php

Before signing a contract, make sure you are covered.

For more information, please visit http://www.murraylampert.com/

The Change Order

2009-09-21T06:06:00.000-07:00

One of the biggest fears homeowners have about remodeling and contractors are change orders. Changes are a normal part of any home improvement project. A reputable contractor will not take advantage of you with unmerited change orders. Also, if you are presented with change orders for work not requested, do not just sign off. Most contracts state that no additional work shall be performed without a valid change order.

Here are some typical situations where change orders apply:

1. Documentation of a pre-existing field conditions.

2. Deviations from the plans or specifications due to code requirements or measurement discrepancies.

3. Material, fixture, or finish upgrades requested by owner.

4. Plan changes.

5. Additional work requested by owner.

A word of caution. Be wary of a home remodeler that comes in with a low price. Some contractors intentionally undercut bidders knowing that they will use change orders as a means generating more profit during the course of work. Ask for references, so you can ask them if the original contract price was honored.

For more information, please visit http://www.murraylampert.com/

What's in a Plan

2009-09-18T06:52:00.000-07:00

An import part of the remodeling process is the design stage. Before you sign off on the building plans, a thorough review should be made with the contractor. The plans should mirror the contract specifications/scope of work document.

Important items to check:

1. Electrical outlets, switches, lighting, telephone and cable TV.

2. Door and window sizes/locations.

3. Cabinet layouts.

4. General finish and fixture call outs.

5. Room sizes.

6. Closet organizing.

7. Exterior elevations.

For more information, please visit:

http://www.murraylampert.com/about/index.html

Before You Sigh the Contract Part 2

2009-09-16T06:51:00.000-07:00

These items should also be on your contract:

1. Start and end time. Example, "start" with in 7 - 10 days from permit, "commencement" described as "demolition of existing patio cover", and "completion" after "walk through and final punch list".

2. Detailed progress payment payment schedule. Example, X due upon plan approval; X due upon demolition; X due upon concrete/foundation pour etc. The progress payments should coincide with inspections where ever possible.

By Contractor's State License Law, you should also receive the following documents when you sign: 3 Day Right To Cancel, California License Law Notice, Check Out Your Contractor From, Information About Commercial General Liability Insurance From, Notice To Owner Form.

For more information on Contracting and License Laws, please visit http://www.cslb.ca.gov/Consumers/

Before You Sign the Contract

2009-09-15T11:44:00.000-07:00

When you have completed your contractor interviews, and are ready to contract, here are some things to consider and steps to take before you sign:

1. Ask the contractor to provide you with proof of liability insurance.
2. Make sure the contract "allowances" cover the cost of the fixtures and finishes you intend to use.
3. Thoroughly read and understand the contract and project specifications (scope of work).
4. Check the contract for items that are "not included".
5. Review the design drawings to confirm that everything is included that you discussed.
6. Insist on lien releases be provided as progress payments are made.
7. Require that the contract progress payment schedule be structured so that mile stones are reached linked to inspections where ever possible.
8. The final payment should be large enough so there is incentive for the contractor to complete the work.

For more tips, please visit http://www.murraylampert.com/tips/index.html

Customer Satisfaction The Key To A Sucessful Company

2009-09-14T05:12:00.000-07:00

The best way to judge a company is speak to their clients after a project is completed. When it comes down to it, a satisfied customer should be the main goal of a good contractor. At Murray Lampert Construction, client referrals are our lifeblood.

Meet Jack & Judy Yoslov standing in front of their recently completed kitchen remodel. The Murray Lampert Construction Team thanks the Yoslov's for their business and confidence in us. We hope you get many year of enjoyment out of your new kitchen.

To see our testimonials, please visit:

http://www.murraylampert.com/testimonials/index.html

Preliminary Design Phase

2009-09-11T07:25:00.000-07:00

The Preliminary Design Phase is where the Design/Build contractor meets with you to discuss your needs, measures the existing building, confirms property lines/setbacks, verify utilities, and checks out over all site conditions.

This process typically takes a few weeks, and requires a few meetings to develop final design drawings. With a final design, an accurate quote can be provided.

You will be asked to go out and do some shopping so that accurate fixture and finish allowances can be plugged in.

A competent Design/Build firm will provide you with an overall budget, including items that you may contract/pay for direct.

At Murray Lampert Construction, we assist our clients in purchasing fixtures and finishes with our contractors discount. This helps with reaching a common goal, to provide a construction package that fits your needs and budget.

For more information, please visit http://www.murraylampert.com/

More On Choosing A Remodeling Contractor

2009-09-09T22:20:00.000-07:00

Here are more things to consider when choosing a contractor to remodel your home:

1. What is the companies track record for finishing on time?
2. Do they have a reputation for coming in on budget, or are change orders to be expected?
3. Are the allowances for fixtures, appliances, finishes realistic, or will there be cost over runs?
4. What is the warranty the company provides?

Interview past clients to find out the answers to these questions.

For more information on how to choose a home remodeler, please visit http://www.murraylampert.com/tips/index.html

Valuable Website Links

2009-09-08T22:36:00.000-07:00

Website links for consumers:

Contractors State License Board
http://www.cslb.ca.gov/

Better Business Bureau
http://www.sd.bbb.org/

KUDZU Search
http://sandiego.kudzu.com/

Murray Lampert Construction
http://www.murraylampert.com/

The Three Little Pigs Remodel

2009-09-07T07:30:00.000-07:00

Once upon a time there were three little piggies, Straw Piggy, Wood Piggy and Brick Piggy. The three little piggies were neighbors, and all three wanted to remodel their homes. The problem was that none of the little piggies knew how to get started. They decided to consult with the wise advisor in the woods the lawyer B.B. Wolf.

Brick Piggy, since he was the smartest piggy, arranged the meeting and all three piggies went to meet Mr. Wolf. Brick Piggy asked "Mr. Wolf, we need to remodel our homes, but we don't know how. Can you help us"? "Of course" replied Mr. Wolf "I have a lot of experience with remodeling homes" (wink, wink). There are 2 ways to remodel a home. The first way is the inexpensive way. First you hire a carpenter, and you manage the project. That means that you make the calls to all of the trades, the electrician, the plumber, the sheetrocker. It's easy, anybody can do it. Draw up some plans on a napkin or piece of paper, and you are on your way. Oh, and don't forget to buy your materials at some discount material warehouse.

Straw Piggy didn't need to hear any more. "That is how I want to remodel my home" panted Straw Piggy. "I am going to remodel my home the inexpensive way." And off her ran to find a carpenter.

Mr. Wolf addressed the remaining Piggies. "The second way to remodel your home is more costly. First you hire an architect to draw up some plans. After the plans are done you take those plans and give them, three at least. Look for the really hungry ones. You should get some really good prices. Make sure you take the lowest bid. This will guarantee a well planned project at the best possible price."

Wood Piggy liked this way. "I don't mind paying a little bit more," said Wood Piggy. Especially since I can probably make some of the cost up by hiring the low bid. Like you said before Mr. Wolf, I like that I can have a well planned project, and still get a low price for the build part. After all, it's easy, anybody can do it. Add off he ran to find an architect.

Brick Piggy stood in front of Mr. Wolf. "Mr. Wolf, said Brick Piggy "I am not comfortable with either way. I think I am going to do some research. There must be another way to remodel your home." Remember Brick Piggy was smart. Brick Piggy went home and did some research. He discovered that there is another way to remodel your home. A piggy could hire a professional design build company. A design builder will do the planning and the building. The process manages the two unknowns of a remodeling project, how much it will cost and what it will look like, together. The piggy and the design builder develop trust early in the process. The resulting project is a good experience, built with quality at the predetermined investment, and meets the needs of piggy. Brick Piggy decided to find a professional design build firm.

One month, two months, three months, four months, five months. What do you think happened? Straw Piggy has not finished his project. The carpenter got about 90% complete and decided he had to move onto the next project. The plumbers and electricians did not return Straw Piggie's calls and the delays were annoying. The materials that Straw Piggy bought really haven't lasted well and Straw Piggie's project is falling apart. Straw Piggy has hired BB Wolf esp. to sue the different trades for breach of contract and the material supplier for poor quality.

Wood Piggy's project never was started. The project the architect designed could not be built for Wood Piggy's budget. Even the low bid was too high. Wood Piggy has hired B.B. Wolf Esq. to sue the architect to get back the design fee. Oh, and Wood Piggy has also retained Mr. Wolf's services in the divorce proceedings of his wife.

And what about Brick Piggy? Brick Piggy is almost complete with his design build project. He is so happy with his project. The project has met his needs and the relationship with his design builder is so strong that he is planning his next project. Brick Piggy is going to build some rental apartments on his property. Straw Piggy and Wood Piggy will be moving in as soon as the apartments are ready.

And they all lived happily ever after!

Written By
Hudson Valley Preservation
Mason Lord

To Pay Up Front Design Fees or Not to Pay

2009-09-03T07:21:00.000-07:00

Many Design/Build Contractors charge up front, non-refundable design fee retainers. This is a way for the contractor to get you the Home Owner off the market. Frequently, as the design is developed, the price goes up exponentially. The design fee retainer, which is typically in the range of $3,000 to $5,000, deters you from looking elsewhere, because you made an investment with one builder.

At Murray Lampert Construction, a preliminary design and quote is part of our service. To make an appointment, please visit http://www.murraylampert.com/estimate/index.html

Design Build vs Hiring an Architect

2009-09-01T11:17:00.000-07:00

There are two different approaches to Home Remodeling/Home Construction, hiring an architect, or Design/Build.

While hiring an architect, and taking bids from Contractors may fit for some sitiuations, there are compeling reasons to go Design/Build:

1. Instead of taking the risk that an architect will over design and over spec your project, Design/Build gives you the luxury of establishing a preliminary design for little or no cost, and getting an accurate price range for your project.

2. A reputable Design/Build contractor will work with you to design a remodel that meets your budgetary and functional needs.

3. There will be few or no field issues because a Design/Build Contractor works with the engineer up front to resolve any design, structural or existing conditions discrepancies in the building plans.

In summary, it is in your best interest to go Design/Build for most Home Remodeling projects because the Contractor has the ability to value engineer and handle the field changes that are inherent with any project. The exception to this rule is on new construction projects or extremely complex remodeling/re-building when the dollar amount is $500,000 plus.

For more information, please visit http://www.murraylampert.com/remodels/index.html

Glitter, Sizzle & Pop

2009-08-31T10:56:00.000-07:00

There are many remodeling firms with expensive showrooms, layers of staffing and fancy trucks. When choosing a contractor to remodel your home, you should ask yourself, do you need the sizzle, or are you looking for a quality job, at a sensible price, by a reputable company?

Murray Lampert Construction has been in business since 1975. We haven't survived this long with smoke and mirrors. We direct all of our energy to providing excellent service, quality workmanship, and a unparalleled warranty, at a reasonable price. By not having all the unnecessary overhead, we add value to every project we build.

For more information, please visit http://www.murraylampert.com/

Better Business Bureau - Ethics & Integrity

2009-08-27T13:58:00.001-07:00

A great starting point for researching home remodeling companies is the Better Business Bureau, http://www.bbb.org/. You can compare grades, see how many years the company has been in business, who the principles are, and complaint history. You can also link from the Better Business Bureau to the Contractors License Board to see if the license is in good standing, there is worker's compensation insurance in place, and an active bond for your protection.

In most markets, the BBB is the most respected non-profit organization that offers information about businesses in order to protect consumers. The Torch Awards are an example of how the BBB rewards business for marketplace ethics. At Murray Lampert Construction, we are proud to be a BBB Torch Award Winner. Please visit http://www.murraylampert.com/

I also suggest getting to know the companies by checking out their individual websites. This will give you insight on how much staffing a company has, and examples of the projects they take on. Visit http://www.murraylampert.com/gallery/index.html

The best way to check out a home remodeling contractor is by asking neighbors, friends and family. Choosing companies that have been in business over 10 years is advisable. Chances are, you will know others that have dealt with established companies so you can get real experiences.
Please visit http://www.murraylampert.com/tips/index.html

Choosing a Remodeling Contractor

2009-08-25T16:58:00.001-07:00

For those of you who have never remodeled, it can be a challenging and trying experience if you choose the wrong company. For those of you who have remodeled, I am sure you learned some valuable lessons that will help you the next time around.

As a contractor, one of the biggest mistakes I see homeowners making is accepting proposals from too many companies. Frankly, there are only a handful of reputable firms to choose from. Additionally, it becomes very difficult to keep track of details and conversations when there are too many companies involved.

My suggestion is to conduct brief (one hour or less) interviews with the companies you are considering, and choose the company/companies that win your confidence.

For more information, please visit http://www.murraylampert.com/tips/index.html

Home Remodeling Boot Camp

2009-08-24T15:34:00.000-07:00

Overview

I am Gregg Cantor, owner of Murray Lampert Construction in San Diego. My company has been designing, contracting and building residential remodeling projects since 1975. I am a third generation home remodeler. My career started in 1978 when I began handling construction clean up on job sites for my Grandfather Murray Lampert. Now, over 31 year later, I am Owner and President of Murray Lampert Construction.

The purpose of my blog is to educate consumers on the home remodeling process from initial contractor interviews to when the keys are turned over to you at completion. With my experience and guidance your remodeling project will be enjoyable and rewarding.

I am happy to answer any direct questions by email, gcantor@murraylampert.com.