Tromler Construction

Have You See This Yet?

2011-04-23T17:03:00.000-07:00

QR Code is here.

If you are not aware of it, it is a way of using your phone to receive information. Try it here. It will lead you to a blog post at a different site.

Good Answer Tom, But Show Your Work!

2011-03-12T23:41:00.000-08:00

When I was in school I really liked math. Unlike philosophy, or literature where you had interpretations of the readings, math had one answer. There was not a debate about whether or not 7+6= 13, only the explaining of how we got the answer. I received assignments back regularly with red ink stating "show your work". I thought , "Why?". It either is or it isn't correct. In showing my work, I could learn from errors made and the teacher would be assured that the correct answer was derived from my own thinking. This would allow me the apply this in future, tougher, calculations.

In business I find something very similar happening. I find myself sharing how my work is done, why I is necessary, or how this can be prevented in reoccuring in the future. If a client calls me to fix a situation at their property, I want to go fix it and bill the owners - period! That is clean and efficient. The job is complete, well done, and no wasted time spent.

Long-term this is not best for business. A certain amount of trust must come before a client will be a repeat customer. So I perfer to go overboard with the details, sometimes to the point that the owner may say "Tom we don't need to know all that, just fix it." The details given to the owner or manager can come in countless ways. Photos and video of the problem, hand-drawn explanations, on-site explanations, research is similar problems, and on and on... But the details are important.

If the owner or manger can understand the problem, they are more willing to solve it. They may see a dark spot on the ceiling. "Can't we just prime and paint over it?", is a common answer to such situations. But they need to understand that a slow drain leak caused by undo stress on the pipe that is causing dripping and causing mold in the drywall, and should be addressed. This sort of thing happens all the time. It would be hard to justify charging $800 to make this dark spot go away without all the necessary information. At that point it is up to the owner or manager to decide what to do.

Once that trust is built, now the client will call you. You are trusted and will be the starting point for the repair.

And the best customer is the repeat customer!

Looking For A Local Contractor?

2011-01-26T07:49:00.000-08:00

How do you go about finding a contractor in your local area? This doesn't just apply to contractor searches, it can be the dry cleaner, pizza, mechanic, and any other search target. Where do you start? Word-of-mouth is the most trusted - someone who has used this service before recommends them to you.

The internet has made it very convenient to do research from our home, office, and mobile phone. If you are in need of a local service, many start with a Google search. Google will list local search results at the top of the list. A great beginning but do I believe they are the best company for me? Further research may be needed. Sites like Yelp, Yahoo Local, Google Places, can pick up local businesses in your area.

The idea of finding a contractor (or dry cleaner, pizza,etc.) on the internet is becoming more and more common. Finding sources of searching for what we are looking for becomes more and more important. This takes getting use to, we have to try it.

I love to hear from you about how and where you find local services in your area.

Happy searching!

Placerville Contractor Reaches #2 Ranking on Bing Local

2010-12-25T23:19:00.000-08:00

For the longest time, Tromler Construction did not exist in the Bing Local Ranking for General Contractors in Placerville. We filled out all the necessary infomation but waited a very long time for Bing to list us. When they did, you had to dig real deep to find Tromler Construction - I first found it at #78. I'm not sure how all the analytics work but today we are at #2 in the rankings.

With a little luck maybe we can reach the #1 ranking on Bing, as we did in Google Local and Yahoo Local.

Need a General Contractor in the Placerville, Sacramento, Ca area?

Apartment Fence Repair In Sacramento, Ca

2010-10-25T06:00:00.000-07:00

If you are an apartment manager working hard to rent those vacant units, this may make a lot of sense to you.

How your apartment community looks has a lot to do with your ability to rent your vacant units. This may mean the landscape maintenance, the condition of the paint on the buildings, or tenant personal items hanging from the balcony - this list can go on and on. Right now it is tough enough trying to get people to come to your property to look at it, don't let the appearance of the property kill the sale before you get a chance to show the benefits of living in your community.

What if your office was located next to an existing fence that looked like this? Is it possible that the potential tenant may not believe it when you say that your community is well maintained.

This same fence may be repaired or replaced to change how the visitor sees your community. Maybe just a quick clean up and paint will do the trick. These changes may not sell the property but it certainly couldn't hurt.

A good first impression makes all the difference in filling those vacant units. Maintain the appearance of your property and better quality tenants will fill those open units.

Sacramento General Contractor

General Contractor's Quick Response To Voice Mail Message

2010-08-26T23:34:00.000-07:00

There are many things that take place in an apartment community to get a unit ready to rent once someone moves out. No manager likes there unit to sit empty for very long, so getting it turned around and "rent ready" is an on-going task. We often get calls from apartment managers to help do some things to get the place ready. The calls that we get vary from the minor fixes, to the major rehabs. Recently, we got a call from a community in Cameron Park to do some painting and things. The call went to voice mail, but we quickly got the job done for them.

Here is a short video of that call.

Sacramento Contractor

Cameron Park Contractor's 12 Second Vinyl Door Install Video Gets Hits

2010-08-14T14:38:00.000-07:00

I'm not real sure how or why it has happened but I have a real short video that has been seen over 700 times. I don't even think that I have posted it anywhere. I shot the video to test the lighting in the area, uploaded it to YouTube just to see how long it would take, pretty much forgot about it until seeing how many times it has been viewed. Here is that video, all 12 seconds of it. Can you figure out what why all the views?

I will sit here as a baffled general contractor wondering if I should install another vinyl sliding door and make another video here in Cameron Park, Ca.

Fence Repair at Apartment Community

2010-07-18T22:52:00.000-07:00

There has been a lot of activity in apartment communities throughout the Sacramento Region. With the warmer weather, repairs to fencing, siding, and other exterior surfaces had been on the rise. Often times, these repairs are being done before doing some exterior painting.

Property management companies, and home owners realize that now is an excellent time to make improvements in their property. Cost of supplies are down, contractors are very competitive on pricing, and improved properties are much easier to lease.

Interested in getting an estimate on your property? Contact some local contractors today.

Good luck in all your property improvements.

Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

"I'm Not A Handyman, But Sometimes I Play One At Work"

2010-07-02T00:13:00.000-07:00

I consider myself very handy around the house. Not too many things that I haven't done. Years ago I was a handyman and did well in that business. But now I'm a contractor, been one for years. Love the larger jobs that come with being a general contractor in the State of California. Lately, I find that I have been dabbling in the handyman domain.

Usually a homeowner has a minor problem and needs some advice about a big problem. I go to take a look and much to the surprise of the homeowner, the problem really isn't a big deal. I have enough experience doing so many trades, it has always been easier to just fix it right now. Homeowners and property managers love it - it costs less. Nobody wants to spend a ton of money in a tight market. Sometimes I feel like I'm getting the short stick. Almost like I'm taking business from myself. Then I think back.

Virtually all my work today comes from referrals - long time customers, customers I met yesterday, agents, colleagues, etc. The vast majority of these can be linked back to some small job that I did in the past. I still get the big jobs, so I guess I'll keep doing the small ones and be grateful.

Spring Projects Around the House

2010-04-25T11:58:00.000-07:00

Home improvement projects, honey-do lists, yard clean-ups, the list can go on and on. Once spring gets here there is a new passion to get things done. The winter rains have subsided. The sun shines bright. We get this boost of energy that wants to get things done. So do it. Here is my advice to tackling all the things that you want and need to do.

1. Get pencil and paper and write down all the things that you would like to have done. Lists the big, small, cheap, expensive, easy and hard. Get them all down on paper, this is just the brainstorming session.

2. Divide the brainstorming list into three categories: Must do right away, Needs to get done soon, and If I get a chance. This needs to be quick. Why? If we spend too much time dwelling on which list to put it in, we are wasting time. The goal is to get started in doing something.

3. Start! I suggest starting with a "must do" item, pick the easiest item there. For example, replace the dead tree in the planter at the front door for the party tomorrow. Get this done, feel good about getting started. Once you've started, keep moving down the list. Begin the next easy "must do" item.

The key to this exercise is to get started by getting something done and building on it. Checking off items that are completed can do wonders for a procratinator like myself.

Hope this helps!

Placerville General Contractor Installs New Redwood Decking in Cameron Park

2010-04-12T16:17:00.000-07:00

Redwood deck boards can rot and become unsafe to walk on, the solution may be as simple as replacing the deck boards. If the surrounding lumber is still structurally sound, a deck facelift is surely possible. Replacing the decking will be less expensive than replacing the entire structure. Ask a qualified contractor to give there opinion, most will do this for free!

Exterior Siding in Sacramento by Placerville Contractor

2010-04-07T06:30:00.000-07:00

Over time wood siding goes bad. Maybe because of improper painting, poor installation, excessive water; the reasons are many. Installation of cementious lap siding may be the answer for your property. The produce does not rot, it's durable, and looks good too.

Happy St. Patrick's Day - 2010

2010-03-14T08:52:00.000-07:00

Shamrock Three 3 Leaf Clover Metal Cookie Cutter for St. Patrick's Day Irish Party Favors 2.75"St. Patrick's Day Chocolate Truffle Box (4pc)

2009-12-12T00:50:00.001-08:00

A little something I put together for a customer.

Cameron Park General Contractor Doing the Little Things

2009-10-26T22:39:00.000-07:00

Sometimes you have to do the small things to make the customer happy, and refer your business. That may include checking the water heater temperature, changing air filters, or even clearing a slow drain (pictured here). And often times this is done for free! Why? I think its the right thing to do. I not saying I plan on working a bunch of tasks for nothing, but there has been countless meanial chores that I have done that has lead to much larger projects. All because of a sincere kind act.

Contractor Installs Doors and Windows

2009-10-16T16:18:00.000-07:00

Bathroom Water Leak Repairs

2009-10-01T22:36:00.000-07:00

Got a call from an apartment community in Sacramento, they had a leak in an upstairs unit. The damage was extensive in the downstairs unit. Here a picture of the laundry room walls. The walls were opened and fans and dehumidifiers were used to dry out the area.

The water had traveled done the walls unforefunately we were busy getting the job completed and didn't get a chance to take many before pictures. The residents needed us to get the walls open and dried, so we could put things back to normal. Here is the new drywall up and ready for texture.

Here is the same wall a few hours later. It wasn't long before things were completely restored to normal, and we were off to the next job.

Shower Repairs in Sacramento Apartment

2009-08-17T10:44:00.000-07:00

Water has damaged the walls of this shower. Bad grout, caulk, or lack of attention to proper maintenance; the end result is that the shower walls need to be replaced.
Here is a quick video of the soft "drywall" behind to ceramic tiles.

Proper maintenance, and routine inspections could have saved this shower. Here is a link that may help you in maintaining your tub/shower.

Shower maintainance.

Hope this helps!

Placerville Contractor Repairs Hidden Leak in Wall

2009-08-15T21:21:00.000-07:00

Water was seeping outfrom under the cabinet, at first management thought it was a drain pipe leak under the sink. Water was on the floor but not under the sink. Shower leak? Toilet maybe? After doing some clean up, and testing in the area, it was discovered that the water was coming from under the cabinet.

The water only appeared on the floor when the sink was running. A hole was cut in the drywall under the vanity sink to check the drain. Reaching into the opening Tromler Construction discovered that the drain line was cracked at the concrete slab. The cabinet needed to be removed to do the repair work to the drainage pipe.

It looks bad but the area was cleaned up quickly after correcting the problem in the wall.The new drywall was patched and textured to match the existing surfaces. A new cabinet was install because the old one had water damage to the base. Since the resident notified management early, the damaged area was not bad. This apartment was in Cameron Park, CA. Tromler Construction is available throughout Northern California. Contact us with any questions regarding your property.

Hidden Water Damage to Deck - Rescue, Ca

2009-07-19T22:10:00.000-07:00

During a recent deck inspection water damage was found to the framing members under the deck. Wood decking damage can not always be seen from the top of the deck. Knowledge of the nature of dry rot and water damage can help prevent serious damage to your deck.
A licensed contractor with knowledge of water and dry rot damages can help. A contractor can find early signs of decay, advise you on the proper care of your deck, and inspect area prone to rot damage.
Tromler Construction is available to help.

Lightweight concrete poured in Sacramento

2009-07-01T00:46:00.000-07:00

This light weight concrete was poured by Tromler Construction, the apartment complex is located in Sacramento, CA.

If you are experiencing problems with your lightweight concrete and need some advice what to do, let us know. Concrete will crack, wood rots, things break, anything can be fixed. Tromler Construction worked throughout California and parts of Nevada.

Waterproofing With Hot Mop Tar

2009-06-18T23:56:00.000-07:00

A waterproof barrier is required before pouring a new concrete deck. Without a waterproof membrane, water damage and dry rot will occur. Find a good hot mop contractor in you area.
When a concrete deck fails, it is because the waterproof barrier has failed to hold back the water. Do not cut corner on this phase of the project.

Hidden Damage Caused By Water in Concrete Decking

2009-06-12T05:19:00.000-07:00

This is a photo of the same deck from an earlier posting, the underside has been removed to expose the extent of the damage to the sheathing, joists, and header boards. The concrete decking above only had minor cracking to the surface.

The water proof membrane under the concrete has failed to keep the water from seeping into the supporting lumber.

Concrete decking water damage.

2009-06-08T12:44:00.000-07:00

If the waterproofing under a concrete deck has failed (no longer water tight) the signs of leaking will appear below, long before the concrete gets loose above. Checking for leaks in the underside of a concrete balcony or patio should be watch and checked annually for signs of water damage.

Water Damage in Lincoln

2009-06-03T17:19:00.000-07:00

I got a call from a property manager in Lincoln, Ca regarding some water damage. The water damage is extensive, removal will take a while to complete. Some areas will nbe treated as an emergency; rot and mold was found. Resident safety will be a priority.
Water had rotted the wood decking and framing. Dry rot needs to be eliminated and removed off site properly. Tromler Construction has a lot of experience in the removal of water, rot, and mold damages.
Here is an example of some of the damages.

Lightweight concrete deck repair.

2009-05-31T23:30:00.000-07:00

After putting the sheating and flashing, we were ready for the hot tar and paper membrane. The hot mop will prevent moisture from penetrating into the wood sheathing and framing.

Tromler Construction was on a tight schedule and did not get a chance to show final pictures of the concrete. We will by back to this unit for some touch-up painting, we should be able to get some final picture at that time.

Rain Gutter Repair

2009-05-30T12:21:00.000-07:00

Rain gutter repairs? Not exactly the first thing on the minds of homeowner and property managers right now, but there are some good reasons to make these gutter repairs now.
3 Reasons for repairing gutters now:
1. Contractors are more available to bid and repair.
2. Safer work environment, better working conditions.
3. Save money. There are lot of contractors willing to work for less.
Good luck with all your projects.

Another Wood Fence Completed

2009-05-27T00:34:00.000-07:00

Tromler Construction finished up another fence today, a dog eared redwood fence. The old fence was dangerous and an eye sore, so a clean fresh fence was installed. Installation of the fence was quick and trouble-free. Here are some pictures if you are interested in seeing our work.

New fence in Sacramento

2009-05-21T23:19:00.000-07:00

Today we tore out an old lattice fence. There was a bunch of dry rot to the wood post and framing, the new wood members are pressure treat lumber. Dog eared fence boards were nailed to the face of the framework.

Kitchen Counters

2009-05-21T07:26:00.000-07:00

Quick look at a completed laminate counter installation in Cameron Park Apartment.

Tub and Shower Replacement

2009-04-21T22:24:00.000-07:00

We've been replacing tub/shower units that have cracked or gone bad. These units usually go unnoticed until the resident has a problem or when they move out of the community. The units are a four part tub and shower kit, this matches the existing units throughout the community.

Here is a quick look at the nearly finished unit.

Water Leak From Water Heater Causes Water Damage

2009-01-07T22:49:00.000-08:00

I put together a short video showing what is involved when doing repairs caused by water leaks. The water damage may be different in your situation but the project will be similar in scope. Contact us with any questions.

Cracked Drain Pipe Causes Bathroom Moisture Damage

2008-12-10T23:29:00.000-08:00

We discovered a crack ABS drain pipe leaking from an upstairs apartment. It was a stress crack that leaked when the water to the sink flowed from upstairs.

The leak caused water damage to the drywall in the ceiling and walls in the bathroom. Some framing members were also damaged due to the leaking drain pipe.

After the drain was repaired, the framing boards were replaced and the pipes straped tight. We then patched the drywall, taped the joints, and floated smooth. Water resistant drywall was used in the areas of repair.

After drying, a texture was applied to the walls and ceiling. The new texture matched the existing and when complete, no one will know the leak ever happened.

After the texture dries, the surfaces will be primed and painted with two coats of paint.

The cabinet was badly damaged also. We rebuilt it using new particle board.

Water Damage and Dry Rot

2008-11-01T14:20:00.000-07:00

The restoration and rebuilding from water damage and dry rot can be a large project that an experienced contractor can help make things easier than you first thought.

If you are a home owner, you probably have experienced water damage. The drain leaks, you catch it early and clean it up. Sometimes the damage and rot from water is not as obvious or the water damage is hidden until it is more severe. Water damage and dry rot can come from many sources, we will focus on a plumbing leak. Water related damage from a water heater. The water heater has been leaking and caused dry rot under the home. The home owner was not aware of the extent of the rot damage.

The owner of the home had a water heater that was leaking within the appliance. The water ran down the inside, and into the pan below. The metal pan had small holes due to electrolysis. The small holes allowed the water to seep out and under the pan. The pan never filled with water because of the holes, so the owners never notice the start of the water damage to the floor and walls. Once it became apparent that the water was leaking water damage and dry rot was severe. Here are some picture of the damage caused by the leaking appliance.

The water heater was replaced to stop the leaking. An insurance claim was made after this discovery and an experienced contractor, Tromler Construction, was asked to make recommendations. The project will start soon after the insurance issues are done. Tromler Construction will post the water damage findings in a later post.

Laminate Counter Replacement - Kitchen

2008-10-13T23:56:00.000-07:00

I recently installed new laminate counters in an apartment unit. After 20 years, the old plastic laminate counters get chipped, cracked, scrapped, and burnt. Here is a quick look at the before and after. The colors were order the same, to match the existing color. Counters take a few weeks to receive. Here are some examples of the work done.

Kitchen Drain Pipe Repair

2008-10-13T23:47:00.000-07:00

While working on a different job at an apartment complex, management called me to look at a problem they were having in one of the units. The downstairs resident could hear water dripping inside the wall. We checked the plumbing in both units, the upstairs unit had a problem.

The plastic drain pipe (ABS) had cracked just below the tee. Water was leaking down the wall when the upstairs unit ran the kitchen plumbing. I've included a video discribing how we fixed the problem. It may be helpful to you. The wall was dried out before closing the wall. No dry rot was found.

Gutter Cleaning

2008-09-23T15:19:00.000-07:00

It's getting to be that season again. Leaves are falling, weather is changing, and the rains will be here soon. It's time to start planning your gutter cleaning for this season. Gutters leaking? I found a site that describes "How to patch a gutter Leak". Let Tromler Construction know if we can help.

Rebuilding a Lightweight Concrete Deck

2008-09-17T22:42:00.000-07:00

A lot of damage was found in the decking, rails, and structural framing. It took some time to get everything removed and rebuilt. I've included some pictures here.

Unexpected Water Damage!

2008-09-03T22:22:00.000-07:00

I got a call from an apartment manager regarding some loose concrete on a balcony to one of the units in the community. I checked it out. The concrete had some movement in it, probably some moisture damage to the sheathing below. I explained it to the manager and we agreed that the concrete and water damage needed to be replaced for safety reasons. Since the unit was vacant, now seemed like a good time to do the work. Here is what the decking looked like before the demolition started.

The very first blow of the sledge hammer revealed that the damge was pretty extensive. The sledge hammer went through the concrete, the sheathing,l past the joists, and through the siding below. Removal of the rest of the concrete decking exposed damaged joists and the 4x12 header. This was clearly a safety issue that needed the approval of management. Everyone agrreed that all the damaged wood needed to be replaced.

None of this could have been known until the decking was opened up.

Who gets the job?

2008-08-29T00:16:00.000-07:00

I resently waited a full day for the warranty repair man to come fix my television that was under warranty. He didn't show up and had to reschedule for another day. As a contractor I thought about how I treat my customers. How do I rate in the eyes of my customers.

Do I show up when I said I would? Do I call if I'm running late or can't get there at all? Am I more concerned about catching up on ESPN scores in the morning than being where I said I would be. This can also run into other areas; courtesy, cleanliness, and knowledge of work, to name a few.

I do a lot of work in apartment communities throughout Sacramento, El Dorado, and Placer counties. I have met countless managers, assistants, and maintenance personnel. The staff at these communities do not want any additional frustation in their day. My television going out was a problem that I needed to deal with, the repair man left a bad impression about that company. So I think it is very important that a contractor reduce any unnecessary stress and frustration at all time.

What if I treated my customers the same way that I would like to be treated? What a concept! If the repair man comes into my house late smelling of liquer, dirty, and impolite. I'm not calling him again. In fact I would probably take steps to have him terminated. He hasn't met my reasonable demands, so I get frustrated. He becomes a part of the problem and NOT the solution. Well Tom, that's just the way it is in the trade. I don't think so.

There are plenty of qualified contractors out there who get to the job on time, dressed for the job in clean clothes, they say "hello" and "thank you", and maybe even smile while on the job. That is the contractor I want to be, because he is the one that gets the job.

I want to be the contractor who is genuinely concerned about the owners' project. Usually the project is a problem that needs to be fixed. If I'm qualified to do the work, I can make the customer want to work with me again. I can make their life a lot easier today.

If I were given a choice between working with someone who can fix my problem, or someone who only raises my blood pressure, I'm going to take the less stressful route. In fact, I would probably be willing to spend a little more to get that person. If the repair man burns up most of my day, creates more frustrating phone calls and scheduling, this is costing me more time and money. When the right person for the job is charging a little more, he may be saving me money in the long run.

Kitchen Remodel in Greenstone Country

2008-08-13T22:57:00.000-07:00

Before and after pictures of a Kitchen Remodel. Kitchen is nearly complete.

Laundry Room Improvement

2008-08-05T10:54:00.000-07:00

Cleaned up the Laundry Room out in Roseville. Water had been leaking and damaging the walls, but the area was very outdated and worn. We fixed the plumbing issues, patched and textured the drywall to make it look new again. Good paint can do wonders! The lighting fixtures were replaced, new cabinet build, and new countertops to bring it all together. Check out the slate floor, you don't see this kind of flooring in too many apartment communities. Tenants and owners are very happy with the results.

What do you think?

Sauna Restoration in Apartment Community

2008-08-04T23:46:00.000-07:00

The cedar in this sauna needed to be changed. Oils from the body, wear and tear from use, and vandalism pushed management to ask me to replace all the cedar planks in the unit. The apartment community is a high end tenancy, this was an eye sore.

Follow up pictures from Glaser Vision Optometry

2008-07-17T09:57:00.000-07:00

The job turned out pretty well, let me know what you think.

Choosing a Contractor

2008-07-09T16:31:00.000-07:00

Choosing a Contractor + How to Get Bids for Building Out Your House Plan

For those of you worried about choosing a general contractor to build your new home from house plans, feel confident in knowing that most custom home contractors are reliable, honest individuals. The very few who are not, have created an image well beyond their real numbers. To help you find the right GC for your new home, here are some very simple rules and suggestions to follow:

* Never choose a contractor based solely on lowest price.

* Always obtain more than one estimate.

* Don't rely on possible legal remedies as your protection against someone you are apprehensive about to begin with. Simply don't hire that particular contractor.

* Research their background first before hiring them. If your state has a licensing board for contractors, call to find out if there are any outstanding complaints against that license holder.

* Call your local Better Business Bureau to see if there are any complaints on file.

* Don't be afraid to thoroughly interview the contractor candidates. Ask what kind of worker 's compensation insurance they carry and get their policy number and insurance company contact information so you can verify everything. If they are not covered, you could be liable for any work-related injury incurred during the project.

* Be sure that the contractor also has an umbrella general liability policy.

* Don't hire the contractor who only suggests changes that will reduce the price-and possibly the quality-or the contractor who does the opposite and only makes suggestions that will result in expensive changes.

* Choose a contractor based heavily on past performance. Ask for names of clients and follow-up with phone calls and drive-bys if possible. A good contractor will be happy to provide as many referrals as you want.

* Choose a contractor based on recommendations of local business owners he deals with such as bankers, material suppliers or local officials.

* Choose a contractor who appears knowledgeable and has a helpful attitude and will have your best interest at heart.

* Use common sense judgment.

* Finally, don't be rushed into making a decision, no matter how competitive the market may seem. And never pay a deposit to a contractor at the first meeting.

How to Get Bids on Your Project
If you have decided not to be your own contractor, you will have to find someone to build your home. Don't cut corners when you make the decision on your contractor. Thoroughly research and get bids from several contractors. It is worth the effort to find a builder that meets your budget requirements and makes you feel confident in them.

Here are some helpful tips for accepting bids from contractors:

* Always get more than one estimate.

* Never base your choice solely on lowest price.

* Don't hire a contractor you are already uncomfortable with. You can't always fall back on legal remedies if you have problems with them later.

* Research the contractors before hiring them. If your state has a licensing board for contractors, use them to learn of any prior issues or complaints.

* Check for complaints filed with the Better Business Bureau.

* Be sure to thoroughly interview the contractor candidates. Ask about their worker 's compensation insurance and get their policy number and insurance company contact information so you can verify everything. If they aren't covered, you could be liable for any work-related injury incurred during the project.

* Make sure the contractor has an umbrella general liability policy.

* If the contractor only suggests changes that are lower cost or only higher prices, do not hire them. Choose one who suggests both. Your chosen contractor should consider quality factors along with price reduction.

* Base your choice on past work of the contractor. If they are good, they will gladly provide referrals. Get names of the referrals. Call and if possible, drive by.

* Local business owners can also give a good point of view of the contractor. Talk to people the contractor deals with such as bankers, material suppliers, or local officials.

* The contractor should be knowledgeable with a helpful attitude. They should consider things that are in your best interest.

* Last, but not least, use your common sense. Don't rush into a decision no matter how competitive the market may seem. Never pay a deposit on the first meeting with a contractor.

Becoming Your Own Contractor
Should you choose to become your own contractor it is best to have resources. The main three resources that we recommend are as follows:

* "The Complete Guide to Contracting Your Home"
* "How to Plan, Subcontract, and Build Your Dream House"
* "Be Your Own House Contractor"
The largest obstacle in contracting is having all of the products and supplies readily available when needed. You want to make sure the building process runs smoothly and in a timely manner. So even if you choose to hire a general contractor, it is very important to understand the processes in which you will be embarking. You want to make sure your vision of your home is exactly what the final product will be.

Glaser Vision Optometry

2008-07-01T00:31:00.000-07:00

Tromler Construction was involved with the new Glaser Vision Optometry in El Dorado Hills. The owners completed much of the finish work themselves. The final photos will be coming soon.