Bertram Builders LLC is a locally owned, Santa Cruz county based general building contractor that specializes in residential construction and framing.We are a team of hardworkers who take pride in quality and integrity. From remodels to decks, ADUs and additions, we strive to do the right thing and make your home dreams a reality!
Bertram Builders LLC is a locally owned, Santa Cruz county based general building contractor that specializes in residential construction and framing.We are a team of hardworkers who take pride in quality and integrity. From remodels to decks, ADUs and additions, we strive to do the right thing and make your home dreams a reality!
We take great pride in our experience, expertise, quality, and customer service that we provide to meet the consumers needs. It is our mission to provide excellent workmanship and complete customer satisfaction from start to completion of a project. In order to understand the needs and expectations of our customers, we take great care to work and communicate with every customer in a professional manner. Our reputation is based on service, safety, and quality, regardless of how large or small the job.
We take great pride in our experience, expertise, quality, and customer service that we provide to meet the consumers needs. It is our mission to provide excellent workmanship and complete customer satisfaction from start to completion of a project. In order to understand the needs and expectations of our customers, we take great care to work and communicate with every customer in a professional manner. Our reputation is based on service, safety, and quality, regardless of how large or small the job.
Be Home Remodeling is a home improvement company dedicated to transforming spaces with quality craftsmanship and personalized service. We specialize in a range of remodeling projects, from kitchens and bathrooms to full home renovations, back yard remodeling and more. Our team of experienced professionals collaborates closely with clients to understand their vision and bring it to life, ensuring each project reflects their style and meets their needs. Whether you're looking to update a single room or undertake a complete overhaul, Be Home Remodeling is here to make your dream home a reality.
"The team provided me with the unique concept I was seeking for my bathroom remodel. In addition to being lovely, the new area is practical and suits all of my requirements."
Lisa G on April 2025
Be Home Remodeling is a home improvement company dedicated to transforming spaces with quality craftsmanship and personalized service. We specialize in a range of remodeling projects, from kitchens and bathrooms to full home renovations, back yard remodeling and more. Our team of experienced professionals collaborates closely with clients to understand their vision and bring it to life, ensuring each project reflects their style and meets their needs. Whether you're looking to update a single room or undertake a complete overhaul, Be Home Remodeling is here to make your dream home a reality.
"The team provided me with the unique concept I was seeking for my bathroom remodel. In addition to being lovely, the new area is practical and suits all of my requirements."
Lisa G on April 2025
Yard Creations Landscape Services, Inc. is a locally owned and operated company that values honesty, integrity and treats your home as if it were our own. We offer a variety of landscaping and carpentry services that are customized to each individual project. You will find us to be competitively priced, paying close attention to the details of each and every project that we are involved with. Call us today!
Yard Creations Landscape Services, Inc. is a locally owned and operated company that values honesty, integrity and treats your home as if it were our own. We offer a variety of landscaping and carpentry services that are customized to each individual project. You will find us to be competitively priced, paying close attention to the details of each and every project that we are involved with. Call us today!
40 years experience, We provide results, not excuses! We pride our company on customer service, professionalism, great communication, efficiency, and superior quality work. We are experts in our trade and will do our best to keep you as educated as we can on your home renovation project. We look forward to earning your business! Feel free to give us a call today! hours of operation 7am-430pm plus evening and weekends on quickbooks, accepts cashapp zelle vemno paypal
"I have used Danny on many home remodel projects over the years for myself and my clients. He is reliable, knowledgeable and takes great care in his work. Ready to solve and input ideas on how to work thru project challenges that arise on the site! "
Susan C on March 2025
40 years experience, We provide results, not excuses! We pride our company on customer service, professionalism, great communication, efficiency, and superior quality work. We are experts in our trade and will do our best to keep you as educated as we can on your home renovation project. We look forward to earning your business! Feel free to give us a call today! hours of operation 7am-430pm plus evening and weekends on quickbooks, accepts cashapp zelle vemno paypal
"I have used Danny on many home remodel projects over the years for myself and my clients. He is reliable, knowledgeable and takes great care in his work. Ready to solve and input ideas on how to work thru project challenges that arise on the site! "
Susan C on March 2025
We are a locally owned and operated company that values honesty and integrity, and treats your home as if it were our own. We offer a variety of services that are customizable to each individual project. You will find us to be competitively priced, paying close attention to the details of each and every project that we are involved with. We look forward to building lasting relationships, and guarantee your satisfaction!
"Fast response and clear communication throughout the process."
Marco T on April 2025
We are a locally owned and operated company that values honesty and integrity, and treats your home as if it were our own. We offer a variety of services that are customizable to each individual project. You will find us to be competitively priced, paying close attention to the details of each and every project that we are involved with. We look forward to building lasting relationships, and guarantee your satisfaction!
"Fast response and clear communication throughout the process."
Marco T on April 2025
We offer handyman services to the Santa Cruz county area that include: home paint touch ups interior and exterior, Small drywall repairs and also fence repairs, deck repairs, carpentry, and door repair. If you need help, we can work with your specific needs.
"Done right!"
John S on May 2024
We offer handyman services to the Santa Cruz county area that include: home paint touch ups interior and exterior, Small drywall repairs and also fence repairs, deck repairs, carpentry, and door repair. If you need help, we can work with your specific needs.
"Done right!"
John S on May 2024
With over 25 years of experience in the construction industry, Shanne began his career as a carpenter in his father’s business before establishing Solid Oak Construction Co. He offers a wide variety of services regarding home renovations; including kitchen remodels, building decks and fences, interior/exterior painting, flooring install, concrete and pavers, and landscaping. His team of skilled carpenters provides quality workmanship and excellent customer service to ensure your home is well-maintained and fully functional. Shanne oversees projects from concept to completion, collaborating closely with homeowners, developers, and subcontractors to ensure every detail is executed with precision.
"Shanne and his team are top notch. The follow up and customer service has been excellent. I highly recommend Solid Oak Construction for small or large scale projects."
elizabeth p on March 2025
With over 25 years of experience in the construction industry, Shanne began his career as a carpenter in his father’s business before establishing Solid Oak Construction Co. He offers a wide variety of services regarding home renovations; including kitchen remodels, building decks and fences, interior/exterior painting, flooring install, concrete and pavers, and landscaping. His team of skilled carpenters provides quality workmanship and excellent customer service to ensure your home is well-maintained and fully functional. Shanne oversees projects from concept to completion, collaborating closely with homeowners, developers, and subcontractors to ensure every detail is executed with precision.
"Shanne and his team are top notch. The follow up and customer service has been excellent. I highly recommend Solid Oak Construction for small or large scale projects."
elizabeth p on March 2025
Hi, my name is Larry Murphy, and I'm the owner of Lakota Design Group. We've been designing and installing custom landscape projects in the Bay Area for the past 50 years. During those years we've designed and built everything you can imagine and completed over 5,000 projects. We've also worked for some of the most influential people in Silicon Valley, including executives from Apple, Yahoo & the San Francisco 49ers. From both design & construction viewpoints, we know what works and what doesn't, what looks good & what doesn't. We'll work with you using our custom 3d design process to create your dream landscape design. Then, using your new landscape design, we'll get bids for you from our list of vetted contractors. If you then choose to use one of our contractors for your installation, your design is free since our contractors pay us for it. They also pay us to manage your project, so you don't have to. You can check us out at https://www.lakotadesigngroup.com. We'd love to work with you!
"Punctual. Informative. Friendly. Good work, excellent completion. Pleasing sight."
jan f on September 2024
Hi, my name is Larry Murphy, and I'm the owner of Lakota Design Group. We've been designing and installing custom landscape projects in the Bay Area for the past 50 years. During those years we've designed and built everything you can imagine and completed over 5,000 projects. We've also worked for some of the most influential people in Silicon Valley, including executives from Apple, Yahoo & the San Francisco 49ers. From both design & construction viewpoints, we know what works and what doesn't, what looks good & what doesn't. We'll work with you using our custom 3d design process to create your dream landscape design. Then, using your new landscape design, we'll get bids for you from our list of vetted contractors. If you then choose to use one of our contractors for your installation, your design is free since our contractors pay us for it. They also pay us to manage your project, so you don't have to. You can check us out at https://www.lakotadesigngroup.com. We'd love to work with you!
"Punctual. Informative. Friendly. Good work, excellent completion. Pleasing sight."
jan f on September 2024
Landscape design and installation. All phases (softscape/hardscape). Owner operated. Multi -year Angie's List Super Service Award winner. Cal-poly trained landscape architecture designers. Free design consultations. Free written estimates and proposals. All sized projects. Sprinkler and other landscape repairs. New sod lawns. Hand selected guaranteed nursery stock planting, drought tolerant landscaping, synthetic turf. Serving the entire Silicon Valley. Fast turn-around. Friendly service. Fully insured. Accepting all major credit cards and online payment apps. State of California licensed landscape contractor (C-27) since 1993 (CSLB #682755). Quality-Value-Service "Great landscaping designed to budget!" "The art and science of great landscaping!" Composite and wood decking. Arbors and pergolas. Drought friendly landscaping, Automatic drip and spray irrigation systems. Irrigation timer clocks/controllers. Redwood and composite decking. Interlocking pavers. Retainer walls. Concrete. L.E.D. low volt landscape lighting. Drainage. Flagstone. Brickwork. Outdoor kitchens. Firepits. Gravel. Mulch. Tile. Water features. Boulders, River rock. Pool decks. Pool Removal. Pergolas. Arbors Irrigation and landscape lighting repairs, fences and gates. ...and more! ask about our new "Express Build" "Complete landscaping in record time!"
"In September 2024, I contracted with Scott C. McIntyre, the owner of Landscape Solutions to do landscaping work at my residence in Los Altos, Ca. The work consisted of replacing existing retaining walls and steps in my back yard and installing a new patio on an already flattened area on the hill in my back yard. Mr. McIntyre declared the work completed on November 4, 2024 although there remained issues with incomplete and substandard work and failure to adhere to rules imposed by the California Contractors State License Board (CSLB). I have filed a complaint (currently not resolved) with the CSLB. I paid Landscape Solutions $56,385.41 of a Total Contract Estimate cost of $58,790.00 (with a not to exceed clause of $60,000) with final payment to be made when the project was completed to my satisfaction. The project was never completed to my satisfaction with some (not all) of the outstanding issues described in this review. ISSUES WITH WORK QUALITY - NON-CODE COMPLIANT, SUBSTANDARD, NOT COMPLETE 1. The Guard Rail over the lower retaining wall is not building code compliant. The most serious issue with the work that Landscape Solutions did was that the guard rail built over a retaining wall does not meet building code and is not child safe. A picture of the guard rail is shown in the review I posted on Yelp (posted with a one star rating on January 20, 2025), but I am not able to show a picture on an Angi's List review. The guard rail is made up of vertical posts spaced approximately 45 inches apart and two horizontal rails between the vertical posts. The upper horizontal rail above the surface of the newly built patio forms the top of the guard rail. A second horizontal rail below it is halfway between surface of the patio and the top of the guard rail, leaving two large gaps between the horizontal rails, each gap approximately 19 inches wide. Code dictates the maximum gap in the guard rail is 4 inches. A child could easily fall through the large gap in the guard rail to the level below. A baby crawling on the patio could plunge head first off the patio to the lower level and be seriously injured. I emailed a picture of the completed retaining wall and guard rail to my city's Building Code Enforcement Division and inquired if it was building code compliant. A Code Enforcement Division representative replied with an email message (Client can provide the actual email message). Following text is from the email message: "The rail needs to be 42" high and there needs to be a maximum of 4" between the horizontal rails. The fence as shown does not meet the standards and intermediate rails need to be added." -----End of quote from email message sent by city's Code Enforcement Division------- NOTE: ALLOWING A CONTRACTOR WHO DOES NOT KNOW THE BUILDING CODES TO BE LICENSED PUTS THE PUBLIC IN DANGER. 2. Incomplete and substandard work i. There are areas with no pavers, just dirt, adjacent to the lower retaining wall. Contractor fixed some but not all areas along the newly built lower retaining wall. A picture showing an example of this issue is shown on my Yelp review but I am not able to show a picture on an Angi's List review. The picture shows where paving stones should have been installed next to the retaining wall. ii. Gate not installed in lower retaining wall. The retaining wall that was being replaced had a gate. I called this to Mr. McIntyre's attention in a reply message to his message that the project was complete. He replied in an email message that he would replace the gate. iii. In doing the work, Landscape Solutions workers moved items (e.g., wooden glider bench, other patio benches, chairs, patio table, an umbrella stand) from the flattened hill area to other parts of the back yard. I requested that the items be returned to their original locations. Mr. McIntyre, in an email message, agreed to do so. This was not done. Returning items moved to their original location should be a standard part of Landscape Solutions clean-up work upon completion of a project. ISSUES WITH NON-ADHERENCE TO CONTRACTORS STATE LICENSE BOARD REGULATIONS In items 3 and 4 below, quoted text is from Contractors State Licensing Board publication "Contracting for Success", which was downloaded from the CSLB website. 3. Contractor did not give buyer a copy of the signed contract as CSLB requires. "Before any work is started, the contractor must give the buyer a copy of the contract signed and dated by both the contractor and the buyer." 4. On the day work began, Contractor asked for payment of $15,000 along with the signed contract. "Except for a down payment, a contractor can't demand or accept payment for work or materials until the work is actually done or the materials are delivered. The down payment may not exceed $1,000 or 10 percent of the contract amount, whichever is less." Contractor gave following reason why he asked for $15000 at start of project. Quote is directly from an email message he sent client. Client can provide the actual email message. Text of email message from Mr. McIntyre, in quotes: "My son is out of state at college and it is very expensive. My cash flow and bank account funds do not allow me to pay for your materials before delivery and pay my payroll in advance of getting paid by you if this is what the CSLB requires." --------End of quote from email message sent by Mr. McIntyre-------------- 5. Contractor made additional changes not in contract without a change order being added to the contract. Contractor's office manager then billed client for the unauthorized work. The Contractors State Licensing Board publication "Terms of Agreement A Consumer Guide to Home Improvement Contracts" (downloaded from the CSLB website) states the following: "Extra Work and Change Orders become part of the contract once the order is prepared in writing and signed by the parties prior to the commencement of any work covered by the new change order.""
Terry E on February 2025
Landscape design and installation. All phases (softscape/hardscape). Owner operated. Multi -year Angie's List Super Service Award winner. Cal-poly trained landscape architecture designers. Free design consultations. Free written estimates and proposals. All sized projects. Sprinkler and other landscape repairs. New sod lawns. Hand selected guaranteed nursery stock planting, drought tolerant landscaping, synthetic turf. Serving the entire Silicon Valley. Fast turn-around. Friendly service. Fully insured. Accepting all major credit cards and online payment apps. State of California licensed landscape contractor (C-27) since 1993 (CSLB #682755). Quality-Value-Service "Great landscaping designed to budget!" "The art and science of great landscaping!" Composite and wood decking. Arbors and pergolas. Drought friendly landscaping, Automatic drip and spray irrigation systems. Irrigation timer clocks/controllers. Redwood and composite decking. Interlocking pavers. Retainer walls. Concrete. L.E.D. low volt landscape lighting. Drainage. Flagstone. Brickwork. Outdoor kitchens. Firepits. Gravel. Mulch. Tile. Water features. Boulders, River rock. Pool decks. Pool Removal. Pergolas. Arbors Irrigation and landscape lighting repairs, fences and gates. ...and more! ask about our new "Express Build" "Complete landscaping in record time!"
"In September 2024, I contracted with Scott C. McIntyre, the owner of Landscape Solutions to do landscaping work at my residence in Los Altos, Ca. The work consisted of replacing existing retaining walls and steps in my back yard and installing a new patio on an already flattened area on the hill in my back yard. Mr. McIntyre declared the work completed on November 4, 2024 although there remained issues with incomplete and substandard work and failure to adhere to rules imposed by the California Contractors State License Board (CSLB). I have filed a complaint (currently not resolved) with the CSLB. I paid Landscape Solutions $56,385.41 of a Total Contract Estimate cost of $58,790.00 (with a not to exceed clause of $60,000) with final payment to be made when the project was completed to my satisfaction. The project was never completed to my satisfaction with some (not all) of the outstanding issues described in this review. ISSUES WITH WORK QUALITY - NON-CODE COMPLIANT, SUBSTANDARD, NOT COMPLETE 1. The Guard Rail over the lower retaining wall is not building code compliant. The most serious issue with the work that Landscape Solutions did was that the guard rail built over a retaining wall does not meet building code and is not child safe. A picture of the guard rail is shown in the review I posted on Yelp (posted with a one star rating on January 20, 2025), but I am not able to show a picture on an Angi's List review. The guard rail is made up of vertical posts spaced approximately 45 inches apart and two horizontal rails between the vertical posts. The upper horizontal rail above the surface of the newly built patio forms the top of the guard rail. A second horizontal rail below it is halfway between surface of the patio and the top of the guard rail, leaving two large gaps between the horizontal rails, each gap approximately 19 inches wide. Code dictates the maximum gap in the guard rail is 4 inches. A child could easily fall through the large gap in the guard rail to the level below. A baby crawling on the patio could plunge head first off the patio to the lower level and be seriously injured. I emailed a picture of the completed retaining wall and guard rail to my city's Building Code Enforcement Division and inquired if it was building code compliant. A Code Enforcement Division representative replied with an email message (Client can provide the actual email message). Following text is from the email message: "The rail needs to be 42" high and there needs to be a maximum of 4" between the horizontal rails. The fence as shown does not meet the standards and intermediate rails need to be added." -----End of quote from email message sent by city's Code Enforcement Division------- NOTE: ALLOWING A CONTRACTOR WHO DOES NOT KNOW THE BUILDING CODES TO BE LICENSED PUTS THE PUBLIC IN DANGER. 2. Incomplete and substandard work i. There are areas with no pavers, just dirt, adjacent to the lower retaining wall. Contractor fixed some but not all areas along the newly built lower retaining wall. A picture showing an example of this issue is shown on my Yelp review but I am not able to show a picture on an Angi's List review. The picture shows where paving stones should have been installed next to the retaining wall. ii. Gate not installed in lower retaining wall. The retaining wall that was being replaced had a gate. I called this to Mr. McIntyre's attention in a reply message to his message that the project was complete. He replied in an email message that he would replace the gate. iii. In doing the work, Landscape Solutions workers moved items (e.g., wooden glider bench, other patio benches, chairs, patio table, an umbrella stand) from the flattened hill area to other parts of the back yard. I requested that the items be returned to their original locations. Mr. McIntyre, in an email message, agreed to do so. This was not done. Returning items moved to their original location should be a standard part of Landscape Solutions clean-up work upon completion of a project. ISSUES WITH NON-ADHERENCE TO CONTRACTORS STATE LICENSE BOARD REGULATIONS In items 3 and 4 below, quoted text is from Contractors State Licensing Board publication "Contracting for Success", which was downloaded from the CSLB website. 3. Contractor did not give buyer a copy of the signed contract as CSLB requires. "Before any work is started, the contractor must give the buyer a copy of the contract signed and dated by both the contractor and the buyer." 4. On the day work began, Contractor asked for payment of $15,000 along with the signed contract. "Except for a down payment, a contractor can't demand or accept payment for work or materials until the work is actually done or the materials are delivered. The down payment may not exceed $1,000 or 10 percent of the contract amount, whichever is less." Contractor gave following reason why he asked for $15000 at start of project. Quote is directly from an email message he sent client. Client can provide the actual email message. Text of email message from Mr. McIntyre, in quotes: "My son is out of state at college and it is very expensive. My cash flow and bank account funds do not allow me to pay for your materials before delivery and pay my payroll in advance of getting paid by you if this is what the CSLB requires." --------End of quote from email message sent by Mr. McIntyre-------------- 5. Contractor made additional changes not in contract without a change order being added to the contract. Contractor's office manager then billed client for the unauthorized work. The Contractors State Licensing Board publication "Terms of Agreement A Consumer Guide to Home Improvement Contracts" (downloaded from the CSLB website) states the following: "Extra Work and Change Orders become part of the contract once the order is prepared in writing and signed by the parties prior to the commencement of any work covered by the new change order.""
Terry E on February 2025
Converting a garage is worth it because it can significantly increase your home's value while providing additional living space for your family or guests. Adding a bedroom or bathroom enhances your property's appeal to potential buyers, and creating a guest suite or apartment can even generate passive rental income while you still own the house.
A garage conversion can take between two and six weeks for the construction work, depending on the size and complexity of the project. Before construction begins, you need to secure the proper building permits and hire a contractor. Keep in mind that contractors are often in high demand and might schedule several weeks out. If your garage conversion is extensive or involves significant structural changes, the timeline could extend to eight weeks or more. For attached garages, the proximity to your living space may cause some disruption during construction.
To make your garage livable, at a minimum, you need to insulate the walls, add in legally required egress windows, install flooring, put up drywall, and add in air conditioning and heating. If you intend to use the space as a bedroom, office, bathroom, or kitchen, you will need to consider additional electrical and plumbing needs.
A garage conversion counts as living space when it meets certain criteria. The converted garage must be attached to your home and include permanent features like proper insulation, finished walls and ceilings, and adequate ventilation. It should be suitable for year-round living, with heating and cooling systems to maintain comfortable temperatures in all seasons. Meeting these standards allows the converted space to be included in your home's total square footage, potentially increasing its value.
In most cases, you do not need to hire an architect for a garage conversion. An experienced garage conversion contractor usually has the skills to help create your desired design and ensure the project meets building codes. However, if your conversion involves complex structural changes or a large-scale redesign, hiring an architect can be beneficial. An architect can provide detailed plans and oversee the design to maximize space and functionality, ensuring the conversion aligns with your vision and complies with all regulations.