CASE STUDIES:
- William had severe water leaking from the carport apron of his home into the workshop below. He wanted the water proofing done cost effectively by a skilled contractor who was present on the job daily. The recommendation by most waterproofing contractors was to bust everything out and have the entire area rebuilt and water proofed. That would have brought the cost up to about $80,000, much more than William wanted to spend. He wanted someone to offer him alternatives. William was also conscious about not hiring a general contractor that wasn’t on the job daily. Being a business man himself, William knew how this could potentially prolong a project and increase costs.
Theodore offered William alternatives. Theodore had previous success with these kinds of challenges. He utilized his tech savvy skills, the ability to problem solve technical challenges creatively to offer up a more cost effective alternative. Theodore joined forces with a waterproofing company, collaborating and splitting up the work to make the project more cost-effective. He recycled material from a previous job, and instructed William on buying materials to lower overall cost. Theodore was on the site daily, making sure the guys were motivated and working fast.
The results, the waterproofing work was done without a complete replacement of a large driveway. It was done time efficiently, resulting in a potential $40,000 savings based on current market rates for similar high quality work. As well, the channel drains were upgraded to a more appropriate material for the application and the craftsmanship was superior to the work that was removed.
- Chuck and Joyce wanted a complete renovation that fit within a limited budget. They asked Herzberg Construction Inc. to create more space and light in there great room and entry. The house had also settled on the downhill side as much as 3 inches, a very noticable defect that really bothered Joyce.
Theodore used creative resources, focused on what his clients wanted and how they could cut costs with an owner-builder project. Joyce was computer savvy and was able to do the architectural renderings. Theodore made a few adjustments with the renderings, using optimal space, opening up the entrance into the kitchen and dining room, and featuring a pyramid shaped skylight that Theodore designed. Theodore's crew shored up the foundation on the low side and drilled 7 piers deep into the downhill slope, stabilizing the foundation so everything looked level. It was quite a difference.
Chuck procured a wide variety and large quantity of construction materials himself that saved 10 percent on costs which turned out to be a very significant amount of money.
The results, Joyce and Chuck now have more space and light in their new living room, kitchen, and entry. They couldn’t have had all the work done for the same price had they gotten a different contractor. The owner-builder concept worked.
- Fred and Lucia had a tired, 35 year old garage and home that they wanted to update. The walls were not plumb and the dimensions were out of square by quite a bit. The electrical pipes were eroded. The wiring was aluminum. They had a lot of work that had to be done, and some of the work they wanted to do themselves. Plus, the architect’s garage design called for details that were time consuming and required skilled craftsmanship.
Theodore accommodated Fred and Lucia with an owner builder alliance. He made a bid that included the garage, front fence and front window. Lucia wanted to do the siding herself. She had some handy-person experience and was a quick learner. She was willing to buy all the materials and do all the errands. She consulted often with Theodore to make sure she bought and did things right. Theodore and his guys focused on the garage, front fence and front window. They took care of all the details, including electrical. Theodore particularly rose to the challenge of the garage details, an area that he brought many years of experience to, experience that had included working on luxury homes.
The results, Theodore resolved the many issues in a “cheaply built” tired 35 year old home and converted it into a solid, stable structure Fred and Lucia are proud of. Lucia was able to do some of the work herself with Theodore’s support. Something she would not have been able to do with most contractors. Theodore also made sure that he was at the jobsite everyday, and available by email and cell no mater how often Lucia had questions.
TESTIMONIALS:
“In a world of high priced, low performing contractors, Theodore Herzberg stands out as a gem of integrity, and skill. Theodore does NOT disappear after the initial bid only to send in his cronies to do the actual work, then showing up at the end of the job to collect payment. Conversely, Theodore is on the job daily, moving the project forward, and helping to resolve unforeseen dilemmas in a cost effective way. In addition, Theodore's command of Spanish is a valuable resource in dealing with the local labor force. I recommend Theodore Herzberg without reservation." David Bekowich, Corte Madera, CA
"I have been very pleased with the quality and craftsmanship of Herzberg Construction. I especially appreciate Theodore's commitment to maintaining a level of integrity that supports our principles and standards of excellence. I have recommended Herzberg Construction in the past and I will continue to do so. "
Ron Kahn, architect, San Rafael, CA
"My wife and I acquired a home that was unlivable. Theodore Herzberg's expertise, ingenuity and detailed engineering saved me a substantial amount of time and money. We also get continuous complements from our neighbors. When friends (who have seen our house before and after) come over, they are incredulous with the change. What an amazing makeover, unlivable to fully functional and beautiful! Thank you Herzberg Construction!"
Bill Carey, New York Knicks Basketball Player, #12, 1960's Vallejo, CA
Theodore's excellent professional service was provided working with a an outstanding crew that was reliable and trustworthy. I could feel comfortable that the project was in good hands, knowing fully well it would be completed on time, under the best conditions and with pride of craftsmanship. Naveen Pedersen, San Rafael, CA
"It has been my pleasure to recommend Herzberg Construction to several of my clients over the past few years.
As a designer, I am very particular about the level of craftsmanship. Theodore has repeatedly risen to the challenge of difficult and complex projects, making certain that the finished product reflects my vision and the client’s expectations.
In addition to the quality of work, lies the necessity for a contractor to work with my clients, addressing their concerns, their fears and developing a trust. Theodore has displayed these qualities in each of the projects completed.
I look forward to recommending more of my clients to Herzberg Construction in the future. I know Theodore respects the importance of all components that link together in a well implemented project."
Sincerely,
Gary Marsh - Designer