Cal Summit Builders provides a wide range of remodeling services for residential clients in Marin County and San Francisco. The company’s primary focus is remodeling kitchens and bathrooms, but it also has the in-house capabilities to build room additions and decks.
Co-owner Noel Barajas says much of Cal Summit Builders’ success can be attributed to its company-wide dedication to quality. “From the demolition to the finishing touches, we want our clients to be completely satisfied with every aspect of their projects. Ultimately, our goal is to make their dreams come true and give them high-quality work that they can enjoy for many years.”
Cal Summit Builders is also known for its comprehensive consultation services, which it utilizes to coordinate its customers’ jobs from beginning to end. “Whenever we work with a new client, we take the time to explain their options and come up with a plan that suits their taste and budget,” affirms Mr. Barajas. “We take our clients’ opinions seriously, so we do everything it takes to ensure our work lives up to their standards.”
“We want to do such a good job that our clients refer us to others and trust us to handle their future renovation needs, so we always make sure they’re happy at the end of their projects. By prioritizing quality and timeliness, we’re able to produce results that meet and exceed their expectations.”
Before taking on a home remodeling project, it’s important to do some preliminary research.
Remodeling is a huge undertaking, so having a working knowledge of every aspect of the process can be difficult. Here’s what experts recommend brushing up on before starting a remodeling project:
Your budget
Budget is the biggest factor for most homeowners. Knowing what you can spend before you start will help you and your contractor make smart decisions about project scope and details.
Your needs
Why are you doing this remodel? Think about what doesn’t work about your current home design and what you want your new design to accomplish. Write down your ideas and share them with your contractor.
Your timeline
If you’re remodeling to get ready for a specific event, you may have a timeline in mind. Be sure your contractor knows this and leaves ample time for any unexpected delays.
Your style
You may already have a style that you love, or you may be ready to branch out and try something new. Collect some photos of examples that you like and show them to your contractor before the work starts.
On the other hand, here are some things that you don’t need to know about the remodeling process:
Building permits
You’ll need them, but your contractor should handle that process for you.
Building codes
“A licensed contractor’s job is to follow all current building codes,” says Noel Barajas, co-owner of Cal Summit Builders in San Rafael. “Most people don’t understand them, but that’s OK because it’s your contractor’s responsibility to stay updated on changes and do the work according to industry standards.”
Product selection
You might have an idea of what you want, but your contractor can help you learn about the newest materials and finish items, such as appliances. “There’s a lot of new technology in the industry, especially when it comes to kitchens,” says Mr. Barajas. “Appliances are becoming more high-tech and many can be controlled with an app from anywhere in the world.”
Maintaining customer satisfaction is a central focus of any successful business, but it’s even more important for remodeling contractors that have earned Diamond Certified. For Cal Summit Builders, keeping clients happy comes down to two key factors: meeting deadlines and providing high levels of quality. “We understand that we’re working for our clients, so it’s important to make sure they’re pleased with the outcomes of their projects,” affirms co-owner Noel Barajas. “We give them high-quality construction work and they help us grow so we can provide the same care for other homeowners.”
Cal Summit Builders has been providing remodeling services for residential clients in Marin County and San Francisco since 2007. The company is primarily known for remodeling kitchens and bathrooms, but it also has the training and equipment to refinish hardwood floors, build room additions and decks, and more.
Unlike remodeling firms whose owners delegate project management responsibilities to less experienced employees, Cal Summit Builders provides every job with the hands-on expertise of Mr. Barajas himself. “I personally inspect every part of the job, from demolition and plumbing to the finishing touches,” he says. “Our clients really appreciate seeing that I’m the first one on the jobsite and the last one to leave—it shows that we’re serious about meeting the highest standards of quality.”
Ultimately, Mr. Barajas says much of Cal Summit Builders’ success can be attributed to its tight-knit team of experienced professionals. “We’ve been working together for a long time, so we’re able to expedite projects and raise the quality of our work. Companies that don’t have unified teams often have trouble meeting deadlines and delivering complete jobs, so the fact that we work so well together gives us a big advantage.”
