GK Construction provides a variety of construction services for residential and commercial clients in Contra Costa and Alameda Counties. The company has the training and equipment to handle everything from building custom homes and room additions to remodeling kitchens and bathrooms, and it backs each new construction project with a four-year labor warranty.
Owner Gary Knowles says much of GK Construction’s success can be attributed to its customer-oriented business practices. “Customer service is big for us. We don’t just finish a job and leave—we follow up to make sure everything is working correctly and take care of little things so they don’t turn into bigger issues. Our ultimate goal is to provide our clients with high-end work that requires a lot of skill across the board.”
GK Construction makes itself available after hours and on weekends for emergency situations, which Mr. Knowles says is important for establishing trust with customers. “We want our clients to know we’re here for them whenever they need us, and they really appreciate having that type of support. They know we’re going to put forth a team effort to make sure their projects are successful.”
“We want every client to have a great experience, so we take the time to answer their questions and steer them in the right direction. From working with architects to dealing with the permit process, we strive to make things as smooth as possible for them.”
Make sure you have realistic scheduling expectations for your custom home or remodeling project.
Maybe you’ve been saving up and planning for a while, or perhaps you’ve seen the perfect design and decided to make your dream of a custom home or major remodel come true. You might be picturing yourself sitting in your brand-new space in the coming months, but be aware that you’re probably not going to walk through your dream home any time soon.
“Many people don’t understand just how long the construction process takes or what’s involved,” warns Gary Knowles, owner of GK Construction in Pleasanton. “For a custom home, even breaking ground can take nine months to a year by the time you have your architectural drawings done and approved. And after the permit process is complete, construction itself can take another year, depending on the size of the house.”
Why does it take so long?
Most large construction projects require approved plans, building permits and more. But to get to this point, you need plans, and several types of engineers and architects can be required to draw up those plans before any permits are granted and your contractor can start ordering materials and looking at blueprints.
Change orders and inspections can also add to the length of the job, but Mr. Knowles says every step of the process is vitally important. “Building codes are there to protect you and make sure your home is safe. There are specific building codes that relate to specific areas, so it’s important to confirm that your contractor understands those codes—otherwise, your job won’t pass inspection.”
Custom home builders are always looking for ways to differentiate themselves from their competition, and those that have earned Diamond Certified award are already several steps ahead. In addition to its Diamond Certified status, GK Construction sets itself apart by serving as a go-between for its customers and everyone else who works on their construction projects. “We’ve been through this process many times, so we’re happy to be the link between our clients and architects, engineers, interior designers, and other professionals,” says owner Gary Knowles. “By acting as the middleman, we’re able to make changes, resolve problems and ensure each job is done correctly.”
GK Construction has been providing construction services for residential and commercial clients in Contra Costa and Alameda Counties since 1992. The company is qualified to handle everything from custom homes and room additions to kitchen and bathroom remodels, and it offers a four-year labor warranty on new construction projects.
Unlike contracting firms whose owners delegate project management responsibilities to less experienced employees, GK Construction provides every job with the hands-on expertise of Mr. Knowles himself. “I’m onsite with my crew almost every day and I’m available 24/7 to answer questions,” he says. “My goal is to be there for our clients whenever they need help so I can steer them in the right direction, and they really appreciate that type of attention.”
Another distinguishing attribute of GK Construction is its company-wide dedication to quality when it comes to its labor and materials. “The finish work makes the job, and we always use the best materials,” confirms Mr. Knowles. “We have great craftsmen and I’m a second-generation builder, so everyone who works here understands the importance of excellent craftsmanship.”
