J A Serrano Construction remodels kitchens and bathrooms; builds custom homes; and provides various general construction services for residential clients in Marin, Napa, and Sonoma Counties. The company has the in-house capabilities to handle every phase of its customers’ interior and exterior renovation projects, including specialty work like electrical installations and drywall repairs.
Owner Jose Serrano says J A Serrano Construction’s customer-oriented business practices have been crucial to its success. “We want our clients to have great construction experiences, so we take the time to explain our work and give them ideas about what they can accomplish. They know we’ll always be available to help them when they call, even if it’s for something small.”
J A Serrano Construction prioritizes communication throughout each step of the construction process, which Mr. Serrano says is important for ensuring positive results. “We keep our clients informed about the details of their projects and answer their questions if they need clarification about certain aspects. Keeping them engaged is the best way to make sure they’re happy with everything that we’re doing.”
“We must be dedicated to take pride in our workmanship and ensure our customers’ priorities become our priorities. Our personal satisfaction should be derived from being a first-class, grade A construction company capable of unequaled craftsmanship and performance. Our top priority is to meet the expectations of the customer by exceeding the standards of the company. To have continued success, we must develop long-term relationships with our customers by understanding their objectives and performing to meet them.”
If you’re taking on a remodeling project, look for a contractor that’s knowledgeable about local codes.
State and city codes mandate design and building specifications, including the height of railings and windows, the types of materials used, and special installation requirements. Whether you like them or not, you and your contractor are legally required to abide by code regulations. “Codes and regulations change every year, so your contractor should be up-to-date on those changes,” affirms Jose Serrano, owner of J A Serrano Construction in Santa Rosa.
As a homeowner, you’re ultimately responsible for working with a contractor that follows these codes; otherwise, you could be held liable for repairs. For example, you might not realize that if your home was built before 1978, your contractor must be EPA Lead-Safe Certified because the house may contain lead paint. Contractors that aren’t certified can spread harmful lead dust throughout your home, so it’s important to hire a company that will take the necessary precautions and has the certifications to work in that type of environment.
Another item required by local codes is the installation of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Every floor of your home must have at least one detector. In fact, if you’re doing a major remodel, the building codes may even mandate that you hardwire alarms into your home. A quality contractor will be aware of this and other work that triggers codes.
Being aware of codes (or hiring a contractor that is) can help you avoid unexpected costs associated with code requirements. If you want to remodel your kitchen, hire a contractor that knows the project requirements beforehand. You don’t want to open up a wall or tear out your existing kitchen only to discover that codes require additional safety features or other changes that add to your budget.
When it comes to hiring a contractor, along with the basics of verifying license and insurance, you should spend time with the company owner or project manager who’s assigned to your job. “Asking a lot of questions will give you insight into how the company will handle your specific job,” says Mr. Serrano. “Most construction projects last for weeks and are big investments, so it’s important to find someone trustworthy.”
Maintaining customer satisfaction is a crucial aspect of any business, but it’s even more important for remodeling contractors that have earned the prestigious Diamond Certified award. For J A Serrano Construction, keeping clients happy comes down to two main factors: take a detail-oriented approach to their projects and take the time to answer their questions. “We always go over the way the finished job will look so the client knows what to expect and we can make changes if we need to,” explains owner Jose Serrano. “At the end of the day, our customers are like family to us, and we treat them as such by always being there for them.”
J A Serrano Construction has been remodeling kitchens and bathrooms; building custom homes; and providing general construction services for residential clients in Marin, Napa, and Sonoma Counties since 2020. The company is qualified to handle every phase of the interior and exterior renovation process, including electrical installations, drywall repairs and other specialty work.
Unlike less experienced contractors that take a “one size fits all” approach to every project, J A Serrano Construction listens closely to its clients and gives them feedback about how to achieve their remodeling goals. “We have a lot of experience, so we can give our customers ideas and help them determine how their projects should look,” affirms Mr. Serrano. “By taking the time to understand exactly what they want, we can bring their visions to life.”
Another distinguishing feature of J A Serrano Construction is its dedication to jobsite cleanliness, which Mr. Serrano says is the key to achieving positive results. “A clean jobsite is a safe jobsite, so we never keep things laying around and we pay attention to details so we can make sure everything is going according to plan. Our clients really appreciate how much care we put into our work.”
