Matthew W. Johnson, General Contractor provides residential remodeling services for San Mateo County residents. The company focuses on remodeling kitchens and bathrooms and building home additions, and its detailed design process allows for over-the-counter permit approvals in most cases.
Owner and company namesake Matthew Johnson (who won a Best of Houzz award in 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023) began his construction career as a laborer in the 1970s. Mr. Johnson completed a four-year apprenticeship program soon after and worked as a journeyman carpenter, foreman, and project superintendent for several years. In 1983, he earned his general contractor’s license and started remodeling residential properties of all sizes. “Over the years, I’ve created an agenda that helps homeowners consider all the aspects of their remodeling projects,” he says.
Matthew W. Johnson, General Contractor is meticulous about the way it works in clients’ homes. Mr. Johnson says keeping worksites safe and clean is his company’s primary concern. “My crews, subcontractors, and I always work quickly and diligently, with minimum inconvenience to homeowners and their families.” To see examples of past work, Mr. Johnson invites potential customers to visit www.amorepleasanthome.com.
“We understand that many remodeling contractors have poor reputations, and we work hard to reverse those stereotypes and improve our industry by offering high-quality work and unrivaled customer service. From the way we greet people on the phone to how we behave on jobsites, we strive to make each client's experience a positive one.”
With a little planning, remodeling a home can be an easy and enjoyable process.
Taking on a home remodeling project can be a daunting task, especially for homeowners who’ve never worked with contractors before. Matthew W. Johnson, a Belmont-based general contractor, says the process becomes much simpler with effective planning. He breaks down his philosophy in five steps:
Remodeling can be fun.
“It can be inconvenient and dirty at times, but the overall process of planning your dream remodel should be enjoyable,” says Mr. Johnson. “Approaching it with the right attitude makes any inconveniences seem minor.”
Do your homework.
Mr. Johnson says homeowners should have a budget in mind before they commit to a remodel. If they find the project will cost more than they had planned, they should either scale it back or put it off until it’s more economically feasible. “Costs are costs,” he says. “One contractor may charge a little less than another, but the project will cost about the same no matter who you hire. If you find one estimate that’s substantially lower than the others, there’s something wrong with that proposal.”
Homeowners should decide on a general style and select some sample fixtures and products before starting the project. The contractor and designer can refine and improve this vision, but they need to know what the homeowner has in mind.
Interview prospective contractors.
The company you hire should be able to offer services that meet your specific needs. “Some contractors only do construction; they don’t even pick up a building permit,” says Mr. Johnson. “Others are full-service contractors and can handle everything from design through completion. You need to know what a company can do before you hire it.”
Pick a contractor.
Mr. Johnson cautions against making a selection based on price alone. “Consider how your personality matches up with the contractor,” he says. “The contractor-homeowner relationship will last several months, and you’ll be in contact on a daily basis. You don’t want the relationship to be dominated by personality clashes.”
Remain involved.
Continually ask questions and stay on top of the project. Order fixtures and appliances early so the project isn’t delayed while you wait for materials. When the project is complete, be sure to obtain the permitted set of drawings and the final permit card.
Matthew W. Johnson, General Contractor has been working in the construction industry since 1974. Mr. Johnson obtained his general contractor's license in 1983 and has been offering residential remodeling services to San Mateo County residents ever since. His company focuses on remodeling kitchens and bathrooms and building home additions, and he says he's especially adept at communicating with his clients. "Homeowners are rightly concerned about what's going to happen to their houses during a remodel. I sit down with them, address their concerns and make sure they have an enjoyable experience."
When potential clients first contact Mr. Johnson, he sits down with them for an extended interview that covers topics like fixture and appliance selection, schedules, dates and expectations. "Over the years, I've learned that homeowners don't necessarily think through the entire remodeling process," he says. "I create an agenda that helps them do that. The initial meeting helps define the project and brings out items of concern. If a project has to be done in time for a family wedding, or if we're remodeling the only bathroom used by six people, we want to know about it."
Matthew W. Johnson, General Contractor puts great emphasis on keeping lines of communication open throughout the life of every project. Mr. Johnson says he's always available via cell phone and is a firm believer in resolving issues early, before they cost time and money. "It's always easier to change or fix something in the middle of a project. I listen to my clients so I can understand their concerns and help them understand the process and project requirements."
Mr. Johnson says his experienced crew has the necessary skills to do quality and efficient work. His foreman has been working with him for 18 years, and his subcontractors are also long-time associates who are familiar with the quality of each other's work. "My crews are clean, courteous and don't smoke on the job," says Mr. Johnson. "We're always respectful of the fact that we're guests in someone else's home."