I charge $40.00 per hour for labor as the base rate. All work is calculated using that hourly figure. Materials are at cost with no mark-up

There is a 3 hour minimum charge.

Generally, no charge for estimates. However on occasion, travel and time to prepare a larger more complicated estimate may apply.

That depends on how long it takes to do the work, how much materials cost and if something else is discovered that needs to be addressed

I live in the Pasadena / Arcadia area of the San Gabriel Valley in Los Angeles California.

Because of the traffic in Los Angeles I work only in areas that are within less than 1 hour driving time of my home.

I prefer to work within a radius of approximately 20 miles of Pasadena / Arcadia generally.

You can open the image below to see the general boundries of the areas that I work in.

I have a large amount of experience with many things. Just ask. If I do not do that I will tell you and possibly make a recommendation.

I am not a licensed contractor.

How much will It cost?

How long will it take?

Often, people do not realize the amount of labor that goes into a project that is unseen.

Planning is as much an integral part of preparation for a successful outcome as the production process itself.

Higher quality results often take a little more time to achieve but that time is more than worth the investment. In addition, higher quality materials combined with the time in the workmanship and techniques used for the outcome will always result in a better product that often lasts for years and generations.

I have always been interested in design, art, building and how things work and how to make things better. During the 1960's and 1970's, I was fortunate to make my living in the field of commercial art. I later wanted to expand to real world projects and was able to learn the crafts of the building trades.

I also had the opportunity to become involved in the entertainment industry in the 1980's and 1990's where I was able to integrate real world and fantasy concepts into objects from scenery and props to trade shows, theme parks, exhibits, attractions and events.

Working for myself now, I integrate all that I have learned and continue to learn from every job.

Is there "more than meets the eye" involved in the job?

In other words something that cannot be determined until work commences?

In some cases ongoing maintenance for things like seasonal finishing of decks is an important part of preserving and extending the life and beauty of the wood.

Also, I will be happy to provide a schedule for any other kind of maintenance.

These days and in general, repairs. People are trying to save money and get the most out of things. This is a good thing, as many items manufactured today are of poorer quality and end up costing more over time.

I treat every job as if I were doing it for myself or someone that I love. Therefore I want things to be right the first time and to last. My job is to work myself out of a job.

I always advise these things:

Plan. If you make the major decisions that affect the direction of any job, large or small, before work starts you can avoid costly mistakes and buyers regret.

Quality. Materials, products and workmanship with the highest quality available will always outlast and perform better over time than cheap imitations and knockoffs. This is true for everything that you buy or make or build. The reason is simple: when something lasts over time, you save repair and replacement costs.

I am an individual, no other employees and I do all jobs personally.