John A. Manuel Construction Comparative Summary

John Manuel, owner and founder of John A. Manuel Construction, says his San Leandro-based company is defined by experience and a direct, open style of communication. Mr. Manuel has been remodeling homes and small business establishments since 1984, and he believes those two characteristics have allowed him to last in an extremely competitive industry.

Mr. Manuel started building foundations in Berkeley and Piedmont in the 1970s and went on to fabricate steel for a mechanical contractor. After graduating college with a business degree, he founded John A. Manuel Construction in 1991. He says this experience led him to adopt a business philosophy of never cutting corners or bidding low just to land a job, despite economic downturns. “My approach has always been the same—I just do the best work I can. I think that’s why I’ve lasted so long while other contractors have gone out of business.”

Mr. Manuel credits his direct communication style for keeping a loyal clientele base. “This business is plagued with gray areas. I've talked to people who have received estimates from other contractors, and when I ask them what they want done, they say, ‘We don't know. That was never discussed.’ When I bid on a project, I’m as thorough as possible, and that’s reflected in my contracts. I never write a contract or give a bid on the spot.

“Often,” he continues, “people will call me and say, ‘I want to add on to my house.’ But they don’t have any plans or knowledge of the permitting process. When I encounter this, I often offer to help them come up with a budget. Then I’ll go to the city and find out if what they want to do is allowed by zoning and setback regulations.”

Mr. Manuel says his customers appreciate his straightforward and upfront business approach. “I'm dedicated to providing complete evaluations of projects before starting work. I'm always creating as much value as I can, and I think that makes a difference to my clients.”