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(510) 621-3943

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COMPANY REPORT NAVIGATION
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Advance Construction

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(510) 621-3943

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Diamond Certified Company Report

Advance Construction

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(510) 621-3943

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Diamond certified ratings dashboard
CUSTOMER SATISFACTION i
Customer LOYALTY i
Helpful Expertise i
Company Credentials i
  • Workers Compensation
  • Liability Insurance
  • License Verification
  • Business Practices
  • Current Complaint File
  • Legal & Finance
Phone SURVEY RESPONSES FROM 58 VERIFIED CUSTOMERS i

Mark S.

VERIFIED Advance Construction CUSTOMER

1 of 58

Quality 10
10 10
Loyalty Yes
CRITIQUE

The main thing that I liked about Advance Construction was that Michael was easy to work with. I have seen a lot of contractors that know what they're doing, but they are not all easy to work with, and Michael was.

I think what I liked best about it was that he was flexible and accommodating. I tried not to make changes, but there's always one thing that needs to be changed, and Michael was able to come back without trouble or any added extra expense to fix it. They weren't big things. He was definitely accommodating about that.

F.F.Y.C.

VERIFIED Advance Construction CUSTOMER

2 of 58

Quality 10
10 10
Loyalty Yes
CRITIQUE

They are very loyal, and they actually provide the service in which they promise. They always go above and beyond.

I like that they always go above and beyond their call of duty.

Sonia G.

VERIFIED Advance Construction CUSTOMER

3 of 58

Quality 10
10 10
Loyalty Yes
CRITIQUE

They were very neat, they picked up everything, and they were helpful in getting the job done quickly. They guided me in finding everything, including supplies and ideas. It was all good.

I trusted Michael, the owner, very much. I was satisfied, and they cleaned up as much as they could.
Read All 58 Survey Responses at Ratings View
Diamond certified VIDEO PROFILE
Diamond certified company PROFILE

Michael Ghanivand, Owner

Advance Construction implements complete remodeling plans for residential and commercial clients throughout the East Bay and San Francisco. The company builds room additions (including bathrooms and kitchens), foundations and framing; installs drywall, ventilation, bath equipment and fixtures; handles plumbing, tiling and wiring; and fixes household problems like termite damage, dry rot and various cracks. All work is performed in-house, without the use of subcontractors.

Owner Michael Ghanivand says his favorite part of construction is working with his hands and seeing what he creates. A native of Iran, Mr. Ghanivand discovered his passion for construction when his life took an unexpected turn. “I actually have a medical background—I went to medical school at the University of Szeged in Hungary,” he explains. “The Iranian economy wasn’t great, so my parents couldn’t send me enough money to continue my education. I came to the United States, went into construction to pay my living expenses and grew to love it.”

Mr. Ghanivand’s excitement for building and renovation transfers to the relationships he shares with his clients. “I’m honest and treat them like friends,” he says. “I speak with them frequently and always try to work within their budgets. Mostly, it’s about the communication—I try to understand their desires.”

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COMPANY REPORT NAVIGATION

Diamond Certified Companies are Rated Highest in Quality and Helpful Expertise.

  • Why this rating is the most accurate.
  • Our editors gather deep company info.
  • Performance is Guaranteed.

DIAMOND CERTIFIED RESEARCHED CAPABILITIES ON Advance Construction

COMPANY CONTACT
Service AREA

the East Bay
San Francisco
Oakland
Berkeley
Emeryville
Hayward
San Leandro
San Lorenzo
Piedmont
Montclair
Orinda
Moraga
Lafayette
Walnut Creek
Kensington
Richmond

SERVICES PERFORMED

General Remodeling
Tiling
Bathroom Repair
Foundations
Bathroom Remodeling
Decks
Kitchen Remodeling
Windows
Doors
Additions
Dry Rot Repair
Wiring

DIAMOND CERTIFIED RESEARCHED ARTICLES ON Advance Construction

Company Profile

Advance Construction implements complete remodeling plans for residential and commercial clients throughout the East Bay and San Francisco. The company builds room additions (including bathrooms and kitchens), foundations and framing; installs drywall, ventilation, bath equipment and fixtures; handles plumbing, tiling and wiring; and fixes household problems like termite damage, dry rot and various cracks. All work is performed in-house, without the use of subcontractors.

Owner Michael Ghanivand says his favorite part of construction is working with his hands and seeing what he creates. A native of Iran, Mr. Ghanivand discovered his passion for construction when his life took an unexpected turn. “I actually have a medical background—I went to medical school at the University of Szeged in Hungary,” he explains. “The Iranian economy wasn’t great, so my parents couldn’t send me enough money to continue my education. I came to the United States, went into construction to pay my living expenses and grew to love it.”

Mr. Ghanivand’s excitement for building and renovation transfers to the relationships he shares with his clients. “I’m honest and treat them like friends,” he says. “I speak with them frequently and always try to work within their budgets. Mostly, it’s about the communication—I try to understand their desires.”

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Company Philosophy

"We take great pride in what we do, and we approach every project as if we were working on our own homes. We treat our clients the way we'd want to be treated."

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Comparative Summary

Maintaining customer satisfaction is a crucial aspect of any business, but it’s even more important for remodeling companies that have earned the prestigious Diamond Certified award. Michael Ghanivand, owner of Advance Construction, believes an honest, friendly approach is the best way to develop and maintain good relationships with his customers. “Clients appreciate the way I explain their options to them,” he says. “I try to handle every situation in the friendliest way possible.” As a result of this positive approach, Advance Construction has a long list of referrals and many repeat customers.

Before Advance Construction begins a new project, it encourages clients to talk about their remodeling ideas–an all-inclusive approach that differentiates the company from many of its competitors. “We invite our clients to share their visions, and then we turn them into reality,” says Mr. Ghanivand. “If an idea comes up after construction is underway–one that’s different from what was in the original architectural plan–we can provide options and make changes according to the customer’s wishes.”

When Advance Construction’s employees arrive at a jobsite, they demonstrate consideration and respect for the residents, which Mr. Ghanivand says is one of his company’s most discerning factors. “My crew members are punctual, professional and respectful. They do a clean job and make every effort to keep noise at a minimum, especially when senior citizens are nearby.”

Advance Construction takes great pride in its quality of service, and Mr. Ghanivand is even willing to provide his own home as an example for prospective customers. “When a client is considering a big project, I’ll invite them to come and see the quality of workmanship in my own house,” he says. “That makes it easier for them to decide if we’re worthy of their trust.”

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Industry Info

Choose a home remodeling project that best fits your needs. Taking on a large-scale home remodeling project can be a daunting task, both in terms of expenses and time management. Conversely, a small remodeling project can simultaneously increase the value of a home and stay within a realistic budget. Before committing to a large project, consider the following ideas for smaller renovations:

Whole House
Accentuate the architecture. Tasteful architectural accents, such as crown molding or a dining room chair rail, can add appeal and value to a home. Also, try dressing up a ceiling-mounted light fixture with a medallion or adding molding to any room.

Add a fireplace. A fireplace adds warmth and creates a focal point for the room. Dress up the firebox with a tasteful surround and classic wood mantel. If you opt for a gas unit, upgrade to one with realistic-looking logs.

Install bay windows. Changing standard windows to bay windows makes rooms feel larger, creates focal points and lets in more light. To call attention to the new windows and add function to the rooms, consider adding built-in window seats with benches that open for storage.

Replace your windows. Trade in older windows for new, high-performance units that swing in for easy cleaning. Energy Star windows can cut fuel bills by as much as $340 per year over drafty, single-pane units.

Kitchen
Upgrade kitchen countertops. Durable granite is one of the most requested countertop materials in the remodeling industry. If granite is beyond your budget, however, consider laminate countertops, which offer the look of natural stone at a fraction of the price. Add a beveled edge to laminate countertops for an even more authentic stone look.

Create a pantry. A shallow pantry can be added to most kitchens. Have a professional frame the space between two studs and finish with cabinet doors. If you have room, consider adding a walk-in pantry.

Change the backsplash. Choose inexpensive ceramic field tiles and add sparkle with glass or metal decorative pieces, or install a checkerboard pattern of several hues.

Bathroom
Change your showerheads. Consider installing a pan-style model that simulates a rain shower.

Install a second sink. If there’s room to install two sinks within 30 inches of each other, they can share drainage and supply lines to decrease costs.

Upgrade bathroom materials. Change the faucets and fixtures on the sink, bathtub and shower to stylish models in finishes like satin or brushed nickel. Then upgrade your cabinet hardware, lighting fixtures and mirror to complete the fresh look.

Outdoor
 Add a porch. Be sure to check building codes for setback requirements. Also, if you plan to entertain, make sure your porch has at least 12 by 24 feet of space.

Replace siding. The most affordable option is vinyl siding, which is available in a wide variety of colors and styles, including scalloped and square-cut shingles. If your vinyl siding is in good condition but looks worn or faded, consider using a product that cleans and restores its original color and sheen.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long does a job usually take?

A: It depends on the job, but every project is allowed more than an adequate amount of time. When I draw up a proposal, I explain to the client that extra time might be needed if something beyond the scope of the proposal is discovered, like termite damage or dry rot.

Q: Are you usually on the jobsite?

A: Yes. I’m always there for at least half the day, if not the entire time.

Q: Do you keep a clean worksite?

A: Yes. When we’re working inside a house, we put down plastic, cloth or paper to create a designated pathway to protect the floors; and the work area itself is enclosed in plastic to keep dust from escaping into surrounding areas. When working outside the house, we ensure the jobsite is left clean at the end of every day. Demolition and scrap construction materials are hauled away on a regular basis—daily or every other day.

Q: Are your employees trustworthy?

A: Absolutely. Trustworthiness has never been an issue with any of my employees. I would trust them in my own home.

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SELECTED PHOTOS FROM Advance Construction

  • Advance Construction is a full-service remodeling contractor.

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DIAMOND CERTIFIED EXPERT CONTRIBUTOR ADVICE & TIPS FROM Michael Ghanivand

Expert CONTRIBUTOR PROFILE

  • Michael Ghanivand is owner of Advance Construction, a Diamond Certified company. He can be reached at (510) 621-3943 or by email.

Michael Ghanivand: From Medicine to Construction

By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter

OAKLAND — A native of Iran, Michael Ghanivand originally intended to become a medical professional, but when things didn’t go as planned, he ended up building an entirely different career. “I actually have a medical background—I went to medical school at the University of Szeged in Hungary,” he explains. “The Iranian economy wasn’t doing great at the time, so my parents couldn’t send me enough money to continue my education. I came to the United States to get a job, with the intention to save up some money and return to medical school. However, after getting into construction work, I grew to love it and decided to stick with it.”

Today, as owner of Advance Construction, Michael says his favorite part of his job is the simple satisfaction of doing good work. “I’ve always enjoyed working with my hands and having something to show for it at the end. These days, while I no longer participate in the hands-on work, I continue to derive satisfaction from seeing what my team and I are able to accomplish for our clients.”

A resident of Walnut Creek, Michael devotes the bulk of his time outside of work to his family. “My wife, Ahdieh, and I have two daughters: a 27-year-old and a 10-year-old,” he says. “The reason for the gap is that after I came to the U.S., I wanted to get my business well-established before having another child. Now, we have one daughter in college and one in elementary school, which is pretty unusual.”

When asked what he would do if he were to retire tomorrow, Michael says he’d devote himself to consumer education. “I’d like to get involved in some sort of program that teaches homeowners to be wiser consumers. During my 30 years in construction, I’ve heard from countless people who’ve been taken advantage of by unscrupulous contractors because they didn’t know what to look for or what to ask. I think it would be very rewarding to help homeowners become more aware and make better decisions when it comes to their construction projects.”

Ask Me Anything!

Q: Coffee or tea?
A: Tea.

Q: What’s your favorite restaurant?
A: Tomatina in Walnut Creek.

Q: What’s your favorite holiday?
A: Christmas, because I get to be at home with my family.

Q: Are you an early bird or a night owl?
A: An early bird. I need to be up and make sure everything’s ready for the day.

Q: What’s your favorite snack?
A: Any kind of fruit.

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Expert articles
  • Checking for Mold During a Remodel

    By Michael Ghanivand of
    Advance Construction

    OAKLAND — If you’re remodeling your home, one of the most important things you can do is check to see what’s behind your walls. Why? Because if there’s any hidden mold or mildew, it could jeopardize your entire project.

    In most cases, it’s impossible to know whether mold or mildew is present behind the walls in a home, but it’s better to find out for sure than to make a wrong assumption. This is especially important if you live in an older home, where the combination of time and inferior building methods and materials increases the opportunity for mold or mildew issues to take root.

    Consider a real-life example from a home addition project I recently did in Berkeley. Initially, when we opened up the walls, everything looked good on the inside, but as we got further into the project, we discovered there was a lot of mold and mildew. It’s a good thing we found it—otherwise, we might have completed the project without fixing the problem, which, as with all moisture-related problems, would only get worse over time and potentially ruin the work we did.

    Read moreRead less
Expert video tip

  • Video: Checking for Mold During a Remodel

    With Michael Ghanivand of
    Advance Construction

    Complete Video Transcription:

    OAKLAND — Host, Sarah Rutan: If you’re remodeling an older home, be sure to look at what’s behind the walls. Today we’re in Oakland with Diamond Certified Expert Contributor Michael Ghanivand of Advance Construction to learn more.

    Diamond Certified Expert Contributor, Michael Ghanivand: In any remodeling project, big or small, whether it is a bathroom or the entire house, like we are doing right now, the homeowner always needs to make sure that they need to think about what’s behind the wall, especially in the older house. Like, we are doing this remodeling and addition in the Berkeley area, and when we open up the wall from the inside, it looks really healthy and good, but when we are farther down the road, we saw all the mold and mildew and ended up taking everything apart. That’s the best way of us to keep in mind that any older house – even a newer house – water can create a bigger damage than you are anticipating to have.

    Host, Sarah Rutan: To learn more from local, top rated companies, visit our Diamond Certified Expert Reports at experts.diamondcertified.org.

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Advance Construction WEBSITE AND EXTERNAL FEED
COMPANY WEBSITE
http://www.advance-construction.net
Diamond Certified RATINGS ON Advance Construction
Diamond certified ratings dashboard
CUSTOMER SATISFACTION i
Customer LOYALTY i
Helpful Expertise i

Each surveyed customer was asked, “If you needed any helpful expertise, did this company provide that expertise?” To calculate this score, total “Yes” responses were divided by total responses (excluding those that stated they hadn’t needed any expertise).

Company Credentials i
  • Workers Compensation
  • Liability Insurance
  • License Verification
  • Business Practices
  • Current Complaint File
  • Legal & Finance
Phone SURVEY RESPONSES FROM 58 VERIFIED CUSTOMERS i
Advance Construction : Average 9.3 out of 10 based on 58 unique customer surveys of customer satisfaction.

Mark S.

VERIFIED Advance Construction CUSTOMER

1 of 58

Quality 10
10 10
Loyalty Yes
CRITIQUE

The main thing that I liked about Advance Construction was that Michael was easy to work with. I have seen a lot of contractors that know what they're doing, but they are not all easy to work with, and Michael was.

I think what I liked best about it was that he was flexible and accommodating. I tried not to make changes, but there's always one thing that needs to be changed, and Michael was able to come back without trouble or any added extra expense to fix it. They weren't big things. He was definitely accommodating about that.

Sonia G.

VERIFIED Advance Construction CUSTOMER

2 of 58

Quality 10
10 10
Loyalty Yes
CRITIQUE

They were very neat, they picked up everything, and they were helpful in getting the job done quickly. They guided me in finding everything, including supplies and ideas. It was all good.

I trusted Michael, the owner, very much. I was satisfied, and they cleaned up as much as they could.

F.F.Y.C.

VERIFIED Advance Construction CUSTOMER

3 of 58

Quality 10
10 10
Loyalty Yes
CRITIQUE

They are very loyal, and they actually provide the service in which they promise. They always go above and beyond.

I like that they always go above and beyond their call of duty.

Jack N.

VERIFIED Advance Construction CUSTOMER

4 of 58

Quality 10
10 10
Loyalty Yes
CRITIQUE

They were professional, and they had reasonable prices.

They were very fast, and they did a great job.

David B.

VERIFIED Advance Construction CUSTOMER

5 of 58

Quality 10
10 10
Loyalty Yes
CRITIQUE

They are very reliable and on time.

Very flexible, and they do what the client needs.

Don A.

VERIFIED Advance Construction CUSTOMER

6 of 58

Quality 10
10 10
Loyalty Yes
CRITIQUE

I was pleased with their work.

They were very quick and very neat with their work. I was very satisfied.

Linda O.

VERIFIED Advance Construction CUSTOMER

7 of 58

Quality 10
10 10
Loyalty Yes
CRITIQUE

They delivered what was agreed upon.

They finished ahead of schedule.

Alex S.

VERIFIED Advance Construction CUSTOMER

8 of 58

Quality 10
10 10
Loyalty Yes
CRITIQUE

They meet your needs, and they are smart.

They are always on time, and they will work around your budget.

Barbra M.

VERIFIED Advance Construction CUSTOMER

9 of 58

Quality 10
10 10
Loyalty Yes
CRITIQUE

I feel like I can trust them.

They were very helpful.

Marilyn S.

VERIFIED Advance Construction CUSTOMER

10 of 58

Quality 10
10 10
Loyalty Yes
CRITIQUE

They're willing to personalize their work to your needs.

It was collaborative.

Scott S.

VERIFIED Advance Construction CUSTOMER

11 of 58

Quality 10
10 10
Loyalty Yes
CRITIQUE

Flexible and reliable

He was very flexible and worked around our schedule.

Stella L.

VERIFIED Advance Construction CUSTOMER

12 of 58

Quality 10
10 10
Loyalty Yes
CRITIQUE

The owner is very friendly, and he is great about giving you suggestions and ideas.

They work with the client.

Tom G.

VERIFIED Advance Construction CUSTOMER

13 of 58

Quality 10
10 10
Loyalty Yes
CRITIQUE

They were on time, on budget, and very conscientious.

They presented the project with options, and we were able to make decisions on how to move forward. I appreciated being engaged in that conversation.

F. F. Y. C.

VERIFIED Advance Construction CUSTOMER

14 of 58

Quality 10
10 10
Loyalty Yes
CRITIQUE

They are very professional, they take pride in their work, and they always guarantee that I am satisfied. They will give me a guarantee on the work and there were times when something has been wrong and they have come back and made it right.

They are reliable.

P. C. G. C.

VERIFIED Advance Construction CUSTOMER

15 of 58

Quality 10
10 10
Loyalty Yes
CRITIQUE

They were responsive and got the job done on time.

I have a point of contact I call and takes care of it for me.

David B.

VERIFIED Advance Construction CUSTOMER

16 of 58

Quality 10
10 10
Loyalty Yes
CRITIQUE

I've used him for more than 12 years for 3 houses. I've always been very satisfied. In fact, I am busy planning a new project and I will use him again.

Michael always listens to what I want. He tells me exactly what it will cost, and that is what it costs. He finishes when he says he will.

Jesse A.

VERIFIED Advance Construction CUSTOMER

17 of 58

Quality 10
10 10
Loyalty Yes
CRITIQUE

I think he gives a very fair and honest price. He looks at the current market and he lets the customer know why the prices are the way they are as they go up and down. He is a very honest person. When I was first looking for a contractor, he was very honest and I got a good deal. When things need to be adjusted, he lets me know in advance.

I like the quality of the work and I like the upfront honesty from Mr. Ghanivand. I have built a friendship with him. I am out of state and he was able to move a piano out of my house for me. I started using him in 2004 and I was so happy with the work that I continued to use him.

Judith R.

VERIFIED Advance Construction CUSTOMER

18 of 58

Quality 10
10 10
Loyalty Yes
CRITIQUE

He's a wonderful guy. We use him all the time.

He is honest and the work is good. He does good quality work.

Fred F.

VERIFIED Advance Construction CUSTOMER

19 of 58

Quality 10
10 10
Loyalty Yes
CRITIQUE

They are professional, and they actually get the job done.

They are easy to deal with, in regards to change orders. They are also cost effective. They always meet their deadline.

David B.

VERIFIED Advance Construction CUSTOMER

20 of 58

Quality 10
10 10
Loyalty Yes
CRITIQUE

I have used him for six different jobs. He has always finished the job when he said he was gong to finish, and he has always come in at the price he said it would be. I would use him again, and I would recommend him. I have recommended him to my family and friends as well. As far as I know, they have had as good of an experience as I did.

He listened to me, understood what I wanted, and that was what he did.
Read All 58 Survey Responses at Ratings View