Remodeling contractors are always looking for ways to differentiate themselves from their competition, and those that have earned the prestigious Diamond Certified award are already several steps ahead. In addition to its Diamond Certified status, Elite Master Cal Builders, Inc sets itself apart by offerings its clients a “one-stop shop” remodeling experience. “We have the skills and knowledge to handle everything that comes up during a construction project,” affirms General Manager Peter Kim. “That’s a matter of pride for us—it makes everything easier for our clients and ensures they’ll be satisfied when the work is complete.”

Elite Master Cal Builders has been providing remodeling services for residential and commercial clients throughout the South Bay and East Bay since 2012. The company has the in-house capabilities to handle everything from plumbing and painting to deck and roof installation, and it’s also qualified to work on large-scale projects like hotel remodels.

Unlike less experienced construction firms that rely on subcontractors to fill the gaps in their service offerings, Eun Mi Enterprise maintains a crew of talented builders and remodeling professionals who perform all of its work. “Our clients never have to meet with outside contractors or deal with companies they didn’t hire,” says Mr. Kim. “This protects them by keeping all of their work under one roof. The company they hired controls the entire job from start to finish.”

Ultimately, Mr. Kim sees Elite Master Cal Builders’ highly trained and experienced employees as its most important attribute. “We operate like a family—we’ve been working together for years, so we trust each other and know what we’re capable of professionally and personally,” he says. “This benefits our clients because they know we’re only going to send professionals who are experienced, licensed, insured and experts at their craft.”

When it comes to remodeling your home, don’t forget that materials matter.

“This is a price-driven society, so it’s no surprise that many homeowners want the cheapest building materials and products they can find,” says Peter Kim, general manager of Elite Master Cal Builders, Inc. in Santa Clara. “Some contractors look for high-quality materials at reasonable prices, but others opt to use no-name brands or non-standardized materials that are sold at very low prices.”

Those cheap products can look like money-savers on paper, but many consumers find they’re not worth the cost. Some cheap building materials aren’t approved for use in the United States, and others haven’t passed international health and safety standards. To avoid this situation, Mr. Kim recommends asking your contractor about the products and materials they plan to use. “Get the material data specs, which will provide a lot of information about the materials that are going into your project,” he says. “You want to make sure the contractor is using quality materials that are made to last and won’t have a negative impact on your family’s health.”

Here are some other ways to protect yourself during a remodeling project and get the value you want:

• Seek bids from three to five contractors, but make sure the companies you choose are licensed, insured, and have good safety records and client references.
• Get all bids in writing and ask for specific details about materials, including manufacturer names and product codes.
• Ask your contractor for a bid that reflects good, better and best quality materials, and then choose the option that best fits your budget. Most of the cost of construction is labor, so you may be surprised to find that top-quality materials don’t add much to the final amount.

Q: How long will it take to complete my project?
A: It depends on the size of the job and our work schedule. We don’t like to keep our clients waiting and we never jump from job to job, so we’ll let you know upfront if we can handle your project within your expected timeframe.

Q: Who will actually be doing the work?
A: Everyone who works for our company is under our payroll. We never pick up day laborers because of liability and workers’ compensation insurance issues. If we don’t know the worker, we’re not going to send them to your house. Everyone who will be working on your project has been with our company for at least three years.

Q: Can you help me save money on my energy bills?
A: Yes, we can talk to you about building material and system options that can make your home more energy-efficient. The best time to think about that is when you’re initiating a remodeling project.

Q: Should I be worried about my remodeling project increasing my taxes?
A: No. Remodeling your home can increase your property tax, but it’ll also increase the real estate value of your property, so it’s really a win-win situation.

Q: Do materials matter in a remodeling project?
A: Absolutely. This is a price-driven society, so contractors are always trying to find products at the lowest cost. Some contractors try to find quality products at reasonable prices; others use no-name brands or non-standardized building materials that are sold at very low prices. When you hire a contractor, make sure you ask about the brands and materials they plan to use. Get the material data specs, which will provide a lot of information about the materials that are going into your project.