Proud BBB Member Since 1976

On March 7, 2012, we are being honored as one of the 100 oldest San Diego Better Business Bureau members at the Children’s Museum.  We rank 36 out of 100.

Murray Lampert Construction is an A plus accredited Better Business Bureau member and 3 time Torch Award winner.  We could not have maintained our exemplary rating and earned these awards without striving as a team to deliver the best home remodeling experience possible.

In this challenging economic time we continue to follow our business model of “Truth In Home Remodeling”.  That means detailed Architectural plans, comprehensive all inclusive project specifications, high quality materials, skilled craftspeople, and the best warranty in the business.

The formula for customer satisfaction is easy, listen to you your clients needs, deliver projects within budget, and finish on time.  Our approval rating is the report card that backs it all up.

Foreground, Don Thomas General Manger - Background, Gregg Cantor President/CEO with Jim Navarra of Jerome's Furniture.

On December 7, 2010, Murray Lampert Construction received their third Better Business Bureau Torch Award in 4 years.  The Torch Award is presented to businesses who demonstrate exemplary ethics in the  San Diego Marketplace.

Completing an entry for the Better Business Bureau Torch Awards is a company wide project that takes months of preparation.  Each time we go through the process, it reinforces to me how dedicated and loyal our team members are.  It is obvious how much pride our company has because I can see it in the eyes of my staff.

The most import part of submitting an entry for the San Diego Better Business Bureau Torch Awards is not winning a trophy.  It is being recognized for ethics and trust in the San Diego marketplace because of the way the entire Murray Lampert Construction Team treats our clients and gives back to the community.

As a strong advocate for truth in advertising and consumer support, I feel compelled to write this editorial about the local “Best of…” awards.  These competitions are driven by consumer votes and awards are given based on the number of votes received.  I’ve noticed that some companies are paying for advertising to generate votes while others are offering incentives like Visa gift cards in exchange for votes.  The entry guidelines do not regulate such things as multiple votes from the same source nor do they require documentable proof of claims as to why a firm deserves status as “best” in any industry or endeavor.

After receiving the Better Business Bureau’s Torch Award for Marketplace Ethics, I have to express my appreciation to the Murray Lampert Construction team.  The difference between receiving a Torch Award and being named Best of San Diego is huge.  To be considered for a BBB Torch Award, an extensive entry binder has to be created and submitted, documenting a company’s ethical business practices and achievements.  All entries are reviewed by an independent panel of judges and graded based on four important criteria to determine a company’s commitment to ethics and integrity.  This unbiased competition is open to BBB members and non-members, and is based on merit and actual achievements not by buying online ads, print ads or consumers votes.

Winning the Better Business Bureau Torch Award was a major accomplishment for which I am proud to recognize my team members for showing the kind of dedication to quality, attention to detail, customer satisfaction, and community service participation which obviously was apparent to the judges.  Receiving an award for the true merits and attributes of our company makes me extremely proud.

Gregg Cantor, President

Quality

The sweet taste of low price is quickly forgotten when quality is lacking. 

Every contractor uses different trades, materials, vendors and project management.  Also, the quality some contractors deliver is dependent on how much profit there is in the job.  A reputable contractor uses the same quality materials, trades and building practices on all projects regardless of how much profit there is.

A common tactic is a remodeler will come in low up front and add change orders during the course of the project to make up for the shortfall.  Another, is some contractors will entice you with a beautiful plan showing finish details that are not included in the contract, or to knowingly under estimate allowances for finish materials and fixtures. 

Do research up front by checking contractors out at www.sd.bbb.org and www.cslb.ca.gov.  Pay close attention to quantity and nature of online client reviews.  Also, call some past and current references and ask these questions:

1.  Was your project completed on budget?

2.  Did you get everything you were promised?

3.  Are you satisfied with the quality?

4.  Would you use the company again?

As tempting as it may be when you are quoted a low price, make an educated decision.  Keep in mind, you will not find out if you made a mistake until it is too late.  Unfortunately, that will mean you get less then expected and/or pay much more.