Custom Cherry Wood Kitchen with Granite Counters

Do you have an outdated kitchen, or does the layout not fit your needs?  Custom kitchen remodeling will give you a funcitonal new look by replacing cabinets, counters, appliances, fixtures and finishes. 

Hire a qualified General Contractor who will consult with you and create a design/space plan that meets your needs.  Eliminate the guess work by insisting on a design, specifications and complete quote including finishes, fixtures etc.  You should not be obligated to pay upfront design or retainer fees for this service.  

Most kitchen remodeling requires multiple trades such as framing, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, drywall and stucco.  Often there are modifications to structural walls or window and door changes.  A General Contractor is licensed to handle all the trades required for home remodeling.  Cabinet companies can either be unqualified, undertaking work without permits and inspections, or do not have the resources of trades a  General Contractor employs.

With a licensed General Contractor , all the workmanship is warranteed by one firm and all work is permitted and inspected.  Not only is important for your own safety, it protects your investment should you ever sell your home.

For more information, check out:

  http://www.kitchenguild.com/index.php?option=com_myblog&task=tag&category=general+contractor&Itemid=0

A simple and great feature is a bay window seat.  Mr. & Mrs. K in University City really enjoy their new room addition which includes a walk in closet, bathroom and this comfy bay with Milgard windows.  Get more window ideas by visiting http://www.milgard.com/planning-your-project/where-to-start/.

EPA Requirements

Common renovation activities like sanding, cutting, and demolition can create hazardous lead dust and chips by disturbing lead-based paint, which can be harmful to adults and children.

To protect against this risk, on April 22, 2008, EPA issued a rule requiring the use of lead-safe practices and other actions aimed at preventing lead poisoning. Under the rule, beginning April 22, 2010, contractors performing renovation, repair and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint in homes, child care facilities, and schools built before 1978 must be certified and must follow specific work practices to prevent lead contamination.

EPA requires that firms performing renovation, repair, and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint in pre-1978 homes, child care facilities and schools be certified by EPA and that they use certified renovators who are trained by EPA-approved training providers to follow lead-safe work practices. Individuals can become certified renovators by taking an eight-hour training course from an EPA-approved training provider. Learn how to become an EPA certified firm and where to take a training course near you.

• Contractors must use lead-safe work practices and follow these three simple procedures:
  • Contain the work area.
  • Minimize dust.
  • Clean up thoroughly.
• Read EPA’s Regulations on Residential Property Renovation at 40 CFR 745.80, Subpart E.
• Read about lead-hazard information for renovation, repair and painting activities in the EPA lead hazard information pamphletRenovate Right: Important Lead Hazard Information for Families, Child Care Providers, and Schools (PDF) (11 pp, 1.1MB) | en español (PDF) (20 pp, 3.2MB)
• Read about how to comply with EPA’s rule in the EPA Small Entity Compliance Guide to Renovate Right (PDF) (34 pp, 2.5MB) | en español (PDF) (34 pp, 1.3MB).
• Find additional EPA publications and brochures on lead-safe renovation, repair and painting and on lead poisoning prevention.

Meet Bill and Jill who are now enjoying their Second Story room and deck.  From design through construction and unltimatly completion, they thought everybody at MLC handled all aspects of the job very well.   They were very pleased, in fact said they plan on calling us back to discuss their next phase in the long range plan, and that is to add a master bedroom on top of existing single story house.   Thank you Bill and Jill for choosing Murray Lampert Construction to improve your home.

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