With over 25 years of experience in the construction industry, Shanne began his career as a carpenter in his father’s business before establishing Solid Oak Construction Co. He offers a wide variety of services regarding home renovations; including kitchen remodels, building decks and fences, interior/exterior painting, flooring install, concrete and pavers, and landscaping. His team of skilled carpenters provides quality workmanship and excellent customer service to ensure your home is well-maintained and fully functional. Shanne oversees projects from concept to completion, collaborating closely with homeowners, developers, and subcontractors to ensure every detail is executed with precision.
"Shanne and his team are top notch. The follow up and customer service has been excellent. I highly recommend Solid Oak Construction for small or large scale projects."
elizabeth p on March 2025
With over 25 years of experience in the construction industry, Shanne began his career as a carpenter in his father’s business before establishing Solid Oak Construction Co. He offers a wide variety of services regarding home renovations; including kitchen remodels, building decks and fences, interior/exterior painting, flooring install, concrete and pavers, and landscaping. His team of skilled carpenters provides quality workmanship and excellent customer service to ensure your home is well-maintained and fully functional. Shanne oversees projects from concept to completion, collaborating closely with homeowners, developers, and subcontractors to ensure every detail is executed with precision.
"Shanne and his team are top notch. The follow up and customer service has been excellent. I highly recommend Solid Oak Construction for small or large scale projects."
elizabeth p on March 2025
License #1018107 Ranch Hands Construction is a Handyman and Construction business servicing Monterey County, Santa Cruz County, San Luis Obispo County, Santa Barbara County and Ventura County. Our purpose is to provide consistent, efficient, and dependable handyman services, with an emphasis on repairs or maintenance for your home, office, or landscape. Electrical, painting, plumbing, carpentry and moving are all only some of the services we offer. We show up as gentlemen, clean and sober, and bring enthusiasm, passion, and gratitude to everything we do. We are honest, working men who believe that proper preparation and attention to details.
"They fixed a part of the roof. They were efficient, polite & the finished area looks great. Thank you James, Andrew & Salvador."
Renee C on August 2022
License #1018107 Ranch Hands Construction is a Handyman and Construction business servicing Monterey County, Santa Cruz County, San Luis Obispo County, Santa Barbara County and Ventura County. Our purpose is to provide consistent, efficient, and dependable handyman services, with an emphasis on repairs or maintenance for your home, office, or landscape. Electrical, painting, plumbing, carpentry and moving are all only some of the services we offer. We show up as gentlemen, clean and sober, and bring enthusiasm, passion, and gratitude to everything we do. We are honest, working men who believe that proper preparation and attention to details.
"They fixed a part of the roof. They were efficient, polite & the finished area looks great. Thank you James, Andrew & Salvador."
Renee C on August 2022
My name is Luciano Martinez. I’m a handyman in the Bay Area with 15 years of experience. I do all Types of repairs. I have great customer service My prices are affordable always ready to work with the community. We provide reliable handyman services to handle a wide range of home repairs and maintenance tasks. From minor plumbing and electrical fixes to furniture assembly, painting, and general upkeep, we offer efficient solutions to keep your home in top shape. Whether it’s a quick repair or a small renovation project, our goal is to deliver quality work with exceptional customer service.
"Luciano gave us a free estimate which was very reasonable and completed the work with a very high quality."
Sachin B on March 2025
My name is Luciano Martinez. I’m a handyman in the Bay Area with 15 years of experience. I do all Types of repairs. I have great customer service My prices are affordable always ready to work with the community. We provide reliable handyman services to handle a wide range of home repairs and maintenance tasks. From minor plumbing and electrical fixes to furniture assembly, painting, and general upkeep, we offer efficient solutions to keep your home in top shape. Whether it’s a quick repair or a small renovation project, our goal is to deliver quality work with exceptional customer service.
"Luciano gave us a free estimate which was very reasonable and completed the work with a very high quality."
Sachin B on March 2025
In Business Since 2018 Tubman Stone Masonry proudly serves its customers with pride, integrity and attention to the details that matter most to you. This is one of the many things that sets us apart from the rest. We are locally owned and operated. Give us a call today!
"I highly recommend Tubman Stone Masonry for adherence to a high standard of quality and excellent craftsmanship in their work. They were prompt, reliable , and very detail oriented. They cleaned up at the cmpletion of each workday and maintained a neat and tidy environment. Sunny and his crew were always polite and simply outstanding. I will use them again and recommend them to neighbors, family, and friends. I am very pleased with the outcome of my front yard project."
Elena N on April 2024
In Business Since 2018 Tubman Stone Masonry proudly serves its customers with pride, integrity and attention to the details that matter most to you. This is one of the many things that sets us apart from the rest. We are locally owned and operated. Give us a call today!
"I highly recommend Tubman Stone Masonry for adherence to a high standard of quality and excellent craftsmanship in their work. They were prompt, reliable , and very detail oriented. They cleaned up at the cmpletion of each workday and maintained a neat and tidy environment. Sunny and his crew were always polite and simply outstanding. I will use them again and recommend them to neighbors, family, and friends. I am very pleased with the outcome of my front yard project."
Elena N on April 2024
With 60 years experience, we create buildings of all types throughout California and the West. Although we specialize in new mid-century modern homes and businesses, we can work in any style. We have an office space in both Santa Cruz and Los Angeles. Please VISIT OUR WEB SITE at www.modern-architecture.com or CALL BILL at 831-246-0117.
"They were so helpful, knowledgeable, and accommodating. I made the process so much more enjoyable. And I look forward to working with them on future projects."
Laurel B on May 2020
With 60 years experience, we create buildings of all types throughout California and the West. Although we specialize in new mid-century modern homes and businesses, we can work in any style. We have an office space in both Santa Cruz and Los Angeles. Please VISIT OUR WEB SITE at www.modern-architecture.com or CALL BILL at 831-246-0117.
"They were so helpful, knowledgeable, and accommodating. I made the process so much more enjoyable. And I look forward to working with them on future projects."
Laurel B on May 2020
I Offer Everything from A-Z I’m the owner and operator of Ed’s Roof Cleaning and Handyman Services. I’ve been serving the California Central Coast area since 1999. I have extensive experience in construction contracting and doing business as a handyman for the last 20 years. If you would like a list of references, please don’t hesitate to ask. There is no job too big or too small. Please call Ed at 831-277-7713 for a quote on your next project.
"The job of new front garage door facing and new side garage door was done with care efficiency.. we recommend."
Karen R on July 2024
I Offer Everything from A-Z I’m the owner and operator of Ed’s Roof Cleaning and Handyman Services. I’ve been serving the California Central Coast area since 1999. I have extensive experience in construction contracting and doing business as a handyman for the last 20 years. If you would like a list of references, please don’t hesitate to ask. There is no job too big or too small. Please call Ed at 831-277-7713 for a quote on your next project.
"The job of new front garage door facing and new side garage door was done with care efficiency.. we recommend."
Karen R on July 2024
We guarantee your satisfaction, and we won’t leave until the job is done right. Our team has quality experience in this industry, and we make sure our customers are happy before we leave. Call or click to schedule an estimate today!
"He was very knowledgeable and went above and beyond!"
john b on April 2025
We guarantee your satisfaction, and we won’t leave until the job is done right. Our team has quality experience in this industry, and we make sure our customers are happy before we leave. Call or click to schedule an estimate today!
"He was very knowledgeable and went above and beyond!"
john b on April 2025
Family owned business with over 22 years of experience -Remodeling - General - Remodeling - Kitchen & Bathroom - full home remodels - room additions - ADU's - Full Roof replacement -
"Would not recommend them to anyone. We had the worst experience with these guys. Scope of project: kitchen complete remodel, replacing carpet flooring with vinyl tile flooring , redo electrical for kitchen area only cost: 100K+ what went to plan: - kitchen demo - made one nice dry wall - setting up and framing of the kitchen area what went wrong: - communication/scheduling : we would never be told ahead of time when work was being done. Sometimes there would be days stretches where no one showed up and then guys would show up randomly on a Sunday morning. At the start of the project we told them we were going to move into the back half of the house, so just have that clean. We moved into trash and debris everywhere. They also saw a vinyl strap , strapped to our tree, tied to our neighbor's fence (it was there keeping the fence up as the tree was leaning into the neighbors fence). In their brilliance, they decided to cut the strap and use it for themselves. How did we know? we found it on our roof, used to tie some electrical conduit. Who the heck does that?! We should've cut ties at that point, it was just the start...if we only knew. But we gave them the benefit of the doubt...but things kept going wrong. - Kitchen cabinet install was not leveled, we end up telling them to not bother coming back and we installed the whole kitchen ourselves (re-leveling the base cabinets, putting on the hardware, installing the cabinet doors. - broke several custom panels (to their credit, they did pay for the reorder) but we ended up installing it ourselves , which we were never offered refund the labor. - the kitchen counter was not leveled, we also had to redo it ourselves in order for the independent countertop guys to install it. - cut hole for electrical switch too big, huge gap now in our org Eichler panel that is not repairable unless we replace the whole wall. - cut hole in wood beam ceiling too big for ceiling vent even though they had the manufacturer's specifications. tried to fix it, but it looks terrible. - lied and said they had experience installing lux vinyl tile. They didn't. The flooring , which is supposed to be new, looks like flooring that has been there for years and hadn't been replaced. It was discolored, uneven, not leveled, and not even lined up. How can you mess up lining up squares? Our sales person Joe ,came and made excuses after excuses , telling us " no one can install it better than them" , that this is the "best" we'll get. I cannot believe he could look us in the face and say that. We ended up requesting 1500 back, though for us to reorder redo the tiles for the kitchen will be 3K+. - as a last F you to us, they gave us the bill for the permit fees which includes a 3% of project cost recycling deposit that is 100% refundable if they just do the paperwork and let the city know where they recycled the demolition material. Our kitchen project was 80K and so it was $2400. Guess what, they "never heard of this" and have no proof of where they recycled the material and so cannot get the refund. I have no idea where they dumped the material.....and we're out 2400. The best thing about this project is finishing and NEVER having to deal with them again."
bobby p on April 2020
Family owned business with over 22 years of experience -Remodeling - General - Remodeling - Kitchen & Bathroom - full home remodels - room additions - ADU's - Full Roof replacement -
"Would not recommend them to anyone. We had the worst experience with these guys. Scope of project: kitchen complete remodel, replacing carpet flooring with vinyl tile flooring , redo electrical for kitchen area only cost: 100K+ what went to plan: - kitchen demo - made one nice dry wall - setting up and framing of the kitchen area what went wrong: - communication/scheduling : we would never be told ahead of time when work was being done. Sometimes there would be days stretches where no one showed up and then guys would show up randomly on a Sunday morning. At the start of the project we told them we were going to move into the back half of the house, so just have that clean. We moved into trash and debris everywhere. They also saw a vinyl strap , strapped to our tree, tied to our neighbor's fence (it was there keeping the fence up as the tree was leaning into the neighbors fence). In their brilliance, they decided to cut the strap and use it for themselves. How did we know? we found it on our roof, used to tie some electrical conduit. Who the heck does that?! We should've cut ties at that point, it was just the start...if we only knew. But we gave them the benefit of the doubt...but things kept going wrong. - Kitchen cabinet install was not leveled, we end up telling them to not bother coming back and we installed the whole kitchen ourselves (re-leveling the base cabinets, putting on the hardware, installing the cabinet doors. - broke several custom panels (to their credit, they did pay for the reorder) but we ended up installing it ourselves , which we were never offered refund the labor. - the kitchen counter was not leveled, we also had to redo it ourselves in order for the independent countertop guys to install it. - cut hole for electrical switch too big, huge gap now in our org Eichler panel that is not repairable unless we replace the whole wall. - cut hole in wood beam ceiling too big for ceiling vent even though they had the manufacturer's specifications. tried to fix it, but it looks terrible. - lied and said they had experience installing lux vinyl tile. They didn't. The flooring , which is supposed to be new, looks like flooring that has been there for years and hadn't been replaced. It was discolored, uneven, not leveled, and not even lined up. How can you mess up lining up squares? Our sales person Joe ,came and made excuses after excuses , telling us " no one can install it better than them" , that this is the "best" we'll get. I cannot believe he could look us in the face and say that. We ended up requesting 1500 back, though for us to reorder redo the tiles for the kitchen will be 3K+. - as a last F you to us, they gave us the bill for the permit fees which includes a 3% of project cost recycling deposit that is 100% refundable if they just do the paperwork and let the city know where they recycled the demolition material. Our kitchen project was 80K and so it was $2400. Guess what, they "never heard of this" and have no proof of where they recycled the material and so cannot get the refund. I have no idea where they dumped the material.....and we're out 2400. The best thing about this project is finishing and NEVER having to deal with them again."
bobby p on April 2020
Elusive Construction refers to a construction company specializing in various aspects of the construction industry. As the name suggests, the company is known for its ability to tackle challenging and complex construction projects with a high level of expertise and efficiency. Elusive General Construction strives to deliver exceptional results while maintaining a reputation for innovation, quality craftsmanship, and attention to detail. The term "elusive" in the company name implies that the company possesses the skill and expertise to overcome obstacles and navigate through difficult construction projects successfully. It suggests that the company has the ability to think outside the box, adapt to changing circumstances, and find creative solutions to construction challenges. Elusive General Construction offers a wide range of construction services, including residential, commercial, and industrial construction. This may include new construction, renovations, remodeling, additions, and other construction-related projects. The company has a team of experienced professionals, including architects, engineers, project managers, and skilled craftsmen, who work together to ensure the successful completion of each project. By combining technical expertise, industry knowledge, and a customer-centric approach, Elusive General Construction aims to provide clients with superior construction solutions that meet their specific needs and requirements. The company values open communication, transparency, and collaboration, working closely with clients to understand their vision and deliver projects that exceed expectations. Overall, Elusive General Construction is dedicated to delivering high-quality construction projects while maintaining a commitment to professionalism, integrity, and customer satisfaction.
"Most smoothest work we’ve ever had done on our home! The team were very kind & respectful. I’ve had many negative experiences with other companies so at times, I’m hesitant to ask questions but the team always reassured me and continuously made sure my voice was heard. All workers are very respectful of start & end times making workday transitions flow effortlessly. We had our existing siding removed & replaced. We didn’t expect it to be completed so quickly but was happily surprised. They maintained organization & cleanliness not to mention staying within quoted price. Overall, we were very grateful to have received such great work. My family and I will definitely be going to them for any future work. We highly recommend you putting your trust in Elusive Construction. You will not be disappointed. Thank you for making my home look beautiful again!"
Sandra L on August 2024
Elusive Construction refers to a construction company specializing in various aspects of the construction industry. As the name suggests, the company is known for its ability to tackle challenging and complex construction projects with a high level of expertise and efficiency. Elusive General Construction strives to deliver exceptional results while maintaining a reputation for innovation, quality craftsmanship, and attention to detail. The term "elusive" in the company name implies that the company possesses the skill and expertise to overcome obstacles and navigate through difficult construction projects successfully. It suggests that the company has the ability to think outside the box, adapt to changing circumstances, and find creative solutions to construction challenges. Elusive General Construction offers a wide range of construction services, including residential, commercial, and industrial construction. This may include new construction, renovations, remodeling, additions, and other construction-related projects. The company has a team of experienced professionals, including architects, engineers, project managers, and skilled craftsmen, who work together to ensure the successful completion of each project. By combining technical expertise, industry knowledge, and a customer-centric approach, Elusive General Construction aims to provide clients with superior construction solutions that meet their specific needs and requirements. The company values open communication, transparency, and collaboration, working closely with clients to understand their vision and deliver projects that exceed expectations. Overall, Elusive General Construction is dedicated to delivering high-quality construction projects while maintaining a commitment to professionalism, integrity, and customer satisfaction.
"Most smoothest work we’ve ever had done on our home! The team were very kind & respectful. I’ve had many negative experiences with other companies so at times, I’m hesitant to ask questions but the team always reassured me and continuously made sure my voice was heard. All workers are very respectful of start & end times making workday transitions flow effortlessly. We had our existing siding removed & replaced. We didn’t expect it to be completed so quickly but was happily surprised. They maintained organization & cleanliness not to mention staying within quoted price. Overall, we were very grateful to have received such great work. My family and I will definitely be going to them for any future work. We highly recommend you putting your trust in Elusive Construction. You will not be disappointed. Thank you for making my home look beautiful again!"
Sandra L on August 2024
Landscape design and installation. All phases (softscape/hardscape). Owner operated. Multi -year Angie's List Super Service Award winner. Cal-poly trained landscape architecture designers. Free design consultations. Free written estimates and proposals. All sized projects. Sprinkler and other landscape repairs. New sod lawns. Hand selected guaranteed nursery stock planting, drought tolerant landscaping, synthetic turf. Serving the entire Silicon Valley. Fast turn-around. Friendly service. Fully insured. Accepting all major credit cards and online payment apps. State of California licensed landscape contractor (C-27) since 1993 (CSLB #682755). Quality-Value-Service "Great landscaping designed to budget!" "The art and science of great landscaping!" Composite and wood decking. Arbors and pergolas. Drought friendly landscaping, Automatic drip and spray irrigation systems. Irrigation timer clocks/controllers. Redwood and composite decking. Interlocking pavers. Retainer walls. Concrete. L.E.D. low volt landscape lighting. Drainage. Flagstone. Brickwork. Outdoor kitchens. Firepits. Gravel. Mulch. Tile. Water features. Boulders, River rock. Pool decks. Pool Removal. Pergolas. Arbors Irrigation and landscape lighting repairs, fences and gates. ...and more! ask about our new "Express Build" "Complete landscaping in record time!"
"In September 2024, I contracted with Scott C. McIntyre, the owner of Landscape Solutions to do landscaping work at my residence in Los Altos, Ca. The work consisted of replacing existing retaining walls and steps in my back yard and installing a new patio on an already flattened area on the hill in my back yard. Mr. McIntyre declared the work completed on November 4, 2024 although there remained issues with incomplete and substandard work and failure to adhere to rules imposed by the California Contractors State License Board (CSLB). I have filed a complaint (currently not resolved) with the CSLB. I paid Landscape Solutions $56,385.41 of a Total Contract Estimate cost of $58,790.00 (with a not to exceed clause of $60,000) with final payment to be made when the project was completed to my satisfaction. The project was never completed to my satisfaction with some (not all) of the outstanding issues described in this review. ISSUES WITH WORK QUALITY - NON-CODE COMPLIANT, SUBSTANDARD, NOT COMPLETE 1. The Guard Rail over the lower retaining wall is not building code compliant. The most serious issue with the work that Landscape Solutions did was that the guard rail built over a retaining wall does not meet building code and is not child safe. A picture of the guard rail is shown in the review I posted on Yelp (posted with a one star rating on January 20, 2025), but I am not able to show a picture on an Angi's List review. The guard rail is made up of vertical posts spaced approximately 45 inches apart and two horizontal rails between the vertical posts. The upper horizontal rail above the surface of the newly built patio forms the top of the guard rail. A second horizontal rail below it is halfway between surface of the patio and the top of the guard rail, leaving two large gaps between the horizontal rails, each gap approximately 19 inches wide. Code dictates the maximum gap in the guard rail is 4 inches. A child could easily fall through the large gap in the guard rail to the level below. A baby crawling on the patio could plunge head first off the patio to the lower level and be seriously injured. I emailed a picture of the completed retaining wall and guard rail to my city's Building Code Enforcement Division and inquired if it was building code compliant. A Code Enforcement Division representative replied with an email message (Client can provide the actual email message). Following text is from the email message: "The rail needs to be 42" high and there needs to be a maximum of 4" between the horizontal rails. The fence as shown does not meet the standards and intermediate rails need to be added." -----End of quote from email message sent by city's Code Enforcement Division------- NOTE: ALLOWING A CONTRACTOR WHO DOES NOT KNOW THE BUILDING CODES TO BE LICENSED PUTS THE PUBLIC IN DANGER. 2. Incomplete and substandard work i. There are areas with no pavers, just dirt, adjacent to the lower retaining wall. Contractor fixed some but not all areas along the newly built lower retaining wall. A picture showing an example of this issue is shown on my Yelp review but I am not able to show a picture on an Angi's List review. The picture shows where paving stones should have been installed next to the retaining wall. ii. Gate not installed in lower retaining wall. The retaining wall that was being replaced had a gate. I called this to Mr. McIntyre's attention in a reply message to his message that the project was complete. He replied in an email message that he would replace the gate. iii. In doing the work, Landscape Solutions workers moved items (e.g., wooden glider bench, other patio benches, chairs, patio table, an umbrella stand) from the flattened hill area to other parts of the back yard. I requested that the items be returned to their original locations. Mr. McIntyre, in an email message, agreed to do so. This was not done. Returning items moved to their original location should be a standard part of Landscape Solutions clean-up work upon completion of a project. ISSUES WITH NON-ADHERENCE TO CONTRACTORS STATE LICENSE BOARD REGULATIONS In items 3 and 4 below, quoted text is from Contractors State Licensing Board publication "Contracting for Success", which was downloaded from the CSLB website. 3. Contractor did not give buyer a copy of the signed contract as CSLB requires. "Before any work is started, the contractor must give the buyer a copy of the contract signed and dated by both the contractor and the buyer." 4. On the day work began, Contractor asked for payment of $15,000 along with the signed contract. "Except for a down payment, a contractor can't demand or accept payment for work or materials until the work is actually done or the materials are delivered. The down payment may not exceed $1,000 or 10 percent of the contract amount, whichever is less." Contractor gave following reason why he asked for $15000 at start of project. Quote is directly from an email message he sent client. Client can provide the actual email message. Text of email message from Mr. McIntyre, in quotes: "My son is out of state at college and it is very expensive. My cash flow and bank account funds do not allow me to pay for your materials before delivery and pay my payroll in advance of getting paid by you if this is what the CSLB requires." --------End of quote from email message sent by Mr. McIntyre-------------- 5. Contractor made additional changes not in contract without a change order being added to the contract. Contractor's office manager then billed client for the unauthorized work. The Contractors State Licensing Board publication "Terms of Agreement A Consumer Guide to Home Improvement Contracts" (downloaded from the CSLB website) states the following: "Extra Work and Change Orders become part of the contract once the order is prepared in writing and signed by the parties prior to the commencement of any work covered by the new change order.""
Terry E on February 2025
Landscape design and installation. All phases (softscape/hardscape). Owner operated. Multi -year Angie's List Super Service Award winner. Cal-poly trained landscape architecture designers. Free design consultations. Free written estimates and proposals. All sized projects. Sprinkler and other landscape repairs. New sod lawns. Hand selected guaranteed nursery stock planting, drought tolerant landscaping, synthetic turf. Serving the entire Silicon Valley. Fast turn-around. Friendly service. Fully insured. Accepting all major credit cards and online payment apps. State of California licensed landscape contractor (C-27) since 1993 (CSLB #682755). Quality-Value-Service "Great landscaping designed to budget!" "The art and science of great landscaping!" Composite and wood decking. Arbors and pergolas. Drought friendly landscaping, Automatic drip and spray irrigation systems. Irrigation timer clocks/controllers. Redwood and composite decking. Interlocking pavers. Retainer walls. Concrete. L.E.D. low volt landscape lighting. Drainage. Flagstone. Brickwork. Outdoor kitchens. Firepits. Gravel. Mulch. Tile. Water features. Boulders, River rock. Pool decks. Pool Removal. Pergolas. Arbors Irrigation and landscape lighting repairs, fences and gates. ...and more! ask about our new "Express Build" "Complete landscaping in record time!"
"In September 2024, I contracted with Scott C. McIntyre, the owner of Landscape Solutions to do landscaping work at my residence in Los Altos, Ca. The work consisted of replacing existing retaining walls and steps in my back yard and installing a new patio on an already flattened area on the hill in my back yard. Mr. McIntyre declared the work completed on November 4, 2024 although there remained issues with incomplete and substandard work and failure to adhere to rules imposed by the California Contractors State License Board (CSLB). I have filed a complaint (currently not resolved) with the CSLB. I paid Landscape Solutions $56,385.41 of a Total Contract Estimate cost of $58,790.00 (with a not to exceed clause of $60,000) with final payment to be made when the project was completed to my satisfaction. The project was never completed to my satisfaction with some (not all) of the outstanding issues described in this review. ISSUES WITH WORK QUALITY - NON-CODE COMPLIANT, SUBSTANDARD, NOT COMPLETE 1. The Guard Rail over the lower retaining wall is not building code compliant. The most serious issue with the work that Landscape Solutions did was that the guard rail built over a retaining wall does not meet building code and is not child safe. A picture of the guard rail is shown in the review I posted on Yelp (posted with a one star rating on January 20, 2025), but I am not able to show a picture on an Angi's List review. The guard rail is made up of vertical posts spaced approximately 45 inches apart and two horizontal rails between the vertical posts. The upper horizontal rail above the surface of the newly built patio forms the top of the guard rail. A second horizontal rail below it is halfway between surface of the patio and the top of the guard rail, leaving two large gaps between the horizontal rails, each gap approximately 19 inches wide. Code dictates the maximum gap in the guard rail is 4 inches. A child could easily fall through the large gap in the guard rail to the level below. A baby crawling on the patio could plunge head first off the patio to the lower level and be seriously injured. I emailed a picture of the completed retaining wall and guard rail to my city's Building Code Enforcement Division and inquired if it was building code compliant. A Code Enforcement Division representative replied with an email message (Client can provide the actual email message). Following text is from the email message: "The rail needs to be 42" high and there needs to be a maximum of 4" between the horizontal rails. The fence as shown does not meet the standards and intermediate rails need to be added." -----End of quote from email message sent by city's Code Enforcement Division------- NOTE: ALLOWING A CONTRACTOR WHO DOES NOT KNOW THE BUILDING CODES TO BE LICENSED PUTS THE PUBLIC IN DANGER. 2. Incomplete and substandard work i. There are areas with no pavers, just dirt, adjacent to the lower retaining wall. Contractor fixed some but not all areas along the newly built lower retaining wall. A picture showing an example of this issue is shown on my Yelp review but I am not able to show a picture on an Angi's List review. The picture shows where paving stones should have been installed next to the retaining wall. ii. Gate not installed in lower retaining wall. The retaining wall that was being replaced had a gate. I called this to Mr. McIntyre's attention in a reply message to his message that the project was complete. He replied in an email message that he would replace the gate. iii. In doing the work, Landscape Solutions workers moved items (e.g., wooden glider bench, other patio benches, chairs, patio table, an umbrella stand) from the flattened hill area to other parts of the back yard. I requested that the items be returned to their original locations. Mr. McIntyre, in an email message, agreed to do so. This was not done. Returning items moved to their original location should be a standard part of Landscape Solutions clean-up work upon completion of a project. ISSUES WITH NON-ADHERENCE TO CONTRACTORS STATE LICENSE BOARD REGULATIONS In items 3 and 4 below, quoted text is from Contractors State Licensing Board publication "Contracting for Success", which was downloaded from the CSLB website. 3. Contractor did not give buyer a copy of the signed contract as CSLB requires. "Before any work is started, the contractor must give the buyer a copy of the contract signed and dated by both the contractor and the buyer." 4. On the day work began, Contractor asked for payment of $15,000 along with the signed contract. "Except for a down payment, a contractor can't demand or accept payment for work or materials until the work is actually done or the materials are delivered. The down payment may not exceed $1,000 or 10 percent of the contract amount, whichever is less." Contractor gave following reason why he asked for $15000 at start of project. Quote is directly from an email message he sent client. Client can provide the actual email message. Text of email message from Mr. McIntyre, in quotes: "My son is out of state at college and it is very expensive. My cash flow and bank account funds do not allow me to pay for your materials before delivery and pay my payroll in advance of getting paid by you if this is what the CSLB requires." --------End of quote from email message sent by Mr. McIntyre-------------- 5. Contractor made additional changes not in contract without a change order being added to the contract. Contractor's office manager then billed client for the unauthorized work. The Contractors State Licensing Board publication "Terms of Agreement A Consumer Guide to Home Improvement Contracts" (downloaded from the CSLB website) states the following: "Extra Work and Change Orders become part of the contract once the order is prepared in writing and signed by the parties prior to the commencement of any work covered by the new change order.""
Terry E on February 2025
In most cases, professional organizers are well worth the investment. They often handle decluttering, which can take hours of work, and professional home and garage organization solutions that homeowners wouldn’t often think about. In many cases, homeowners will recognize the true value of a professional organizer during the weeks following the project’s finish when they use their new space and realize the improved quality of life that comes with convenient and thoughtful storage and organization.
The average cost to hire a handyman ranges from about $40 to $140 per hour. Average project cost ranges between $180 and $700, but the cost per hour and per project depends heavily on the type, size, and complexity of the project. The pro’s experience level and your location also factor into how much a handyman charges per hour or per project. You can also expect to pay higher rates or additional fees for emergency services, or around periods of high customer demand, like holidays.
Landscapers typically charge $25 to $50 per person per hour, which equals around $50 to $100 per hour for a two-person crew. These rates can vary depending on your location, the size of staff needed for the job, and overall job type. For example, a larger crew will be needed for structural additions and hardscaping versus planting flowers.
When it comes to landscapers, licensing laws vary. Landscaping architects are required to be licensed in all 50 states, whereas traditional landscaping contractors are not typically required to hold a certification. You’ll likely be working with a landscaping contractor for most residential projects. If you are redesigning your whole yard or adding in hardscape features, you will work with a landscaping architect at some point during the project. Be sure to check our state licensing tool to review the local landscaper guidelines.
As you browse our pro listings, take note of the “Angi Approved” badge. Angi Approved businesses meet our standards for certification which include:
The owner, principal, or relevant manager passed a criminal background check
Required to have applicable state and local licenses
Maintain an average star rating of 3.0 or better on our network, if they have at least one review
Paying to advertise their services
Meeting any other eligibility criteria required by Angi
Keep in mind licensing is different from certifications. A license is a legal requirement to operate a business, while certifications are voluntary.
Professional organizers charge $55 to $100 per hour, with average per-project rates costing $510. If you need help with basic decluttering and organizing of your garage, expect to pay $200 to $700. On the other hand, major reorganization projects can cost $1,500 to $5,000, including installing shelves and storage solutions. Expect to pay more for professional organization help if you need specialty storage solutions, like cabinets and toolboxes for a workshop or a ceiling-mounted kayak or bike storage option.