Were a local, family owned business that values honesty, integrity and quality workmanship. We are committed to treating your home as if it were our own, offering a variety of home improvement services. We specialize in remodeling projects including kitchen and bathroom remodels and will walk with you through each step of your project from design decision making to project completion. We look forward to meeting you!
"If we could attach less than one star to this business, we would do that. We contracted with Ryken Building to do a remodel on our home. We hired Ryken because it was a new business and we wanted to give a new business an opportunity. Rykenâ s website ( https://www.rykenbuilding.com) says that he has a team . This is not the case. He is a sole proprietor with no employees. He has no long-standing relationships with competent sub-contractors, and we suffered because of this. The project suffered delays and issues from the outset. Even though Ryken says on his website that he has experience with the building permit process, this is not the case. He had no familiarity with the County building permit process and our permit was delayed several months because of mistakes made in the filing process. We finally had to get involved and made many trips to the County offices ourselves before permit was finally secured. Ryken hired several contractors who did sub-standard work. His electrician cut wires to our garage and caused the external lighting to stop functioning. We finally had to hire our own electrician to correct the work. He hired a flooring subcontractor to install engineered hardwood we purchased, and the subcontractor did not follow the install instructions that came with the materials. The flooring has unsightly nail holes in several locations. He hired a painting subcontractor who left blemish spots throughout the house which we have had to correct. Ryken himself made many mistakes which he had to correct. He mis-measured the shower surround and a $1000 glass shower door we purchased did not fit. He purchased a replacement door of inferior quality that does not fit properly. As a part of the remodel, we added a half bath. When Rykenâ s plumber installed the new drains, he removed HVAC ducting without a plan to replace it. The only solution was for us to install a new HVAC system at a cost of $21,000. The remodel also included replacing all the windows and sliding glass doors in the house. Because Ryken has no team to help with glass window and doors that weighed 500 pounds, we had to hire our own window installer even though Rykenâ s bid included the work. This added $12,000 to the project cost. The real nightmare occurred at the project conclusion where Ryken refused to finish items that were required to be completed in the project. Ryken refused to finish the work and abandoned the project. We finally had to find someone else to do this work at our own expense. Our contract had a retainage clause in which we were allowed to withhold payment to cover unfinished work that we had to do at our own expense. We withheld a small amount as we were allowed to do in the Agreement. In spite of this, Ryken has threatened to place a Mechanics Lien on our home. We had to hire an attorney to get him to back off. We have filed a complaint with the CSLB. If you want your project to run smoothly, hire someone else."
Sean D on July 2023
Were a local, family owned business that values honesty, integrity and quality workmanship. We are committed to treating your home as if it were our own, offering a variety of home improvement services. We specialize in remodeling projects including kitchen and bathroom remodels and will walk with you through each step of your project from design decision making to project completion. We look forward to meeting you!
"If we could attach less than one star to this business, we would do that. We contracted with Ryken Building to do a remodel on our home. We hired Ryken because it was a new business and we wanted to give a new business an opportunity. Rykenâ s website ( https://www.rykenbuilding.com) says that he has a team . This is not the case. He is a sole proprietor with no employees. He has no long-standing relationships with competent sub-contractors, and we suffered because of this. The project suffered delays and issues from the outset. Even though Ryken says on his website that he has experience with the building permit process, this is not the case. He had no familiarity with the County building permit process and our permit was delayed several months because of mistakes made in the filing process. We finally had to get involved and made many trips to the County offices ourselves before permit was finally secured. Ryken hired several contractors who did sub-standard work. His electrician cut wires to our garage and caused the external lighting to stop functioning. We finally had to hire our own electrician to correct the work. He hired a flooring subcontractor to install engineered hardwood we purchased, and the subcontractor did not follow the install instructions that came with the materials. The flooring has unsightly nail holes in several locations. He hired a painting subcontractor who left blemish spots throughout the house which we have had to correct. Ryken himself made many mistakes which he had to correct. He mis-measured the shower surround and a $1000 glass shower door we purchased did not fit. He purchased a replacement door of inferior quality that does not fit properly. As a part of the remodel, we added a half bath. When Rykenâ s plumber installed the new drains, he removed HVAC ducting without a plan to replace it. The only solution was for us to install a new HVAC system at a cost of $21,000. The remodel also included replacing all the windows and sliding glass doors in the house. Because Ryken has no team to help with glass window and doors that weighed 500 pounds, we had to hire our own window installer even though Rykenâ s bid included the work. This added $12,000 to the project cost. The real nightmare occurred at the project conclusion where Ryken refused to finish items that were required to be completed in the project. Ryken refused to finish the work and abandoned the project. We finally had to find someone else to do this work at our own expense. Our contract had a retainage clause in which we were allowed to withhold payment to cover unfinished work that we had to do at our own expense. We withheld a small amount as we were allowed to do in the Agreement. In spite of this, Ryken has threatened to place a Mechanics Lien on our home. We had to hire an attorney to get him to back off. We have filed a complaint with the CSLB. If you want your project to run smoothly, hire someone else."
Sean D on July 2023
We are a locally owned and operated company with 30+ years of Landscape Design experience. We pride ourselves on the quality of our work as well as our commitment to outstanding results. We look forward to building lasting relationships with our clients and guarantee your satisfaction!
"Great experience, lots of good ideas and was very willing to work with my ideas"
Dale W on December 2012
We are a locally owned and operated company with 30+ years of Landscape Design experience. We pride ourselves on the quality of our work as well as our commitment to outstanding results. We look forward to building lasting relationships with our clients and guarantee your satisfaction!
"Great experience, lots of good ideas and was very willing to work with my ideas"
Dale W on December 2012
We've been 35 years in business. We have a diverse design sensibility to match your tastes. We do kitchens, living rooms, family rooms, additions, whole house renovations and offices. We also do custom woodworks: furniture, kitchen cabinets and builtins. You can commission custom woodworks at our fully equipped wood shop in Sand City. In designing for your home, business or performance space, we find the right look to fit your character and tastes, integrated with cost effective "green" solutions. I'm hands-on in every project! We've also spent years designing and building sets for live theater. We bring a good sense of how to design a good setting for the play of your life.
"Did the work as advertised"
James R on April 2022
We've been 35 years in business. We have a diverse design sensibility to match your tastes. We do kitchens, living rooms, family rooms, additions, whole house renovations and offices. We also do custom woodworks: furniture, kitchen cabinets and builtins. You can commission custom woodworks at our fully equipped wood shop in Sand City. In designing for your home, business or performance space, we find the right look to fit your character and tastes, integrated with cost effective "green" solutions. I'm hands-on in every project! We've also spent years designing and building sets for live theater. We bring a good sense of how to design a good setting for the play of your life.
"Did the work as advertised"
James R on April 2022
is a leader in providing our customers with the highest quality service in an honest, efficient, and professional way. Our pledge is to create successful relationships with our customers, employees and community by building trust, treating every project with the utmost integrity and exceeding expectations. We look forward to working with you!
"After construction job was finished, there was Immediate response to any problems or questions that arose."
Mary A on August 2021
is a leader in providing our customers with the highest quality service in an honest, efficient, and professional way. Our pledge is to create successful relationships with our customers, employees and community by building trust, treating every project with the utmost integrity and exceeding expectations. We look forward to working with you!
"After construction job was finished, there was Immediate response to any problems or questions that arose."
Mary A on August 2021
Been in business over 30 years. Excellence in all your stone and tile work needs. From kitchens and bathrooms and even entire home, GLF Enterprises is your go to guys in Stone and Tile. We also do flooring such as hardwood floors pre engineered floors and luxury vinyl tile. We also have a full line of cabinets for kitchens and bathrooms another service that we do is closet organizers we are your full interior and exterior design build we also do the full line of monolithic work such as fireplaces, fountains, window and door surrounds, and many others. We have two locations of showrooms for your convenience. Don't hesitate to give us a call no job too small or too big we do residential work and also commercial. Available 7 days a week for your convenience.
"The first guy who initiated the quote was amazing, that was Leon. Then everyone I met afterwards was not as connecting. The guys who came to do the work dint pay attention to details. They did not clean after themselves and they did not connect about what they were doing. I made a point of saying good morning. It seem like they did not want to do the job. as I have looked at the project since they left, I see gaps in the grout, grout not neatly spread in the cracks, etc. Lot of money for the workmanship that was done."
BeaJae N on April 2021
Been in business over 30 years. Excellence in all your stone and tile work needs. From kitchens and bathrooms and even entire home, GLF Enterprises is your go to guys in Stone and Tile. We also do flooring such as hardwood floors pre engineered floors and luxury vinyl tile. We also have a full line of cabinets for kitchens and bathrooms another service that we do is closet organizers we are your full interior and exterior design build we also do the full line of monolithic work such as fireplaces, fountains, window and door surrounds, and many others. We have two locations of showrooms for your convenience. Don't hesitate to give us a call no job too small or too big we do residential work and also commercial. Available 7 days a week for your convenience.
"The first guy who initiated the quote was amazing, that was Leon. Then everyone I met afterwards was not as connecting. The guys who came to do the work dint pay attention to details. They did not clean after themselves and they did not connect about what they were doing. I made a point of saying good morning. It seem like they did not want to do the job. as I have looked at the project since they left, I see gaps in the grout, grout not neatly spread in the cracks, etc. Lot of money for the workmanship that was done."
BeaJae N on April 2021
For over 45 years, Craven Landscaping, Inc. has transformed outdoor ideas into reality across the Monterey Peninsula. As one of the area's largest full-service landscaping contractors, we blend nature, art, and craftsmanship to create enduring landscapes. Whether you seek drama or serenity, a manicured look or a native setting, we bring the expertise and vision to bring your dreams to life. Truly, painting your landscape with plants.
"Craven Landscaping was very quick to go out to the property and provide a quote. They were professional, did beautiful work, and were very responsive."
Danielle B on December 2024
For over 45 years, Craven Landscaping, Inc. has transformed outdoor ideas into reality across the Monterey Peninsula. As one of the area's largest full-service landscaping contractors, we blend nature, art, and craftsmanship to create enduring landscapes. Whether you seek drama or serenity, a manicured look or a native setting, we bring the expertise and vision to bring your dreams to life. Truly, painting your landscape with plants.
"Craven Landscaping was very quick to go out to the property and provide a quote. They were professional, did beautiful work, and were very responsive."
Danielle B on December 2024
VALLEY STONE WORKS SLAB is committed to excellence in every aspect of our business. We uphold a standard of integrity bound by fairness, honesty, and personal responsibility. Our distinction is the quality of service we bring to our customers. Accurate knowledge of our trade combined with ability is what makes us true professionals. Above all, we are watchful of our customers' interests, and make their concerns the basis of our business.
VALLEY STONE WORKS SLAB is committed to excellence in every aspect of our business. We uphold a standard of integrity bound by fairness, honesty, and personal responsibility. Our distinction is the quality of service we bring to our customers. Accurate knowledge of our trade combined with ability is what makes us true professionals. Above all, we are watchful of our customers' interests, and make their concerns the basis of our business.
System Pavers is the nation’s leading outdoor remodeling company, thanks to award-winning customer service and more than 30 years of experience behind every install. With every project backed by industry-leading warranties, over 90,000 homeowners have trusted System Pavers to create beautiful, easy-to-maintain outdoor spaces where family and friends can connect for generations. System Pavers’ visionary designers and expert installation teams specialize in hardscapes, patios, driveways, turf, outdoor kitchens, BBQ islands, water features, fire features, decking, and more. Learn more at systempavers.com.
"Project Manager was on the site right from the beginning. I appreciated all the help the crew did in order to finish the project, so exponentially. Nice job."
Deb R on September 2023
System Pavers is the nation’s leading outdoor remodeling company, thanks to award-winning customer service and more than 30 years of experience behind every install. With every project backed by industry-leading warranties, over 90,000 homeowners have trusted System Pavers to create beautiful, easy-to-maintain outdoor spaces where family and friends can connect for generations. System Pavers’ visionary designers and expert installation teams specialize in hardscapes, patios, driveways, turf, outdoor kitchens, BBQ islands, water features, fire features, decking, and more. Learn more at systempavers.com.
"Project Manager was on the site right from the beginning. I appreciated all the help the crew did in order to finish the project, so exponentially. Nice job."
Deb R on September 2023
FLJ INC is committed to excellence in every aspect of our business. We uphold a standard of integrity bound by fairness, honesty, and personal responsibility. Our distinction is the quality of service we bring to our customers. Accurate knowledge of our trade combined with ability is what makes us true professionals. Above all, we are watchful of our customers' interests, and make their concerns the basis of our business.
"Hard working staff. Get a good understanding of expected schedule."
Ed M on February 2023
FLJ INC is committed to excellence in every aspect of our business. We uphold a standard of integrity bound by fairness, honesty, and personal responsibility. Our distinction is the quality of service we bring to our customers. Accurate knowledge of our trade combined with ability is what makes us true professionals. Above all, we are watchful of our customers' interests, and make their concerns the basis of our business.
"Hard working staff. Get a good understanding of expected schedule."
Ed M on February 2023
Black Diamond has been family owned & operated since 2004 with local offices in San Jose, Novato, San Mateo, San Ramon, Santa Cruz, Carmel, Sacramento, and Thousand Oaks. With an exemplary reputation of being the leader in paver stone and landscape design & installation throughout California, our company’s ultimate goal is to provide an exceptional client experience. Our family of experts will create your custom Dreamscape with a commitment to professionalism, quality, value and customer service. We work with “Experts Only” to achieve 100% customer satisfaction by offering the highest quality work, including a 27 year warranty on paver installation & a lifetime warranty on paver stones.
"Sahar at Black Diamond was a real find for us! In a little over 3 weeks, she and her crew transformed our drab, worn out and outdated patio into a gorgeous space reminiscent of a Tuscan villa. The carefully selected pavers and retaining walls have given a new beauty to our outdoor living area. The real charm of the area is seen at night with addition of the carefully designed lighting, giving it a bit of a calm Zen feeling. Sahar brings an infectious, confident energy and exceptional design aesthetic to her work. We loved her ideas and recommendations and the ease of working with her throughout the project. She is very hands-on with the subcontractors and effectively managed all aspects of the work—including necessary design changes that arose as the project progressed. She was effective in managing costs so that the project stayed within budget. Based on our experience, we look forward to working with Sahar again and highly recommend for landscape design and implementation."
Darcy B on January 2025
Black Diamond has been family owned & operated since 2004 with local offices in San Jose, Novato, San Mateo, San Ramon, Santa Cruz, Carmel, Sacramento, and Thousand Oaks. With an exemplary reputation of being the leader in paver stone and landscape design & installation throughout California, our company’s ultimate goal is to provide an exceptional client experience. Our family of experts will create your custom Dreamscape with a commitment to professionalism, quality, value and customer service. We work with “Experts Only” to achieve 100% customer satisfaction by offering the highest quality work, including a 27 year warranty on paver installation & a lifetime warranty on paver stones.
"Sahar at Black Diamond was a real find for us! In a little over 3 weeks, she and her crew transformed our drab, worn out and outdated patio into a gorgeous space reminiscent of a Tuscan villa. The carefully selected pavers and retaining walls have given a new beauty to our outdoor living area. The real charm of the area is seen at night with addition of the carefully designed lighting, giving it a bit of a calm Zen feeling. Sahar brings an infectious, confident energy and exceptional design aesthetic to her work. We loved her ideas and recommendations and the ease of working with her throughout the project. She is very hands-on with the subcontractors and effectively managed all aspects of the work—including necessary design changes that arose as the project progressed. She was effective in managing costs so that the project stayed within budget. Based on our experience, we look forward to working with Sahar again and highly recommend for landscape design and implementation."
Darcy B on January 2025
Installing a marble backsplash costs about $2,200 on average, ranging from $600 to $6,000, depending on the variety of marble and the labor costs to prep and install. Common types of marble used for backsplashes include:
Makrana: $12 per square foot
Pink: $25 per square foot
Carrara: $40 per square foot
Statuatrio: $50 per square foot
Cultured: $65 per square foot
Travertine: $75 per square foot
Danby: $80 per square foot
Calacatta: $180 per square foot
Marble countertops cost $3,000 on average, ranging from about $2,000 to $5,000, depending on the type of marble, square footage, location, and whether you use tiles or slabs. Another major cost factor to consider is the grading of the marble, which determines its quality level.
Use this grading system when selecting marble for countertops:
Grade A: Nearly perfect with subtle veining
Grade B: Minor flaws such as pits, fissures, or blotches
Grade C: Minor and major flaws like chipping and cracks requiring repair
Grade D: Significant damage needing repair, with dark veining and pronounced colors
Granite and marble compare well against each other in terms of price, durability, and aesthetic appeal. Deciding which one is better depends on your personal style and preference. Both materials resist damage like chips and cracks well. You should seal both material types against staining and etching, but they’re still susceptible if oil, wine, coffee, tomato sauce, or juice are left on the countertop long enough. As material and installation costs range similarly, the deciding factor is your budget, design, and preferences.
Installing granite kitchen countertops costs about $3,250, ranging from $2,000 to $4,000, depending on the quantity and quality of the granite, use of granite tile or granite slabs, the type of granite, and its color and texture. Varieties of granite include:
Alaska white: $35 per square foot
Ubatuba: $30–$60 per square foot
Silver cloud: $35–$40 per square foot
Absolute black: $45–$60 per square foot
Black galaxy: $50–$70 per square foot
Blue Louise: $70–$100 per square foot
Crema Bordeaux: $80 per square foot
Solarius: $60 per square foot
Overall, granite tends to cost more than marble. Prices for each material will fluctuate depending on the source of the stone, your location, shipping costs, and the thickness of the material. Labor to install marble or granite countertops typically ranges from $35 to $45 per hour. Granite and marble tile and slab costs compare as follows:
Marble tile: $7–$10
Granite tile: $5–$15
Marble slab: $25–$60
Granite slab: $50–$100