concrete repair, concrete driveways, remodeling, garage builders, home builders, home remodeling
+ 4 more
This was a major construction project that required us to move out for 4 months during the worst of it and to live on the property for another 4 months during the construction. Adding new construction on to an old house presents many challenges that cannot be foreseen and you need an excellent troubleshooter as your contractor. It's critical your contractor be flexible and most importantly be fair when adding additional work. My house was originally built in 1932, with an addition made in 1998. We bought the house in 2012 and inherited a lot of unknowns below the surface. We did work to the house before we moved in by converting what was a duplex into a single family by demoing one kitchen and updating the other kitchen and bathrooms. So we already knew what we were in for when we embarked on this ambitious addition and we knew it wouldn't be easy so we attempted to plan it out carefully. We had architectural plans drawn up and got city approval ourselves to start construction. At this point, I contracted Gaines General Contracting (Gaines) to add 1000+ new interior square feet plus two roof decks and take me from demo through to Rough Plumbing/Rough Electrical, but eventually as my satisfaction and appreciation of his work grew I contracted Gaines to take me fully to Final Inspection. When we started demo and framing, Gaines quickly found that the architectural plans I had done previously were not complete, missing things like details about additional footings and shear walls. In some cases the drawings on the plans were correct, but the corresponding dimensions of structures, walls or doors were not. Often these omissions or errors required alterations, different materials and even at times new engineering calcs. Gaines identified the issues, worked them out with the architect and engineer, then got city planning approval of the changes. The owner, Michael Gaines was a strategic planner that understood the construction plans better than most, and at times moved mountains to keep the job on schedule and on budget that saved us what would have been wasted work or lost time. When changes or additions happened, something bound to happen on any job of this kind, I am glad to say this is when Gaines really delivered. The honesty and integrity Gaines showed as the project grew was most impressive of all his skills. When new work is added and/or required, this is when typically a contractor can and will gouge you. They know you are in a hurry, they know you don't have time to get multiple bids for a change order and they try to increase their margin the easy way. This NEVER happened with Gaines and is one of the most important reasons I feel compelled to recommend him so strongly. I know enough about construction to be able to manage my own work and hire subcontractors, but in all cases where I tried I could either not get bids that matched the price or the sub to deliver the quality of the subs that Gaines brought to the job. The overall work of Gaines was excellent, Michael kept the job schedule on track. In many cases he under promised and over delivered. Gaines provided for an excellent experience for me and my wife and our two young kids during what is always a stressful time trying to live through construction. I would and will hire Gaines the next time I add to our house, renovate existing or add space to this home or embark on a future investment property.
Description of Work: We underwent a major addition to our house, adding over 1000 sq ft. This addition included a second story, 2 additional bathrooms, a new master bedroom, laundry room, two roof decks and more. The job required new beams, shear walls, concrete footings and additional foundation work. Gaines General Contracting (Gaines) managed all associated inspections and city approvals in Hermosa Beach. I originally contracted Gaines for $105,000 to take us from demolition only through to Rough Electrical/Rough Plumbing with the idea that I would become my own general contractor after that point to save money and be in control. But I ended up using Gaines through to all finish work due to the high quality and value he brought to the job. Gaines had provided a very thorough bid at the start, the owner Michael Gaines asked the best questions and his price was in line with the cheapest of the 4 bids I received. Gaines even identified problems in my architectural plans that no one else noticed and allowed us to get ahead of the problems before incurring costs and waste. Overall he delivered! My experience was so good with Gaines that I ended up using his company for all finish work, including external and internal woodworking details, siding and even paint. I found that with his contacts and clout with sub contractors, even with a contractors' margin, in almost all cases I ended up better off in terms of price, plus had his expert oversight and management to save us time. Most impressive, I found that when quoting additional work Gaines' additional bid for work was always fairly priced, better than external quotes I did get on my own, and sometimes he even came in cheaper than his own initial estimate. The work was extremely well executed. We have a finished home now that we love and the work exceeded our expectations.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$165,000
George T.
05/2016
3.0
concrete repair, handyman service, home builders
+ 1 more
unknown
Description of Work: It was a complete remodel of kitchen and bathroom in addition to electrical work and painting of three additional rooms in a 700 square foot home. It took five months of continually prodding to get it finished. For that reason I marked professionalism at a C. Having a worker appear for a few hours once or twice a week contributed to the length of the project. It was a difficult job for the owners to supervise as they live out of the area. |
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
4.0
value
4.0
professionalism
3.0
responsiveness
3.0
punctuality
3.0
$35,000
jack P.
02/2016
5.0
home builders
+ -1 more
excellent experience. My clients were very difficult and demanding. Michael was very patient with us, and got the job done on time and on a very small budget. Work was done with amazing quality. Would love to find another project to work on with Gains Contracting again.
Description of Work: Total rehab of home.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$50,000
Response from Gaines General Contracting
Thanks, [Member Name Removed]! Maybe we can find something to do in the near future!
WRAY W.
12/2015
5.0
remodeling, home builders
+ 0 more
Went very well. This is my first large home improvement and Mike Gaines did an exceptional job beginning to end and would use him again.
Description of Work: General Contractor for room addition including master bedroom/bath, den, laundry room - ~500 sq foot
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
4.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
Response from Gaines General Contracting
Your home addition was a lot of fun! Thanks for keeping us hydrated!
Rhea Z.
10/2015
5.0
home builders
+ -1 more
We are not ready to have the work performed.
Description of Work: This contractor came to provide an estimate. He was responsive, punctual, professional and provided a fair estimate very timely.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
value
4.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$18,000
Emily C.
09/2015
5.0
home builders
+ -1 more
unknown
Description of Work: Full kitchen remodel and electrical upgrades
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
4.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
Response from Gaines General Contracting
Thanks, [Member Name Removed]. I'm sorry that the project lasted a little longer than anticipated. Enjoy your new kitchen!
Randall B.
05/2014
5.0
home builders
+ -1 more
Michael was professional and responsive and the work was done in a timely manner and looks great. Would definitely use him again.
Description of Work: Repair, stucco, and tile a stucco planter and patch stucco on a wall.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$450
jack P.
05/2014
5.0
home builders
+ -1 more
As an investor renovating homes, we have vast experience with many projects and contractors. That said, I could not be happier or more impressed with Gaines Contracting. Michael not only did everything we asked him to do, and believe me, much of which borders on unreasonable, but he and his company went above and beyond. He saved us from a number of pitfalls, and suggested numerous improvements to provide a better product, and also to save us money. Michael has great taste for design so we were the beneficiaries of reliable consulting services also. Pricing compared very favorably with other contractors and again allowed us to complete a fantastic product at great pricing. I most definitely hope we get the chance to work with Gaines General Contracting Services again soon.
Description of Work: Complete remodel of a single family home including; gut and replace kitchen and 3 bathrooms, install new flooring, construct walls, improve exterior of home, demo and install new windows and doors, repair and replace electrical system components including new panels,outlets, switches, lighting etc. Paint interior and exterior repair stucco, etc.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$50,000
Bill B.
01/2014
5.0
handyman service
+ -1 more
Totally replace it wooden fence.
Description of Work: I used Gaines General Contracting.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
4.0
value
4.0
professionalism
4.0
responsiveness
4.0
punctuality
4.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$3,265
Lynda C.
09/2013
5.0
garage builders, home builders, remodeling, home remodeling, sunrooms
+ 3 more
2 bathrooms gutted to studs and re done. Kitchen gutten to studs, layout changed and re done accoustic ceilings removed 4 doors and frames replaced.walls and ceilings textured repainted new ligth fixtures, bath tubs, shower stall... Almost everything was replaced Great communication overall very happy with Gains contracting
Description of Work: Michael did a full remodel of a 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom townhome in Hermosa Beach. The subs that tiled both bathrooms were perfect with the tilework and groutlines. The kitchen granite and counters as well as the bath vanities turned out better than expected. We ended up needing to replace a lot of sub flooring due to a prior water leak and the additional charges were nominal for the unexpected repair work. The drywall work and paint look great. Overall we are very happy with the remodel, the communication from Michael Gains and he finished on schedule.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
4.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$50,000
Dorothy S.
08/2013
5.0
home builders, concrete repair
+ 0 more
I don't remember how much he charged but he is real good. He did an excellent job on the steps. There was nothing bad about him. I thought it was a fair amount that he charged and he did the job fast. He did not take a long time.
Description of Work: I last used Gaines General Contracting around July 19th to make some concrete steps.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
Jim S.
11/2011
5.0
handyman service, remodeling
+ 0 more
Michael Gaines was very flexible with our schedule. We had other jobs done concurrently (asbestos removal, wood floor refinishing) which Mr. Gaines scheduled his work around. Gaines Contractors is punctual, professional, courteous, and most of all this company does the job right!
Description of Work: Removed paneling in living room. Repaired wall (damaged by previous owner's botched remodeling job). Drywall installation done so well that room looks like it was made that way ;o) Texturized ceilings (asbestos spray-on recently scraped away by AllClear Environmental) with spray-on orange peel / knock down. Also, prior to job, packed furnishings into storage pod, and afterwards, unpacked furnishings. Made our lives so much easier!
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Service Categories
Homebuilders,
General Remodeling,
Handyman Services,
Concrete Pouring and Repair,
Kitchen and Bath Remodeling,
Garage and Shed Building,
Sunrooms and Patio Enclosures,
Concrete Driveways
FAQ
Gaines General Contracting is currently rated 4.8 overall out of 5.
Gaines General Contracting accepts the following forms of payment: Check,MasterCard,Visa
Yes, Gaines General Contracting offers free project estimates.
Yes, Gaines General Contracting offers eco-friendly accreditations.
No, Gaines General Contracting does not offer a senior discount.
No, Gaines General Contracting does not offer emergency services.
Yes, Gaines General Contracting offers warranties.
Gaines General Contracting offers the following services: Kitchen and Bath Remodeling, Additions, Concrete, Rental Rehab, Commercial Improvements