Larry Gies Remodeling

We needed the house bolted to the foundation to make the insurance company happy (1925 house). My neighbor tried to talk me into doing it myself, but I'm glad I decided to give the job to Larry instead (no way I had enough vacation to do that much futzing around.) Not only did Larry do a completely thorough job with the bolting, he also added all the other recommended earthquake-proofing measures that I hadn't even been aware of until I'd starting googling what to do. Holy cow, now way I could have gotten thru all that even if I took a month off work! Larry added thick plywood to the studs (prevents them from sloshing side to side), added brackets attaching the floor joists to the beams supporting the main floor, added brackets attaching the floor joists to the frame, and a few other brackets I can't remember. I feel a *lot* better that we're as ready as we can be for when the next earthquake hits, have as much chance as anybody of the house sticking with the foundation. And no way can the insurance company give us a hassle. One think I really appreciate in addition to the fine work Larry did -- he gave me every chance to keep the costs down by pointing out what small steps I could do myself. I spend two or three weekends ripping out old walls and hauling junk to the dump myself, keeping Larry's hours down and saving me money. If you need some help mucking around the house fixing something, it's nice to have someone like Larry on-board. While working on the bolting project, he noticed that our dryer exhaust hose was shot. He pointed it out to us and we ok'd him replacing it with a very nice metal one (don't choose one of those fabric-like plastic ones -- mine had gotten holes in it which I didn't even notice). Larry charged us by the hour (and for materials, of course). He showed up and worked hard every day. He took the time for all my questions and was flexible in working with us on how to go about things. It was a good experience for us. We definitely hope to use him again once our financials allow it.

Very professional. It's now halfway thru Winter and after quite a rainy fall season, and the back steps are holding up wonderfully. We left it up to Larry on exactly how to refurbish our outdoor back steps after the old treads had become worn away and in danger of rotting thru. Larry figured out the best design for the new steps, what could be saved from the old materials (not much, but I appreciate his trying to save on materials!), and did a wonderful job. I especially like his attention to finer details for the treads: he did them all with nicely rounded edges to reduce damage from feet knocking against the steps; he also took the time and effort to attach the treads from below using brackets and screws -- no holes in the top surface of the treads -- nice!. Looks great! After Larry had bolted our house to the foundation (another job for us), he'd noticed that the hot water heater installer guy had done a lame job of earthquake-strapping the hot water heater: he'd only strapped it on one side. Larry pointed this out to us and we ok'd Larry redoing the strap with strapping on both sides. Also nicely done. Thanks, Larry!