--- title: "El Centro Builders — General Contractors | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/general-contractors/el-centro-builders-pfvwus-pf~1224804491 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1224804491.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "El Centro Builders" category: ["General Contractors"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/e403d8ad0627a37f_8342-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "Los Altos, California 94024, United States" phone: "(650) 204-5644" website: http://elcentrobuilders.com rating: 5 review_count: 9 best_of_houzz_awards: 4 followers: 26 last_updated: 2026-09-05 --- # El Centro Builders Original Houzz profile: [El Centro Builders](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/general-contractors/el-centro-builders-pfvwus-pf~1224804491) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** General Contractors - **Location:** Los Altos, CA - **Serves:** San Jose, Fremont, Sunnyvale, Santa Clara, San Mateo, Redwood City, Mountain View, Palo Alto, Cupertino, Campbell, Menlo Park, Los Altos, San Carlos, Belmont, Stanford, Hillsborough, Los Altos Hills, Atherton, Woodside, Emerald Lake Hills, Portola Valley, West Menlo Park - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (9 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 4 awards (2017–2021), for Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 1,000 Ideabook Saves Design Build General Contacting Company. ### Services Provided - Home Remodeling - Bathroom Remodeling - Kitchen Remodeling - Custom Homes - New Home Construction - Home Extensions - Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) - Basement Remodeling - Guesthouse Design & Construction - Energy-Efficient Homes - Green Building - Custom Home - Remodeling ### Areas Served - San Jose - Fremont - Sunnyvale - Santa Clara - San Mateo - Redwood City - Mountain View - Palo Alto - Cupertino - Campbell - Menlo Park - Los Altos - San Carlos - Belmont - Stanford - Hillsborough - Los Altos Hills - Atherton - Woodside - Emerald Lake Hills - Portola Valley - West Menlo Park ### Typical Job Cost $50,000 - 5 million $50,000 - 5 million ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | El Centro Builders | | Address | Los Altos, California 94024, United States | | Phone | (650) 204-5644 | | Website | http://elcentrobuilders.com | | License Number | 1118727 | | Followers on Houzz | 26 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/MikeJMok/?ref=hl - X (Twitter) — https://twitter.com/michaelmoksfbay - LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=AAMAAAAFl3wBf43lixj89K5cbmkiTFVD2t\_B8-U&trk=hp-identity-nam - Blog — elcentrobuilders.com ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [El Centro Builders](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/general-contractors/el-centro-builders-pfvwus-pf~1224804491) - **Website:** http://elcentrobuilders.com - **Phone:** (650) 204-5644 ## Credentials - **Best of Houzz:** 4 awards (2017–2021), for Service. ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 9 reviews** *Aspect averages:* - Work Quality: 50.0 - Communication: 50.0 - Value: 50.0 ### All 9 reviews **★★★★★ — Design Loft Company, Dec. 2021** > As an interior design firm, our priority is to make sure the builder implements our designs with accuracy and artistic integrity. We have worked with the Bridges MR team for several years and the outcome has always been happy homeowners. Our projects together have been new construction, full home remodels as well as additions. We have been impressed with their attention to detail and excellent service to our clients. We look forward to many more collaborations in the future. > > Hellen Hsieh > Design Loft Company **Comment from El Centro Builders:** > Thanks Hellen. We are now back as El Centro Builders. **★★★★★ — dsnice, Oct. 2020** > There aren't enough words to describe how amazing Bridges MR was to work with to remodel our master bathroom, master closet, and hall bathroom. From start to finish, they were on top of everything, from high level big picture to the tiniest details. Trust is not a word that many people would associate with general contractors, but I have to say that Bridges MR gave us such peace of mind and a sense that everything would be executed correctly and safely throughout the project. When COVID-19 unexpectedly threw a wrench in the schedule for inspections in March 2020, they made it their utmost priority to get things moving and on track again, working diligently with the city inspectors. I believe they were one of the first companies to conduct video inspections in our city, which went smoothly; we passed every inspection from start to finish. The on-site project manager was so incredible to work with, honest, and open to listening to our needs and making excellent suggestions when unexpected things happened. He worked closely with me and the tile installer to lay out the tiles perfectly since I'm a stickler for symmetry. The communication flow, from the company owners through the project managers and on-site staff, was excellent. I really could go on and on - thank you Bridges MR! **Comment from El Centro Builders:** > Grateful for the opportunity to create a spa bath for you and your family. We also need to complement our design partners. C&C Designs https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mid-century-modern-baths-pj-vj~6285878 **★★★★★ — Lisa B, May 2019** > Out of 3 contractors, we selected Bridges MR to remodel our two bathrooms even though they were not the cheapest. Main reasons – experience/knowledge; responsiveness in providing a quotation and answering questions; a one-stop shop providing end-to-end service, including technical drawings and pulling permits; contractor’s discounts on tiles and fittings passed on to us; and their structured project process which involved lots of up-front prep work (ie no surprises down the road). > > Bridges MR reviewed our requirements and advised on what was do-able to bring the bathrooms of our 1943 home up to 2018 building code. The inspections all passed the first time. They finished our project as scheduled (6-8 weeks per bathroom). Any delays were caused by things beyond their control - permit approval, inspection appointments, delayed delivery of fixtures/fittings. The core team - supervisor (Leszek) and 2 workmen (Victor & Alex) – worked diligently (even on a few Saturdays) to meet schedules, and always with a smile. They are clearly proud of the work they produce. Leszek had no qualms about making the crew re-do stuff which he felt was not up to his standard, things we would have let pass or not even notice. Basically, no short cuts and quality is never compromised. It helped facilitate the project by working from home as I could keep tabs on the daily progress and ask/answer questions immediately. We love our modern and functional bathrooms which make the rest of the house look shabby! We would definitely use Bridges MR again for another project. **★★★★★ — Tasha Spitzer, March 2018** > We worked with Bridges MR before selling our Willow Glen home in order to freshen it up and tie up a few loose-end repairs that had accumulated over the years we had lived there. The entire Bridges MR team were punctual, professional and diligent. They were quick to respond to any questions and provided feedback and explanations when needed. I'd absolutely recommend them and wouldn't hesitate to work with Bridges MR again, thanks guys! **★★★★★ — bruno c, Nov. 2017** > Bridges MR and Palo Alto Home Improvements (PAHI) were in the very early stages of merging when I started working with Michael from Bridges MR. As things progressed with my project I began working with Peter from PAHI. The transition was basically seamless from my perspective - an indication of good organizational skills on their part. When Peter's crew showed up and began work (right on schedule) I was immediately impressed by the manner with which they went about their work. Thorough, professional, punctual, reliable. > I have nothing but praise for the way all of their people performed while they were here. > I spent thirty years working on large satellite projects. I've seen projects run very well and very poorly. Peter and his people are as good at what they do as the best people I've ever worked with. > > We did a 9'x18' kitchen remodel that went down to the bare studs. Start to finish was about 6 weeks - one week of which was basically dead time between the templating for the granite counters/backsplash and the installation (my wife and I selected and hired the granite supplier). I've heard enough horror stories about remodels gone bad that I pat myself on the back for having the good judgement to hire these guys. > > They were so good I almost wish I needed to have more work done now that they have finished the kitchen. **Comment from El Centro Builders:** > Bridges MR and PAHI are now one company. It took a while to get the License from the state but we are all good now. One team to serve our clients. **★★★★★ — William Lee, Jan. 2017** > A very professional and pleasant team of people to entrust your > home improvement challenges to. As a architect - now retired - > I know how difficult it is to find such high quality service. **★★★★★ — Michael Johnston, Dec. 2016** > Michael Mok and Bridges has done many jobs, big and small, for me and my clients. They have added a dining room, remodeled 2 bathrooms and replaced all the windows and doors on my personal residence. They are currently gutting and rebuilding my kitchen. They have the eye for design and they always have a creative way to make anything happen. They are super efficient with both time and cost. **★★★★★ — Leslie Mackay, Oct. 2016** > Michael and his colleagues from Bridges MR did an excellent job upgrading my kitchen. Though this was a fairly small project for them, I was hugely impressed that they took time to explain everything to me, advise on options, and keep me well-informed on the progress. Right from the initial consultation through to the finished job, the execution was flawless. Great job, guys! **★★★★★ — Jeff Davis, Oct. 2016** > I've worked with Mike three different times. Each time, I trusted his tastes, his sense of value and quality, and his overall professionalism. He has the right balance of listening to my ideas and offering suggestions that worked out nicely. > > Highly recommended. ## Selected projects - [Mid Century Modern Baths](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mid-century-modern-baths-pj-vj~6285878) - Location: San Jose, CA - Photos: 9 - [Coastal Retreat - Willow Glenn](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/coastal-retreat-willow-glenn-pj-vj~2749507) - Location: San Jose, CA - Photos: 9 - Description: Custom Cabinets by Segale Brothers. Tiles where purchased at TIle Fantastic - [Modern Mid Century - Palo Alto](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/modern-mid-century-palo-alto-pj-vj~5710601) - Location: Palo Alto, CA - Photos: 49 - [Zen Abode - Space 10 Collaboration](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/zen-abode-space-10-collaboration-pj-vj~3882726) - Location: Half Moon Bay, CA - Photos: 12 - [Modern Scandinavian - Palo Alto](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/modern-scandinavian-palo-alto-pj-vj~1371182) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 21 - Description: Palo Alto - [Cal Modern Farmhouse](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/cal-modern-farmhouse-pj-vj~5804442) - Location: Campbell, CA - Photos: 8 - [15th Ave Menlo Park](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/15th-ave-menlo-park-pj-vj~1856082) - Location: Menlo Park, CA - Photos: 19 - [Rockefeller Hall Bath](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/rockefeller-hall-bath-pj-vj~2749496) - Location: Sunnyvale, CA - Photos: 5 - Description: Hall Bath Remodel: - [Atherton Historical Kitchen Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/atherton-historical-kitchen-remodel-pj-vj~2747517) - Location: Atherton, CA - Photos: 14 - [309 Redding Rd](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/309-redding-rd-pj-vj~1981554) - Location: Campbell, CA - Photos: 61 - [University Ave](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/university-ave-pj-vj~1958789) - Location: Palo Alto, CA - Photos: 24 [See all 11 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/general-contractors/el-centro-builders-pfvwus-pf~1224804491) ## Ideabooks - [Watson Hall Bath](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/85243016/list/watson-hall-bath) — 2 ideas - [El Centro Basemetn](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/74077042/list/el-centro-basemetn) — 22 ideas - [M Design](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/7544186/list/m-design) — 1 idea [See all 3 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/michaelmok) ## Community Q&A **Q: Mirrors** *(in Photo Questions)* Where are the mirrors from? A: I believe the owner bought it from Wayfair. **Q: Bath Mirrors** *(in Photo Questions)* Please tell me where the bathroom mirrors are from. A: I believe the owner bought them on Wayfair. **Q: What type of wood is the cabinet front?** *(in Photo Questions)* Is the cabinet front solid wood? A: This a fun project working with C&C. **Q: Red oak floor. Pine or poplar trim** *(in Design Dilemma)* We are getting a red oak floor and wondered what type of trim to use. I like the color of the pictured or lighter throughout the house and will have pine doors and a pine ceiling. Any thoughts? A: Are the doors stain or paint grade? Are you planning to have your rooms look more open up? Sorry, need more information about your design vision. Lighter colors than the red oak will open up the room more. **Q: Would you put in a gap?** *(in Design Dilemma)* This is a Photoshopped mockup (the tiles don't line up in it and in real life they will be horizontal stacked). The gap issue is we have 2 to 3 inches of gap as to where to put the vanity. My partner says there should be a 2” gap between the tall cabinet and the right side of the vanity. Reason: the vanity is a little narrow (56 inches) and having that gap would make it feel more spacious for the person using the sink on the right. BTW, the cabinet is 11deep and vanity is 20in. I would like to butt the tall cabinet up to right side of the vanity up (no gap). Reason: it may look more finished, though I'm not sure. It would allow the shower to be 2 inches wider. (54 in vs 52in) BTW, we will have a ½ inch gap between shower glass and vanity, no matter what because i was told we don't have a gap there, glass dust and tiny junk gets in between the glass and vanity and they are impossible to clean out. What are your thoughts? They are greatly appreciated. A: I would make sure you are able get a minimum of your hand in between the glass and the cabinet on the left. This would determine how much gap you have on the side. My preference is for the more functional for cleaning. If that means butting right side then do it. I do not believe you will not feel that tight in my opinion because the difference between the upright and the vanity is 9 to 10 inches depending if you have an overhang from the vanity or not. Unless the person shoving their head in the corner you all the time. You will not notice it What are the chances you are both brushing your teeth at the same times? My wife and I wake up at different times and we overlap in the evening but we don't stand in front of the sink the whole time. What I am saying is regardless of the size of the gap on the left or right, the focal point is vanity front panels. My eyes then went to the shower tiles next because it was the next interesting thing. I then looked at the floor tile layout followed by the shower bar set up. The mirror upright and vanity mirror just blended together and went into the background. The reality is you and your partner are the only ones who will notice. Your friends and family will probably not notice since they are more interested in the food and wine you are serving than any gap. The design is beautiful, simple and elegant so this gap thing will not matter in the long run which is why I say cleaning the glass is the most important aspect. Hope this helps. **Q: Our Red Front Entry Door** *(in Design Dilemma)* I would like our front entry to make a big statement. I am thinking about extending the red paint color to include the side lights and transom. Is that a good idea and if so, should we leave the white trim around it? A: I agree with Patrick A. Finn, Ltd and 123 Remodeling Inc. The rule of thumb is you need the trim to act like a picture frame around the doors and windows. Personally, you can paint the transom and the side door lights red as they showed in the picture. --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-05.*