Design-Build Contractors & Firms Near Capitola

“During the 13 month construction our neighbors would comment, "Your contractors are doing a good job on your house and we're impressed that they are respectful of the neighbors. I like it that they don't play loud music and clean up every day." We were happy to hear that. We are even happier with the results. As the first house in Santa Cruz County to be built (technically remodeled) to the Passive House standards, we enjoy a very comfortable temperature throughout the house AND use much less energy than similar houses in the neighborhood. The biggest challenge was the air tightness requirement for Passive House certification. This was tested with a blower door to verify that the house achieve 0.6ACH50 (131 CFM in our case) which is VERY tight. Achieving this level of airtightness in the house that was originally built in 1922, where we kept the original foundation and framing, has not been done before. Santa Cruz Green Builders also installed the first Heat Recovery Ventilator in this area. The professional who came to commission the HRV commented that our installation was one of the better ones he's observed. So, the point of this paragraph is Santa Cruz Green Builders is not afraid to take on new challenges and achieve amazing results. When you hear the words "green building" it may bring the image of a certain contemporary aesthetic to mind. But our house has the curve appeal of a nice old house -- a 1922 bungalow that has the arts and crafts styling with details in the window trims and flared skirt look on the siding. On the interior we are very happy that Santa Cruz Green Builders talked us into keeping the original floors and refinishing them. The tight grains of old fir is appealing and the polished distressed wood brings out the period style. They carefully deconstructed the house so that original base boards, doors, etc. were re-used. We also selected finishes that reflects the old arts and crafts style. When people come to our house they can't tell what's original and what's new. We like that. True to their name, Santa Cruz Green Builders walk their talk. I can continue with other elements like structured plumbing, gray water, insulation, recycling, etc. If you're curious about that please visit my blog http://http://midorihaus.blogspot.com/”

“Finding a contractor you trust and one that does great quality work seems harder than it should be. Fortunately we were recommended to Erik and Ebcon by a woman who was helping us think through some work we needed done on our home that included lighting, painting, plumbing and creating a new "man cave" in our basement. From our first meeting we were impressed. We have now been working with Ebcon on several projects for the past 2 years and are thoroughly pleased with the work his team has delivered. Erik and his team put a very personal touch and a high degree of care in their work which included weekly face to face meetings to review work and progress and discuss the inevitable changes or unexpected issues that pop up as work begins. Ebcon has repeatedly met and in some cases exceeded our needs and the high touch high communication has been great at identifying issues quickly and collaboratively resolving them. Since my wife and I lead busy lives, Erik has always found a way to pick times even super early in the morning to come by and have our regular updates and discussions. I highly recommend Erik if you are looking for a great team that does top notch work and keeps you very close to what is happening and strives to give you exactly what you want. They are super. Some of the work Erik did in our home is featured on his site today under "Whitaker"”

“We've worked with Costa Bella on three different projects: a kitchen remodel, a kitchen remodel with additional construction and reconfiguration of our downstairs, and the construction of two decks. We have appreciated the clarity that Costa Bella brings to each project. From the initial consultation, to the estimate and scope of services, to the work itself (including any changes) the process is always clear. The quality of the work is excellent, completed in basic accordance with the original timeline, and the results are beautiful. Costa Bella knows when to make suggestions about design and when to honor our preferences. They are adept at coordinating sub-contractors. And, finally, they and their crews are always friendly and considerate.”