We are currently in the midst of our third project using James O’Brien Contractors. Since we are only allowed to post one review per contractor, I am including all three reviews in one. The projects are titled by date and type. The project cost reflects all three jobs.
I first watched James work on a neighbors exterior stucco deck from our home office. The more the project progressed, the more problems they uncovered: Moisture, dry rot, termites....I watched, daily, as James and his team worked diligently worked to repair this “disaster”. When the job was completed, It looked amazing - as if there had never been a problem.
As he was finishing up the job, I asked for his card. It read “Integrity is doing the right thing, even if nobody is watching.”. What James didn’t realize is that someone was watching, daily. So impressed by his workmanship and work ethic, when the time came for us to have a small job completed, it was James we contacted and used.
SEPTEMBER 2013 - ASSORTED ITEMS THROUGHOUT THE HOUSE: Following some discussion with James about a laundry list of things we wanted to have done, we hired James to complete a number of items around the house: Painting both the upstairs and down stairs - this included all door frames (the doors and hinges were removed for proper completion of this) and baseboards, and the vaulted ceilings on both floors. I addition, framing, priming and painting an existing wall mirror, placing top caps and aprons on two half walls (also primed and painted) and installing a chair rail in an upstairs dressing area (primed/painted).
The contract was reasonably priced and James took care of all the prep work, clean up, as well as providing all the wood material needed and the paint. He moved all of the furniture, lamps, plants and bookcases, covering everything carefully in plastic. The work was completed, doors replaced, furniture replaced, all debris was cleaned and disposed of, including any sawdust in the driveway.
James was excellent about explaining what the days work was every morning. He was also outstanding in answering the many questions I would have. When it’s your home, you worry – especially when less professional contractors have been in your life!
When all was completed, we were thrilled with the outcome and entire experience of working with James...it was time to tackle the kitchen....
MARCH 2014 – THE KITCHEN
First, it should be known that we were redoing a 30 year old kitchen by Morrison Homes, complete with dark cabinets, non adjustable shelves, 6” tile with dark grout and ancient appliances – hideous!
James had his own team of contacts (countertops, cabinets, plumbing, doors) that he said we could choose to use or not. We did most of our own research and leg work, which saved us some money, but we did choose to use his team which was very wise. Since all of the entities must work together, it is critical that they all know what the other is doing PLUS keep in close communication with James. Their interaction together was phenomenal and it was obvious this group had worked together repeatedly, in the past.
James suggested that we go with custom cabinets, rather than modular (pre built). It was sage advise and our cabinets are flawless and fit our space, well, as if they were made for it. They are simply stunning. (Brent’s Custom Cabinets)
For our countertops, we chose recycled glass. Everlasting Surfaces works with Arizona Tile (both in Livermore) to produce what you choose. We chose our countertop from the endless selection at Arizona Tile, communicated our choice to Nancy at Everlasting Surfaces and the rest went into the well oiled “James machine” to be incorporated into this process. The counters are made from a template that is custom made to fit your cabinets, sink and fixtures once the cabinets have been installed. Make certain you have chosen the rest of your items, prior, which we had. When the countertops arrived all of the major work had been finished at their manufacturing location and only some fine tuning of backsplashes and fixture hole location was needed. The seams in the counter are virtually invisible.
James’ plumber also did an outstanding job in having to relocate pipes as well as installing all of our fixtures – and even replacing some in the laundry room that he noticed were corroding and needed replacing.
James’ is also a licensed electrician and did quite a bit of relocating electrical and adding fixtures, a new recessed light box, all new dimmable switches, receptacles in the cabinets and on the back splashes.
As always the utmost attention and respect was given to the rest of our home and belongings. Items are covered, protected, moved, whatever is needed. At the end of the day, whatever mess is cleaned up to the maximum it can be – things are swept, vacuumed, or wiped – inside and out.
James is true perfectionist and this is reflected in his team. They are precise, knowledgeable, ask questions, give thorough answers and accommodate special or last minute requests (within reason, people!) without hesitation. They are all local (Pleasanton/Livermore) which we feel has an important value.
The outcome – a kitchen we love! It is functional, looks beautiful and has added cost savings because of the lighting we chose. If we had to it over again, we would go straight to James again and use all of his people – how often can one say THAT after using a contractor? As stated in an earlier review, book early with James as he is in demand for good reason, but he is WELL worth waiting for...without question.
JULY 2014 – FIRST FLOOR WINDOWS:
Once again we hired James to replace 30 year old windows on our first floor. As stated in my earlier reviews, James’ workmanship, precision, attention to detail and respect for our home, was spot on, as before. When James replaces windows, it includes everything associated with the window - the trim and stool and apron (sill). We were able to have the sill match the trim on the top caps done last year so everything ties in. In addition he also encased a poorly rough sawn beam that looked out of place with the contemporary finishes. It’s beautiful. James’ talents seem to be limitless. Once again, Bravo to James for an outstanding job! Next year we are redoing all the bathrooms with James, of course. If HOUZZ will let me add to this review, I will.
UNFORTUNATELY I COULD ONLY CHOOSE 4 PHOTOS TO POST.
