Bertram Builders LLC is a locally owned, Santa Cruz county based general building contractor that specializes in residential construction and framing. We are a team of hardworkers who take pride in quality and honesty. From full-on interior remodels and ground-up construction, to decks, bathroom remodels and ADU's we strive to do the right thing and make your home dreams a reality.
Bertram Builders LLC is a locally owned, Santa Cruz county based general building contractor that specializes in residential construction and framing. We are a team of hardworkers who take pride in quality and honesty. From full-on interior remodels and ground-up construction, to decks, bathroom remodels and ADU's we strive to do the right thing and make your home dreams a reality.
Our company is committed to excellence in every aspect of our business. We uphold a standard of integrity bound by fairness, honesty, and personal responsibility. Our distinction is the quality of service we bring to our customers. Accurate knowledge of our trade combined with ability is what makes us true professionals. Above all, we are watchful of our customers interests and make their concerns the basis of our business. Please give us a call today!
"Ken and his crew built me 2 beautiful bamboo decks. One large and one small. They also replaced all the plywood and siding on the back of my house. Our upper deck, which is the larger one has a water drainage system so we can have a living space underneath. The lower deck, which is the smaller one is flanked by concrete planter boxes and looks awesome! Despite last winters heavy storms, they got the job done quickly and efficiently."
jeremy h on December 2024
Our company is committed to excellence in every aspect of our business. We uphold a standard of integrity bound by fairness, honesty, and personal responsibility. Our distinction is the quality of service we bring to our customers. Accurate knowledge of our trade combined with ability is what makes us true professionals. Above all, we are watchful of our customers interests and make their concerns the basis of our business. Please give us a call today!
"Ken and his crew built me 2 beautiful bamboo decks. One large and one small. They also replaced all the plywood and siding on the back of my house. Our upper deck, which is the larger one has a water drainage system so we can have a living space underneath. The lower deck, which is the smaller one is flanked by concrete planter boxes and looks awesome! Despite last winters heavy storms, they got the job done quickly and efficiently."
jeremy h on December 2024
We focus and try to pay complete attention to detail. Our biggest priority is helping homeowners focus on what they want. We are pretty local, and our expertise is what makes people choose us. Give us a call directly, we would love to work with you!
"He is very responsible."
Veronica L on August 2018
We focus and try to pay complete attention to detail. Our biggest priority is helping homeowners focus on what they want. We are pretty local, and our expertise is what makes people choose us. Give us a call directly, we would love to work with you!
"He is very responsible."
Veronica L on August 2018
We are a locally owned and operated company that values honesty and integrity, and treats your home as if it were our own. We offer a variety of services that are customizable to each individual project. You will find us to be competitively priced, paying close attention to the details of each and every project that we are involved with. We look forward to building lasting relationships, and guarantee your satisfaction!
"Fast response and clear communication throughout the process."
Marco T on April 2025
We are a locally owned and operated company that values honesty and integrity, and treats your home as if it were our own. We offer a variety of services that are customizable to each individual project. You will find us to be competitively priced, paying close attention to the details of each and every project that we are involved with. We look forward to building lasting relationships, and guarantee your satisfaction!
"Fast response and clear communication throughout the process."
Marco T on April 2025
We take great pride in our experience, expertise, quality, and customer service that we provide to meet the consumers needs. It is our mission to provide excellent workmanship and complete customer satisfaction from start to completion of a project. In order to understand the needs and expectations of our customers, we take great care to work and communicate with every customer in a professional manner. Our reputation is based on service, safety, and quality, regardless of how large or small the job.
We take great pride in our experience, expertise, quality, and customer service that we provide to meet the consumers needs. It is our mission to provide excellent workmanship and complete customer satisfaction from start to completion of a project. In order to understand the needs and expectations of our customers, we take great care to work and communicate with every customer in a professional manner. Our reputation is based on service, safety, and quality, regardless of how large or small the job.
Cal Chi Bear Construction is dedicated to providing our customers with the best quality and craftsmanship. We are here to build relationships with our customers and communities and to provide our employees with a great place to work. Cal Chi Bear Construction is a leader in providing our customers with the highest quality products and craftsmanship in an honest, efficient, and professional way. Our pledge is to create successful relationships with our customers, employees and community by building trust, treating every project with the utmost integrity and exceeding expectations. We look forward to working with you!
"Amazingly easy to work with and good pricing"
tom r on June 2025
Cal Chi Bear Construction is dedicated to providing our customers with the best quality and craftsmanship. We are here to build relationships with our customers and communities and to provide our employees with a great place to work. Cal Chi Bear Construction is a leader in providing our customers with the highest quality products and craftsmanship in an honest, efficient, and professional way. Our pledge is to create successful relationships with our customers, employees and community by building trust, treating every project with the utmost integrity and exceeding expectations. We look forward to working with you!
"Amazingly easy to work with and good pricing"
tom r on June 2025
ABOVEBOARD CONSTRUCTION INC. offers comprehensive residential construction services, from foundation to completion. With over two decades of experience, we’ve successfully built new homes, additions, remodels, fences, and decking in Santa Cruz County and Los Gatos. Our skilled team prioritizes meticulous attention to detail and craftsmanship, ensuring exceptional construction. Whether you’re building a new home, constructing an ADU, renovating your existing home, or renovating your kitchen, bathroom, or any other space including catios. With your vision in mind we’ll guide you through the process. Call us for a complimentary quote, consultation, or to learn more about our services. (831) 566-7371
"We couldn't be happier with the deck that Randy Solomon from Aboveboard Construction built for us. From start to finish, the project was handled with professionalism, attention to detail, and real craftsmanship. The final result exceeded my expectations — it's solid, beautifully finished, and has completely transformed my outdoor space. What really stood out was the care and pride Randy took in his work. He was communicative throughout the process, offered great design suggestions, and made sure everything was done right — no shortcuts. It’s clear he genuinely cares about the quality of what he builds. If you're looking for someone who’s reliable, hardworking, and talented, I recommend Randy and Aboveboard Construction wholeheartedly! "
Marianne T on June 2025
ABOVEBOARD CONSTRUCTION INC. offers comprehensive residential construction services, from foundation to completion. With over two decades of experience, we’ve successfully built new homes, additions, remodels, fences, and decking in Santa Cruz County and Los Gatos. Our skilled team prioritizes meticulous attention to detail and craftsmanship, ensuring exceptional construction. Whether you’re building a new home, constructing an ADU, renovating your existing home, or renovating your kitchen, bathroom, or any other space including catios. With your vision in mind we’ll guide you through the process. Call us for a complimentary quote, consultation, or to learn more about our services. (831) 566-7371
"We couldn't be happier with the deck that Randy Solomon from Aboveboard Construction built for us. From start to finish, the project was handled with professionalism, attention to detail, and real craftsmanship. The final result exceeded my expectations — it's solid, beautifully finished, and has completely transformed my outdoor space. What really stood out was the care and pride Randy took in his work. He was communicative throughout the process, offered great design suggestions, and made sure everything was done right — no shortcuts. It’s clear he genuinely cares about the quality of what he builds. If you're looking for someone who’s reliable, hardworking, and talented, I recommend Randy and Aboveboard Construction wholeheartedly! "
Marianne T on June 2025
Mike Kelly Construction is a locally owned and operated company serving Santa Cruz County and beyond. Mike and his crew have decades of experience in construction and remodeling. We can help you with everything from handyman services to building the home of your dreams. No job is too small, for our business grows by building long-term relationships with our customers. Hire us once, and you'll be a client for years to come. Mike Kelly Construction is a Certified Green Building Professional and also has an EPA lead renovator certificate. Give us a call and tell us how we can be of service.
"Mike was easy to work with and has a stable experienced crew. The unexpected was handled well."
Bradley T on May 2025
Mike Kelly Construction is a locally owned and operated company serving Santa Cruz County and beyond. Mike and his crew have decades of experience in construction and remodeling. We can help you with everything from handyman services to building the home of your dreams. No job is too small, for our business grows by building long-term relationships with our customers. Hire us once, and you'll be a client for years to come. Mike Kelly Construction is a Certified Green Building Professional and also has an EPA lead renovator certificate. Give us a call and tell us how we can be of service.
"Mike was easy to work with and has a stable experienced crew. The unexpected was handled well."
Bradley T on May 2025
We take great pride in our experience, expertise, quality, and customer service that we provide to meet the consumers needs. It is our mission to provide excellent workmanship and complete customer satisfaction from start to completion of a project. In order to understand the needs and expectations of our customers, we take great care to work and communicate with every customer in a professional manner. Our reputation is based on service, safety, and quality, regardless of how large or small the job. Over 10 years experience in the Contracting Industry. Fully licensed and Insured. Family owned and operated business.
"Our goal was to build a structurally safe garage storage loft. Juan and Julian were a great team to work with. They were very professional and organized- they gave us a quote and clearly communicated what the plan would look like from beginning to end. They guided us on the items that we needed to buy prior to starting the work in order to complete the project within the estimated time. They suggested modifications that were minor fixes but made the layout make more sense in terms of placement. Their crew finished a day ahead of schedule. They kept a clean work site and the quality of the results were great. I would gladly work with them on another home project in the future!"
Anthony G on April 2025
We take great pride in our experience, expertise, quality, and customer service that we provide to meet the consumers needs. It is our mission to provide excellent workmanship and complete customer satisfaction from start to completion of a project. In order to understand the needs and expectations of our customers, we take great care to work and communicate with every customer in a professional manner. Our reputation is based on service, safety, and quality, regardless of how large or small the job. Over 10 years experience in the Contracting Industry. Fully licensed and Insured. Family owned and operated business.
"Our goal was to build a structurally safe garage storage loft. Juan and Julian were a great team to work with. They were very professional and organized- they gave us a quote and clearly communicated what the plan would look like from beginning to end. They guided us on the items that we needed to buy prior to starting the work in order to complete the project within the estimated time. They suggested modifications that were minor fixes but made the layout make more sense in terms of placement. Their crew finished a day ahead of schedule. They kept a clean work site and the quality of the results were great. I would gladly work with them on another home project in the future!"
Anthony G on April 2025
Hi, my name is Larry Murphy, and I'm the owner of Lakota Design Group. We've been designing and installing custom landscape projects in the Bay Area for the past 50 years. During those years we've designed and built everything you can imagine and completed over 5,000 projects. We've also worked for some of the most influential people in Silicon Valley, including executives from Apple, Yahoo & the San Francisco 49ers. From both design & construction viewpoints, we know what works and what doesn't, what looks good & what doesn't. We'll work with you using our custom 3d design process to create your dream landscape design. Then, using your new landscape design, we'll get bids for you from our list of vetted contractors. If you then choose to use one of our contractors for your installation, your design is free since our contractors pay us for it. They also pay us to manage your project, so you don't have to. You can check us out at https://www.lakotadesigngroup.com. We'd love to work with you!
"Punctual. Informative. Friendly. Good work, excellent completion. Pleasing sight."
jan f on September 2024
Hi, my name is Larry Murphy, and I'm the owner of Lakota Design Group. We've been designing and installing custom landscape projects in the Bay Area for the past 50 years. During those years we've designed and built everything you can imagine and completed over 5,000 projects. We've also worked for some of the most influential people in Silicon Valley, including executives from Apple, Yahoo & the San Francisco 49ers. From both design & construction viewpoints, we know what works and what doesn't, what looks good & what doesn't. We'll work with you using our custom 3d design process to create your dream landscape design. Then, using your new landscape design, we'll get bids for you from our list of vetted contractors. If you then choose to use one of our contractors for your installation, your design is free since our contractors pay us for it. They also pay us to manage your project, so you don't have to. You can check us out at https://www.lakotadesigngroup.com. We'd love to work with you!
"Punctual. Informative. Friendly. Good work, excellent completion. Pleasing sight."
jan f on September 2024
Your galley kitchen needs adequate clearance around any island installation to maintain functionality. Most galley kitchens lack sufficient width for traditional islands, as these layouts prioritize efficiency in smaller spaces.
If your kitchen has an unusual width, consult with a kitchen designer who can evaluate your specific dimensions and recommend appropriate solutions. For narrower spaces, consider alternatives like rolling carts or narrow work tables that provide additional surface area without permanently restricting movement.
Kitchen remodels require six to 10 weeks for completion, though timelines vary based on project scope and material availability. Simple updates like cabinet refinishing and countertop replacement might finish within a few weeks, while comprehensive renovations involving structural changes often extend beyond two months.
Planning stages add approximately four weeks before construction begins. Maintaining clear communication with your contractor and ordering materials early helps prevent unnecessary delays.
Common errors include insufficient clearance between opposing countertops, inadequate lighting that creates shadowy work areas, and poor storage planning that leaves countertops cluttered. Some homeowners select oversized appliances that overwhelm the space or invest in expensive features that don't address fundamental workflow issues.
Careful planning, accurate measurements, and consultation with experienced professionals help avoid these pitfalls and ensure your renovation successfully addresses your kitchen's specific challenges.
Whether expansion makes sense depends on your home's layout, your budget, and your long-term plans. Combining a galley kitchen with neighboring spaces creates more open, flexible layouts that many buyers prefer. However, removing walls involves substantial costs, particularly if they contain plumbing, electrical systems, or structural elements.
Sometimes, optimizing your existing galley layout through better storage solutions and lighting proves more cost-effective than expansion. Consult with a contractor to evaluate specific costs for your situation.
Effective galley kitchen lighting combines multiple sources to eliminate shadows and create visual spaciousness. Overhead fixtures provide general illumination, while under-cabinet lighting illuminates work surfaces directly. Consider recessed ceiling fixtures that don't protrude into limited headspace.
Lighting with dimming capabilities allows adjustment for different activities. Reflective surfaces like glass tile backsplashes or glossy cabinet finishes help bounce light throughout the space, reducing the corridor effect common in galley layouts.