Frequently Asked Questions
Questions I hear most often from homeowners considering a custom outdoor project. Pricing, permits, materials, timelines, what I do and don't do — answered straight, the same way I'd answer them on the phone. If your question isn't here, send me a text or email and I'll add it.
Do you offer free estimates?
Yes. The first conversation is by phone or text — usually 10-15 minutes — to understand what you're thinking, your timeline, and rough budget. If it's a fit, I come out for a site visit, walk the project with you, and follow up with a written proposal. No charge for either step. Larger projects with custom design work involve a paid design agreement, which I explain on the call.
What areas do you serve?
The LA foothills corridor — Shadow Hills, Sunland, Tujunga, La Crescenta, Montrose, La Cañada Flintridge, Altadena, Pasadena, and the surrounding foothills neighborhoods. I also work in parts of Glendale, Burbank, Eagle Rock, Highland Park, Lake View Terrace, Sylmar, and the hillside neighborhoods on the south side of the Verdugos. If you're outside those areas, reach out anyway — I make exceptions when the project justifies the drive.
Are you licensed and insured?
Yes. California Contractor License #1104821, and I carry general liability insurance. Both are standard for any work over $500 in California, and you should always verify both before hiring any contractor. You can look up my license at the CSLB website. The license number is also in the footer of every page of my site.
How do you structure pricing?
Fixed-price proposals with detailed scope. Once the design is finalized and materials are priced, you get a single number with a clear written scope of what's included and what isn't. No hourly billing, no time-and-materials surprises. Larger projects start with a paid design agreement that's credited toward the final price. Payment is typically structured as 50/50 or thirds depending on project size, paid as milestones are completed. Every project is also backed by a written workmanship guarantee.
What kind of wood do you use?
Redwood, almost always. I hand-select Construction Heart and Construction Common from the lumberyard for grain, color, and heartwood content. Redwood is a Northern California species that handles the LA climate without chemical treatment and ages beautifully if left unfinished. For specific projects I'll work with cedar, Doug Fir, or hardwoods like ipe — but redwood is what I specialize in.
How long does a typical project take?
Depends on scope. A standard 80-foot redwood privacy fence is 3-4 days on site. A custom deck is usually 1-2 weeks. A patio cover with framing and sheathing runs about 5 days. Lead time from signed proposal to start date is typically 2-3 weeks. I work on one project at a time with my apprentice — meaning we're on your site every day until it's complete.
Do I need a permit for a fence or deck?
Depends on the project and the jurisdiction. In most of LA, fences under 6 feet generally don't require a permit, fences over 6 feet do, and decks more than 30 inches above grade typically require one. Patio covers almost always require permits. I help my clients understand what their specific project will need before we start — and I'll pull permits when required.
Do you handle staining and painting?
No. I focus on the carpentry — design, framing, and construction — and leave finishing to dedicated painters and stainers who do that work full-time. I can refer you to people I trust. Most of my redwood projects don't get finished at all — redwood weathers to a silver-gray that looks right in most outdoor settings and doesn't require maintenance.
Can you work around existing features like trees, slopes, or structures?
Yes. Most of my projects in the LA foothills involve working around something — mature trees, hillside grade changes, retaining walls, existing structures. The design work happens before the build for exactly this reason. I take the constraints of the site as the starting point, not the obstacle. The goal is always a finished project that looks like it was meant to be there.
Do you build custom designs or work from existing plans?
Both. Most of my projects are custom-designed for the property — I model them in SketchUp before any wood is cut, so you see what you're getting before construction starts. I also sell downloadable plans for some of my standard designs, for homeowners who want to build it themselves or hire someone else. If you have your own plans or a design from a landscape architect, I can build from those too.