Workmanship Guarantee
I stand behind every structure I build. When you hire me, you're getting my personal commitment that the work will be done right — built with care, sound construction practices, and materials selected for performance and longevity.
If something I built fails because of how I built it, I'll make it right.
What’s Covered
My workmanship guarantee covers defects in construction — meaning issues that result from how the structure was designed and built by me. This includes:
Structural integrity of the completed project — posts, framing, joinery, and fastening systems.
Post setting — including plumb, depth, and concrete footings where applicable.
Hardware installation — hinges, latches, and other functional hardware I supply and install.
Fit and finish of the constructed elements — joints, alignments, and the overall quality of the built work as it was delivered at project completion.
Under California law, licensed contractors provide the following statutory warranties on residential construction work, which apply to my projects:
One-Year Fit and Finish Warranty. Under California Civil Code Section 900, the fit and finish of the constructed work — meaning the visible quality, alignment, and cosmetic condition of the structure as built — is warranted for a minimum of one year from the date of project completion. If a defect in fit or finish appears within this period that results from my workmanship, I will correct it at no cost to you.
Two-Year Warranty on Wood Posts in Ground Contact. Under California Civil Code Section 896(g)(8), wood posts are warranted against unreasonable decay caused by soil contact for two years from project completion. My post-setting methods — including concrete encasement and, where appropriate, separation techniques — are designed to exceed this standard, but the warranty applies regardless.
Four-Year Warranty on Applicable Systems. Under California Civil Code Section 896, certain components such as exterior pathways and hardscape elements carry a four-year warranty. Where my work includes elements that fall under this provision, the four-year warranty applies.
Ten-Year Structural Warranty. Under California Civil Code Sections 896 and 941, structural components of construction are warranted against latent defects for ten years. For my work, this applies to the load-bearing elements of the structure — posts, beams, and any structural framing that supports the integrity of the project.
These statutory warranties exist under California law whether or not they are stated in our contract. I include them here for transparency so you understand your rights and my obligations.
What’s Not Covered
The following are not covered under my workmanship guarantee:
Natural weathering and aging of wood. Redwood and other natural wood species change over time — color shifts, surface checking, and the development of a silver-grey patina on unfinished wood are normal characteristics of the material, not defects. I'm happy to discuss what to expect on the Why Redwood page.
Finishes applied by others. If you hire a separate contractor to stain, seal, or paint the structure (which I recommend), the quality and longevity of that finish is their responsibility, not mine. If a finish failure causes damage to the underlying wood, the finishing contractor's warranty would apply.
Finishes applied by the homeowner. DIY staining, sealing, or painting — and any damage resulting from improper product selection, preparation, or application — is not covered.
Damage from impact, modification, or misuse. If the structure is damaged by vehicles, fallen trees, unauthorized modifications, improper loading, or any force beyond normal use, that's not a workmanship issue.
Damage from acts of nature. Earthquakes, floods, mudslides, fire, and extraordinary wind events are beyond the scope of this guarantee. I build to withstand the normal conditions of the LA foothills, but I can't warrant against catastrophic natural events.
Movement caused by soil conditions. If posts shift due to soil settling, erosion, expansive clay, or root intrusion that wasn't apparent or foreseeable at the time of construction, that's a site condition issue rather than a workmanship issue. Where I identify concerning soil conditions during construction, I'll raise them with you and recommend appropriate solutions.
Normal wear on hardware. Gate hinges, latches, and other moving hardware are subject to wear over time. I install quality hardware and set it properly, but moving parts have a finite lifespan and may need adjustment or replacement with normal use.
Work performed by other contractors. Any concrete, landscaping, roofing, electrical, irrigation, or other trade work performed by others in connection with my project is warranted by those contractors, not by me.
How to Make a Claim
If you notice an issue with work I've built, reach out to me directly by phone or text at (626) 418-1555 or by email at tjjulkaconstruction@gmail.com. Describe the issue and send a few photos if you can.
I'll respond promptly, typically within a day or two. In most cases, I'll come out to inspect the issue in person. If the issue falls within the scope of this guarantee, I'll schedule the repair and take care of it at no cost to you.
I take warranty work seriously. My reputation depends on the structures I build holding up over time, and I want to know if something isn't performing the way it should.
California Contractor Information
Tyler Julka / T.J. Julka Construction, Inc.
California Licensed Contractor #1104821
You can verify the status of my license, bond, and insurance at any time through the California Contractors State License Board: Verify License on CSLB
If you have a concern about work performed by any licensed contractor in California, you have the right to file a complaint with the CSLB. More information is available at www.cslb.ca.gov.