Masterson Construction Blog

Now is a good time to replace energy wasting doors and windows

2008-08-19T12:30:00.000-07:00

Winter is coming and now is a great time to get your house ready.
Old doors and windows are not very energy efficient and the small gaps and cracks can let cold air in and warm air out.

New windows and doors can make a big difference in your heating,and cooling needs.

Give us a call to schedual an estimate and get you on the way to saving energy and money.

Good advise from 100+ years ago...

2008-04-27T15:26:00.000-07:00

Good advise to follow when choosing a contractor....

"It’s unwise to pay too much, but it’s worse to pay too little.When you pay too
much, you lose a little money – that is all.When you pay too little, you
sometimes lose everything; because the thing you bought was incapable of doing
the job it was bought to do.The common law of business balance prohibits
paying a little and getting a lot.It cannot be done.If you deal with the lowest
bidder, it is well to add something for the risk you run; and if you do that you
will have enough to pay for something better."– John Ruskin (1819-1900)

Arches Add a Nice Touch.

2008-02-11T21:04:00.000-08:00

Arches add a dramatic touch to an otherwise dull opening.

Masterson Construction are experts in arch design and construction as shown in the following series of photos from a Southern California home project recently completed.

The above photo view is looking down the hallway and shows the dramatic difference that can be achieved by a general contractor for professional results.

This second photograph (above) is the arched entry to the family room, and this renovation complements the other arch for an elegant look.

TAGS: advice arch california general contractor construction residential remodels

Window Change Project

2007-12-06T09:40:00.000-08:00

Here is a picture of a couple of windows from a window change-out we just did. I wanted to get some "before" pictures but the windows where out by the time I got there with my camera.

We also installed new trim to match what was there before.

The customer is in the process of remodeling his house a little at a time. The old windows were in bad shape and that is why we did them first. The home owner is very happy with the outcome and is going to be getting a nice rebate check to boot!

TAGS: advice california general contractor construction residential window replacement

Handyman Services

2007-11-28T10:19:00.000-08:00

Many general contractors will take smaller "handyman" type jobs to help supplement their business. Using a general contractor for small jobs is a good choice as you are getting your small job done properly and know that the work is being done by a licensed professional.

A general contractor will be insured and bonded. Most handymen do not carry insurance.

Masterson Construction welcomes all jobs big and small. Please give us a call at 562-650-0272 if you have any questions.

TAGS: advice southern california general contractor construction handyman services

Turned a negitive into a positive...

2007-11-05T21:48:00.000-08:00

The plans called for the wall to be extended 5 feet out. When we opened up the wall we found plumbing drains from the upstairs master bathroom coming down the wall and through the concrete slab. It would have cost the home owner quite a bit extra to reroute the plumbing.

I suggested that we leave the part of the wall that had the plumbing intact and open up the rest.Then we added an arch to match the other arches we where adding through out the house.The home owners where very happy with the results.

Note: The picture here represents work done by Masterson Construction working as a subcontractor.

TAGS: advice general contractor construction residential room additions

The importance of hiring a licensed general contractor

2007-10-25T23:27:00.000-07:00

Here is a link to a story that appeared on MSNBC.It illustrates the importance of hiring a licensed GC, or General Contractor...

TAGS: advice general contractor

Important Things Planning a Room Addition

2007-10-13T22:34:00.000-07:00

I get a lot of people contacting me wanting to do a room addition or some other type of large project.The first thing I ask them is "Do you have plans yet?".

A lot of people think that a contractor is the first person to contact when they
want to do something like this. In reality you should contact an architect.
An architect will help you design your addition and drawn up the plans.
Then you will need to get in contact with a licenced general contractor. The contractor you chose will then take the plans to have them approved and pull all needed permits.

Now, some smaller jobs like patio covers, window replacements, decks, or smaller kitchen and bath remodels do not normally need plans (but in most cases a permit will need to be pulled).

TAGS: advice architect general contractor decks kitchens remodels patio covers room additions

A "Hands On" Contractor

2007-10-05T19:29:00.000-07:00

There are basically two types of general contractors.There are the contractors that tell others (usually sub-contractors they have hired) what to do and when to do it.
Then there are general contractors that do A LOT of the work themselves. I am the latter.

While there is not anything wrong necessarily with contractors that do not do any work themselves I have found most clients appreciate the fact that the person they hired to do the work is actually DOING most of it.

When you hire Masterson Construction you can rest assured that I, the owner and licensed General Contractor, will be on the job most everyday getting the job done right and on time.

TAGS: advice california general contractor construction

Let me introduce myself....

2007-09-30T20:10:00.001-07:00

My name is Jack Masterson.I am the owner of Masterson Construction.I am married and the father of two beautiful little girls.I enjoy spending time with my family,dirt bikes,golf,softball,hockey and many other outdoor activities.
My relationship with Jesus Christ is what I cherish most.

I love what I do for a living and am very great full to be able to do something
I enjoy everyday.I take great pride in my work and it shows.We have many references
available from past customers.I am very happy to answer any and all questions you may have regarding our company and what we do...

Energy Efficient Window Replacements

2007-09-27T00:20:00.000-07:00

For Southern California homes with aluminum or wooden frame windows, the latest vinyl energy efficient replacement windows are worth considering to upgrade your home. You may save money several ways. Besides enjoying the enhanced look and performance, the cost savings on your energy bill can make this a good investment. There's more.

You may be entitled to energy efficiency incentives from the federal government when you install energy efficient window replacements, as well as your local utility company. For example, you may be entitled to a federal tax credit equal to 10% of your cost. Keep your window replacement receipts, and when completing your 2007 income taxes look for the IRS home improvements tax credit Form 5695.

TAGS: advice california contractor construction residential improvements reviews windows replacement windows home improvements

California Construction Site Update

2007-09-25T02:20:00.000-07:00

A new feature on our main website is a list of residential and commercial general contractor services.

Often the cost of an addition will add valuable living space, and save homeowners the headaches of moving. Depending on available land, we can build out, and we can help if your only option is building up.

TAGS: california general contractor construction residential commercial room additions

California General Contractor Website

2007-09-13T00:35:00.000-07:00

Residential and commercial property owners in Southern California who require a professional general contractor doing remodeling, room additions or tennant improvements may contact Masterson Construction for an evaluation or proposal on your next project. Our website and blog launched simultaneously today, so expect future news and reviews or tips and advice on both.

For now our main site began with the home page plus a privacy policy and this blog. New features in the next few weeks will include a more detailed list of services plus a photo gallery of projects. Our unofficial slogan is "A hands on general contractor with the experience you can trust". Our website is new... we're not.

Masterson Construction build decks, kitchens, remodels, bathrooms, patio covers, room additions, and tenant improvements. Our California general contractor's license number is 903274, and we have more expert advice coming soon, so return often.

TAGS: advice california general contractor construction residential commercial decks kitchens remodels bathrooms patio covers room additions tenant improvements