GJ’s Construction & Painting

I bought Gary’s former house. If he was willing to have such sub-​standard/​unsafe work in his own home, I am absolutely terrified what he would do to someone else’s home. For example, we have had numerous instances where electrical «upgrades» installed by Gary are not insulated resulting in live wires. One was in the garage right where someone could easily come in contact with it. The other live wire was hanging precariously close to insulation in the attic. We only found out about it when we went to put in a new fan before our baby was born. I shudder to think what could have happened (attic fire above nursery) if that wire had come in contact with insulation/​framing/​animal.
Every trade that we have had out to work on this house has commented on the poor workmanship, inferior quality product), etc. It is so bad it has become somewhat of a running (not funny) joke with my husband. These are not, for the most part although there are those too, cosmetic issues. These are health and safety issues.
Don’t think their business sense was much better. They didn’t update records with the CSLB for a LONG time after they moved. We had a sheriff at our doorstep (they used the home address as a business address) at 6:00 a.m. on Christmas Eve (Merry Christmas!) trying to serve a wage garnishment on a GJ’s employee and even up until last year, we received a Workers’ Comp insurance renewal form at the house (we’ve told them every year that they haven’t lived there/​had a business there for years). Pretty sure there are B&P provisions and other provisions that require a contractor to immediately advice the CSLB and insurance carrier of changes of address. I tried to report him to the CSLB, but they had already left the state.
Think long and hard before you incur the headaches!

I hired Gary for some crown moulding work in 3 bedrooms in my home. It was relatively painless to get the whole job setup and completed. What I liked about him:
1. When he came over for a consultation, he took copious documentation on what we wanted, including photos, measurements, notes on our discussion, etc.
2. His wife followed up with us via email on the quotes and contract.
3. Pricing is not too bad, not the cheapest we came across, but definitely not the most expensive.
4. He brought 1 worker with him, and came on time and on the right day as agreed, with all of the materials prepped in advance.
5. They finished up the 3 rooms in 1 day.
6. They brought and wore their own disposable booties to keep our floors clean.
7. They cleaned all of the mess before they left.
8. I was sent an email copy of the receipt following the engagement.
All in all, a no hassle deal. Some of the things that could have been better:
1. The worker Gary brought with him left dirt stains on the newly painted wall which we had to clean. I’m sure if I mentioned it he would have made sure it was cleaned up, but I didn’t notice until they were already gone for the day.
2. The finishing work (i.e. nail hole patching, caulking, painting) wasn’t as clean as we would have liked, but I guess that’s what happens in a one day job. That was passable.
In general I would hire GJ again for handiwork in my home. Gary and his wife are very professional and friendly.