Frequently Asked Questions

A typical kitchen remodel takes 8-12 weeks from demolition to final walkthrough, with permitting adding 4-6 weeks before construction starts. Oakland's Building Department has improved turnaround times, but plan review for structural or electrical changes still takes time. We build a realistic schedule into every quote and text you when crews are en route. Call (628) 300-4376 to get a timeline for your specific project.

We walk the space, take photos and measurements, and listen to what you need. Within 48 hours, you receive a written scope with line-item pricing. No deposit is required to review the quote. We bring sample boards for materials we regularly specify, like Therma-Tru entry systems or ViewLux window packages. The visit takes 60-90 minutes. Call (628) 300-4376 to schedule your free consultation.

Yes. We pull all required permits and schedule inspections for every project we manage. Oakland requires permits for structural work, electrical, plumbing, and most exterior alterations. We include permit fees in your written quote, and we handle the submittal, corrections, and inspection scheduling. You receive copies of all approved permits and passed inspection cards. Call (628) 300-4376 to discuss your project's permit requirements.

Usually yes for kitchen or single-bath projects, though you'll need a temporary cooking setup. Whole-house renovations or projects involving the only bathroom typically require moving out for 2-6 weeks. We've worked with Oakland clients who stayed in ADUs, with family in Berkeley or Alameda, or in short-term rentals. We seal off work areas with dust barriers and schedule the noisiest phases to minimize disruption. Call (628) 300-4376 to plan your project's logistics.

We work across Oakland, from the flatlands of Fruitvale and East Oakland to the hills of Montclair and Piedmont Pines. We've also completed projects in adjacent cities including Alameda, Berkeley, Emeryville, and San Leandro. Each neighborhood has distinct building stock, from pre-war bungalows in Temescal to mid-century ranchers in Redwood Heights, and we tailor our approach to what we find. Call (628) 300-4376 to confirm service to your address.

We regularly specify ViewLux for vinyl replacement windows and aluminum-clad wood systems for Oakland's varied architecture. ViewLux performs well in the Bay Area's marine climate, where salt air near the estuary and thermal cycling in the hills test lesser products. We also source from other manufacturers when the project demands it. Every window quote includes the brand, series, U-factor, and installation method in writing. Call (628) 300-4376 to see samples.

We install Therma-Tru fiberglass entry systems for their stability in Oakland's humidity swings, and we can source solid wood, steel, and multi-point locking systems as needed. Therma-Tru's composite frames resist the moisture that warps traditional jambs in fog-prone neighborhoods near the bay. We measure with a laser, order factory-prehung units, and include weatherstripping and hardware in the installed price. Call (628) 300-4376 to discuss your entry door project.

Yes, Mr-Glass is our preferred supplier for frameless and semi-frameless shower glass. Their hardware holds up to Oakland's hard water, and their templating process accounts for out-of-plumb walls common in older homes. We typically specify 3/8-inch tempered glass with protective coating for easier maintenance. The glass is measured after tile is complete, with a 2-week fabrication lead time. Call (628) 300-4376 to include Mr-Glass in your bathroom quote.

We allow owner-supplied fixtures on a case-by-case basis, but we warranty only what we source and install. The reason is simple: we've seen incompatible faucets, out-of-spec tile, and discontinued cabinets cause delays that cost more than the materials saved. If you have specific items in mind, we review them during the quoting phase and note any compatibility risks in writing. Call (628) 300-4376 to discuss your preferences.

Yes. Every pro working under our name is required to hold the California contractor's license and insurance the state requires. You can verify any license at cslb.ca.gov. We carry general liability and workers' compensation coverage, and we name additional insureds when required by Oakland's Building Department or your lender. License numbers appear on every contract and permit application. Call (628) 300-4376 to request documentation.

Your contractor should carry general liability of at least $1 million per occurrence and workers' compensation for all employees. In California, uninsured contractors expose homeowners to liability if a worker is injured on site. We provide certificates of insurance on request, and our policy is written through carriers rated A- or better. Never hire a contractor who cannot produce current documentation. Call (628) 300-4376 to verify our coverage.

Grant Rowan leads our Oakland operations. He built the local team around tradespeople who know Oakland's specific conditions, from the clay soils that shift foundations in the hills to the seismic bracing required in pre-1970s construction. Grant reviews every quote before it goes out and inspects jobs at rough-in and final walkthrough. Call (628) 300-4376 to speak with our team about your project.

True construction emergencies involve structural failure, active water intrusion, or compromised security, such as a tree through a roof, a collapsed deck, or a failed retaining wall threatening the foundation. These situations require immediate stabilization, not permanent repair. Our phone is answered 24/7, and we dispatch for emergency board-up and temporary weatherproofing. Permanent reconstruction is quoted separately with a written scope. Call (628) 300-4376 for emergency response.

Yes. Our phone is answered 24 hours a day, every day. A live coordinator takes your information and connects you with the appropriate team member. For active emergencies, we prioritize dispatch. For non-urgent questions, we return calls during business hours with detailed answers. The number is (628) 300-4376.

We provide a written workmanship warranty on every project, with terms spelled out in your contract before work begins. Specific coverage varies by project type: structural work, waterproofing, and finish carpentry carry different terms because they face different risks. Haven Standard Clause 1 requires that warranty terms be stated in writing alongside the price. We also pass through manufacturer warranties on materials like Therma-Tru doors or ViewLux windows. Call (628) 300-4376 for warranty details on your specific project.

The Haven Standard is the documentation and accountability system that governs every project we undertake. It has five clauses: written price and scope before work begins; scheduled arrival with named crews and text notifications; verified licensing and insurance; photographic evidence of conditions found and work completed; and no surprises, meaning no change orders without your prior written approval. Every project since 2007 has been delivered under this standard. Call (628) 300-4376 to experience it on your job.

You receive a final packet with the original contract, all signed change orders, permit and inspection records, manufacturer warranties, care and maintenance instructions, and photos documenting the work. This is Haven Standard Clause 4 in action: evidence on every job. Oakland homeowners particularly value this documentation when selling, as buyers and inspectors want to see permits and proof of professional installation. Call (628) 300-4376 to start your documented project.

Written by Grant Rowan, Owner at Rowan Construction Group, serving Oakland since 2007.