The 5 Things to Know Before Hiring a General Contractor
What should homeowners know before hiring a general contractor? This blog details 5 main things to check to find a trustworthy/reputable GC for your next home improvement project. Know What You Need to Know Before Signing a Contract! How can the average homeowner – who wants to safely and affordably select the correct contractor for…
Read MoreFor Your Home Construction Projects Be Sure to Contract with an Actively Licensed Contractor (Part 9 of 10)
For home improvement projects to be done to correct building code and with proper legal protections, hire an actively licensed contractor. Learn how to spot and avoid “imposters!” Watch Out for Impostor Contractors – Ask for a License Although some homeowners have entrusted home renovation and remodeling work to a handyman, this is the incorrect…
Read MoreSafeguard Your Home Investment: Contract with a Licensed Contractor (Part 8 of 10)
Homeowners beware! Some claiming to be home improvement contractors and construction experts lack the state-mandated license. Protect Yourself – Contract with An Actively Licensed Professional Regrettably, there are plenty of unsavory people claiming to be home improvement contractors and construction experts, yet entirely lacking in the necessary requirements and active contractors license mandated by the…
Read MoreTHE 3 TIMES A HOMEOWNER SHOULD CALL A PRO
When Should You Call a Pro vs Do-It-Yourself? Due to the current housing shortage, increasing homeowner equity, and the high cost of borrowing, more California homeowners are aiming to remodel rather than move than ever before. As a result, interest in do-it-yourself (DIY) projects are on the rise, with bathtub or shower replacements, interior painting,…
Read More‘Ask Ed’ Newsletter – February 2026
Dear Clients, Partner Vendors, Family, and Friends, In the month of February, 2026, we’ve certainly experienced a full range of winter weather. We’ve had more than our fair share of rain and intense storms, but also a phenomenal amount of clear, sunny days, and welcome warmth in winter that is unique to our fair state. …
Read MoreHow to Plan for the Construction of Your ADU
Gain a working understanding of questions to ask, types of costs (hard and soft), and other key considerations before building an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU). Understanding the Soft and Hard Costs of ADU Construction Today’s housing shortage and high housing costs are driving more homeowners with larger lots or unused living space to consider construction…
Read MoreBeware Imposters: Surface Beauty ≠ Safe or Building Code Compliant (Part 7 of 10)
Don’t fall for illusions of a contractor’s legitimacy based on a good review, testimonial, or referral. Eliminate risk by learning to spot unlicensed/unqualified imposter. Satisfactory Surface Results Do NOT Ensure Building Code Compliance. Unknowingly, innocent homeowners – who are satisfied with “surface results” – can actually help propagate the imposter’s illusion of legitimacy by providing…
Read More‘Ask Ed’ Newsletter – January 2026
Learn from the ‘Ask Ed’ newsletter what is new for 2026: design trends, room-specific remodeling trends, and high-value home upgrades for Northern California and the Bay Area. It’s hard to believe, but after a very enjoyable holiday season filled with family, lights, and lots of love, here it is – 2026 – a brand New…
Read MoreThe Top 4 Remodel Survival Skills
The Top 4 Remodel Survival Skills
Read MoreBeware Imposters Masquerading as Competent Licensed Contractors (Part 6 of 10)
Learn the many risks and hidden costs of hiring a lower-priced ‘imposter’ contractor who is NOT the equivalent of a competent, licensed contractor. Imposter Contractor ≠ Competent Licensed Contractor The average homeowner often doesn’t know how to spot an imposter masquerading as a licensed and competent contractor. They may think contracting with a respected, local…
Read MoreWhole House Remodel? Rely on Ed Neir Construction!
When ready to remodel your entire home, learn how best to proceed to ensure proper project management for a smooth, affordable, and successful outcome. Creative Design, Conscientious Budgeting, & Comprehensive Project Management = Success Ed Neir Construction and his team have extensive experience doing whole house remodels which have spanned a wide variety of needs,…
Read MoreFinding the Right Home Improvement Contractor (Part 5 of 10)
Learn who to trust for home construction projects involving mechanical, electrical, plumbing, or structural alterations when plan reviews/building permits ARE required. Choose a General Contractor for Permitted Construction Work If your home repair, renovation, or remodeling project involves any type of mechanical, electrical, plumbing, or structural alterations, then plan reviews and building permits will be…
Read MoreWhy an ADU? Passive Income + Higher Property Value!
Housing Shortage Spikes Demand for Accessory Dwelling Units More and more, California homeowners with unused or underutilized interior living space or available lot space, are opting to build an Accessory Dwelling Unit, or ADU. Given today’s housing shortage and high housing costs, construction of an attached, detached, or repurposed ADU can prove to be a…
Read MoreNewsletter – December 2025
In this December ‘25 newsletter, learn why it “pays” to build an ADU, where to go for a worry-free whole house remodel, and how to avoid the pain/risk of an “imposter contractor.” Dear Clients, Partner Vendors, Family, and Friends, From all of us at Ed Neir Construction, we would like to wish you a very…
Read MoreNewsletter – November 2025
In this newsletter, learn ways to winterize your home, the reasons to remodel your kitchen, why organic modernism is boosting home values, and how to avoid “imposter” contractors.. Dear Clients, Partner Vendors, Family, and Friends, We hope you had a VERY Happy Thanksgiving! We’re so grateful for your support and the trust you’ve placed in…
Read MoreFinding the Right Contractor for Your Home Construction Project (Part 4 of 10)
Licensed Contractors are California Regulated – Look for Legal Evidence Too often, homeowners seeking an experienced contractor for a home construction project make the mistake of hiring an “imposter” – a handyman or unlicensed person masquerading as an experienced and licensed contractor. Learn how to spot the fakers! Unless a contractor’s “claim” of being licensed,…
Read MoreWhy Is Organic Modernism Boosting Home Values?
Organic modernism is the new modern farmhouse,” states Zillow’s home trends expert Amanda Pendleton per a press release. “The contemporary look of homes today is characterized by natural stone, wood flooring and cabinetry, and textured walls. Buyers are seeking out and competing for homes with these raw but refined finishes, and that’s pushing up sale…
Read MoreWhen To Upgrade Your Electrical Panel
Modern Versus Older Home Electrical DemandsToday’s growing number of modern appliances, new and evolving electronic devices, and the growing demand for electric vehicles (EV), while all designed to emphasize energy-savings over any pre-existing models, st…
Read MoreThree Great Reasons Homeowners Are Building an ADU
According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, housing affordability is becoming an ever greater challenge. In the last few years, the combination of a housing shortage, inflation, and higher interest rates have led many homeowners to …
Read MoreHelping Homeowners to Find the Right Contractor (Beware of Imposters Part 3 of 10)
If the work fails to meet legal standards, you may face fines. The Risks & Real Costs of Working with An Imposter If you want protection from financial responsibility for accidents or property damage during your remodel project, know that an actively licensed contractor is required to carry liability and workers compensation insurance. When embarking…
Read MoreTHE 3 BEST REASONS TO REMODEL YOUR KITCHEN
Conscientious homeowners and property investors know that there are 3 great reasons to remodel your kitchen: Responsible Reasons to Remodel Your Kitchen Choosing to undertake a kitchen renovation or remodel project can also help resolve any issues or concerns with an outdated design or poor layout while also taking advantage of today’s energy efficiencies with…
Read MoreFOUR FANTASTIC REASONS TO REMODEL A BATHROOM
Bathroom Remodel – 4 Fantastic Reasons to Proceed! If you are a California homeowner, there are 4 fantastic reasons to remodel a bathroom: Many of our clients explore a bathroom remodel because of water damage and other necessary repairs. However, they find a bathroom remodel can come to meet many of their other needs as…
Read MoreFOUR WISE WAYS TO WINTERIZE YOUR HOME!
Refer to this helpful list of 4 ways to save money, while preserving (and, potentially, increasing) your home’s value. Take action now to ensure you’ll be comfy and cozy all winter long. Unlike other states in our amazingly diverse nation, we in California are fortunate enough to experience relatively mild winter weather. That said, it’s…
Read MoreFinding the Right Contractor for Your Home Improvement Project (Beware of Imposters Part 2 of 10)
Unmasking Imposters – Ask for a License & Verify it as Active! There are a number of unsuspecting homeowners who end up hiring imposters because they can be found nearly everywhere, and they can be quite convincing. Their real expertise tends to lie in presenting themselves as construction professionals by using effective marketing and advertising…
Read MoreNewsletter – October 2025
Dear Clients, Partner Vendors, Family, and Friends, On Halloween, we would like to wish you lots of fun greeting ‘trick or treaters’ with candy or other non-food treats; dressing in a creative costume and going out to a party with friends; or simply staying in to watch a scary movie while enjoying some freshly popped…
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