Pimentel Construction

Ramon Pimentel has done a lot of work for Ray Kappe, one of the founders of the Southern California Institute of Architechture (now in downtown LA). Ramon worked on many Kappe's buildings which are technically challenging to construct, and require exquisite attention to detail. The work I had planned for Ramon was not very challenging but he took it on without hesitation. The deck and planter box were done first. I had designed the structures using Google's free sketchup software. I added a few dimensions, but mostly Ramon used the 3D models as a guide and applied his substantial construction experience to work out the fine details. For the Deck I had many old redwood boards left from an earlier demolition. He carefully picked through the old wood and made a great little deck. With his input we arrived at a design for the planter box and he executed it flawlessly. Here his having worked on high end architectural homes became quite apparent in carefully crafted details. Most of the work was finished in two weeks. He accepted my offer to stay another week and do numerous odd jobs around the house. Unsticking doors, caulking bathrooms, installing outdoor lighting, repairing many odds and ends. He finished things so quickly we had a hard time keeping his to-do list full. During this phase of the work we left him with the house keys. I paid based on an hourly rate and reimbursed for receipts at the end of every week. No advances were paid, even after I offered several times. Ramon has a large pickup truck and a comprehensive set of tools (hand tools, small power tools, radial arm saw, table saw, compressor, nail gun, etc. etc.). I let him set up shop in my garage for the duration of the work. He arrived punctually at 7 am every day and worked 40 hour weeks. In addition to his comprehensive construction skills (from pouring concrete to fine detail work) Ramon is polite, friendly, tidy, very easy to communicate with, and very considerate. He unobtrusively worked in and around hour home for three weeks. In addition to all this, his rate is below that of other handymen I had interviewed and I believe his skills are generally far superior. I am certain he could build an entire house and someday I hope to take him on for larger projects like a kitchen or bathroom remodel. I recommend him without hesitation for any project large or small.