We were seeking to remodel a downstairs bathroom in the residence of our mixed-use property in the Big Bear region of the San Bernardino mountains. We estimate the property started out as a small shack in the early 1900s. It has been added to by multiple owners over the decades, culminating with our complete renovation in the 1990s - except for this bathroom. It had a few updated fixtures but still retained its flimsy beadboard paneling. It was small, drafty, awkwardly configured, and the floor sagged at the toilet. On top of that, it was situated near a dead end hallway that we wanted to incorporate into the bathroom space. No amount of lipstick was going to fix this pig. It had to be gutted. We first approached a big box hardware store, but after two months of constant emails with the coordinator, we still didnât have an estimate. After some prodding, we received a âWell, we are up to X dollars so farâ response. The off-the-cuff guesstimate was high, incomplete, and a total turn-off. We started seeking out local contractors and found Preferred Restoration on the HomeAdvisor website. After a meeting with the company owner, Jesse McHenry, we received a written proposal a few days later. The overall cost was reasonable, and the project was broken down by phase (demo, plumbing, electrical, etc.) with an estimated cost of each section. He clearly delineated what he was including in the estimate and what product we were responsible for purchasing and gave an estimated completion date. I have never received such a thorough and comprehensive breakdown of costs from a contractor in the last 25 years. I was impressed, and if his thoroughness on paper was any indication of his overall process, we were ready to sign up. Before beginning the project (and before each phase), Jesse gave us a rundown of what to expect in terms of time, noise level, ancillary workers, and product requirements. He curtained off the work section with plastic and tape, limiting the dust exposure and noise level. We gave him a key to the back door, but he always let us know when he would be coming. We were mostly preoccupied with our business next door but occasionally saw him throughout the day. He is certainly pleasant but always remained professional and unobtrusive. His subcontractors were also high quality. In addition, Jesse thoroughly monitored each phase for problems and was extremely diligent about making sure there were no leaks. He is highly focused, and his workmanship is superb. The design esthetic was largely owner-driven. We wanted an updated look but also wanted to maintain the same solid feel of the mountain house. We put in a jacuzzi tub to relax at the end of the day and kept the room uncluttered so it could serve as a guest bathroom at a momentâÂÂs notice. Jesse had some great recommendations including reconfiguring the arrangement to make the area more spacious and adding ambient floor heating, a cleverly concealed access panel to the tub mot