For starters, owner, Jimmy Negrette is personable, respectful, knowledgeable and thorough. During what started (in my mind) as a mere "face lift" for my mid-size, second floor, urban condo developed into a serious upgrade without the exorbitant bidding that I'd received from other contractors. It is tempting to call this contractor a problem-solver. But more accurately "Jaimie" is solution-driven. He simply does not entertain problems, preferring instead to frame what might be construed as setbacks into opportunities for creative thinking -- resorting to his wealth of experience (having learned much of his trade apprenticing to his master contractor father), and resources to get the job done. And getting it done he does!
Barring inclement weather, or subcontractors minor deviations from the original ballpark window for project completion, Jaimie stays on message and is extremely focused. While as a recent retiree, single woman I was mostly on-site but had no concerns about leaving these professionals alone. The crew would consistently clean and tidy up the work areas, ensuring no unsafe electrical or other equipment was left exposed, something Jaimie insisted upon and which made all the difference at the end of the work day. Mr. Negrette and I had frequent interactions, exchanging ideas and inspiration, hence we co-created the scenario that he executed, far beyond my original vision. Clearly on a limited budget and unable to afford a designer, Jaimie did not allow me to limit my imagination. He tapped into his broad understanding of market trends and codes, truly raising my standards in the process. (He personally walked me through Home Depot pro desk negotiations.) If I was content to settle for less he would offer wonderful suggestions for affordable alternatives and my fairly sophisticated design sense was enhanced by his caring patience.
If I have any complaints it would be his obsessive attention to detail which made what I thought would be a rapidly finished situation into a longer production, and via mature judgement ultimately improving upon the details. But I had more time than money and he took the time required to get it right. Also, as subcontractors can be notorious for prioritizing their own agendas, which may deviate from project to project, Jaimie was challenged to manage this phenomenon without losing too much time. Note: one must be careful to avoid becoming spoiled by the tremendous attention Jaimie offers to clients. There is never any doubt as to if your opinion matters....
Overall, I received so much more than I dared to expect. Jaimie was refreshingly light-hearted and supervises his crew with humor and gentle expertise. (He was unfailingly courteous and considerate of my neighbors, timing loud work to mid-day hours; accomodating the outside work area to a wheelchair-bound neighbor as she navigated the courtyard on her way to a Palm Springs outing. I even observed him offering to carry a neighbor's parcels upstairs!) I am absolutely delighted with the outcome and offer Blue Sky Remodeling the highest praise. Oh, and please enjoy his awesome playlist! read more