Green Light

One of our best friends Shari made some calls and through a friend of hers we found TBG Construction. Her friend Bill has been working with contractors for over 20 years and he gave them an excellent recommendation. He gave Shari his word that these guys were legit. When our friend Shari says that Bill's word is solid, it's solid and we got to witness that.

We set up a meeting and not only did the TBG team, Jesse and Jehovany Barraza show up, but Bill (whom we had never met by the way) also showed up to make sure we were taken care of. What??? Amazing right? He took time off of work and from his day to accompany the guys and introduce himself.

We ran them through all that needed to get done: Repairing the back room, foundation work, shoring up the house, electrical, plumbing, A.C., and remodeling the bathroom and kitchen. It was a long list and we waited nervously to hear back from them. We prayed that they would come within our budget because after meeting them, we couldn't imagine working with anyone else.

When we heard back from them they sent us a very detailed bid outlining all the work that needed to be done and what the work would cost, etc. We couldn't believe it when we got to the bottom line and the price was staring back at us. It fell within our budget and not only are we able to get everything done that we need but, The Mister and I don’t have to do a single thing. They are taking care of everything. How cool is that? I won't have to fear for The Mister's safety anymore.

What really sold us on this particular team was that they understood that we wanted to keep the integrity of the home as much as possible. When we told them that it was ok if they tore through our floors to get our plumbing done, their response was, "Why would you want to tear your original hardwood floors out?" Don't have to tell me twice ladies and gentelmen, I'm Sold!! If you can find me a solution, instead of saying it can't be done, The Mister and I will always go to bat for you.

They were so excited to get to work on an old home and for you cynics that will say that anyone getting paid will act excited, this team is different. They knew more about that house than we did. We didn't fall in love with this bungalow to completely change it. All we wanted to do was enhance it and update it and they got it. They really, really , really got it.

The TBG team readily provided us with references, copies of their insurance, and license information before we could even ask. They even invited us to go and see all of their other sites they are currently working on including a huge school, before we decided to accept their bid. We couldn't believe that they would be working on OUR project. We have never been so thrilled to sign on a dotted line and hand over a check. Watch out, we are officially working with The Big Guns.

Los Angeles Salvage Yards

We might have one or two we are not ready to share yet... but here are some of our favorites:

Freeway Building Materials Located in Boyle Heights. Alejandro is the owner and he is awesome!! They have amazing doors, and anything else you may be looking for. Give them a call before you head out to see if they have what you are looking for. So much inventory they have two lots. Prices were good.

Santa Fe Wrecking Co. This place has great selection of tubs and sinks. They also sell bath tub hardware and can get you old and new hardware for your tub. We dealt with Jerry and he was instrumental in giving us tips to refinish our tub. Heads up, they are moving locations so call ahead.

Olde Good Things I think they are way overpriced but sometimes you can find a good deal there. They have pretty cool pieces that are for the avid collector. You won't be disappointed but your wallet may be.

Silver Lake Architectural Salvage Bruce is who you will meet. He's not warm and fuzzy, but don't take it the wrong way. What he is, is knowledgeable with a great eye, and always on the hunt. If you do find something you like, get it or it may not be there the next day. They just cleaned up and reorganized the place so everything is easy to find.

We will keep adding to this post when we come across some more we can share with you. Tell them you found them here.