What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
Our pricing reflects not just the current market rates for materials and labor, but the value of best-practice workmanship, careful project management, and ongoing industry expertise. As a licensed general contractor, we invest time and resources into staying up to date on building codes, new materials, and advanced construction methods. This allows us to deliver work that meets a higher standard—and lasts longer.
We don’t offer gimmicky discounts, but we do offer transparent, detailed estimates and clear communication at every stage to ensure our clients understand where their investment is going.
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
Here’s what to expect when starting a project with Devco:
1. Client Intake Form
All new clients complete a short intake form. This confirms your contact info, project address, and whether you’re authorized to approve work at the site.
2. Identity & Property Verification
To move forward, we’ll need:
A valid government-issued photo ID
Proof of ownership (e.g., property tax bill or deed)
If you’re not the owner: a signed authorization letter from the property owner
3. Verification Call
We schedule a brief Zoom or FaceTime call to:
Review the scope of work
Confirm site details
Align on expectations
This step helps us prevent miscommunication and keep your project on track.
4. Contract & Payment Terms
Once verified, we’ll send a short-form contract.
We accept cashier’s checks or wire transfers only for secure and traceable payments
Mailed payments must include tracking confirmation
5. BuilderTrend Access
Once the deposit clears, we’ll onboard you into BuilderTrend, our project management system.
There you can:
View daily logs and photos
Track project progress
Communicate directly with our team
Why do we do this?
This onboarding process protects your investment, confirms legal authorization, and ensures we can focus on delivering your project efficiently and professionally.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I bring a diverse background in construction and project management, starting with hands-on training as a set carpenter for film and theater. I hold certifications in corrosion control from the U.S. Navy and earned a certificate in Construction Business Management, along with an AAS in Computer Graphics. I've completed coursework and testing for California’s CSLB Class B General Contractor license and continue to stay current through ongoing, self-directed education in construction and business software. My approach is grounded in both real-world experience and continuous learning.
How did you get started doing this type of work?
I got my start building sets for TV shows and commercials after high school at MacAteer School of the Arts and a brief tour in the Navy. As the Bay Area’s film industry shifted in the mid-90s, I moved into custom trade show builds during the dot-com boom while earning my AAS in computer graphics. When those markets dried up in the early 2000s, I pivoted by earning my contractor’s license and launching a custom finish carpentry business in 2002. Over time, I transitioned into full-scale remodeling and construction management. What’s kept me going is the constant challenge—every project gives me the opportunity to blend design, craftsmanship, and problem-solving in a way that never gets old.
What types of customers have you worked with?
We work with a wide range of residential and commercial clients. On the residential side, we regularly serve homeowners and real estate agents looking to enhance property value or complete remodels. Commercial clients include office spaces, healthcare facilities, multi-unit dwellings, retail storefronts, and restaurants—each with unique needs and timelines we’re experienced in managing.
Describe a recent project you are fond of. How long did it take?
One project I’m especially proud of was the largest private seismic retrofit ever completed in the city of Berkeley. The job involved a 100+ year-old mixed-use building with ground-floor retail and 20 occupied residential units above. Despite the complexity and challenges—working through the pandemic, navigating constant design revisions, and uncovering hidden conditions—we completed the project over two and a half years without displacing residents. The client was thrilled, especially since the upper floors remained occupied and revenue-generating throughout. It was a major milestone for Devco and a turning point in our growth as a company.
What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a provider in your area of work?
For higher-end or complex projects, look for a contractor who thinks like a partner, not just a builder. You want someone who brings more than tools—someone who understands how to manage timelines, design intent, permitting, and the unexpected challenges that come with intricate builds. Prioritize clear communication, transparency around costs, and a proven track record in environments like yours.
At Devco, we specialize in navigating complexity—from multi-phase renovations to occupied-unit construction—with a focus on professionalism, discretion, and long-term value. We treat every project as a collaboration, ensuring the end result is not only functional but refined.
What questions should customers think through before talking to professionals about their project?
Before reaching out to a contractor, it helps to think through a few key questions:
- What are your goals for the space—functionally, aesthetically, and financially?
- What is your ideal timeline, and what level of disruption can you tolerate during the project?
- Are there decision-makers other than yourself, and how will approvals be handled?
- Do you have a realistic budget range in mind—even a rough one?
Having clarity on these points helps professionals provide more accurate guidance early on.
At Devco, we find that well-prepared clients get more value from our first conversation—and that sets the tone for a smoother, more collaborative project overall.