Client News

Boston Brick and Stone Offers Free Brick Restoration Evaluation

Advises Homeowners on Best Processes to Repair and Fix Driveways

LOS ANGELES-Boston Brick and Stone, a Southern California leader in chimney inspections, chimney brick repair, brick restoration, and hardscape specialists today announced it will provide free driveway evaluations for homeowners in the Greater Los Angeles area.

The evaluation emphasizes getting the exact design the client has in mind. The company works out the best solution and options for the finish materials. The goal is to create a driveway that is aesthetically pleasing, fully functional and will last for decades.

The company’s experienced evaluators advise in conjunction with the homeowners on the best design for their driveway. Boston Brick & Stone offers driveways in a number of different styles and materials. These includes concrete, brick, concrete with brick accents, natural stone, stamped and or colored concrete, segmented concrete with grass or gravel, and pavingstones. Their driveways are constructed well beyond the industry standards to insure a maximum lifetime of usefulness.

“Our unique solutions and attention to detail separate us from other contractors.” says Dave Laverdiere, owner of Boston Brick and Stone. “We use the same attention to detail for brick chimney repair and hardscape projects to produce this highly technical work, which can be difficult to correct if not done properly the first time.”

Founded in 1993 by Don Hall and now owned by Dave Laverdiere, Boston Brick & Stone is a business that has become a trusted name in chimney inspections and hardscape amongst Southern California homeowners and real estate agents. The company has been a featured contractor on HGTV’s “Landscaper’s Challenge” and on “Backyard Brigade.”

Located in Pasadena, Boston Brick & Stone serves all communities in Los Angeles County. For more information about Boston Brick and Stone, call 866-612-6786 (Toll-Free) or 626-296-7700 (Local). You can also visit the company’s website at www.bostonbrick.com. Masonry License (C-29); General Builder (B) #783578.

 

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Julian Construction Launches Homeowner Earthquake-Ready Campaign

Company Says Education Key to Preventing Injuries and Damage

LOS ANGELES – Julian Construction, a Los Angeles based construction company that specializes in foundation repair and construction, today announced the launch of an educational campaign to help homeowners prevent earthquake injury and damage. The new initiative will include a series of articles on the company’s blog that focus on how to increase a home’s resistance to earthquakes, along with foundation inspections at no charge.

“The recent 5.7 earthquake in Southern California was followed by more than a dozen smaller quakes. It’s a good example of the type of on-going seismic activity we get in this region,” says Julian De La Torre, founder of Julian Construction. “Homeowners need to know how to keep themselves and their family safe during an earthquake by reducing the risk of structural failure.”

The company’s free foundation inspection checks foundation integrity, including poor construction, improperly done repairs, settling, shifting, bowing, cracks and other damage that can cause a house to slip off of its foundation during a quake. The inspection will also check for proper earthquake retrofitting, also known as house bolting, having been done.

Julian Construction is a Southern California leader in building retrofitting and foundation repair. Founder and retrofit expert Julian De La Torre, along with his partner Shawn Kyles, an expert in foundation repair and house bolting, have retrofitted more than 6,600 homes, apartments and commercial properties since the early 1990s.

The company, which is dedicated to building preservation and security, offers a wide variety of services designed to address individual structural needs. Julian Construction’s “no middlemen” (no salesmen, no subcontractors) business model, insures high quality work at affordable prices. They can be contacted by phone at 323 733-3377, by fax at 323 733-4477 or via their website, www.julianconstruction.com.

Julian Construction Helps Mobile Home Owners Qualify for FHA Financing

Company’s Mobile Home Foundation Service Helps HUD Compliance

LOS ANGELES – Julian Construction, a Los Angeles based construction company that specializes in foundation repair and construction, today announced that its Mobile Home Foundation Service helps existing and new manufactured home owners qualify for Federal Housing Administration (FHA) financing. The service, which includes installation of concrete footers, slabs and skirts, ensures mobile home foundations meet FHA mortgage program criteria.

“Without FHA financing, it can be difficult for mobile home owners to get low interest home loans,” says Julian De La Torre, founder of Julian Construction. “Our foundations help manufactured home owners qualify for the FHA mortgage program. Plus our service makes a mobile home more safe in the event of a major earthquake.”

FHA mortgage program eligibility criteria is based on Housing and Urban Development (HUD) mobile home foundation and installation standards.

Julian Construction is a Southern California leader in building retrofitting and foundation repair. Founder and retrofit expert Julian De La Torre, along with his partner Shawn Kyles, an expert in foundation repair and house bolting, have retrofitted more than 6,600 homes, apartments and commercial properties since the early 1990s.

The company, which is dedicated to building preservation and security, offers a wide variety of services designed to address individual structural needs. Julian Construction’s “no middlemen” (no salesmen, no subcontractors) business model, insures high quality work at affordable prices. They can be contacted by phone at 323 733-3377, by fax at 323 733-4477 or via their website, www.julianconstruction.com.

Home Foundation Contractor Gives No-Cost Foundation Inspections

Julian Construction Does Home Foundations Inspections at No Charge to Check for Damage Due to Fires, Heavy Rains, & Earthquakes

LOS ANGELES – Julian Construction, a Los Angeles based construction company that specializes in foundation repair and construction, is helping homeowners take preparedness measures for potential landslides and earthquakes by giving free home foundation inspections.

“The harsh temperature changes, heavy rainfall, and fires this past year have potentially affected foundation integrity in regions all over Southern California,” says Julian De La Torre, founder of Julian Construction, foundation contractors. “We want to ensure home properties are safe after environmental situations like this.”

A lot of people had to evacuate their homes because of the fires and subsequent rains. These people may have experienced relief when their tribulation was over, however Julian said, “Now they face a new danger, which is the potential instability of a home foundation which often arises from those circumstances.”

According to Julian, changes in hydrology and temperature can soften the soil and liquefy it, potentially causing problems with the integrity of the foundation. Even when it was deemed safe to return or remain home, the stability of a property’s foundation is unknown and should be tested.

Julian De La Torre and his partner Shawn Kyles have been retrofitting homes in Southern California since the early 1990s, and they work with both engineering firms and local departments of building and safety. As experts in foundation repair, Julian Construction is giving home foundation inspections at no charge. For those who need repair or retrofit, the company offers 0% financing.

Julian De La Torre has been doing earthquake retrofitting since the early 1990s and has personally worked on over 6,600 homes in Southern California. With this unmatched experience in the substructure areas of a home, Mr. De La Torre formed Julian Construction in 2001 with the goal of making safer homes, apartments and commercial properties throughout Southern California. His partner Shawn Kyles has inspected over 15,000 structures, working with both engineering firms and local departments of building and safety, and is an expert in foundation repair and house bolting. Julian Construction owns its own company and is built on a “no middlemen” model - no salesmen, no subcontractors. When you work with Julian Construction you get the principals of the company and workers of Julian Construction under your home. The result is the highest quality work at affordable prices. They can be contacted by phone at 323 733-3377, by fax at 323 733-4477 or via their website, www.julianconstruction.com.

So. California’s Rainfall Good News for Reservoirs – but How About Your Home’s Foundation?

Julian Construction Warns that Undetected Drainage Problems Can Damage Home Foundations

Founder of Julian Construction (www.julianconstruction.com), Julian De La Torre, knows we need the rain after several years of drought. “We have exceeded the annual rainfall average in Los Angeles two and half months early. That is good news for the Southland overall, but we are seeing more and more instances on home foundations damaged by water.” Julian said. “Exposure to water accumulation and soil erosion can weaken foundations and cause problems.”

Annual rainfall, measured from July 1 in one year to June 30^th of the next, is about 15 inches for Los Angeles. So far this year we have had more than 16 inches and we may get still more before the end of the 2009 – 2010 season on July 30^th. Water accumulation can damage the concrete in foundations and can erode the soil on which footings rest. Homes built on slabs can be adversely affected in the same way.

“Don’t wait until your doors and windows won’t close or your house begins to tilt.” Julian continued. “Just get your home foundation inspected. Foundations are not a part of the home where damage makes itself immediately obvious to the average person so it makes sense to bring in experts. Especially when the inspection is free.”

Julian Construction is offering an inspection of your home’s foundation at no charge. For those who need to finance any needed repair or retrofit, Julian Construction offers 0% financing.

Julian De La Torre has been retrofitting since the early 1990s and has personally worked on over 6,600 homes in Southern California. With this unmatched experience in the substructure areas of a home, Mr. De La Torre formed Julian Construction in 2001 with the goal of making safer homes, apartments and commercial properties throughout Southern California. His partner Shawn Kyles has inspected over 15,000 structures, working with both engineering firms and local departments of building and safety, and is an expert in foundation repair and house bolting. Julian Construction owns its own company and is built on a “no middlemen” model - no salesmen, no subcontractors. When you work with Julian Construction you get the principals of the company and workers of Julian Construction under your home. The result is the highest quality work at affordable prices. They can be contacted by phone at 323 733-3377, by fax at 323 733-4477 or via their website, www.julianconstruction.com.

Earthquakes in the News – Has Earth Become More Unstable in 2010?

Julian Construction Checks the Records to See Whether Earthquake Frequency and Magnitude Are on the Rise

Founder of Julian Construction (www.julianconstruction.com), Julian De La Torre, could not help but notice that major earthquakes seemed to be in the news almost weekly. “Haiti, Chile, Baja California, China – all 7.0 or greater and all within the first 3 months of 2010.” Julian said. “Given the nature of our business, I wanted to know what this might be telling us and whether the planet was experiencing an unusually high number of earthquakes.” So he looked it up.

The U.S. Geological Survey tracks earthquake activity around the world. It turns out there is a great deal more activity than generally thought - about 50 earthquakes are recorded every day. The yearly average is 17 major earthquakes (7.0 to 7.9) and one that will be measured at 8.0 or higher. So, at least so far, this year’s activity is not out of line with the past and the data is not showing any increase in seismic events. This year’s earthquakes are striking populated areas, causing tremendous damage and generating headlines, but neither the frequency nor the magnitude are unusual.

“What this year’s earthquake news is telling us is not that the world is ending, but simply ‘Be prepared’.” Julian continued. “The location and timing of earthquakes is not subject to prediction with current technology, so good preparation is the best defense.”

Julian Construction is offering an inspection of your home’s foundation at no charge. For those who need to finance any needed repair or retrofit, Julian Construction offers 0% financing.

Julian De La Torre has been retrofitting since the early 1990s and has personally worked on over 6,600 homes in Southern California. With this unmatched experience in the substructure areas of a home, Mr. De La Torre formed Julian Construction in 2001 with the goal of making safer homes, apartments and commercial properties throughout Southern California. His partner Shawn Kyles has inspected over 15,000 structures, working with both engineering firms and local departments of building and safety, and is an expert in foundation repair and house bolting. Julian Construction owns its own company and is built on a “no middlemen” model - no salesmen, no subcontractors. When you work with Julian Construction you get the principals of the company and workers of Julian Construction under your home. The result is the highest quality work at affordable prices. They can be contacted by phone at 323 733-3377, by fax at 323 733-4477 or via their website, www.julianconstruction.com.

Comparison of Earthquakes in Chile and Haiti Shows Value of Preparation

Julian Construction Points to Building Codes as a Key Factor that Minimized Tragedy in Chile and Devastated Haiti.

Founder of Julian Construction (www.julianconstruction.com), Julian De La Torre, was stunned by the vastly different outcomes of the two natural disasters. “Chile’s earthquake was 500 times more powerful than Haiti’s, yet less than 1000 people died compared to more than 220,000 in Haiti.” De La Torre said. “Chile is used to earthquakes and has experienced huge events within the last 50 years, resulting in rigorous building codes that kept most buildings from collapse. Haiti’s last big earthquake was 250 years ago and it is reported there are no building codes there at all. Experience and preparation made an enormous difference.”

Chile’s quake was also centered deeper and further away from population areas, both favorable factors for survival of both people and architecture. Chile’s emergency services have been in place and were in evidence at once – this kind of natural disaster was not new to them. Haiti, the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, had no planning in place.

“California also has good building codes designed to prevent building collapse and minimize damage from earthquakes.” Julian continued. “But much of our housing stock and a considerable number of commercial buildings predate these codes and so are at risk. The anchoring of the structure to the foundations of the building is a common area of vulnerability. It is also our area of expertise.”

Julian Construction is offering an inspection of your home’s foundation at no charge. For those who need to finance any needed repair or retrofit, Julian Construction offers 0% financing.

Julian De La Torre has been retrofitting since the early 1990s and has personally worked on over 6,600 homes in Southern California. With this unmatched experience in the substructure areas of a home, Mr. De La Torre formed Julian Construction in 2001 with the goal of making safer homes, apartments and commercial properties throughout Southern California. His partner Shawn Kyles has inspected over 15,000 structures, working with both engineering firms and local departments of building and safety, and is an expert in foundation repair and house bolting. Julian Construction owns its own company and is built on a “no middlemen” model - no salesmen, no subcontractors. When you work with Julian Construction you get the principals of the company and workers of Julian Construction under your home. The result is the highest quality work at affordable prices. They can be contacted by phone at 323 733-3377, by fax at 323 733-4477 or via their website, www.julianconstruction.com.

Pico Rivera 4.4. Magnitude Earthquake Prompts Offer of Free Foundation Inspection

Julian Construction Wants Southern California’s Homeowners to be Prepared for the Next One

LOS ANGELES: Founder of Julian Construction (www.julianconstruction.com), Julian De La Torre, breathed a sigh of relief when this week’s earthquake, centered near Pico Rivera eleven miles east of Los Angeles civic center, turned out to be minor, resulting in little damage. “It is a wake-up call for home owners and property managers who are not certain of the strength of their foundations.” Julian said. “We live on top of an active seismic area and the time to prepare is before the earth starts shaking the next time.”

Areas of concern include the security of the attachment of a building to its foundations and how well the floors are tied down. Julian Construction will inspect at no charge. “Chile was so much better prepared than Haiti for earthquakes, resulting in far less damage and loss of life. The next earthquake may not be only a 4.4 so I urge you to get an inspection so that you can be prepared,” Julian stated.

Julian Construction also offers 0% financing for those who need to finance their any needed repair or retrofit. 

Julian De La Torre has been doing earthquake retrofitting and foundation repair since the early 1990s and has personally worked on over 6,600 homes in Southern California. With this unmatched experience in the substructure areas of a home, Julian formed Julian Construction in 2001 with the goal of making safer homes, apartments and commercial properties throughout Southern California. His partner Shawn Kyles has inspected over 15,000 structures, working with both engineering firms and local departments of building and safety, and is an expert in foundation repair and house bolting. Julian Construction owns its own company and is built on a “no middlemen” model - no salesmen, no subcontractors. When you work with Julian Construction you get the principals of the company and workers of Julian Construction under your home. The result is the highest quality work at affordable prices. They can be contacted by phone at 323 733-3377, by fax at 323 733-4477 or via their website, www.julianconstruction.com.

What is “El Nino” and What Does it Have to Do with the Foundation of your House?

Julian Construction Warns Homeowners That This Year’s El Nino May Affect Home Foundations

LOS ANGELES: Founder of Julian Construction (www.julianconstruction.com), Julian De La Torre, warns homeowners that this year’s El Nino condition appears to be particularly severe and the foundations of many homes may suffer. “El Nino is a condition characterized by warming of Pacific Ocean in the vicinity of the equator.” De La Torre said. “It causes predictable changes in weather patterns around the world. Here in California, it generates heavier than normal rainfall. We have been seeing that in 2010 and El Nino is not done with us yet. We have been through the aftermath of several El Nino conditions in past years and we know exactly what needs to be done. ”

Saturation of the ground around houses and poor drainage can damage foundations or worsen pre-existing damage. “This El Nino appears to be a powerful one with the capacity of bringing rain repetitively, giving the ground no chance to dry out.” De La Torre said.

For this reason Julian Construction is offering free foundation inspections for those who want an expert review of the strength of their home foundations and any drainage issues that may effect these foundations. “We also provide 0% financing for those who need to finance their any needed repair or retrofit.” De La Torre noted.

Julian De La Torre has been retrofitting since the early 1990s and has personally worked on over 6,600 homes in Southern California. With this unmatched experience in the substructure areas of a home, Mr. De La Torre formed Julian Construction in 2001 with the goal of making safer homes, apartments and commercial properties throughout Southern California. His partner Shawn Kyles has inspected over 15,000 structures, working with both engineering firms and local departments of building and safety, and is an expert in foundation repair and house bolting. Julian Construction owns its own company and is built on a “no middlemen” model - no salesmen, no subcontractors. When you work with Julian Construction you get the principals of the company and workers of Julian Construction under your home.  The result is the highest quality work at affordable prices. They can be contacted by phone at 323 733-3377, by fax at 323 733-4477 or via their website, www.julianconstruction.com.

Julian Construction Urges Homeowners to Commemorate Anniversary of Northridge with Foundation Inspection

Company Urges Homeowners to Commemortate 16th Anniversary of Northridge Earthquake by Getting More Prepared for Next Big Shake

LOS ANGELES: Julian Construction (www.julianconstruction.com), a construction company in the Los Angeles area that specializes in foundation repair, is urging LA area homeowners to get a foundation inspection to commemorate the 16th anniversary of the Northridge earthquake, which just passed on January 17th.  

Julian Construction founder Julian De La Torre stated “On January 17, 1994, the devastating Northridge earthquake struck the city of Los Angeles.  At 6.7 on the Richter scale, the earthquake destroyed thousands of homes, caused 75 deaths and over 9,000 injuries. Nearly $20 billion dollars were estimated in damages to the city, including apartment buildings which were split into two, collapsed homes, broken sidewalks and driveways, and many other serious ramifications in several neighboring cities. In California, earthquakes pose a constant threat, essentially since much of California resides on an active fault. Therefore, in order to ensure the safety of your home, loved ones, and precious belongings, it is imperative to reinforce your structures, a sort of ‘earthquake proofing’ insurance. That’s why we are urging people to get a free inspection of their home foundation, to see if any steps are needed to prepare your home for the next big quake. Since your home is probably your biggest investment, it makes good sense to protect it.”

Julian De La Torre has been doing earthquake retrofitting since the early 1990s and has personally worked on over 6,600 homes in Southern California. With this unmatched experience in the substructure areas of a home, Julian formed Julian Construction in 2001 with the goal of making safer homes, apartments and commercial properties throughout Southern California.

His partner Shawn Kyles has inspected over 15,000 structures, working with both engineering firms and local departments of building and safety, and is an expert in foundation repair and house bolting. Julian Construction owns its own company and is built on a “no middlemen” model - no salesmen, no subcontractors. When you work with Julian Construction you get the principals of the company and workers of Julian Construction under your home.  The result is the highest quality work at affordable prices. They can be contacted by phone at 323 733-3377, by fax at 323 733-4477 or via their website, www.julianconstruction.com.