Are you my general contractor?

No. We do not act as your general contractor.
You remain the Owner-Builder of Record, which gives you direct control over decisions, contracts, and costs. Our role is to serve as your strategic advisor and coach—bringing decades of construction experience to guide you through planning, budgeting, scheduling, and execution so you can act with confidence and avoid costly missteps.

Do you pull permits or hire subcontractos?

Permits and subcontractor agreements are executed by you, as the owner-builder.
That said, we provide clear, step-by-step guidance on how to properly pull permits, evaluate subcontractors, structure scopes of work, and manage contracts so the process is handled correctly and professionally—without guesswork.

How much money can I realistically save by using your system?

On most residential remodels, general contractors apply 20–25% in overhead and profit.
By acting as your own GC—with Lumelle's guidance—you retain that margin. Our role is to help ensure those savings are not lost to common errors such as poor scope definition, change order abuse, scheduling gaps, or rework. Well-executed projects preserve savings while maintaining quality and accountability.

What if my project runs into trouble?

Construction issues are not unusual—Challenges exist because every home project deserves the best work - what matters is how the issues are addressed.
We act as your sounding board and safety net, offering on-call coaching sessions to help diagnose issues, evaluate options, and determine the most prudent path forward. The goal is not panic or reaction, but measured, informed decision-making grounded in experience.

Is this service only available for kitchen remodels?

No. While kitchens are often the starting point, our coaching applies to a wide range of residential projects, including bathrooms, additions, whole-home remodels, and ADUs. The principles of proper planning, cost control, and execution remain the same across project types.

Who makes the final decisions on my project?

You do.
We provide insight, options, and professional perspective, but all final decisions remain with you as the owner-builder. This ensures transparency, accountability, and alignment with your priorities.

Is this approach suitable for first-time remodelers?

Yes—provided you are willing to be organized and engaged.
Many of our clients are undertaking their first major remodel. Our role is to replace uncertainty with structure, helping you understand what to do, when to do it, and why it matters.

What if I don’t have time to manage day-to-day details?

Owner-building does not mean doing everything yourself.
It means understanding the process well enough to make informed decisions. We help you focus on the critical checkpoints that matter most, rather than getting lost in minutiae.

How is this different from hiring a general contractor?

A general contractor manages the project for you—and charges accordingly.
Our approach prioritizes education, transparency, and cost control, empowering you to retain ownership of the process while benefiting from professional guidance shaped by decades in the field.

Is this legal in California?

Yes. California allows homeowners to act as owner-builders on their own primary residences, provided they follow permitting and labor regulations. We help you understand these responsibilities so your project remains compliant.