Welcome and Services Overview

Thank you for considering Your Home Expert for your home repair, improvement, and consulting needs.

MY SERVICE

I provide experienced, hands-on home repair and handyman services for homeowners who value careful workmanship, practical solutions, and broad construction knowledge.

My work ranges from straightforward repairs and installations to more involved problems that require investigation and skills across several trades. I enjoy variety: adjusting a troublesome door, replacing a plumbing fixture, repairing damaged finishes, improving an awkward detail, researching the right product, or completing several smaller projects during one visit.

Although this type of work is commonly called handyman service, my approach is based on more than 35 years of construction experience. I look beyond the immediate symptom, consider how different parts of the home interact, and aim for solutions that are durable and appropriate.

A project does not need to be large or complicated to interest me. Many customers initially contact me about one or two concerns and later find additional repairs or improvements they would like addressed. I enjoy developing these ongoing relationships and becoming a trusted resource for the home.

As a solo operator, I focus on work that is a good fit for one experienced professional. I am not a full-scale remodeling company. Projects requiring permits or licensed specialty contractors may need to be completed by others, although I may be able to offer preliminary guidance and estimate review.

Because every project is different, please contact me with a brief description and a few photographs to determine whether it may be a good fit.

TYPICAL HANDS-ON SERVICES

• Door, window, lock, and hardware adjustments and repairs
• Finish carpentry, trim, shelving, and interior woodwork
• Minor plumbing repairs and plumbing fixture replacement
• Appliance and household fixture installation
• Localized tile, grout, wall, ceiling, and finish repairs
• Troubleshooting leaks, damage, and unclear existing conditions
• Focused exterior maintenance and wood repairs
• Weatherstripping and draft-reduction improvements
• Cabinet, drawer, hinge, and hardware adjustments
• Bathroom and kitchen repairs and focused improvements
• Product research and replacement recommendations
• Collections of smaller repairs and improvements
• Correcting or completing previous repair work
• Second opinions on proposed repairs or improvements

This is only a general overview. Whether I can take on a project depends on its scope, access, working conditions, permit requirements, and applicable licensing limitations.

PRELIMINARY GUIDANCE AND ESTIMATE REVIEW

When work will be completed by a licensed contractor, I can help you better understand the existing situation and evaluate your options before making a commitment.

This may include reviewing visible conditions, discussing your needs and priorities, offering preliminary feedback, and identifying questions that should be answered. Additional advice from an architect, engineer, licensed contractor, or specialty trade may still be needed.

Contractor estimates can be difficult to compare because they often include different materials, specifications, assumptions, and exclusions. A lower estimate may not include the same work as a higher one.

I can review estimates with you and help identify differences in:

• Scope of work
• Materials and product specifications
• Included and excluded items
• Assumptions and allowances
• Warranties and expected durability
• Price, practicality, and overall value

I can also help you prepare questions to ask the contractors.

You remain responsible for selecting, hiring, communicating with, scheduling, supervising, and paying each contractor directly. I do not manage contractors or communicate with them on your behalf.

A careful review can reveal missing details, differing assumptions, and potential misunderstandings before a contract is signed or work begins.

ABOUT ME

I began my career in Germany with a 3½-year apprenticeship in custom cabinetry. After moving to California, I co-founded BAUwerk Inc. – Design & Build in Berkeley and spent more than two decades working in residential construction, repairs, improvements, and property development.

I later co-owned and operated a restaurant with my wife for 13 years. That experience further strengthened my skills in organization, purchasing, cost control, customer service, and everyday problem-solving.

After selling the restaurant in 2024, I returned to hands-on construction work and established Your Home Expert.

Working independently allows me to give each project personal attention. I enjoy troubleshooting, researching materials, working with my hands, and finding practical solutions that fit the situation.

What I value most is earning homeowners’ trust and helping them get things repaired, improved, or simply done correctly.

HOW I WORK

• Working Hours: Tuesday through Saturday, approximately 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM.
• Initial Contact: Please begin by emailing a brief description of the work and, when possible, several photographs. This helps me determine whether the project appears to be a reasonable fit before arranging a visit.
• Introductory Visit: For new customers, I may begin with a brief, no-charge introductory visit. Its purpose is to meet, discuss the general scope, and decide whether the work is a good match. This informal visit does not include detailed investigation, photographs, measurements, product research, or written recommendations.
• Assessment and Preparation: Some projects require time to investigate conditions, take measurements and photographs, research products, determine feasibility, or prepare a task and material list. This is part of the professional service and is billed as working time.
• Scheduling: My schedule is often booked well in advance. Smaller projects that can be completed in one visit may occasionally fit into the schedule sooner, but availability cannot be guaranteed. Please mention any firm deadline when contacting me.
• Time Recording: Working time is recorded digitally and usually begins upon arrival at the property. Depending on the project, it may also begin at my Emeryville workshop or at a supplier when project-specific tools or materials must be prepared or collected.

PRICING AND INVOICING

• Initial Minimum: The minimum charge is $240 and includes up to the first two hours of working time. Additional time is billed at $85 per hour. Emergency or off-hours visits are subject to the same minimum.
• Materials: A 15% markup applies to materials purchased through my business accounts, such as hardware, lumber, fasteners, paint, and general construction supplies.
• Specialty Products: Larger or specialty products—including appliances, plumbing fixtures, lighting, and tile—are normally purchased directly by the customer with my guidance.
• Purchasing Time: Time spent researching, locating, ordering, collecting, returning, or transporting project materials is billed as working time.
• Invoicing: No advance payment is normally requested. Invoices are sent by email and include detailed time records and receipts for reimbursable purchases when applicable.

I look forward to helping you repair, improve, and better understand your home.

Contact

Service area includes West Berkeley and surrounding areas within approximately a 30-minute drive.