July 1, 2024 I met Cade Bell in 2014, shortly after assuming leadership of our small, 15-unit condo complex. We were in bad shape. Our first problem was that all the stairway landings and supports were obviously unsafe. I did my due diligence by interviewing several contractors. I called Cade because of a referral, made by a friend. Cade was easy to communicate with and we soon found ourselves coming up with a plan to renovate. The nature of the deterioration called for a "Time and Materials" approach. There was no way he could guess conditions for an equitable bid, once he started to open enclosed spaces in the landings. During the process, Cade could see trouble brewing throughout our complex. There was dry rot evident in all the wooden window fascia, especially on the sunward side. Cade offered to be a permanently available contractor for our future needs. I enthusiastically accepted his offer, and it has continued to benefit us greatly. Cade restored our landings and made structural improvements to the decks and stanchions-all while conferring with me to discuss the context of his suggestions and to get my sign off to proceed. Cade did all the legwork in obtaining permits, inspections and obtaining materials during the process. I developed supreme confidence in him as he worked steadily to complete the job and efficiently to keep the 'time and materials' aspect reasonable. Payments were made to him in installments, as the work progressed. That was a satisfactory arrangement for both parties. Cade soon finished that project, and we settled final payment. We could not readily proceed with other, much-needed projects at that time. Money was the issue. Our HOA agreed to an increase in dues to better prepare our savings for the next phase-renovating our wood fascia and upgrading windows. It took a few years, but we finally called Cade back to have a look at that next phase. He scheduled a start date with me. We still couldn't go all in. Our finances still wouldn't allow it. We have two buildings here. All we could do was the sunward side of one building. It involved six sections of fascia with sixteen windows. Cade brought in a crew to work more efficiently and with speed. Cade consulted with me many times before proceeding with solving particular problems. And I got an education! There was so much to consider. Soon, that portion of the work was completed. Cade did a wonderful job, preserving and beautifying our homes. Neighbors began demanding to know when his work would benefit there homes too. Again, Cade did all the afore-mentioned legwork. He made my life easy. Another couple of years passed. Cade and I reconnected, and he began phase two of the fascia/window renovation. It was as if we never paused. He got a crew together and got to work. Cade repeated his masterful work of seeing the job done while continuing to confer with me. This also involved six sections of fascia and sixteen windows, as before. My relationship with Cade had turned from professional to a professional friendship. We had gained each other's trust then admiration. Other costs to maintain our property sprung up. So, it took a while longer to properly save for Cade's next phase. You see, he had already pointed out trouble spots of dry rot and termite damage in other areas of our buildings. We both knew he would be back. Eventually, our Association found financial space to resume. I called Cade. He responded promptly that he was coincidentally free to begin any time. This phase involved only eight windows with four fascia sections. We had experienced substantial termite damage and had fumigated our buildings. I was concerned the structure would need a lot of work. Therefore, I limited the scope of Cade's work. However, the damage was lighter than we feared, and work proceeded quickly. Cade could not assemble a crew this time, so I volunteered as a yard man, available to help in any way an amateur could. During this phase, he taught me many things. My confidence and strength improved and my relationship with Cade has become a blossoming friendship. As before, Cade did everything he could to take concern out of my equation. I was free to worry about my other problems and scheduling because Cade was going to see this through. Upon completing this phase, Cade, as before, had a detailed look around the buildings for problems that will need to be resolved soon. We came up with a list that he helped edit for presentation to the HOA as we save for the next renovation. I deal with many vendors and contractors in my job as President of our HOA. I've been at it more than 10 years now. I do so because I love my home and am loathed to leave its preservation in less caring hands. I am also loathed to ever lose Cade as a resource to achieve that goal. Mark Scofield President, Westbrook Owners Association read more

Terrible. did not give good service at all. texted a 2 days later about my experience did not listen to me at all. not worth your money if I can give 0 stars I would. read more

I represent a small condominium association. Cade has come to work for us three times over the past seven years. We hired him the first time, being recommended by an old friend who happens to be a real estate agent who used him often. He rebuilt our four stairway landings. He and his crew did a great job, leaving us assured of safe and durable usage for the foreseeable future. Cade was asked to return to replace windows and renew wood fascia because of age and dry rot. We had to interrupt his work by asking for a pause while we saved more money. He anguished over our dilemma but we had no choice but to hold off. Eventually, we invited him to complete what we call phase one of our ongoing maintenance. He gladly resumed the work. He has also assured us he is available to do any future work needed. We expect to have him back-as our budget allows. The people he hires have always shown courtesy, while ensuring work-area safety for our community. They always take care to clean up and secure any hazardous objects after each day. We have many inquisitive children. He works with the County to ensure a proper and efficient permit process. His work ethic has gained respect with inspectors who come to see his progress and approve his work without any hassle. When Cade has spotted a weakness in original building designs he has consulted me and explained the ramifications. We always came to a quick and sensible decision based on safety first. Cade and I have developed a great friendship as we have worked together to make decisions regarding safety, quality and appearance. I quickly learned to trust him and feel he trusts me. read more

We've used Bell Built for several home projects. When our basement flooded, Bell Built repaired our foundation and installed a new French drain system. It's been several years and we've had no further water issues. When our fence blew over in the backyard, Bell Builders built a massive retaining wall and leveled out our yard, adding pavers and tons of usable space. When we needed a kitchen remodel and new flooring, we called Bell Built and are extremely happy with our upgrade. There is almost no part of our home that they haven't touched! Bell Built is reliable, knowledgeable, and craftsmanship is high quality. read more

As good as it gets, for big jobs, to smaller jobs. Bell builders (Cade, owner) has remodeled bathrooms for me (apt building here in Santa Cruz) a few years ago (c. 2008-9) which involved tearing out antique fiberglass shower units, new flooring and tiling etc and just recently for me personally replaced my vanity, faucet and floor (July 2013). Knowledgeable, professional and personable, reliable, ethical, fair, talented and determined and solution-oriented, this is the one to get in touch with! You will ALWAYS be in great hands if you decide for this business--he will let you know if there is wood rot before proceeding further! read more

I've used Bell Builders on numerous projects, large and small. I've always been more than happy with the results. Cade Bell is a talented, hard-working, ethical builder with so many skills and surprising strengths. Besides having all the needed construction abilities, he is a visionary thinker, constantly searching for new ideas and solutions. He seeks ways to save money for the customer, make the project more artistic, more space and energy efficient, more user-friendly. His suggestions have been invaluable to me. I trust him and his judgment completely and would recommend him as a first-rate go-to contractor! read more

I was moving into the old granny unit below my daughter's home and Cade Bell helped me see possibilities I'd never thought of. He took my worn-out studio and turned it into a loft-like haven with a state of the art kitchen and stunning bathroom. Every detail serves my needs and reflects who I am. Every aspect works, gives me joy and pleasure, and greatly enhances my life every day. New ideas, new ways of seeing things, and cost effectiveness are Cade's strength and my gain! read more

Great contractor, quality work, highly reliable. Cade Bell is an accomplished contractor and a creative problem solver. We were building a small rental unit in our home. The space was tight and challenging, with drainage slope issues and height limitations. Cade found great solutions for all of our challenges, creating a warm and charming space that wows everyone when they see it. All of his subcontractors were equally good to work with. Throughout the project he was dependable, easy to work with, and displayed good judgement. Most importantly, we now have a great apartment that came in on budget, on time, and without problems. What more could you ask for from a contractor? read more

Cade did an enclosed dining nook for us and it was done perfectly. He did everything from the frame-up to the sheetrock, to the wiring. We couldn't be happier with the results. The room looks great even after 4 years time. We highly recommend Bell Builders as a professional and efficient home contractor. read more

Cade did a great job remodeling our bathroom, and he was finished on time and on budget. That bathroom is so great, I hate to leave it! Anything that was over his estimate was because I made a mistake or we chose to upgrade at the last moment. Regarding thoroughness -- digging out the old shower floor, he noticed that the wood beam below the pan was damp. And that a gas pipe to the hot water heater was running underneath it. The underside of the pipe was solid, but rather than trust that, he went under the house and got into a position where he could inspect the top of the pipe, and (whoa!) the pipe was rusty to the point where it wouldn't have been long until a hole opened up -- a gas leak, difficult to discover and impossible to repair without ripping the shower apart again. A more rushed or less dedicated guy would have missed it. I'd hire him again in a heartbeat, and have recommended him highly to friends and neighbors. read more