We chose Talmadge Construction to do a remodel on our home in 2012, expanding two small bedrooms, adding a deck, and turning a tiny, awful little bathroom into a luxurious bathroom suite with universal design features and a walk-in closet. We had remodeled a previous home twice, and didn't want the stress & hassles we had experienced with other contractors. Interviewing some of Jeff's prior clients, we got a very positive impression, so we went ahead. We worked with Danielle on design & drawings, and with Jeff on construction decisions, so that almost every aspect of cost, layout, materials & finish was decided ahead of time. Jeff worked out a very detailed schedule before turning the job over to our job foreman Thayer, so that in the end there were very few plan changes or delays. Thayer kept the work going along steadily, and was on the site most of each day to deal with receiving materials or communicate with the subcontractors (and all their subs were pleasant & entirely professional). There were no last-minute crises: Thayer gave us plenty of notice if the water or power would be out, or if we would soon need to decide about placement of fixtures; he made sure the site was cleaned every single day; he was unfailingly cheerful, painstaking, and an excellent communicator. Because my husband worked from his home office throughout this 4-month job, it was essential that we could maintain the front of the house with a minimum of disruption, and amazingly that's just how it went. We wouldn't be happier with the results - our house now has lots of light, lots of space and storage, easy access to the back garden, closets that hold all our clothes, and a bathroom that feels like a spa retreat. It all happened right on schedule and on budget - we slipped maybe 5 days over the four-month original plan - and everything was finished up promptly, with none of that delay in wrapping up the last few items that we'd experienced in other remodels. We're happy to recommend Talmadge to anyone who wants their remodel carried out to a high standard, with great communications and no hassles. read more

I HIGHLY recommend calling Talmadge Construction if you have leaks or other signs of water intrusion in your home - even if you think it's just a minor issue. After a big storm our living room ceiling buckled under an upstairs deck, and we called Jeff Talmadge for advice. He met with us, looked at the deck and the leak, took some moisture readings, and spent several days preparing his recommendations, explaining how dealing with water intrusion can be tricky, and outlining an insightful plan to waterproof the entire upstairs deck to prevent any future leaks. That insight and thoughtful plan saved our home, as it turned out . . . we had extensive, serious dry rot not just in that upstairs deck but in about half the framing of our entire house. What began as a month-long deck repair became an 8-month long process of slowly peeling away the layers of the house and rebuilding it. To be honest, it was agonizing for us, but over the entire process every single person we dealt with at Talmadge Construction was empathetic to our problem and considerate of our personal/living space. Although the extent of the damage was as big a surprise to them as it was to us, they quickly fit us into their schedule, never left us wondering where our contractor disappeared to, and showing up or checking in with us daily - they were courteous, clean and careful, and left us feeling completely confident now that our home is a sound piece of construction. I've seen homes and kitchens that Talmadge Construction had designed and built and know they do lovely, quality work on what you can see in a home. But I've discovered it's really the bones of a home - the quality of the construction - that count for the most. After witnessing first-hand the expertise and care of the Talmadge crew I can honestly say that you can trust them completely with the integrity of your home. I only wish Talmadge Construction had been our original contractor - it would have saved us lots of anguish. read more

Jeff Talmadge and his team of professionals are the best builders in Santa Cruz. It is very challenging sometimes in Santa Cruz to find people who are reliable and who deliver what they promise. I can honestly say that after doing an extensive exterior home renovation with Talmadge Construction, they delivered 100% of what they promised and then some. Jeff is very clear in estimating exactly what a project will cost, keeping you up to date with progress and always communicating clearly and responsively. I got four estimates for my project. I knew Talmadge had a great reputation as well as being a certified green builder, so I was a little concerned that the Talmadge estimate would be higher and that I wouldn't be able to afford the level of quality Talmadge provides. But I was amazed - he was equal to or less than the other estimates I had received. I was thrilled to get Talmadge quality at a price i could afford. It has been two years since my project was completed, but this winter I had a concern about a small window leak and I called Jeff to ask about it. The next thing I knew, his project manager was ringing my doorbell to check it out, and he ended up solving the issue for me that day, with no charge for his trouble. (And the issue had nothing to do with the work that Talmadge had done). I have recommended Talmadge Construction to a number of friends and colleagues and everyone who has hired them has had the same good experience. It is rare these days for someone to be so committed to customer service. I felt that there was nothing Jeff and his crew wouldn't do to assure my satisfaction. When was the last time you could say that about someone with whom you've done business? read more

Be sure and call Talmadge - they are top-notch. I selected Talmadge Construction to do my home remodel and have been pleased at every step of the project. In addition to being a professional group who takes great pride in providing quality work and services, they embraced my vision for the house and made it happen. The challenge was to convert a very dated 1950s house in to a contemporary living home that called for an expansion, re-purposing rooms and a significant change in the floor plan flow. From our first meeting through to the final review, they were great to work with and I was never out of the loop. The pre-planning process was comprehensive and thorough. Budgeting was right on target. The Talmadge staff made seamless everything from expediting permits and designing a new kitchen to choosing doorknobs. The company's construction schedule documents were easy to understand and my project manager kept me updated every step of the way. As with everyone at Talmadge, the on-site crew are craftsmen dedicated to their tasks. They were always cordial and kept a clean tidy work site. As a bonus, the project ended two weeks early and the final walk-throughs and review were details and all encompassing. Thank you Talmadge. I am one happy homeowner. Contact Talmadge to see the before and after pictures. read more

I recommend Talmadge Construction wholeheartedly to anyone who needs help with their home. I first used Talmadge when my upstairs deck flooded. They quickly located the cause of the flood and fixed the problem. I was very impressed with their work and their people, they were on time, they were clear, and they were polite and friendly. I had a number of other problems but had not addressed them as I did not have confidence in other contractors. Over the next year, Talmadge rebuilt my pool equipment shed, replaced rotten wood and window panes and 256 windows. For the first time in the eight years I have lived in my house, built in 1984, my windows do not leak. The Talmadge team was creative and hard working. They were very clear about the cost and stayed on budget, no surprises! I would not consider using anyone else, I am delighted with the work I have had done by this fine company, a real Star! You cannot go wrong by hiring Talmadge Construction. read more

I had the pleasure of working for Jeff Talmadge for four years before starting my own company, and I can honestly say that time was foundational to my career. Jeff's leadership, patience, and commitment to quality left a lasting impression on me -- not just as a carpenter, but as a builder and business owner. Working under Jeff gave me the chance to sharpen my skills and learn what it means to lead with integrity and purpose. He's swift in his decision-making, thoughtful in his approach, and truly invested in the people around him. That kind of leadership sticks with you. Even a decade later, I look back on my time with Talmadge Construction with appreciation. Jeff is a great leader, mentor, and someone I continue to hold in high regard. If you're lucky enough to work with him or his team, you're in good hands. read more

Talmadge Construction recently completed a major remodel on our home in Monterey. I can't say strongly enough how happy we were with them, from the first time we met through to completion (and subsequent follow up) of the project. Their design build approach worked perfectly for busy people such as us - they held our hands and guided our decision making process every step of the way. They bill themselves as a company that treats clients (and everyone they work with) ethically and honestly, and we found this to be true. The quality of the work they and the subcontractors they selected did was excellent. In a business where horror stories abound, we are happy to say that our story was a happy one from beginning to end. Very highly recommended! read more

Talmadge Construction is the best! Jeff and his crew did a first rate job remodeling our house. They are professional,on time and leave a quality project behind. Even now, 10 years later, they are still checking in on us and making sure their work is holding up. Our house had a leak and John came out and checked it out for us as we were out of town. It is such a relief to know that someone you trust can take care of it all for you. I would recommend Talmadge Construction to anyone from a small job to a large job. They are worth it and so is your home. read more

As a kitchen and bath designer I have used Talmadge Construction with my clients. They are wonderful! The support staff is very professional and on task. They go out of their way to make the client comfortable and secure. They have always finished on time or early, once they even refunded my client money they did not use! Their attention to detail and customer satisfaction is perfect. The on-site project manager was in touch with the home owner or myself on a daily basis, just to check in! Thank You Talmadge. read more

Talmadge remodeled my bathroom with a goal of "aging in place." All design elements and products recommended by Jeff and Danielle are simply the best. The construction process was painless. Jeff Lindahl, the project manager, always kept me well informed and was very considerate. They clean up each day! They finished ahead of schedule. I highly recommend them. My finished bathroom is beautiful and functional. read more

Jeff Talmadge and his crew just finished our kitchen remodel. His staff and crew were outstanding in all phases including working with us to develop and implement our design ideas, detailed plans and schedules, problem solving and on-time and on-budget construction. We couldn't be more pleased with the results and highly recommend their work. read more

Thank you Talmadge team, Casey and Jeff, for doing a great job for our condominium complex. Your professionalism, timeliness and care is greatly appreciated. I highly recommend Talmadge Construction, specially to those in need of high-quality, cost-effective construction, repair or remodeling. Regards, Mark Tarighi Homeowner- Harbor Knolls read more

I have know Jeff Talmadge for almost 10 Years. He has a first class design and construction company that produces a very high standard of work. Jeff is a professional in every sense of the word, and I would not hesitate in recommending him. read more