Diamond Certified Company Report

Willow Creek Construction

Name: Willow Creek Construction
Address: US
Telephone: (925) 201-6116
Rating: 9.4

(925) 201-6116

(510) 394-5988

Contact

Diamond Certified Company Report

Willow Creek Construction

(925) 201-6116 | (510) 394-5988

Contact

Diamond certified ratings dashboard

CUSTOMER SATISFACTION i

Customer LOYALTY i

Helpful Expertise i

Company Credentials i

Workers Compensation
Liability Insurance
License Verification
Business Practices
Current Complaint File
Legal & Finance

Phone SURVEY RESPONSES FROM 17 VERIFIED CUSTOMERS i

Rone S.

VERIFIED Willow Creek Construction CUSTOMER

1 of 17

Quality 10

10 10

Loyalty Yes

CRITIQUE

They're very trustworthy.

I would say they're very prompt, they did what they promised they would do, and everything was completed in a timely manner.

Greg V.

VERIFIED Willow Creek Construction CUSTOMER

2 of 17

Quality 10

10 10

Loyalty Yes

CRITIQUE

Hard working, quality work, and fair price

Quality work and efficient, I've used him several times.

Armendo M.

VERIFIED Willow Creek Construction CUSTOMER

3 of 17

Quality 10

10 10

Loyalty Yes

CRITIQUE

Blaine is competent, honest, and professional.

The job was completed quickly, they stayed on budget, and they followed through on their commitments.

Read All 17 Survey Responses at Ratings View

Diamond certified VIDEO PROFILE

Diamond certified company PROFILE

Blaine Munsch, Owner

Willow Creek Construction provides a complete range of framing and foundation services for residential and commercial clients throughout the Bay Area. In addition to handling the structural work for its customers’ construction projects, the family-owned and operated company has the training and equipment to install features like hillside foundations, blind wall framing, and cedar siding.

Owner Blaine Munsch says Willow Creek Construction’s artistic approach to framing work is one of its most important attributes. “We do a lot of work that involves old-style craftsmanship—things like cut-and-stack roofs and spiral staircases, which have almost become lost arts. We take a lot of pride in our ability to tackle these kinds of unique, detail-oriented projects.”

Mr. Munsch says Willow Creek Construction’s clients appreciate the company’s ability to clearly communicate with them throughout each step of their projects. “With framing work, people often have difficulty visualizing what the end product will look like, so we describe things in detail to give them a better picture of what they’re going to get. By explaining our work in relatable terms, we’re able to guide our clients through the construction process from start to finish.”

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DIAMOND CERTIFIED RESEARCHED CAPABILITIES ON Willow Creek Construction

COMPANY CONTACT

Willow Creek Construction

(925) 201-6116

(510) 394-5988

EMAIL
Map Hours Website OPEN NOW

Service AREA

Alameda County
Contra Costa County

SERVICES PERFORMED

Framing
Foundations
Siding

BRANDS Supported

Simpson Door Company
Ashby Lumber
Perennial Wood
HD Supply White Cap
Central Concrete
Right Away Redy Mix

Company Name:	Willow Creek Construction
Website:	www.willowcreekconstruction.net
Phone Number:	(925) 201-6116 (510) 394-5988
DCID Number:	DCID5107149398
Hours:	Mon – Fri: 6am – 5pm Sat: 9am – 3pm
Areas Served:	Serving the Alameda and Contra Costa Counties including Pleasanton, Dublin, Livermore, Walnut Creek, Lafayette, Moraga, Orinda, Pleasant Hill, Oakland, Piedmont, Berkeley, Castro Valley, San Leandro, San Lorenzo, Alamo, Danville, San Ramon
Managers:	Blaine Munsch, Owner
Years in industry:	25 (Manager)
# of Employees:	4
License:	807969
Insurance:	Liability Insurance, Workers' Compensation
Memberships:	Better Business Bureau
Founded:	2014
Areas of Expertise:	Framing, Foundations, Siding
Key Brands:	Simpson, Ashby Lumber, Perennial Wood, HD Supply White Cap, Central Concrete, Right Away Redy Mix
Customer Type:	Commercial, Residential

DIAMOND CERTIFIED RESEARCHED ARTICLES ON Willow Creek Construction

Willow Creek Construction custom built the trusses on this residential project.

Company Profile

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Company Philosophy

“We utilize our years of contracting experience and meticulous attention to detail to ensure exceptional workmanship on every project. Regardless of what our clients need, we're committed to providing them with home renovation and repair services that leave them completely satisfied.”

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Comparative Summary

Maintaining customer satisfaction is a crucial aspect of any business, but it’s even more important for framing contractors that have earned the prestigious Diamond Certified award. For Willow Creek Construction, the easiest way to keep customers satisfied is to communicate clearly with them and make sure they understand exactly what’s happening with their projects. “With this type of work, people often have questions about things like building code requirements and structural limitations, and they really appreciate when we’re able to explain those things because it allows them to better visualize the finished product,” explains owner Blaine Munsch. “Whether a client wants an opening to be bigger or a window put in a certain place, we can explain why it can or can’t be done based on the codes and structural plans.”

Willow Creek Construction provides framing and foundation services for residential and commercial clients throughout the Bay Area. The family-owned and operated company primarily focuses on handling the structural work for its customers’ construction projects, but it also has the training and equipment to do light demolition and siding jobs.

Unlike framing companies whose owners put less experienced employees in charge of project management, Willow Creek Construction provides every job with the hands-on expertise of Mr. Munsch himself. “I’ve been in this industry for a long time, so I’ve seen and done every aspect of the work,” he says. “By working alongside my crews in the field, I’m able to answer questions, prevent mistakes, improve communication and keep the job flowing smoothly.”

Another distinguishing feature of Willow Creek Construction is its ability to cut and stack roofs, which Mr. Munsch says is a lost art for most contractors. “Most framing contractors use manufactured trusses, but I was taught the traditional way of cutting and stacking rafters onsite, so we make our own trusses. This makes the job go much faster and gives our clients the benefit of high-quality, handmade trusses.”

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Industry Info

If you’re taking on a framing or home improvement project, consider using FSC Certified wood.

If you’ve done some research on wood products, you’ve likely seen the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) seal, which signifies wood that’s been grown and harvested in a sustainable manner. People who choose FSC Certified wood do so because they want their building projects to conform to the best practices of sustainability: preventing clearcutting and illegal logging, avoiding unnecessary pesticides, protecting the ecosystem, and respecting native people and fragile economies.

That may seem like a lot to ask from lumber, but according to Blaine Munsch, owner of Willow Creek Construction in Pleasanton, FSC Certified wood makes it possible to build with a conscience. “This is second-growth wood, so if you’re an environmentally-conscious homeowner, that’s what you want to be using.”

Buying sustainable wood products
If you’re interested in purchasing sustainable products, talk to your contractor or retailer. Sustainable woods and FSC Certified lumber can be hard to find in retail stores because they’re not as common as other types of wood. If sustainability is important to you, you may need to factor in some extra time to make sure your contractor can order the materials you need before your job begins.

You’ll also need to decide between FSC Certified wood and wood that’s certified by other forestry groups. FSC products are widely recognized as being more sustainable and eco-friendly than products from other certification groups. That’s because many other groups are linked to the logging industry or don’t have transparent certification processes. Your contractor should be able to provide you with more information and research on different companies, groups, products, and harvesting methods.

Surprisingly, FSC Certified wood isn’t necessarily more expensive than non-sustainable products. Depending on the supply and demand chain, you may find that FSC wood is priced similarly to non-sustainable or irresponsibly harvested wood. Costs fluctuate depending on where you live, current demand, available supply and other factors.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will you give me an estimate before work begins?
A: Yes, we’ll provide a thorough estimate that leaves the details up to your discretion. We’ll also help you understand that when we’re removing drywall or performing other structural changes, there may be hidden costs because we can’t see everything until we start working. We’ll even open up areas of concern so we can see what’s underneath the surface before writing the estimate.

Q: How long will it take to complete my project?
A: It depends on the extent of the work, but we’ll include that in the contract so you know what to expect.

Q: Who will be in charge of my job?
A: Our owner, Blaine Munsch, works alongside our crew members on every job. He’s a field-oriented owner who loves being onsite and seeing the work firsthand.

Q: Will you keep my jobsite clean?
A: Yes. We pride ourselves on keeping a clean work area. We don’t like working around a mess because it forces us to make shortcuts and keeps us from doing a quality job. Inspectors who come to our jobsites often comment on how clean they are, which means a lot because they see a lot of construction sites.

Q: Why is your bid higher than others I’ve seen?
A: There are many things involved in construction projects that some contractors just miss. Sometimes, a company will even give a low bid on purpose and then create change orders to make up their profits. We don’t like change orders—they’re a headache for everyone involved. Instead, we provide accurate estimates and bids that help our clients budget effectively.

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SELECTED PHOTOS FROM Willow Creek Construction

Willow Creek Construction built this pressure-treated redwood deck.
This Ipe deck features a wheelchair ramp.
One of Willow Creek Constructions concrete trucks on a recent job-site in San Francisco
A spread footing form with piers in the middle
Willow Creek Construction installed this French drain next to a retaining wall on a clientÛªs property.
A recent drainage system installation by Willow Creek Construction
Willow Creek Construction installed this steel beam to create the rough frame of a floor system.
Willow Creek Construction custom built the trusses on this residential project.
A Willow Creek Construction technician works on the trusses of a project.
A look at the joists and beams that support this deck
Willow Creek Construction built this trellis and Ipe deck.
This Ipe deck features a steel railing.
Willow Creek Construction built this redwood and Ipe deck to allow the handicapped homeowner to access the adjoining hot tub.
A recent circular staircase project by Willow Creek Construction
Willow Creek Construction converted this attic into an office and added a deck with stairs.
A Willow Creek Construction technician bolts trusses on a recent jobsite.
This is what a typical form looks like before Willow Creek Construction pours the concrete.
These redwood stairs lead to an office converted from an attic.
A recent attic conversion project by Willow Creek Construction
Willow Creek Construction technicians install a steel beam for a floor system over a garage.
A Willow Creek Construction forklift moves a steel beam.
A recent redwood and Ipe deck project by Willow Creek Construction
Willow Creek Construction redid the windows and siding on this home in Lafayette.

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DIAMOND CERTIFIED EXPERT CONTRIBUTOR ADVICE & TIPS FROM Blaine Munsch

Expert CONTRIBUTOR PROFILE

Blaine Munsch is a 29-year veteran of the construction industry and owner of Willow Creek Construction, a Diamond Certified company. He can be reached at (925) 201-6116 or by email.

Blaine Munsch: Taking Care of Business

By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter

PLEASANTON — Blaine Munsch has spent his entire life building things, but only recently has he taken on his most challenging project: building a business. “My dad started teaching me construction when I was a boy, and I’ve been working with him ever since,” he explains. “A couple of years ago, he decided to start moving toward retirement, but before I took over the business, he wanted me to get some experience running a company of my own from scratch. That’s actually the whole purpose of Willow Creek Construction, which I started in 2014. During the last couple of years, I’ve focused on handling the business side of things, and so far it’s been working out quite well.”

Today, Blaine says his favorite part of his job is the satisfaction it gives him. “I take a lot of pride in standing back at the end of the project and seeing the results of my work. Plus, I like taking a client’s vision and making it reality. I’m basically making someone’s dream come true, which is very fulfilling.”

Originally from Canada, Blaine now resides in Pleasanton with his wife, Bobbi, and their two sons. Outside of work, he says his family likes to spend as much time as possible outdoors. “We’re a very outdoorsy family, and we do a lot of camping, fishing, and quad running. We’re also big into Boy Scouts—both of my sons are scouts and I’m an assistant scoutmaster.” In addition to outdoor activities, Blaine enjoys sports, particularly hockey. “I played semi-pro hockey when I was younger, and I still enjoy following professional hockey as a spectator.”

In his life and career, Blaine espouses the importance of treating others with respect. “I always try to treat people the way I’d want to be treated, whether it’s my family, customers or employees,” he says. “For example, when I’m in the field with my guys, I don’t boss them around; rather, I lead by example. I think the fact that I’m a hands-on owner fosters greater respect from my employees and greater confidence from my clients.”

When asked the first thing he’d do if he were to retire tomorrow, Blaine says he’d go on an epic fishing trip. “I’d go to Alaska and do some fishing. I used to do a lot of fly fishing in British Columbia, and I hear it’s even better in Alaska, so that would be the next level.”

Ask Me Anything!

Q: What’s your favorite sports team?
A: The Boston Bruins.

Q: What kind of music do you like?
A: Classic rock.

Q: What’s your favorite local restaurant?
A: Any place that has good prime rib.

Q: What’s your favorite thing to do on a rainy day?
A: Sleep—there’s nothing like a good afternoon nap on a cool, rainy day.

Q: How do you like your eggs?
A: Sunny side up.

Expert articles

Sealing Your Home Exterior

by Blaine Munsch, a Diamond Certified Expert Contributor

PLEASANTON — If you own a home, you’ll want to take proactive steps to protect your investment. One of the simplest yet most impactful of such maintenance measures is to keep the exterior of your home well-sealed.

Every home exterior contains gaps, whether in door and window trim or between siding panels. When these gaps aren’t sealed, it leaves them vulnerable to moisture intrusion from rainy weather and exterior washing. The residual moisture from this water intrusion is a common catalyst for the development of dry rot, a harmful fungus that softens wood and compromises its stability. Once dry rot has gained a foothold, it can spread into your walls and flooring, creating potentially dangerous conditions.

As if dry rot wasn’t bad enough on its own, it also makes your home more susceptible to termites because they see the softened wood as an easy meal. Considering these potential consequences, it’s important to keep your home’s exterior trim and siding sealed with a high-quality caulk. Make sure the caulk you choose is intended for exterior use and reapply it as needed.
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Expert video tip

Video: Sealing Your Exterior Trim

with Blaine Munsch of
Willow Creek Construction

Complete Video Transcription

PLEASANTON — Host, Sarah Rutan: If you own a home, one of the simplest steps you can take to preserve your investment is to seal your exterior trim and siding. Today we’re in Pleasanton with Diamond Certified Expert Contributor Blaine Munsch of Willow Creek Construction to learn more.

Diamond Certified Expert Contributor, Blaine Munsch: The importance of caulking around window and door trim. Here we have a window that’s got a nice bead of caulking all the way around it. This is a good example of a high-quality caulking. Over here I have a piece of trim that goes down to a patio slab here. See how we got this gap here?

But what will happen is that when it rains or you take the hose and you wash your patio, water will get down in here, behind the trim. And that’s going to promote dry rot. Dry rot is a fungus. And what’ll happen if you don’t take care of this crack here, the fungus will keep growing. And then it’ll start to get behind this trim and into your floor system or into your wall system. And then what will happen as well is that since it’s nice and soft, termites will get in there and start eating that nice, soft wood. So, it’s very important that we use a high-end quality caulking to caulk along the edge there.

Host, Sarah Rutan: To learn more from local top rated companies, visit our Diamond Certified Expert Reports at experts.diamondcertified.info.
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Willow Creek Construction WEBSITE AND EXTERNAL FEED

COMPANY WEBSITE

http://willowcreekconstruction.net/

Diamond Certified RATINGS ON Willow Creek Construction

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