We recently built a home with Gilbert Agundez and Accelerated in La Jolla. We did our due diligence and interviewed quite a few contractors. From the first meeting with Gilbert, we knew we had our builder and signed him up. Throughout the renovation Gilbert’s been highly attentive and exceptionally easy to work with. He completely renovated the tired old home we bought on a beautiful property overlooking the ocean and city, turning it into a modern marvel that matches the view. We did the design work, getting Gilbert’s advice throughout the process, and relied on him to make everything happen. Not only did the project go wonderfully, Gilbert came in on budget and on time, a true exception in the construction industry. His integrity, honesty and professionalism were impeccable. Of note, we live in Toronto, Canada and Gilbert handled everything for us as smoothly as if we lived in La Jolla. As a retired President and CEO of a multi-billion dollar publicly-traded company, I appreciate the value of people you can count on, and Gilbert is one of those rare finds. I would be more than happy to act as a reference for Gilbert and would most definitely use him again..

Mark Ram

Bathroom Renovation and Remodel: Highly Recommend Accelerated without reservation, and I will use their services again when we are ready to remodel the kitchen!

 Now for my comprehensive review, which is long, but necessary for others who are considering investing their time and money into a large project.

 My husband and I live in a beachfront condo that is two levels and was previously used as a weekend vacation home.  For us it is full time living, so when we moved in, everything was clean and beautiful, but after a few years of full time wear and tear, we noticed things that were not durable.  The closet structure was detaching in areas and looked old and saggy.  We had visible mold on the corner where there was inadequate ventilation.  The bathroom was tiny- typical of 1970s style- and only one of us could be in there at a time, even though this was our only bathroom and it was built w a vanity for two.  The other issue about the condo is that it has a strict HOA and is built on a bluff of decline, making plumbing and piping a new bathroom challenging.   

 We began strategizing and planning our project during the start of COVID pandemic and supply chain catastrophe which grossly delayed us getting started.  During the planning process we met with the contracting team several times to clarify our architectural design, to ensure feasibility, and to determine the budget. 

 My fears were based on horror stories I heard- specifically that the project will take twice as long and cost twice as much as you agreed to.  I will confirm right now that the timeline was about a month longer than the original plan and the cost was accurate to the penny. 

 We made the decision to live in our upstairs area, which includes a living room, kitchen and powder room for the duration of the project.   We did spend a couple of weeks in a hotel during a few key times to avoid dust inhalation and noise intrusion. 

 The team working on our project consisted of several key people, and I would like to highlight them. 

 CA Marengo from Marengo Morton Architects designed the space, which required engineering evaluation for structural and plumbing concerns (related to existing structure) and full HOA approval and inspection.  He also submitted all permitting which required an in-person panel for finalization. 

 Gilbert Agundez from Accelerated was the chief contractor.  He met with me to review the entire plan, set the timeline, review the budget and answer all my questions.  His team provided onsite demolition, cleanup, and general oversight to the other pieces of the project where subcontractors were involved.  Ali from Accelerated received my ‘inspiration board’ and created the interior look by helping me choose materials, colors, textures, and fixtures. 

 Logan Stellmacher from Stellmacher Construction was the project manager and builder.  He organized the daily process and engaged the various experts necessary to complete the remodel.  He was my primary contact- I had his cell- and he was consistently excellent about returning my calls, texting me back and diligently answering every question I had no matter how small.  And unfortunately as everyone knows, questions and unanticipated issues only arise on weekends, nights, or holidays, haha.  He was absolutely wonderful about ensuring a comfortable remodel.   He discussed every decision with me, any deviation in the timeline or scheduling- I knew when work was going to happen and found him to be consistent, honest, and knowledgeable. 

 Eugen from Creative Ideas custom cabinetry created beautiful units for our closet, bathroom and laundry area.  He was thoughtful with the design and discussed each part of the process with me.   

 DalTile completed our shower and bath interiors. 

 Our unit required trenching thru preexisting floor and foundation.  New piping, plumbing, and electric had to be mapped and placed as well as tied into original lines.  The scope and magnitude being equivalent to a new build, but made more complicated by the fact that there were structural limitations that could not be modified. 

 Gilbert and Logan were indescribably kind, patient, attentive, answering every question and concern, even on weekends or holidays when of course, unanticipated events occurred. 

 During the course of our remodel we had several other issues in other areas of our home that became noticeable to us and they gave attention to those issues also.   Our microwave caught on fire (our fault- popcorn); the oven’s heating element went out (old appliance, anticipated event); we needed attention to our dishwasher (old appliance, anticipated event) and they provided assist to all of these issues as well.  I felt supported.  I also said regularly, these guys are not like what a stereotypical contractor description is- they are honest, down to earth, creative and knowledgeable.  Any time we had an issue, Gilbert would put his time and energy into solving it in an aesthetic and efficient manner that was also cost conscious. 

 My greatest takeaways from the experience were that when I thought something was a priority, the team made it a priority.  When I questioned something, the team had an answer to my satisfaction, and everything they did was explained.  I felt like it was a team working directly with me to make me happy!  They were respectful of my time, my life outside this project, and my concerns.  Their professionalism was laudable- I am over the moon about the bathroom, laundry area and closets- it’s now my dream home and they created it!

 I recommend without reservation and welcome questions via email or text about their work! 

Diane Wintz