CA License #803545 

Why Does My Floor Squeak, and Can I Fix It Myself?

Oak hallway floor with a squeaky board marked in blue tape, a cordless drill, screws, and work boots nearby

The short answer: Most floor squeaks come from small movement: a subfloor that has pulled away from a joist, wood rubbing against a loosened nail, or boards rubbing each other as they shrink and swell. That kind of squeak is usually more annoying than dangerous, and many can be fixed yourself with a shim, a […]

Do I Need a Permit to Remodel My Kitchen in California?

Dated kitchen with tile backsplash and wood-trim cabinets, text: Do You Need a Permit for Your Kitchen?

The short answer: In most California cities, replacing cabinets, countertops, tile, and paint is “finish work” that doesn’t need a building permit on its own. The moment you move or add plumbing, add or relocate outlets or hardwired lights, touch a gas line, or change a wall, window, or door opening, you’re in permit territory. […]

What’s the Best Flooring Over a Concrete Slab?

Concrete slab mid-remodel with vinyl planks, a mallet, and a moisture meter, showing flooring over a concrete slab

The short answer: Let the slab cure first (concrete usually takes about 28 days to cure), then have it tested for moisture. Once the slab passes, almost any floor can go over concrete, from tile and luxury vinyl plank (LVP) to engineered hardwood. Each one just needs different preparation, so always check the manufacturer’s installation […]

Handyman or Licensed Contractor? How California’s $1,000 Rule Really Works

Open drywall with wiring and pipes in a California home, the kind of job that can need a licensed contractor

The short answer: In California, someone without a contractor’s license can take a job only if three things are true. The total price (labor plus materials) is under $1,000, the work doesn’t need any kind of permit, and they’re doing it alone with no helpers. If even one of those isn’t true, you need a […]

Quality Home Improvement by De Sisto Construction Inc.

Quality Home Improvement by De Sisto Construction Inc.

Are you tired of looking for quality home improvement experts? American quality home improvement firms are hard to come by. Some might not be able to provide quality work and services while others could lack the necessary expertise. This is where De Sisto Construction Inc. comes in. Keep reading till the end because quality home […]