Michael Meyer Fine Woodworking

Visited them, left drafts for a quote, were promised a quote.
It is now many months later: we emailed many times, called multiple people in the office multiple times, and never got a reply. Nothing. The work we saw being done there looks fine, but they apparently may decide you’re not worth talking to.

Had an appointment for an estimate at 3pm on a weekday, for which I rushed home from work to make. I texted to let them know my buzzer wasn’t working and to please call my cell. They called back to say, «Sorry, did we have an appointment today? What was it for?»
I’ve had this happen before with a previous contractor, and have learned to take it as a sign of larger issues. Maybe they can do good work, but I didn’t bother rescheduling.

We just completed a major remodel (¹²⁄₂₀₁₄) with Michael Meyer and his team and wholeheartedly recommend Michael Meyer Find Woodworking for your remodel or new build! Our project was our home and garage, built in 1912, that had no updating since we think 1940s, except appliances. Michael’s team took us from start to finish (including design and Palo Alto city permitting). We updated all systems, added a full bathroom, completely remodeled the kitchen, did necessary structural work, and two additions.
The following is just a partial list of what I think sets Michael’s team apart and made our experience SO wonderful:
1. The main construction team is a strong working group of professionals with each member having clear roles and drawing easily on expertise of others on the team. They are close nit, work well together, have tons of expertise in rough and finished carpentry and period detail (and modern style if you prefer), update with thought/​charm/​practicality, and enjoy helping homeowners realize a finished product that is solidly built to last. We worked mainly with Chris Brabant as our construction supervisor, Todd R and Eddie G, utilized expertise of Dan Torjusen for design and Patrick Miller for cabinetry, but also interacted with almost everyone at MMFWW and everyone (yes, everyone) was a pleasure to work with.
2. Subs were also superb! I was guided by Chris through each step of the process of the sub contractor work and was given the right amount of guidance and autonomy/​say in working with each of the sub teams. The work was not done until we were satisfied, and the subs also went out of their way to assure our satisfaction.
3. Communication needs were nearly constant during active construction, as you might imagine, and I was always able to reach Chris and Michael in under a day (most often immediately or in less than 1 hour) with any question, concern, pondering along the way. Communication was always gracious, patient, responsive, and most of all wise — such a gift, given we of course had hopes/​dreams for what it would look like, information at our researching fingertips but NO true knowledge or expertise into the world of construction.
4. Similarly, billing was by detailed invoicing that included photocopies of every receipt, log of travel and hours for each employee on our project in that time period. Budget meetings occurred regularly to discuss need for adjustments in scope, alternative bids, phasing of project. There were no surprises.
5. The construction schedule was anticipated and timing of subs well above industry standard.
6. The crew kept our site clean, secure, and very well organized, with daily clean up as well as a more thorough weekly site detailing.
All in all, we had a TRULY WONDERFUL experience, and now enjoy our beautiful «new» old home!

I wanted to write another review for my second job with MMFW, and also to address the recent comments by Foxhound A. The work that Michael, Anthony and staff have done for me in the past has been truly exceptional. In the most recent job, I had them remodel some elements of my kitchen and add a small breakfast bar, which involved adding new woodwork to an existing part of the kitchen cabinetry.
I am so, so happy with what they did for me, not only is the carpentry top-​notch but the work was completed in a way that is stylistically indistinguishable from the existing woodwork, right down to the finishes, which were carefully matched to the existing paint. If you walked into my home for the first time today, you would truly never tell the new from old, which was very important to me.
I don’t know how Michael’s pricing compares with other contractors but you have to appreciate the quality of his work. My jobs have been rather simple but looking at his portfolio, he clearly works at the very highest levels. That’s going to cost, especially in an area like Silicon Valley. However, I will add that I did get a second quote from another carpenter for my most recent project and, whilst the estimate was less, the pricing delta was pretty small and the decision was an easy one.
As for the levels of administrative service, well… they are carpenters, not office folks, so yes, you will have to leave messages and use the email link on their web-​page, as they’ll be out on jobs during the day. On the subject of service, both Michael and Anthony visited me at home twice to properly scope my kitchen, and then accommodated a request to do the work whilst I was away with only 7 days notice. Trust me, the quality of service is just fine.
I hope that doesn’t sound too effusive, I’m not being paid to say this, I’m just a client. I’m just so delighted that I finally found a local contractor who is great to work with and who really ‘gets it’. Anyone who wants further info’ is welcome to contact me via the messaging part of Unilocal

I sent a 2 page specification to get a quote on two custom vanity cabinets. Each was to be veneer plywood, flat panel, nothing exceptional in scope, finish, size or design. After a few days, I got a quote for $ 7000. I responded, asking if this was for both cabinets or just the one. Days pass, and I got a response, just the one. This quote is more than 50% above the quote from other shops — and the other shops followed the instructions and quoted for BOTH cabinets, as requested, not just the one. There’s no way I’d go with this guy. He outrageously expensive and unorganized. I’ll pass.

We recently bought a house that included a serviceable but ugly kitchen. The cabinets were sturdy and the lay-​out was workable. The cabinets had been refaced with plastic doors which were an anathema to me. I called Michael Meyers Fine Woodworking for a discussion as to refacing the cabinets. The service I got was exceptional and the quality of work was superb. All facets of the project were explained to me and I received detailed contracts for the work. When I changed the order a couple of times they were very gracious and were quick to provide a written change order. I appreciate this attention to detail and to keeping everyone involved informed. The price seemed reasonable to me especially for the quality and attention I got in return. The installers were prompt and courteous. They cleaned up after themselves every day! The quote included a custom wooden cutting board that Patrick had built, as well as a lazy susan in the corner cupboard. So cool! The installers fretted about how ugly the shelving was in the cabinets, so we made a decision to have them replaced as well. That was a good decision because they do look a lot better.
In addition to the kitchen cabinet refacing, Michael and his team created a simple, elegant cherry mantelpiece for my boring, mid-​century fireplace. It changed the look of the fireplace and I love it.
I highy recommend these guys.

Michael and his team did a great job on my bath renovation. I hd a tired old 80’s bath. We had picked a design of a bath we loved from the Houzz web site. Patrick, who handles cabinetry, was able to build us basically an exact replica. Michael’s crew has very good workmanship, very neat, professional and prompt. Everything is level and square. He uses subcontractors for the plumbing, tile, electrical and drywall, but they are as efficient and professional as the rest at MMFWW. I am very pleased with their work and can recommend them without reservations.

I have a tiny project: one broken chair from a set. Chair was damaged really bad and looked totally unrepairable. But Seth did excelent job and now the chair looks like new one.

I have had the great opportunity to work with Michael Meyers on a few project. Not only are they easy and friendly to work with, they are very skilled in all levels of carpentry. I would highly recommend them for any upcoming projects you may have.