Greetings!
Hello there! I have been in residential construction since 1980 and got my general contractor license in 1990 ( Lic. 604692 -B ) My work experience covers all phases of residential construction.
My specialty is hands-on residential remodel design-build. The existing structure is in place and now it’s all about how to create the best possible remodel / addition. It’s a fun process that I enjoy. It also brings the homeowner aboard the creative process.
I started my own construction business in early 1989. My first project was ‘Oma’s House’ at 419 Maple St in downtown Santa Cruz. I did the design for this complete remodel and then built it. This project included some tricky architectural details like the 8-sided cupola over the front entry. The re-design made use of every available space in the house. If it’s not used for living then it’s used for storage. This project was finished on the day of the 1989 Loma Prieta Earthquake.
I remember saying good-bye to ‘Oma’. She was a great person and really enjoyed her new home. I was getting into my truck, when all of a sudden Chestnut Street began to move like a wave and my truck started to bounce up and down. It took a second before it hit me that this was a very real earthquake. When it was over the house next door to Oma’s had moved off its foundations. as did quite a few of the older houses in downtown Santa Cruz. But Oma’s house was fine. The only damage to oma’s house came during the demolition of the neighboring house. The demolition crew lost control of the exterior wall and it crashed into Oma’s house. The company offered to fix it, but Oma insisted that I do the repair work. We also got a local award for this project. So all in all it was a memorable start to my construction business.
419 Maple St
I do all kinds of jobs, both small and large.
A non-sagging gate
This fence gate is stabilized by a 1/2″ threaded rod that connects through the top hinge. I designed to keep the gate from sagging. After several years it is still working perfectly. I like these kinds of small projects.
422 San Juan ADU
This accessory dwelling unit had many custom features to make it fit the owner’s needs.
2116 West Cliff Drive
This was a full custom remodel on West Cliff Drive. We made a number of on-site design changes to really get the most out of the new house. This was a fun project.
221 Ocean View Historical Re-model
This is one of the oldest houses in Santa Cruz. An original farm house, I designed the full remodel and then built it. We had to go through the Historical Review Board for approval.
Bonny Doon Addition
Some projects require a lot of site work. We had to work around the redwood tree and maintain its root structure while adding on to the existing house. Good job by SCCG member Avalon Structural!
Old Siding In New Location
Here we recycled old siding into the new master bedroom addition.
Custom Bath
This unique master bathroom featured a hexagonal tower with skylight, plus natural stone slabs at the shower entry. Keith Curry, tile contractor did a great job. HERE is the link to his SCCG member page.
Bridge over Clear Creek
This bridge was a challenging and fun project. I really enjoyed it, because you don’t get to build a bridge often
I do all kinds of projects, both large and small. I like small projects because they are simpler in scope. I give all my projects my full attention.
I am also an inventor of the CordSnake, a small tool that keeps power tools and extension cords connected.
You can see more Cordsnake videos here: www.youtube.com/builderinventormike
And, here’s a link to where you can actually buy the CordSnake 
Inventing is a lot of fun, but marketing is much different. I met aome great fellow builder-inventors at trade shows. I heard a lot of stories. As a result I set up a web site where fellow builder-inventors can contact and talk to each other. Here’s a link: www.BuildersInventions.org
Here’s how to contact me:
Phone: 831-461-1836
Onwards & Upwards!
E-mail: mike@hartrich.net
PO Box 2335
Santa Cruz, CA 95063
How do I begin to explain how great Mike was through this whole project. His design on the remodel was essential. During this process he and I brainstormed and came up with the perfect remodel that was both architecturally balanced and economical. I really appreciated that Mike listened to what we wanted and did not impose his ideas over my wife’s or mine. Granted, he disagreed at times with our ideas, but that was when we were talking crazy
. Then when we started to build he was equally exceptional. As with any project, there were complications but he and I were able to discuss the alternatives and come up with wonderful solutions. Basically, the construction was of excellent quality, on budget and on time. What more can you ask for. Oh, and my marriage is still doing great so you know he has the touch. What is the saying, “If you want to test a marriage, do a remodel”. In summary, we are 100% pleased with Mike. We could not have asked for a better remodel experience.
You couldn’t ask for a better contractor than Mike. We hired him to build a skylight in the kitchen and a sun tunnel for the master bath, to be coordinated with a full re-roofing at the same time. Mike was incredibly easy to work with: he said what he was going to do, and he did that, and then some. Neither was a straight-forward job but he navigated it, as well as the permit process with the city of San Jose, without a hitch. I couldn’t recommend him more highly. Thanks, Mike!
Mike did a great job! We ran into some unexpected issues with the job yet Mike had a solution for every challenge and did not charge us extra for the “blips” that came up.He showed up on time and was always very professional and pleasant to be around.I would hire Mike gladly for any other work we would need done and would highly recommend him to any one looking for some quality help for projects on their house.Thanks Mike!!
Noelle and Dave Farinsky
Mike has remodeled 2 bathrooms and a kitchen for us. He is professional, competent, and very open and honest about billing, and so we have been very comfortable hiring him on a ‘time and materials’ basis. He does high quality work and is conscientious about making sure you are satisfied. I recommend Mike without reservations.
Mike rebuilt the roof on our 1939 built “summerhouse”. He made a very thorough inspection before submitting his plan and bid. Being so old and owner built by someone who obviously knew little or nothing about construction, there were numerous unforseen problems that Mike dealt with sucessfully and without going unreasonably over the estimate. All the work was accomplished without tearing out the existing drywall. If you have ever seen what a mess tearing it out makes, you know what a plus that was. We had him tear out the old low ceiling in our living room and opened it up with a cathedral ceiling that turned out beautifully. We are very pleased and heartily reccomend Mike Hartrich!
We hired Mike as a designer/builder for remodeling our historic home on Ocean View Ave. in Santa Cruz. He needed to work with the Historical Society, Planning Department and us, to be sure we were all satisfied with the results. An older historical home has many problems, nuances and requirements. He handled these personality and construction encounters to everyone’s satisfaction. He brought the house up to code, and made it a more comfortable, safe and beautiful home.
Mike oversaw the extensive remodel of our master bathroom. This was not only a major undertaking, but also involved having the construction site off of our bedroom. Mike handled every detail to perfection. He can anticipate and address many potential problems, and so makes life easier during what is often a stressful period with having work done in the house. Since then, whenever there is any remodeling work to be done, the cry goes up, “Call Mike.” We enthusiastically recommend him whenever anyone asks us about a contractor.
We bought a duplex in 1988 which had been built in 1978. For the first few years, it didn’t require much, and we were not knowledgeable about regular maintenance. In the early 90′s, the picket fence around the whole property needed extensive repair/replacement. Our realtor and friend, Barbara Schatan, referred us to Michael, and the rest is history. It was clear immediately that Michael was skilled, smart, honest, a fine person, and professional. Since them we have hired him any time we needed work done on the building, and now we have extended his duties to what I would call project management. Every couple of years we ask him to look the property over and tell us what needs doing. Based on his recommendations, and his understanding of our limitations, we hire him to complete the required work. Now that’s trust! We’re still grateful to Barbara for introducing us to him.
I hired Mike to assist me with the rebuilding of an old redwood deck. As we took the old deck apart there was serious structural problems, as well as finding plumbing leaks. Every problem was handled quickly and professionally with some very cool creative ideas from Mike. I now have a beautiful Trex deck that makes it a joy to use my backyard again.
I would recommend Mike to anyone.
My husband and I hired Mike to build an addition (master bedroom and bath) onto our existing home in Bonny Doon. He also re-built the deck, and orchestrated implementation of a completely new back patio. Mike was awesome: he is a very skilled, intelligent, thoughtful, can-do builder. Although we had hired an architect, there were many instances where it was necessary to revise the original plans. Mike redesigned the building plans when necessary, and was very open to our suggested changes. He was completely reliable and dependable, and worked with the utmost integrity. We would hire Mike again without hesitation. He made a very stressful experience of construction (while we continued to live in the house) transparent and engaging. We are thrilled with the addition: it is functional and lovely!
About 3 years ago my wife and I had to rebuild our deck (we are near the summit of the Santa Cruz mountains and due to moisture the deck had finally rotted and needed a complete rebuild). We interviewed 3 contractors, of which Mike Hartrich was the man we chose. First he came highly recommended to us by a friend in the trades, and he has since done a number of projects for us besides the deck rebuild. I do not give a 5 star rating with out good cause! Mike’s honesty, integrety and attention to detail were “first cabin” as my dad used to say…besides the deck we have had foundation issues that Mike rectified, as well as detailed outdoor lighting accents build into the exterior of the house. I could not reccomend him enough, and in fact I have to other neighbors and freinds.