Who Is This Guy?

Hi. My name is Charles Gueli and I'm delighted that you're here. Thank you for this opportunity to introduce myself. You're obviously considering a renovation to your home and looking for some advice. I suppose the first order of business is to tell you something about my experience. I've been working in the construction industry since 1968.

I worked in a cabinet manufacturing shop for about 10 years; was a project manager for a general contractor for another 10; did some time as a certified kitchen designer; designed and built 9 homes (8 for clients and 1 for myself); went back to a cabinet shop (as an estimator this time); and recently resumed my role as a project manager. I'm currently a senior project manager for a Fortune 500 company.

Over the years I've written a book and had several articles published. There have been 2 articles written about me (in trade journals - nothing well known), and I've been interviewed on 3 radio talk shows.

Sorry about dragging you down memory lane, but all the "internet gurus" I spoke to said I had to do it.

I've been a homeowner since 1970. Since then I've experienced just about every kind of household construction project you can think of. I've never had a bad experience with a contractor, but I've heard lots of sad stories.

They're sad to me because I believe that the vast majority of the people in the construction industry (and in life for that matter) are good people trying to do the right thing. In my opinion, attitude, communication, and knowledge about the construction process are the key elements needed in order to have a good experience.

This website offers a large cross section of product information, but puts greater focus on your role in the process, and gives you things to think about. I believe these insights will help you get through your project without too much stress. We offer advice and information to help homeowners make better decisions.

On a personal note, I served in the military 1966 - 1968. Immediately afterward, I married the beautiful woman in the picture on the right (her name is Lorie). We're dancing at our daughter's wedding. She's been my better half for 41 years - nobody's luckier than I am. We raised 5 children and now have 5 grandchildren. What a gift!

You might be wondering what motivated me to create a website at this point. Life has been good. Lots of people have given us help along the way. Now it's time to pay it forward. The construction industry has taught me many things. I'd like to share what I can. So, here we are.

I'm a generalist, so if you're looking for technical or specific information about a product or process, or DIY guidance, I'll direct you to sites which I've researched and think are helpful. If you can't find what you're looking for through this site, use the contact page to let me know, and I'll find it for you. That's a promise.