Skip to content

Forward Thinking Builders

June 21, 2025

General contractor in Studio City: Forward Thinking Builders at 12400 Ventura Blvd

Overview of Forward Thinking Builders

Forward Thinking Builders is a general contractor based at 12400 Ventura Blvd, Studio City, CA 91604, United States. The firm specializes in home remodeling and renovation projects across Studio City and nearby neighborhoods. Ideal for homeowners with older properties, fixer-uppers, or those planning full kitchen and bathroom overhauls, Forward Thinking Builders positions itself as a reliable partner for projects that require design guidance, permit coordination, and hands-on construction work. For anyone searching for a trusted general contractor in Studio City, this team is presented as a strong option for design-forward, detail-oriented remodeling.

What Forward Thinking Builders offers

Forward Thinking Builders centers its work on comprehensive home remodeling: full bathroom remodels (including gut jobs down to the studs), kitchen transformations, room additions, flooring and stairway projects, exterior work such as gutters and drainage, and structural updates like raising ceilings and installing steel beams. The company also handles retrofit programs including earthquake brace-and-bolt services and accessibility improvements like wider doors and handicap bars. Project management and customer communication are frequent parts of their service, with supervisors regularly on site to manage schedules and coordinate subcontractors.

Those who want to book a general contractor in Studio City or compare prices for remodeling in Studio City will find Forward Thinking Builders offers itemized estimates and design diagrams in many cases, sometimes provided without an upfront fee. The team is known for helping homeowners choose materials—tile, cabinetry, fixtures—and for sourcing quality products when clients are unsure where to begin. For homeowners seeking a contractor who can handle everything from permits to final cleanup, Forward Thinking Builders emphasizes a start-to-finish approach.

Services and response times

Services typically provided by Forward Thinking Builders include:

  • Full kitchen and bathroom remodels, including plumbing and electrical relocation.
  • Flooring installation and stairway renovations.
  • Structural work such as ceiling lifts, beam installation, and room additions.
  • Exterior repairs: gutters, drainage planning, roofing coordination, and masonry/stucco work.
  • Accessibility upgrades, door installations, and handicap bar fittings.
  • Earthquake retrofit programs including brace and bolt services and foundation reinforcement.
  • Water damage repairs and restoration, including garage remediation and interior repairs.
  • Permit acquisition and coordination with the city for code compliance.

Response times reported by customers vary but are generally described as rapid: several clients emphasize quick estimates, same-day inspections in some cases, and consistent on-site supervision by project managers. Emergency or fast-turnaround work such as gutter replacement after storm damage has been completed efficiently, and larger renovations have sometimes been finished faster than originally estimated when clients made timely material selections.

Customer experience and what guests say

Customer reviews consistently praise Forward Thinking Builders for craftsmanship, attention to detail, and the involvement of project leaders Jermaine and Lucas. Many clients highlight creative design input, clear diagrams of proposed layouts, and hands-on guidance when selecting tiles, cabinets, and finishes. The crew is often described as respectful of homeowners’ needs—protecting floors and carpets, keeping work areas tidy, and minimizing disruption to household routines.

Positive themes in reviews include:

  • High-quality workmanship and pride in craftsmanship across trades.
  • Strong project management with frequent updates and on-site supervision.
  • Effective problem-solving and flexibility when design changes are requested mid-project.
  • Good value for pricing, with transparent invoices and few unexpected costs.
  • Comprehensive handling of permits and coordination with city requirements.

At the same time, a few customers reported temporary communication or scheduling issues. One review described an installation-day mix-up where the office did not provide timely updates about arrival windows, creating stress for the homeowner. That issue was later resolved by a personal outreach from management, who accepted responsibility and provided compensation in the form of additional fittings. Overall, these communication hiccups appear isolated and were addressed directly by the team.

Practical tips before hiring

Homeowners considering Forward Thinking Builders should plan ahead on selections and scheduling to keep projects moving quickly. Many clients attribute rapid completion times to having materials chosen early; projects sometimes wrapped up well ahead of initial estimates when choices were finalized promptly. For older houses or period-style renovations, consider bringing inspiration photos to the initial meeting—Jermaine and Lucas are noted for translating historic or period aesthetics into buildable plans.

Other practical recommendations:

  • Request a walkthrough and a detailed, itemized quote before signing. Several customers found the clarity of the initial estimate helpful for budgeting.
  • Ask about permit handling upfront; Forward Thinking Builders routinely manages city permits and inspections for Studio City projects.
  • For families with children or specific household needs, mention noise windows or nap schedules—reviewers appreciated the crew’s respect for quiet hours and site cleanliness.
  • If considering earthquake retrofits, ask for a clear explanation of the brace-and-bolt process and paperwork; clients praised the patient, explanatory approach taken by the team.
  • Confirm lead times for custom cabinets or long-lead items to avoid delays.

Summary of opinions

  • Excellent design and craftsmanship: many homeowners rave about beautiful kitchen and bathroom transformations and thoughtful design input that elevated the final result.
  • Reliable project management: frequent on-site supervision and clear schedules kept large projects on track.
  • Responsive and flexible: the team adapted to mid-project changes quickly and handled unexpected issues professionally.
  • Neutral — occasional office communication lapses: a few clients experienced scheduling confusion or delayed office callbacks but reported that management corrected the situation promptly.
  • Neutral — minor timing concerns on some installations: while most projects finished quickly, one client noted a delayed arrival window for an installation crew that led to short-term inconvenience, later compensated by management.

Frequently asked questions and how to choose a general contractor in Studio City

How long does a typical remodel take and what are approximate costs? Timeline and cost depend on scope; a simple bathroom refresh might take a few weeks while a full gut remodel or kitchen transformation can take multiple weeks to months. For those researching general contractor in Studio City options, asking for an itemized estimate helps compare prices for remodeling in Studio City. Forward Thinking Builders often provides diagrams and transparent quotes, which clients mentioned as useful.

Is booking required? Yes, it is recommended to book a general contractor in Studio City in advance, especially for larger projects. Early booking secures scheduling and speeds up timelines when coordinating permits and subcontractors.

Who benefits most from this company? Homeowners with older or period homes, families needing accessibility upgrades, and anyone planning a full renovation will likely find value with this team. Searchers looking for the best general contractor in Studio City often prioritize teams that can manage permits, structural work, and design—services highlighted by Forward Thinking Builders.

Are there contractors for families and accessibility needs? Yes; Forward Thinking Builders handles general contractor for families in Studio City projects including accessible doors, handicap bars, and safety upgrades. Those searching for earthquake retrofitting in Studio City with good value for money will also find the team experienced with brace-and-bolt programs and foundation reinforcement.

Where to find local options and comparisons? For homeowners looking for a general contractor near Ventura Blvd or a general contractor near Studio City, comparing portfolios, asking for recent project photos, and verifying permit experience will help. Those prioritizing fast turnaround might search for a contractor with fast remodel times in Studio City; several clients reported projects completed quicker than expected when selections were made early.

What about warranties and follow-up service? Prospective clients often ask about guarantees and post-completion support. Forward Thinking Builders has been described by customers as available for follow-up and willing to address post-project issues; asking about written warranty terms during the estimate is advised.