Ed Mullen of Mullen Construction has been building high quality homes since 1977 and states, "Our company has built at least 150 homes over the years, from modest homes to mansions exceeding 8,500 square feet. We are very proud of the fact that virtually all of our business comes from repeat clients or referrals from architects with whom we have worked in the past. We are also approached by clients who already have an architect and design underway to build their new home. We are open to any arrangement and have always found we bring a great team together with only one goal-to exceed our client's expectations." Repeat client, Patricia Elia, enthusiastically recommends Mullen Construction, "Ed has worked on ten different projects for me. They include spec houses, duplexes, small industrial buildings and homes for my father and sister. Ed has also remodeled my home. Ed certainly knows what he is doing. He is a very competent, knowledgeable man with plenty of experience. When Ed tells a client he can build their home in six or eight months, he means what he says. Ed works well with architects and is able to channel creativity and practicality to keep the project moving." Creativity and Practicality are Key Homes built by Mullen Construction come together so well as a result of Ed's creativity and practical solutions. For example, building an oceanfront home, often involving bluffs or cliffs, can only be done well by a builder of Mullen Construction's caliber. Tides, waves, groundwater, water-soaked soil, and access from only one side of the property, all present challenges in need of a creative solution. Ed and his team know the techniques and hazards- keep moisture out of stucco as salt water will remove the lime; use non-corrosive materials; and carefully plan your excavation and fill so it can be accomplished in one day. Ed explains further, "There are just so many factors to be aware of. Careful planning, innovative thinking and skilled crews will make the tougher sites a success. One time, there was another builder next door to our project-both oceanfront-he took nine months to do what we accomplished in thirty days. I know our clients benefit from our knowledge and experience." Ed recalls another challenging project, "We recently completed another home in the Del Mar Country Club where we had to build a wall from the top down, rather than the logical way of building from the bottom up. We implemented a new system to achieve this. Construction problems for others are not a problem for us. We have been builders for so long that there is no challenge we cannot meet." Achieving Quality Jerry Bryan, a very satisfied client heartily endorses Ed and his team, "I¹m one of Ed Mullen's major fans. Ed is not just a builder, he's an individual who really cares about the quality of his homes. I will be building my third Mullen home soon and I could not be happier. His intense attention to detail and quality keeps me coming back. There is nothing better than being able to return to the same builder." Of a 7,000 square foot home recently completed, Ed says with a smile, "There was not one thing that needed to be done after our client moved in. Our homes are really tight and defect-free when we are finished." Ed attributes this high level of quality to his team of superintendents and sub-contractors. Ed observes, "We all approach each new home as though we are building our own home. Quality is paramount. It's also fun because each home is unique-sometimes with wine cellars and elevators." A superintendent who has been with Mullen Construction for many years comments, "The most important thing to me is that Ed is fair and honest with the clients. He is reliable and works from the premise that the client is always right. Ed becomes friends with all our clients." Using the same experienced sub-contractors has ensured quality in every home built by Mullen Construction. "We never have a call about a roof problem, "says Ed. "This is because we use J. Victor Roofing, a really great firm, where I started my relationship with the father and now work with his son." Similarly, Lester Booth provided the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system for Ed Mullen's first project in 1977 and has done every home since. Ed adds, "George Neffa's drywalling crews are also great-in and out of the largest home in three weeks-and they deliver the best quality." I Love What I Do To build homes of exceptional quality the builder must be passionate about his craft. Ed states, "I really love building and especially like meeting new clients. They are always very interesting, nice people and offer me an opportunity to build great homes. Ed emphasizes, "I genuinely want our clients to be completely pleased with Mullen Construction. Right from the outset we work hard presenting as many scenarios as necessary to bring the cost within their budget. We are really thorough-right down to the number of light switches. I believe in avoiding problems by being careful in the design and planning stages. Good communication is critical and I believe our record proves that we deliver. Of our current clients, 50% are referred by architects, 20% are repeat clients and 30% are friends and family of past clients-a record of which everyone at Mullen Construction is very proud.
"Ed Mullen is a fine builder, very dependable and builds a high quality home. He's built beautiful homes for me and I'm very pleased with the quality." -The Honorable Anthony J. Principi, Secretary of Veterans Affairs