Private advisory
An hour with the builder, before you spend millions.
I’ve been building in Los Angeles since 2016, including steep hillside lots that need caissons and retaining walls. In one focused session I’ll look at your plans, your budget, your lot or your bids with a builder’s eye, and tell you plainly what I see.
Advisory session
$1,000first hour
$500each additional hour
- Video call, or in person in Los Angeles
- Your documents reviewed beforehand
- Paid in advance; reschedule up to 48 hours before
- Book one hour or several; a half day (4 hours) is $2,500
Consulting only. See what’s included and what isn’t, below.
01 Who it’s for
For people about to makea seven-figure decision.
Homeowners
Planning a custom home or a major renovation, and want a builder’s eye on it before signing anything.
Buyers of difficult land
Looking at a steep or awkward lot and want to understand what building on it really involves.
Investors and developers
Weighing a ground-up project or a value-add renovation in Los Angeles.
Architects and designers
Who want a builder’s read on buildability, sequencing and healthier-home details.
02 What we can cover
The questionsthat move budgets.
- 01
Plans and budget, before you sign
Where the money really goes, what is missing from the drawings, and what to ask your builder.
- 02
Hillside and difficult sites
Caissons, retaining walls, access and the engineering questions that move a budget.
- 03
A healthier home
Air, water, light, materials, moisture and sound: what is proven, what is promising, what is hype.
- 04
Choosing a builder and reading bids
How to compare bids line by line, and the questions that reveal how a builder really works.
- 05
Development feasibility
For investors: site, scope, schedule and the risks a builder sees first.
03 How it works
Four steps. No surprises.
- 01
Request
Tell me what you want to cover. Two short steps.
- 02
Confirm
I reply with times. You receive an invoice and pay ahead.
- 03
Prepare
Send plans, photos, a survey or bids, if you have them.
- 04
Meet
One focused hour, by video or in person in Los Angeles.
04 Proof
What clients say about working with me.
Reviews of Energize Builders: Houzz 5.0 (37) · BuildZoom 5.0 (7) · Thumbtack 5.0 (12) · Angi 5.0 (10).
While they weren’t the lowest bid we received, their professionalism and dedication made every dollar well worth it.
Joe B.Angi review · November 2024 One thing that stood out about Alik was his outstanding communication.
AndreBuildZoom review · November 2024 His quality of work is unmatched—every project is executed with precision, efficiency, and attention to detail.
Gabrielle D., Interior designerBuildZoom review · March 2025 …his ability to coordinate with different trades, problem-solve, and maintain clear communication throughout the process is invaluable.
Omer S., Owner, Smart and SecureBuildZoom review · March 2025 Their team consistently adhered to the agreed-upon schedule, maintained clear and transparent communication, and offered valuable guidance during the decision-making process.
Jordyn W.Angi review · November 2024 No matter the time of day (or night!), he was always available to answer our questions.
Artemiy R.Angi review · November 2024 Alik was honest and easy to work with, and we’re so happy with the results.
Adriana L.BuildZoom review · November 2024 We divided it into 3 phases in order to allow our family to live in the home through construction!
Juan G.Angi review · November 2024 He always ensures that projects are completed on time and to the highest standards.
Omer S., Owner, Smart and SecureBuildZoom review · March 2025 We are extremely satisfied with the exceptional work they provided on our new construction project.
Laila S.Thumbtack review · March 2025
05 Speaking & press
Invite me to talk aboutwhat’s inside the walls.
Podcasts, panels and private events. Each subject comes from the job site, not the stage.
- 01
What builders see inside walls
- 02
Proven, promising, hype: how to judge wellness ideas for a home
- 03
Building on difficult hillside sites
- 04
From Israel to building in Los Angeles
Short biography for introductions and press
Alik Konovalenko is a Los Angeles home builder, the founder and CEO of Energize Builders, and the author of the forthcoming book Wellness Construction. His company builds custom homes on difficult sites: steep hillside lots that need caissons, retaining walls and careful engineering. Years of opening up houses showed him what owners never see: mold behind finishes, stale air, materials nobody questioned. That is why he founded Energize Wellness Builders, which builds homes around clean air, clean water and safe materials. Born and raised in Israel, he moved to Los Angeles in 2012 and has been building here since 2016.
Free to copy as written.
Headshot
A portrait for articles, podcast pages and event programs.
The fine print
Fees
$1,000 for the first hour and $500 for each additional hour, paid in advance for the length booked when the time is confirmed.
Rescheduling
Move or cancel up to 48 hours before for a full refund. Later than that, or a missed session, becomes a credit for one session within 60 days.
Consulting only
Advice from a builder’s experience. It is not architectural, engineering, legal, tax or investment advice, and no stamped plans or calculations are produced.
Construction
Bidding, scheduling or supervising construction is not part of a session. Construction services are offered only by Energize Builders Inc., California CSLB Lic. #1112649 (B, General Building), under a separate written contract.
06 Request a session
Tell me whatyou’re deciding.
I’ll reply by email with times and an invoice. Nothing is charged until you confirm a time.