Built to Last: The Legacy Rj Yavorskiy is Crafting Across California

As the founder of Legacybuild Construction, a second-generation, family-owned company, RJ is part builder, part visionary, and fully committed to creating spaces that do more than shelter—they empower, restore, and inspire. From ADUs and fire restoration to kitchen remodels and custom homes, his projects dot the Northern California landscape, each one echoing his core values: integrity, precision, and service.

In this exclusive New Times Magazine interview, RJ invites us behind the scenes of his journey—shedding light on the personal experiences, values, and mentors that shaped his mission to build a business rooted in legacy, not just labor.

RJ, Legacybuild Construction proudly identifies as a second-generation family company. Can you walk us through the origin story and how your upbringing inspired this path?

Absolutely. Legacybuild isn’t just a name—it’s our story. Construction runs through my blood. I grew up watching my father and grandfather work in the trades. From a young age, I was fascinated not just by what they built—but by how they built it: with intention, grit, and pride.

But the biggest influence didn’t come from tools or blueprints. It came from two extraordinary community leaders—Max and Yuris—who mentored me during my earliest years in construction. They took me under their wing during a time when I was doing fire restoration—helping families rebuild from devastating losses. Through them, I learned that construction is ultimately about people. It’s about healing, restoring dignity, and creating stability in the face of crisis.

They taught me that true leadership means showing up with heart, serving with humility, and understanding the emotional weight people carry when they invite you into their homes. That spirit of service—that sense of calling—is the cornerstone of Legacybuild today.

Your motto, “Building California’s Dreams,” appears across your branding. What does that mission mean to you on a deeper level?

To us, that phrase isn’t marketing—it’s a mandate. Every home, every remodel, every ADU represents someone’s vision for their future. It could be a couple welcoming their first child, a son building a unit for his aging parents, or a family starting over after hardship. These projects aren’t just upgrades—they’re life chapters.

When we say we’re building dreams, we mean we’re helping people live more fully, more comfortably, more together. We bring our full selves to that mission—because we know it matters.

Legacybuild offers a wide range of services, but you’ve expressed a particular passion for ADUs and kitchens. Why those?

There’s something sacred about kitchens—they’re where life happens. Morning coffee, birthday cakes, long conversations at the counter. When we remodel a kitchen, we’re reimagining the soul of the home.

As for ADUs, they’re transformational. They enable families to stay close across generations, provide rental income, and increase long-term value. Especially in today’s housing climate, ADUs represent hope, flexibility, and opportunity.

What I love most is that both types of projects allow us to make a tangible difference in people’s daily lives. That’s what fuels me.

Your company promises a “seamless, stress-free” construction experience. That’s a bold claim in this industry. How do you deliver on it?

It’s bold because the industry is notorious for miscommunication, delays, and cost surprises. We flipped that narrative by investing in both technology and trust.

We use CRM systems and client portals for scheduling, documentation, and updates—but more importantly, we lead with empathy.

Every client gets a clear roadmap, regular check-ins, and proactive communication. We don’t wait for problems—we prevent them.

Our promise isn’t perfection. It’s partnership. We show up, we listen, and we own the process—so our clients don’t have to carry the stress.

Let’s talk design. How do you ensure every space feels custom and meaningful—not just functional?

We start with deep listening. We ask clients about their lifestyle, values, routines—even how they celebrate holidays. It’s not just about paint colors and floorplans. It’s about understanding the feel of the home they envision.

From day one, our design and construction teams collaborate so the final outcome isn’t just beautiful—it’s personal. We don’t believe in “copy-paste” builds. Every project is tailor-made, down to the smallest detail. That’s how we honor the stories behind each space.

In a fast-paced world of automation and AI, how do you maintain Legacybuild’s people-first approach?

By refusing to sacrifice connection. Tech makes us efficient—but heart makes us exceptional.

We still pick up the phone. We still drop by to check in. We remember birthdays, celebrate milestones, and treat every client like family—because that’s how we were raised.

I’ve heard people say that kind of personal touch doesn’t scale. Maybe. But I’d rather grow slower and stay true to our values than grow fast and lose our soul.

You’ve said that “every project is a story and a legacy.” Can you share one that truly touched your team?

One that stands out was a garage conversion we did for a family whose elderly mother wanted to live nearby but maintain her independence. We transformed that garage into a fully accessible, elegant space tailored just for her.

When we handed her the keys, she wept. Her children wept. It wasn’t just a remodel—it was a reunion. That moment reminded all of us why we do what we do.

Transparency is a major pillar of your business. How do you keep clients informed and empowered throughout the process?

It starts with honesty. From the very first conversation, we’re clear about scope, budget, and timeline. No vague promises—just realistic expectations.

Then we layer in weekly progress updates, digital portals for access to all documents and photos, and direct contact with our team. We always say, “You’ll never wonder what’s going on—because we’ll make sure you know.”

For homeowners just starting out and feeling overwhelmed, what advice would you give?

Begin with your why. Don’t worry about square footage or line items just yet. Think about how you want your space to feel. Who will live there? How will it serve your life?

Then, find a contractor who listens—really listens. This should be a conversation, not a sales pitch. You’re building your life, not just a structure. The right team will honor that.

What’s next for Legacybuild Construction?

We’re in growth mode—but with purpose. We’re expanding our footprint across Northern California and building a full in-house design and production division so clients get a seamless, one-stop experience.

We’re also stepping into socially responsible projects—especially affordable housing and transitional spaces. Giving back is part of our origin story, and we’re committed to making an even bigger impact moving forward.

Final Thoughts?

We build spaces—but more importantly, we build trust. In every kitchen, every garage, every home—we’re not just remodeling. We’re helping people write the next chapter of their lives. And we take that responsibility seriously.