Our Process

Pre-construction 

During the initial project phases, we work with clients and the design team to understand goals and expectations.  This includes how our clients wish to manage budget, product quality and timeline to achieve their particular vision according to clear guidelines.   The open dialog and collaboration allows us to provide construction-based input before designs are finalized and ensuring we meet critical parameters defined by the client. 

We take a proactive approach with each project.  During the schematic design phase, we review the initial specifications and drawings, define scope of work areas that will require further design development, and engage subcontractors and vendors.  This enables us to provide complete and coordinated preliminary budgets and initial project schedules.   Our extensive experience with the permitting and approval process at planning and building departments throughout the greater Bay Area allows us to cross-check any potential building code or design issues that may delay the issuing of permits. We realize that schedule is critical to all clients even in the schematic design and development of construction documents phases, so we take great pride in providing the knowledge and insights necessary to streamline the process.

Once we have a complete construction documents package, we begin a final competitive subcontractor bid phase. We meticulously review the final specifications and drawings and create detailed RFI lists and logs for the design team to facilitate an accurate understanding of the final design intent and, in turn, a thorough budgeting process.  This phase culminates with our presentation of the contract control estimate to the client and design team.

Construction 

Careful planning is integral to any successful project.  At the beginning of the construction phase, we create a detailed critical path that outlines every facet of the project—from construction document distribution to erosion control to installation of the final finish details.  Design plans are often complex and require the assistance of subcontractors and consultants working in tandem to reach the best solution within the budget parameters that fulfill the design intent.  

One of our skilled Project Managers and/or Site Supervisors determine the detailed dimensioned gridlines of the site and interior so that all tradesmen can base their specified tasks on a single layout.  The single layout simplifies coordination between all subcontractors during construction and minimizes the likelihood of installation mistakes. Regardless of project size, our team uses the same approach of working in tandem with all subcontractors and maintaining an open dialog of all project details to collectively determine the best path forward.

During the course of construction there are often design changes or hidden circumstances that require coordination, organization, and distribution of information to all of the involved stakeholders.  We have created systems and processes to diligently track information throughout the construction timeline, reducing the time and effort necessary to tackle unforeseen challenges.   This is the foundation of our commitment to deliver a well coordinated project on time and on budget.

We believe that regular communication with our clients and partners is crucial at every phase of a project.  Our Project Managers communicate regularly with both the client and designers to keep them updated with progress reports and status updates at every milestone.  As part of this process, we provide detailed project accounting services on bi-weekly or monthly intervals including in-depth cost accruals versus budget analysis. 

ComPLETION

After completing each project, we deliver an operation and maintenance manual to our clients to help provide turn-key maintenance solutions.  We have developed long standing relationships with all of our subcontractor and vendors, ensuring they will stand by and warranty their work should maintenance issues arise.  In the same manner, we believe in building long term relationships with our clients and maintaining close communication beyond the completion of the project.  

Community Awareness

We are aware of the impact that our construction sites have on the surrounding community and understand the importance of communicating directly with the neighbors, listening to their concerns and suggestions, and providing them with updates on project progress.  As the hired general contractor, we represent our client’s best interests in all forums.  After the completion of construction, we do our utmost to ensure our clients are welcomed into their neighborhoods on good standing with all surrounding neighbors.