The MSK Way

Breathe Easy With the Design Build Process

Working with MSK Design Build not only means you’ve chosen an award-winning team, but that you’ve chosen the most seamless approach to tackling a remodeling project: design build. Having a general contractor with an in-house design team and construction crew allows you to focus on the creative aspects, while we take care of the project details and deliver on time and within your budget.

Our designers listen to you and work with you to design a space that fulfills your desires aesthetically, meets your needs for function and flow, and works within your budget. Our designers will guide you in finding the best ways to add value to your home while fitting into your lifestyle. Decision making is easy since we look at everything in 3D to help you visualize the space and make your design decisions.

Next, our project managers and construction crew step in to make it a reality. Our interactive software system and mobile app makes communicating a breeze, and eliminates the “he said”/”she said” scenario should any issues arise. With the designer and craftsmen under one roof, we take full responsibility for your project from start to flawless finish.

Let Us Walk You Through the Process

Your design build project will involve us listening more than talking, collaborating instead of convincing, and the assurance that function dictates the process as much as form.

The process begins with your complimentary design consultation. We will then schedule a site visit, present investment ranges to you, along with a design retainer. After signing, the Design Development Phase begins.

Design Development Phase

Complimentary Design Consultation

Ask questions, become better educated, and get a feel for how our design build process works during this one-hour consultation. Tell us about your project and the vision for your home. We can determine together if we are the right fit.

AT A GLANCE

Project timeline: You’ll get a ballpark estimate of the design and construction timeline.
Project contract: None, there is no commitment at this stage
Project fit: At this stage, we decide whether we are the right fit for each other.

In-Home Consultation & Design Retainer

Once we decide we’re a good fit for each other, we will visit your home to gather information for your estimate. Next, visit our office and we’ll present the project investment range and a Project Development Agreement (Retainer)

A deposit of $4,500 to $12,000 (additions may be more) will be collected with the signed Project Development Agreement (Retainer), which you can conveniently sign and pay online.

AT A GLANCE

Project cost: You’ll get a ballpark investment range at your visit to our office.
Project timeline: You’ll get a more refined estimate of the construction timeline
Project contract: Project Development Agreement
Payment: Retainer deposit

Design and Preliminary Design Proposal

We’ll work with you to create your design, present them in 3D perspectives and agree on major product selections, and sign off on floorplan & cabinet layout etc and the price range is confirmed; We will present you with a Preliminary Design Proposal including a refined investment range and scope of work. at this time the PDP payment will be collected (4% of the updated estimated project price). You will go live on our software system.

AT A GLANCE

Project cost: Updated to reflect your specific design choices
Project timeline: You receive a guaranteed start date
Project contract: Preliminary Design Proposal
Payment: 4% of the updated estimated project price
Special order materials payments will be requested

Finalized Design Package

You’ll choose all the final products for your home, down to the last fine detail, including trim, moldings, grout and paint colors and we’ll use those to complete your Finalized Design Package. The final payment in this Project Development phase will be collected (10% of the total cost of the project, less the Retainer & the PDP payments)

The project cost is finalized, the Home Improvement Contract signed locking in your payment schedules, allowances and final project cost. This signifies the begining of the Construction Phase.

AT A GLANCE

Project cost: Finalized and payment schedule set.
Project timeline: Locked-in
Project contract: Home Improvement Contract
Payment: FDP – 10% of the total cost of the project, less the Retainer & the PDP payments

Construction Phase

Pre-Construction Meeting

Prior to demolition and construction, we will sit down with you to discuss the specifics of your job and lifestyle. We’ll cover accessibility, security, health concerns, children, pets, and other specifics. This helps prepare you for construction.

Construction

We’ll order all the materials, secure engineering and building permits, and schedule our crews for demolition and construction. You can monitor your schedule on our online dashboard using your computer or smartphone. Your project manager and lead carpenter will be communicating regularly with you.

Project Completion

We finish your project, down to the last lovely detail. This means the punch list is completed, we have passed final inspection and our owner’s acceptance agreement is finalized. At this step, we ensure that you are completely happy with your project.

Post-construction

We will continue to check in with you for the next year to ensure that all is well. We encourage you to reach out to us should any issues arise. If you are like most of our clients, chances are we’ll see you again for your next project!

They helped me make choices that I knew I would be happy with for a really long time to come

Anne Foley on Design Build, Concord, CA, March 2022