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 construction process begins.

Design 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 design retainer agreement.

A deposit of $3,500 to $10,000 (additions may be more) will be collected with the signed retainer agreement, 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: Design Retainer Agreement
Payment: Retainer deposit

Design and Preliminary Proposal

We’ll work with you to create your design, present them in 3D perspectives and agree on major product selections, such as flooring, cabinets, and windows. Then, we present you with a preliminary proposal with a refined investment range and scope of work, and you go live on our software system. Once signed and we have received your 10% down, you have a guaranteed start date on our construction calendar.

AT A GLANCE

Project cost: Updated to reflect your specific design choices
Project timeline: You receive a guaranteed start date
Project contract: Preliminary Proposal
Payment: 10% down minus your retainer
Special order materials payments will be requested

Scope of Work

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 the scope of work. The project cost is finalized and you sign the Scope of Work, which locks in your payment schedules, allowances and final project cost.

AT A GLANCE

Project cost: Finalized and payment schedule set.
Project timeline: Locked-in
Project contract: Scope of Work
Payment: Made according to payment schedule

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