Design/Build Specialists

Oct 2015

We completed a tenant improvement project at their business several years back. Now they wanted to add 850 sq. feet onto the home as well as raised the living room ceiling to 9 feet. Unfortunately for them they thought the place to begin was with an Architect. Although the Architect did a very good job on the plans and was able to get them a permit it cost them twice as much as it should have. It also took twice as long to produce the plans further delaying the inevitable delays dealing with the county of Marin. The result was the client received bids (instigated by the Architect) that were substantially more than they expected. Mine was the most expensive but not by lot. So we entered into a Build Contract. As you can see we achieved all the clients’ objectives. Notice the details. Another important point is we were able to build this project while the client lived in the home. If you are thinking about a room addition ask us for this clients contact information and ask the great question “do you love these guys more now that the job is completed than you did at the beginning?” Another great question would be “ “would you hire an Architect again or would you go with Marks Feasibility study?”

$324k

San Anselmo, CA

Sep 2015

This client had the misfortune of a house fire. The home sustained significant damage that required gutting of the entire house down to the studs. If you have ever had a large loss fire you know many people come at you with offers to “help”. This client showed the good wisdom to call my references who advised them to “trust that Mark knows how to deal with the Insurance Company and all other parties and will take very good care of you. He works for your interests not the insurance companies” The client trusted us, signed our Letter Of Intent that lead to our Design agreement and eventual settlement with the carrier. After- As you can see this kitchen photo is the same as the before. We remodeled the entire home while working within the Insurance proceeds (Please don’t miss read this as the insurance company paid for improvement. They did not. We applied the “robbed Peter to pay Paul” principle to the client’s best interests.

$634k

San Rafael, CA

Aug 2015

Before (Client Need)- They purchased the home before they invited me to the conversation- not recommended- but they were 100% sold this was their home. The plan was that this was going to be their last home and intended on raising their family and growing old in this one house. So we started with the feasibility study that delivered the three things they needed. What was it going to look like? What was it going to cost? How long was it going to take? The project entailed the following Lift the whole home to level. The home had sunk 18” Re design the space plan that included adding 250 sq. feet for a media room/ mud room Adding a ½ bath Complete redesign of the master bedroom and bath Raising the ceilings in the living room and Master Bedroom As well as a whole host of other changes Of note is that once we started the scope of work and time to complete increased substantially. There is a lesson to learn here so make sure and ask about how scope and time and cost change throughout the process- HINT- it is almost always driven by the client So we began After- You can see that we achieved all the clients’ objectives. Notice the sloped ceiling with wood details. If you are thinking about a house remodel or room addition ask us for this clients contact information and ask the great question “do you love these guys more now that the job is completed than you did at the beginning?” Another great question would be “are you happy you did not hire a Architect?”

$499k

Tiburon, CA

Feb 2013

Before- The client had engaged a landscape Architect who was going to do the whole back yard but they had these two exterior buildings that needed to be designed and built. The design requirements were that the structures need to match the existing home, the space needed to be comfortable and inviting so you would want to hang out . The wind kicks up in the afternoon so we needed to address creating a wind screen as well. The unit also needed well thought out lighting, sound, gas outlets for grills and beautiful Architecture so you could have dinner with friends at night and really relax. After we showed them what the space would look like (Concept) what is would cost and how long it would take we entered into a build contract. After- You can see that we achieved all the clients’ objectives. Notice the details. This space is very warm and inviting and complements the home perfectly. If you are thinking about a outdoor living space ask us for this clients contact information and ask the great question “ do you love these guys more now that the job is completed than you did at the beginning?”

$115k

Novato, CA

Jan 2013

This client needed a second unit on their property to house their visiting kids since the main house was too small. Plus in the initial conversation we identified options this kind of second unit offers for future alternative uses. This was very attractive. They also needed a new foundation under the garage as well as a new driveway. The project had several hurdles to overcome. First we could not demolition and rebuild the garage because it was sitting in a non-conforming location that would not be able to be rebuilt in same location. This would also cause problems with the second unit we wanted. Second the client wanted to put the new unit as far back on the property as possible. During discovery we found out we actually could build in the set back with some very careful planning and layout. Finally the client wanted the design of the second unit as well as the garage to match the design features of the home down to small details. After we delivered the concept and cost and time line that were acceptable we entered into a build contract. You can see that we achieved all the clients’ objectives. Notice the details. This space is very warm and inviting and complements the home perfectly. If you are thinking about a second unit ask us for this clients contact information and ask the great question “ do you love these guys more now that the job is completed than you did at the beginning?

$248k

San Rafael, CA

Jan 2013

This client needed a second unit on their property to house their visiting kids since the main house was too small. Plus in the initial conversation we identified options this kind of second unit offers for future alternative uses. This was very attractive. They also needed a new foundation under the garage as well as a new driveway. The project had several hurdles to overcome. First we could not demolition and rebuild the garage because it was sitting in a non-conforming location that would not be able to be rebuilt in same location. This would also cause problems with the second unit we wanted. Second the client wanted to put the new unit as far back on the property as possible. During discovery we found out we actually could build in the set back with some very careful planning and layout. Finally the client wanted the design of the second unit as well as the garage to match the design features of the home down to small details. After we delivered the concept and cost and time line that were acceptable we entered into a build contract. After -You can see that we achieved all the clients’ objectives. Notice the details. This space is very warm and inviting and complements the home perfectly. If you are thinking about a second unit ask us for this clients contact information and ask the great question “ do you love these guys more now that the job is completed than you did at the beginning?

$248k

San Rafael, CA

Oct 2012

Permit Number: B2012-0560 Permit Type: MINOR CONSTRUCTION Permit Description: Descripton:

$25k

Novato, CA

Sep 2012

Permit Number: B2012-1934 Permit Type: CONSTRUCTION Permit Description: Descripton:

$12k

Novato, CA

Jul 2012

Permit Number: B2012-1150 Permit Type: MINOR CONSTRUCTION Permit Description: Descripton:

$15k

Novato, CA