Communication – Understanding – Execution
What makes M Design Build different from other remodeling firms and residential contractors? A process crafted and evolved over time based on the optimum way to work with and for our clients. It’s in our name – design, build. We work with our clients from concept through completion.
From the initial meeting with a client to the final walk-through when the project is complete, we set clear expectations, both for our firm and for the homeowner. This sounds easy, but the reality is very few firms have the discipline and ability to consistently execute the following steps:
- Clear communication
- Realistic timelines and common-sense budgets
- Detailed contract development
- Design selection requirements
- Use of quality craftspeople and high-end materials
- Start-to-finish project management
Clear Communication
Communication is critical. It’s the foundation of understanding what our clients need and ensuring our execution gives them what they expect. Projects go awry when clients, general contractors, and trades contractors don’t spend adequate time or energy understanding upfront goals and expectations and keeping each other informed as the project develops. Projects ebb and flow and often hit unforeseen obstacles, so it’s critical for the entire team to stay in close communication. M Design Build commits to regular process updates throughout the project to both the client and full team involved.
Client Questionnaire. We believe the best way to understand what you want and what you expect from a home restoration contractor is to ask you. So, we provide each prospective client with a questionnaire that helps you explore your expectations, previous experiences and what aspect of a remodeling project is most important to you. For example, how influenced are you by home remodeling television shows? Have you worked with an architect before? What is most important to you – price, quality, service or time? The answers you provide will help us level-set the project and serve as the foundation for the one-on-one conversation to follow.
Realistic Timelines and Common-Sense Budgets
The most successful projects are ones where communication has been well established and there is enough time and money allotted to do the job right. We pledge to provide you with all the information you need to ensure you are allowing for both. The last thing we want is for a client to be disappointed by how long a project is taking or how much it costs. That’s why we work with you upfront to understand what you want, what you need, and how much you want to invest. Realistic timelines are created based on experience, the type of project, the size of the project and its complexity. Common sense budgets mean M Design Build does not go with typical square footage quotes. Instead, our quotes are based on the information provided in the client questionnaire and the resulting understanding of your life, and of your style.
It sounds simple, but it is the most critical piece of creating a perfect home that reflects your lifestyle.
Detailed Contract Development
We build our contract with you based on clear expectations developed by “successive approximation.” What that means is that various points of input are used and feed off of one another to incrementally arrive at the best solution. This includes architectural drawings, interior designs, materials and costs, all based on reality – not just estimates – to arrive at a contract you can feel confident in.
Design Selection Requirements
We’re not interior designers, but we know good ones when we see them. We refer our clients to the best showrooms and designers so you can select the perfect materials and designs that match your lifestyle. There are countless options for everything from flooring to countertops, and while you may have something in mind, our design partners will help you to decide on the best choice for your project and your budget. The result will be a remodeled space that looks and feels like what you imagined – and maybe even better!
Quality Craftspeople and High-End Materials
M Design Build’s years of experience have allowed us to work with some of the most talented and reliable craftspeople in the area. The result is a pool of talent beyond compare and based on long-term relationships that ensure we can put together the most effective team for completing your project. From infrastructure to design details, we can engage the best people to do the best job for you.
Remodeling can temporarily disrupt your day-to-day lifestyle, so it’s even more important that it’s done right the first time. We work with material providers who can direct us to elements that are within the agreed-upon budget and will stand up to years of real living in M Design Build kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms – and more.
Countertops, flooring, cabinetry, lighting fixtures – we know choosing the most durable and efficient components for your project will lead to greater enjoyment and satisfaction, less upkeep and added value for years to come.
Start-to-Finish Project Management
We’re the experts. It’s why you hire us. From the time you sign off on the plan and on the dotted line of your customized contract, we take charge of every aspect of your remodeling project. As discussed and agreed on before the project begins, we will keep you wired in to our progress and involve you in any significant decisions or issues. What we won’t do is include you in the day-to-day aspects of the project, taking your time away from your job to involve you while we do ours. We will manage your project from the overarching planning to the tiniest detail – and everything in between.
Meticulous Job Sites
Choosing a remodeler means you also are choosing either an organized and pristine home during your project or a messy and chaotic worksite. From job site evaluation, traffic patterns through the demolition phase, to the final cleanup, we ensure you can continue to live your life as normally as possible. If it’s your only full bathroom that will be remodeled, we may be able to set up a temporary shower. Or, if you would prefer a temporary kitchen while we create your new one, we will do our best to accommodate you.
A note from a satisfied customer:
M Design did some work for us while we were on vacation this month. When we got home, the floors in each room had been mopped. We literally walked in and moved the furniture back into the rooms without needing to clean much of anything. Mike is a contracting neat freak—which is okay with us!
Mary Rose A.
Building Inspectors – A Choice: Friend or Foe?
We have a pretty simple business philosophy: We treat people like we want to be treated. Many contractors and homeowners see the building inspectors and other regulatory parties as obstacles. M Design Build doesn’t. They are people who have a job to do and we treat them as such. We communicate well, ask permission when necessary and follow-up quickly, as required. We treat them like people and professionals and the result is a project process that works smoothly.