Our Process

How We Build, Step by Step

A transparent, fixed-scope process designed to remove the two things homeowners hate most about remodels — surprise costs and missed deadlines.

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Licensed GC · CSLB #1106798 · 4.9/47 Reviews · Serving Marin, Sonoma & Napa

Why It's Different

Built to Eliminate the Three Most Common Remodel Failures

No Surprise Change Orders

Fixed-scope contracts are locked before we break ground — the number you sign is the number you pay for the scope we agreed on.

No Permit Runaround

We handle every city interaction across 19 jurisdictions in Marin & Sonoma, from initial submittal to final sign-off.

No Ghosting Mid-Project

Weekly owner updates, a single point of contact, and documented milestones. You always know exactly where your project stands.

The Journey

The 5 Steps From First Call to Final Walkthrough

Whether you're planning a kitchen remodel, a full-home renovation, or a new ADU in Marin County, every project runs through the same five checkpoints.

Discovery & Site Visit

Week 1

What Happens

30-min intro call to understand your vision, budget range, and timeline
On-site walkthrough: we measure, photograph, and assess existing conditions
Review of HOA rules, zoning, setbacks, and any prior permit history

What You Receive

Written feasibility summary
Preliminary budget range (not a guess — a calibrated estimate based on RSMeans + local Marin/Sonoma labor data)
Go / no-go recommendation with honest tradeoffs

Design & Scope Lock

Weeks 2–6

What Happens

Collaborative design sessions with architect or our in-house design partner
Material selections: cabinetry, counters, fixtures, flooring, finishes
Line-item scope document reviewed with you until every detail is signed off

What You Receive

Fully dimensioned construction drawings
Detailed scope-of-work document
Fixed-price contract — this is the number you pay, no escalators on our scope

Permit & Approvals

Weeks 4–10, parallel to Design

What Happens

We submit to your city's building department and act as your representative
Corrections, resubmittals, and plan-checker negotiations handled by us
HOA/ARB submissions where required

What You Receive

Issued building permit(s)
Approved stamped plans
Clear start date locked in the calendar

Build & Project Management

Weeks 10–24+, scope dependent

What Happens

Dedicated project manager on-site and reachable
Weekly written progress updates with photos
Scheduled inspections coordinated with the city
Change orders (if any — rare with our scope lock) documented in writing before any work proceeds

What You Receive

Weekly status report every Friday
Real-time budget and schedule tracking
A clean, respected jobsite — we treat your home like ours

Handover & Warranty

Final 2 weeks + 10 years

What Happens

Final walkthrough with detailed punch list
All punch items resolved before final payment
Full document package: permits, warranties, appliance manuals, paint codes, material sources
10-year workmanship warranty

What You Receive

Signed certificate of completion
Digital project binder (all docs, drawings, photos)
Direct line to us for warranty calls — we pick up the phone

Client Voices

What Homeowners Say About the Process

The Discovery call set the tone. They showed up on time, measured everything, and a week later we had a real budget range in writing — not a ballpark, a calibrated number. That's when we knew this was going to be different.

— M. & D. R., Mill Valley Kitchen Remodel

We dreaded the permit phase after what friends told us. ConstruBay took every call from the city, handled two rounds of corrections, and we never had to open a single email thread. The start date they promised held.

— J. L., Tiburon ADU

Every Friday the status report landed in our inbox — photos, budget, what's next. Zero ghosting, zero surprises. When we did ask for one change, it was documented and priced in writing before anyone swung a hammer.

— A. & P. S., Sonoma Whole-Home Remodel

The Promise

Our Fixed-Scope Guarantee

The price we lock at contract signing is the price you pay for the scope we agreed on. If we missed something in our scope — that's on us, not you. This is the opposite of cost-plus, and it's the reason homeowners who've been burned before choose ConstruBay.

Discuss Your Project

FAQ

Common Questions About the Process

How long does the Discovery phase take before I know if we're a fit?

Typically one week from first call to written feasibility summary.

Do you charge for Discovery?

No. The initial consultation and feasibility summary are complimentary.

What happens if the city asks for plan corrections during Permit?

We handle all corrections and resubmittals at no additional cost — it's part of our fixed-scope contract.

Can I make changes during the Build phase?

Yes, but all changes are documented as written change orders and agreed to in writing before any work proceeds. No surprises.

What counties do you serve?

Marin, Sonoma, and Napa County. We hold a current CSLB license (#1106798) and carry full commercial liability and workers' comp insurance. See the full service area map.

What's your warranty?

10-year workmanship warranty on all labor, plus manufacturer warranties on every material installed.

Want more depth? Browse our remodel planning blog for cost breakdowns, timelines, and permit explainers.

Ready to See What Your Project Would Look Like on This Timeline?

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CSLB #1106798 · 4.9/47 · No-pressure 30-min consultation