Welcome to Manzanita Construction!

The construction process, be it a repair, a remodel, or a new home, is complex and often intimidating.  In order to de-mystify that process and also make sure that each project receives the attention it deserves when it most needs it, we like to look at our projects in three distinct phases: Pre-Construction, Construction, and Warranty/Maintenance.  From the moment you give us a phone call, here’s how this process plays out:  

Initial Job Walk 

This is where we get to know you and your hopes and dreams for the project.  Any plans, pictures, design ideas, or design team that you can provide to us before this walk will help us to learn your vision and begin figuring out how to turn that vision into reality. 

Conceptual Estimate 

This is a free, detailed ballpark estimate.  Once we have a good idea of what you are looking for, we produce an estimate based on the information you have given us and the data we keep on all of our recent projects.  This is still a very preliminary estimate of costs, but it is extremely helpful for all of us to make sure we are on the same page financially before we pursue further into the process.  

Pre-Construction Agreement 

If the Conceptual Estimate is acceptable and you are ready to work with our team, we will put together a Pre-Construction agreement to define the terms by which we will bring the project through to the Construction phase.  Depending on the project, Pre-Construction can include: 

1. Drafting Plans 
2. Design Help 
3. Architect or Design Team Interface/Support 
4. Feasibility Studies 
5. Soils Reports 
6. Engineering or Engineering Interface/Support 
7. Selections Management 
8. Procuring Materials  
9. Refining Project Costs and Scopes (Estimating) 
10. Procuring Subcontractor Bids 
11. Writing Subcontracts 
12. Pulling Permits 
13. Developing and Executing the Contract Documents 

Once the Contract Documents have been assembled and signed, we transition from Pre-Construction to the Construction Process. 

CONSTRUCTION  

A well-executed Pre-Construction phase makes for a very smooth Construction process.  It’s much easier to build a project and keep a schedule when you have a good set of plans and a good team that is already in step with each other.  Depending on the size of the project, our build team will consist of the following members: 

1. Project Manager – the Project Manager of the build phase is the same person who has already been managing the project through the Pre-Construction phase.  From very early on, he has known and worked with the owners, designers, and architects for some time, and knows the costs and details of the project.  He built the contract docs, assigned the subcontracts, and organized the materials.  He is the quarterback of the project and is responsible for its smooth execution. 
2. Lead Carpenter – the Lead Carpenter will make sure the day-to-day tasks of the project are executed on time, and according to our specifications and standards.  The Project Manager is responsible for the execution of the project, but the Lead Carpenter is his hands and feet (and hammer). 
3. Build Team – this is the array of subcontractors and in house craftsmen that we use to perform the work of the project. It’s a team that has been built over years in the trades to maximize the value and quality. We are privileged to call many of them friends. 

**SPECIAL NOTE: Each and every project, regardless of the size, receives a daily update every morning between 5:30 and 7AM, keeping you and any pertinent members of the build team fully informed on the work that was done yesterday, the work that will be done today, and the work that will be done tomorrow.  

**SPECIAL NOTE #2:  Change Orders (or Add-Ons as the HGTV guys have euphemistically named them), happen.  As excellent as our Pre-Construction process is, building can be surprising, and we never quite know what we might find in the walls.  Even if there are no surprises that we need to adapt to, it is near certain that you will find a few extra things you’d like us to clean up along the way, or a few extra projects that you just would like to throw in while the team is here and cracking away.  We do our best to keep these changes priced fairly, addressed quickly and efficiently, and their effects on the flow of the project as minimal as possible. 

Break In Period 

Once the work is done, you get to move back in, and you begin finding out how your newly renovated space will actually interface with your life.  It is inevitable in this process that you will find a drawer that needs an adjustment, an appliance that you don’t quite understand, or a faucet whose aerator got a bit obstructed when the water turned back on.  We provide a 30-day break in period following the project completion wherein we are happy to come help you wherever needed, finding your way in your new space.  We expect adjustments, cleanup of scuffs, tweaks, and small fixes and we want you to call us to address them.   

Warranty 

All of our projects come with a one-year warranty covering materials and craftsmanship as is the standard set by the California Contractor’s State License Board.    

Maintenance 

Following the break-in period, the project of maintaining your new space falls on you, the homeowner.  We make a point of making sure all construction documents, manuals, and critical instructions make it into your hands on completion of the build, so you are properly equipped to maintain your home.  We are also a phone call away and are more than happy to answer any questions we are able regarding your new finishes. 

The proper execution of this process has resulted in many happy customers; we look forward to serving you with it sometime soon!