The simple answer is… we don’t know until we have spent some time defining your scope of work. The first part of our Design Process is dedicated to finding out just what your project will cost. We call this the Preliminary Estimate Phase, and at the end of this phase we will have a Proposed Floor Plan and an 80% estimate of your Construction Contract price (within +/-20%). This allows you to make informed decisions about how best to move forward with your project. We use the word “co-create” a lot around here, and that is because collaboration and mutual agreement are the keys to a successful project.

At MAK every project starts with a design phase. It takes about as long to design a project as it does to build it. Once in construction, bathroom projects take 7 to 10 weeks and kitchens are 11 to 13 weeks. Kitchen projects often incorporate adjacent rooms which then add to the timeline. Additions and wholehouse interior remodels typically range from 4 to 8 months for construction. In our process, by the time design is complete, you will have a detailed construction calendar so you know what to anticipate. Staying on schedule is key to keeping spirits high!

Not necessarily. While the cost of a project depends on its size, complexity, and scope, the design-build model often leads to cost savings compared to the traditional architect/contractor approach.

Here’s why:

• Streamlined Communication: Since the design and construction are managed by a single team, potential miscommunications and costly delays are minimized.

• Efficient Process: Overlapping design and construction phases can reduce the overall project timeline, saving time and associated expenses.

• Value Engineering: The design-build team can work collaboratively to identify cost-effective solutions early, avoiding expensive changes later.

• Fewer Change Orders: A unified team reduces the likelihood of surprises during construction, keeping costs predictable.

While upfront costs may sometimes appear comparable, the efficiency and reduced risk of the design-build model often make it more cost-effective overall.

There is not! Our first step is to talk to you on the phone to find out about your project. If it seems we are a good fit, our sales team will come out to meet you and see your home. If we are not the right team for your job, we will provide you with recommendations to help you find the right people.

The easy answer is that as long as you have a working bathroom in the house, you can live in it during construction. We will work with you to set up a temporary kitchen if necessary. We’ll put up barriers to isolate the areas of work. We even have air scrubbers to pull in fine dust. But even the “cleanest” jobsite is going to be dusty, loud, and more open to the elements. If you are thinking of a large-scale project, it is often worth it to budget for temporary housing during construction. Either way, we’ll get you through so you can enjoy your beautiful new space.

Yes, there are always engineering solutions to remove a load-bearing wall. Load-bearing walls support ceiling joists and tie into the roof framing. During construction, we will build temporary walls to support the ceiling and roof, then demo the existing wall and install a beam in its place. At MAK, our production team works with the project designers to determine structural solutions as the design is developed. 

Building a second story is doable but requires removing the roof structure and often adding to the existing foundation. These additional structural requirements can get complicated. Building an addition at ground level is much simpler logistically and often less expensive.