Design/build contractors are always looking for ways to distinguish themselves from their competition, and those that have earned the prestigious Diamond Certified award are already several steps ahead. In addition to its Diamond Certified status, Craftsmen’s Guild, Inc. sets itself apart by taking a collaborative approach to every project that combines the family-oriented business practices and industry expertise of three brothers, each of whom specializes in a unique aspect of the construction process. “I have a degree in architecture, Matt has a degree in structural engineering and Moe has a degree in marketing,” explains co-owner Mike Amini. “Between the three of us, we’re able to offer a full range of design/build services.”

Craftsmen’s Guild has been providing complete remodeling and custom home building services for homeowners throughout the South Bay and Peninsula since 1976. The company’s experienced staff of designers and building professionals handle every aspect of clients’ projects, including structural and aesthetic design, planning, engineering and city permitting.

Unlike contractors that lack expertise in certain aspects of the construction process and are forced to use subcontractors as a result, Craftsmen’s Guild utilizes its design/build capabilities to streamline its services and ensure each client has a satisfying, stress-free experience. “People feel more comfortable when they work with one source,” says Mr. Amini. “That’s what design/build is supposed to be–the same company handling the designing, engineering and construction. We take full responsibility for every aspect of every project, and our clients really appreciate that.”

Another attribute that sets Craftsmen’s Guild apart from its competition is its dedication to working closely with clients in order to achieve the highest possible levels of satisfaction. “We never want our clients to feel like their projects are out of their hands or they’re unable to communicate with us,” explains Mr. Amini. “Instead, we listen to their ideas, take notes and provide finished products that match what they envisioned at the beginning of the process.”

Use scrutiny when choosing a design/build contractor. A true design/build company puts the collaborative entities of architectural design and construction under a single roof as a unified team. There are numerous benefits to this kind of solidarity: It saves time and money by allowing you to pay one company for the entire scope of work, allows for better accountability and communication between the architectural and construction departments, and places the responsibility for every aspect of the construction process on a single entity. To make sure you hire the right design/build company for your particular needs, consider the following tips:

Check references. Before hiring a company, determine how long it has been in the industry and look at its prior work. This will help ensure you find a company that can take your project from conception to reality.

Be flexible about your vision. Remember that you’re not an expert in the field of architecture or construction. A contractor will work with you to achieve your vision for the project, but this will most likely entail some modifications. Keep yourself open to suggestions if a contractor offers alternative options to your initial ideas. “A contractor should strive to work with you to achieve your goals, but ultimately, their integrity depends on the quality of their work,” says Mike Amini, co-owner of Craftsmen’s Guild, Inc. in Cupertino. “Reputable contractors don’t want to be responsible for low-quality products, even if their clients insist.”

Ask questions about project specifics.
• Are you dedicated to making my project a top priority?
• What challenges do you foresee for my project?
• Do you notice any important issues or considerations for my project?
• What’s your estimated timetable for my project?
• How will you collect information about my needs and goals?
• How will you help me fully understand the scope and sequence of my project? Will you utilize models, drawings or computer animation?

Q: How expensive are your services?

A: We’re very competitive when it comes to price, but we’re also not the cheapest company out there. We’re well-known for high-quality building—each of our homes is constructed with the best materials and a keen attention to detail. Those things make a big difference when it comes to providing excellent products, and they certainly don’t come cheap.

Q: How can I be confident in the quality of your work?

A: We can provide you with several references, including the addresses of recently finished jobs. Once people see the beautiful work we’ve done, they’re very excited to see what we can do for their projects.

Q: Do you provide interior design assistance?

A: Absolutely. One of our biggest assets is our interior designer, Kari. She guides our customers through the entire process, from choosing materials to making sure everything matches and flows together. She even drives them to different vendors to make purchases.

Q: What’s the advantage of using 3-D renderings when it comes to viewing architectural plans?

A: 3-D renderings enable you to see all the details of your project before it’s built, which means you can make changes before work begins and save a lot of time and hassle.

Q: Do you provide any guarantees?

A: Our main guarantee is simple: You don’t pay for the project until you’re completely satisfied with the results. We never ask for money upfront.