The Dancing Dog Design Build planning and implementation process involves good communication, a detailed contract, and specific production schedule. First off, we’ll meet with you and listen to your vision, ideas, concerns, and budget for your project. Next we’ll prepare a project estimate. We’ll then work with you to create an architectural drawing that reflects your vision and which can be constructed within your budget. Next we’ll prepare detailed plans for a building permit and develop a final budget once you make all material choices. After the contract is signed, the transformation begins.

The Dancing Dog Design Build crew will get to work, bringing your vision to life. We’re always available to answer any questions along the way, and we’ll send you progress photos and actively involve you in the ongoing decision process as your project takes shape. If there are any changes in the project, we’ll update the contract and schedule.

We’re fully licensed, bonded, and insured. All our employees are covered under the California State Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) insurance program. Copies of all applicable paperwork are on file for your review.

We generally work 10-hour days—from 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM Monday through Thursday. Friday is reserved for estimates and paperwork.

The start date of your project will depend on its complexity and our current schedule. Permitting issues, subcontractor tasks, and availability (such as engineering and other factors), client decisiveness, and material procurement all affect the timing of each job. We’ll work with you to set a realistic start time, and we’ll stick to our start time commitment.

Dancing Dog Design Build works with a signed contract for all projects. We also provide you with our clear communications commitment which is a document that we’ve fine-tuned over the years to ensure effective and professional communication between the contractor and the client.

The cost of your project is dependent on many variables: complexity, material selection, scope, etc. Our goal is NOT to be the cheapest contractor around. Quality takes time and skill, and we believe that doing a top-notch job is much more important than being the cheapest contractor. We do believe, however, that we provide some of the best quality for the money on the Mendocino coast.

For new construction, we’re happy to provide a fixed bid. All remodel jobs are done on a time and materials (T&M) basis as it’s impossible to know exactly what issues may arise once various items (such as wall coverings) have been removed..

If you’ve received an estimate, please remember that an estimate isn’t a fixed bid and doesn’t guarantee the final cost. With over 30 years of experience in remodeling, we have good production numbers to cost out a given project. Every project, however, is unique to a certain extent and, especially with remodels, unforeseen conditions do arise.

The final cost will also change if you increase the scope of work, which often happens when clients start a remodel project and then realize that this is their opportunity to address other long-awaited desires.

Transparent communication is key in ensuring that we fulfill both your functional and aesthetic wishes and keep the project within your budget. We’ll listen to your vision and expectations for your project, and we’ll work in partnership with you to accomplish your dream.

Unless set up otherwise, billing runs on a two-week cycle and is due within two weeks. Invoices that are past 30 days are subject to a service charge of 1.5% a month.

Payments are spelled out clearly in our contract so that you’ll have no surprises. We accept cash or check, but no credit cards.

We have high standards and only use the most professional and skilled crews who take pride in the work that they do. Our crews meet all California state licensing requirements and are fully insured.

Depending on the type of project, we may need to purchase products such as flooring, doors, cabinets, shower tiles, fixtures, etc. We have solid relationships with our suppliers who will give you high-quality products that are within your budget. We’re willing to shop with our clients and ready to discuss product colors, trends, and selections for your project. We want you to be delighted with the end result.