Our Process
From first call to final walkthrough — the stages, the milestones, the decisions you make, and the work we handle so you don’t have to.
Methodology
One Clear Path
This page describes how an ACI project works from the first phone call through the final walkthrough — the stages, the milestones, the decisions that are yours to make, and the work we handle so you don’t have to. The process applies whether you’re building an ADU, remodeling a kitchen, renovating a whole home, adding a room, or completing a commercial build-out. The scope changes; the process doesn’t.
The Call
You call (650) 224-3052 or email ed@aci.build. We ask a few questions: What are you thinking about doing? Where's the property? When are you hoping to start? What's your budget range, if you have one?This conversation takes 10 to 15 minutes. We're not selling anything. We're listening — and we're filtering. Some projects aren't a fit for us: wrong geography, wrong scope, or a budget below what the project will realistically cost. If that's the case, we'll tell you on this call.
Site Assessment
This is where the project starts — not with a design conversation, but with a structural one. We look at the foundation, framing, electrical panel, plumbing, roof structure, soil conditions, lot slope, and access. For a whole home renovation, we assess every visible system and make educated projections about the systems we can't yet see.We also listen to what you want. How do you use the space? What's not working? What matters most? The structural assessment tells us what's possible. Your priorities tell us what to design.
Proposal and Agreement
If the site assessment confirms a viable project, we prepare a formal proposal including scope of work, cost estimate broken down by category, timeline phase by phase, payment schedule tied to construction milestones, and contract terms.The cost estimate reflects what the project will actually cost — including the behind-the-wall conditions we anticipate based on the home's era, construction type, and visible condition. There's no pressure and no expiration date. The proposal is yours to review with your spouse, financial advisor, or other contractors.
Design
Once the agreement is signed, the design phase begins. Our designer creates the floor plan based on the site assessment findings and your priorities. Structural engineering happens in parallel — the structural requirements inform the design, and the design informs the structural requirements.We guide you through finish selections (cabinets, countertops, tile, flooring, fixtures, appliances, paint colors, hardware) and identify long-lead items early enough to order before construction. The more decisions you make during design — when changes cost nothing — the fewer surprises arise during construction.
Permitting
We handle permitting entirely. You don't visit the building department, fill out forms, respond to correction letters, or schedule inspections. We submit the plan set and application, track status, receive and respond to corrections, and obtain the permit.While the permit is in review, we're not idle. We order long-lead materials, schedule subcontractor commitments, and prepare the construction schedule so that the day the permit is issued, we're ready to mobilize.
Pre-Construction
The permit is issued. Before the first hammer swings, we do the preparation that makes the construction phase run smoothly. We meet at the property to walk through the project plan, confirm expectations for site access, work hours, and how we'll handle the daily reality of construction on or near your living space.We introduce ourselves to adjacent neighbors, set up site protection (dust barriers, floor protection), and confirm that long-lead materials have arrived and been inspected. While the permit is in review, we're not idle. We order long-lead materials, schedule subcontractor commitments, and prepare the construction schedule so that the day the permit is issued, we're ready to mobilize.
Construction
The construction sequence typically follows: demolition and discovery, structural work, rough-in (MEP), insulation, drywall, and finishes. Our crew does the structural work directly. It's inspected by the city before anything is covered up. Rough-in is inspected by the city — each trade must pass inspection before walls close.If we discover conditions that differ significantly from what we scoped, we document the condition, describe the options, provide pricing, and get your written approval before proceeding. No surprises on your invoice. While the permit is in review, we're not idle. We order long-lead materials, schedule subcontractor commitments, and prepare the construction schedule so that the day the permit is issued, we're ready to mobilize.
Final Inspections & Closeout
As construction nears completion, the city performs final inspections on all trades. We compile all permits, inspection cards, subcontractor licenses, insurance certificates, warranties, and operational manuals. All corrections identified in inspections are addressed and re-inspected until the city issues the final occupancy approval or Certificate of Occupancy. While the permit is in review, we're not idle. We order long-lead materials, schedule subcontractor commitments, and prepare the construction schedule so that the day the permit is issued, we're ready to mobilize.
Final Walkthrough
We walk through the completed project together. We point out every finish, explain how to operate and maintain all systems, answer your questions, and address any final details. This is the moment where the project becomes the space you envisioned.We remain available for any questions or adjustments during the warranty period and beyond. If something doesn't perform as expected, we fix it — because it's our work, our responsibility, and our name on the project.While the permit is in review, we're not idle. We order long-lead materials, schedule subcontractor commitments, and prepare the construction schedule so that the day the permit is issued, we're ready to mobilize.