Wednesday, February 17, 2010

The Design-Build Philosophy

Mediterraneo Design and Build (MDB) is a Menlo Park, CA residential building firm that adopts the design-build construction project delivery system. In this system the design and construction of a project is awarded to a single entity as opposed to separate design and build bid tenders where design and construction are two separate companies. In this business model MDB is the design-build contractor or designer-builder. This design-build philosophy minimizes project risk for the homeowner and often reduces the overall project schedule through the implementation of simultaneous project design and construction phases.

In keeping with this doctrine MDB provides a professional team of architects, designers, engineers and contractors required to successfully execute a project on time and on budget.

Increased Accountability and Better Communication

Adopting a design-build philosophy enables a construction firm to complete a task more efficiently to the satisfaction of the homeowner. It is a relatively simple concept which contributes to project productivity by way of increased accountability. The outcome is better and more effective communication between a project team and the homeowner, as well as by individual members within the project team. This makes for swift resolution of problems that inevitably arise during a project thus ensuring the delivery schedule is adhered to. MDB as a designer-builder obtains all required permits necessary for project implementation.

For more information on MDB’s completed projects,, please visit the company’s website at www.mediterraneodesignbuild.com. To contact MDB, please call (650) 368-1361 or email info@mediterraneodesignbuild.com.

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Earth Friendly or Bang For Your Buck: Need Not Be A Remodeling Dilemma

When it comes to home remodeling homeowners often feel that they are in a quandary. Homeowners are invariably faced with many options that influence the decisions to be made. What size home is appropriate for our lifestyle, how long do we plan to live in the home, will we design for resale value, should green building technologies be paramount, should the design focus on maximum functionality and full utilization of minimum space requirements, which finish materials and what colors appeal to us, and can we do it on our budget.


First time homeowners tend to embrace new building technologies and trendy design fashions. Mature homeowners often remodel their existing home with a focus on practicality, comfort and aging in place design features.


Mediterraneo Design & Build presents to their clients the best options based on the project criteria. Most remodeling projects incorporate improved home operating systems, functional space design and harmonious visual aesthetics.


The number one concern to homeowner’s today is having an energy efficient home. Although the initial cost for high performance materials may be greater than standard building materials, the homeowner’s ongoing maintenance costs over the life of the home will be significantly lower.

Energy efficient homes contribute to a healthier indoor air quality, reduce our usage of water and demand for electricity, and utilize many post consumer recycled materials and materials free of harmful emitting chemicals.


Building with sustainable materials and installing systems and products that conserve our natural resources and reduce our carbon footprint has increased importance as local building jurisdictions mandate green point rating compliance on major remodels and new homes.


Single-Window of Responsibility

Mediterraneo Design & Build (MDB) is a highly respected design and build firm located in Menlo Park, CA which undertakes all types of residential construction projects including remodeling. The firm provides a full complement of architects, designers, engineers and “Certified Green Building Professional” builders. This approach translates into MDB taking total responsibility for a home remodeling project from design to completion. It makes it easier on the homeowner who simply has to work with a “single window” of communication throughout the duration of project.


MDB is fully informed of the latest developments in green and energy efficient homes as recommended by the U.S. Green Building Council. This places MDB in a position to advise the homeowner about green inputs, and design the project for maximum energy efficiency.

For more information about MDB’s completed projects, please visit the company’s website at www.mediterraneodesignbuild.com. To contact MDB, please call (650) 368-1361 or email info@mediterraneodesignbuild.com.

Thursday, February 11, 2010

Flooring – An Impressive Design Element in Any Home

First impressions are lasting impressions. Flooring is a design element that is immediately noticed when you step into a home.


Replacing flooring material that is dated or in disrepair gives your home a new lease on life. Most remodel and addition projects include flooring upgrades and green flooring is often the preferred choice.


The use of sustainable, FSC certified and reclaimed woods is gaining in popularity and homeowners are more aware of building options that contribute to a healthy indoor air quality.

Environmentally responsible homeowners can be faced with a bewildering selection of eco-friendly flooring products. Bamboo, hardwoods, cork, linoleum, concrete, tiles and stone can be harvested, manufactured and distributed to qualify as certified green materials. Flooring materials free of formaldehyde and volatile organic compounds (VOC) do not release harmful off gasing chemicals into your home environment. When shopping for flooring materials we recommend you confirm that the products are “certified green” as specified by the U.S. Green Building Council.


Mediterraneo Design and Build for Remodeling


Successful green flooring selection and installation is best left to knowledgeable and experienced professionals. Mediterraneo Design and Build is a residential construction firm located in Menlo Park that has successfully utilized the Design and Build business model for 18+ years. The MDB team of professionals is very experienced in all the disciplines connected with residential construction and remodeling. MDB consistently meets committed schedules and maintains budgeted costs utilizing their “one stop” business model making the home owner’s entire experience much easier and far more effective.


More information about the company is available at: www.mediterraneodesignbuild.com. To contact MDB, please call (650) 368-1361 or email info@mediterraneodesignbuild.com.

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Design and Build: The Way to Go for Residential Construction Projects

Many people who plan to build their home are unaware of the Design and Build concept. Design and Build is a team with overall expertise which results in reduced costs, greater efficiency and on-time completion. Design and Build is possible when a firm has all the necessary skills to both design the home and construct it as well. The key advantages are fewer parties to deal with, better communications, quicker decision making, controlled project cost and executing per the established schedule. The entire process is streamlined under one company’s management taking responsibility for overseeing and coordinating the operation from start to finish.


Another significant benefit in utilizing a design and build firm, is that the team members have worked with the client since the beginning of the project, so they are fully aware of the homeowner’s requirements and expectations. This reduces the possibility of misunderstandings and misconceptions which often can result in delays and additional, unexpected costs.


Mediterraneo Design and Build (MDB) is a Bay Area company that has all the necessary skills to execute any residential building project from architectural design to the final construction inspection and project completion. MDB encourages client involvement, not merely at the inception, but throughout the course of the project. The firm completes all aspects of a building project including the issuance of required permits and scheduling of all inspections.


MDB is committed to the highest standards of building excellence and execution within the stipulated period without cost over-runs. For innovative design and expert construction, this team of architects, designers and builders located in Menlo Park offers a full service approach to your residential remodel, addition or new custom home.


To learn more about MDB's completed projects please visit the company's website at www.mediterraneodesignbuild.com. To contact MDB, please call (650) 368-1361 or email info@mediterraneodesignbuild.com.

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

An Energy Efficient Home

Energy efficient homes significantly reduce standard operating costs. Installation of high efficiency heating and cooling systems, energy star rated appliances, fans, windows and glazed doors, upgraded insulation, water efficient plumbing fixtures and high efficacy lighting can save as much as 40% of the home’s operating costs.


Homes utilizing high efficiency clean energy systems improve the indoor air quality (IAQ). Health hazards related to dust mites, pollen, mold, radon, combustion by-products and contaminants are reduced.


It is commonly known that energy produced by the consumption of fossil fuels contributes to carbon emissions, global warming, acid rain and other environmental problems. Green point rated homes built according to “Build It Green” standards produce significantly less pollutants and conserve our earth’s natural resources.


Residential building systems that maximize energy efficient materials and products requires staying current on product knowledge, resources, availability and cost. This planning and selection process begins in the design phase, impacts the project costs analysis, is mandatory during the construction process and essential to living in a healthy home with a minimum fifty year life cycle.


Efficient Construction Saves Project Cost


To minimize project cost without sacrificing efficiency it is highly advisable to award the contract to a design and build firm such as Mediterraneo Design & Build (MDB). Partnering with this type of residential construction company offers distinct advantages. Key benefits are clearly defined accountability, cost effective construction, quicker and better communication and most importantly, on-time completion of your residential building project. Homeowners planning to build an energy efficient home in the Bay Area gain these advantages by contracting the services of Mediterraneo Design and Build located in Menlo Park. MDB has the necessary expertise and employs the many required skills to ensure the project is completed on time and on budget.


To learn more about MDB’s completed projects please visit the company’s website at www.mediterraneodesignbuild.com. To contact MDB, please call (650) 368-1361 or email info@mediterraneodesignbuild.com.