Moroso Construction, Inc.
Master Renovators
"Renovating homes is invariably complex. With older homes, affluent neighborhoods and demanding clients, the stakes are even higher," said Jeff Moroso, founder of Moroso Construction. He came to the Bay Area from Connecticut in 1972, and after working extensively in home remodeling, he started Moroso Construction in 1993 with Ron Bond as a key collaborator. The team has completed more than 400 projects garnering numerous awards along the way.
Sally Blackwood, Office Manager; Jeff Moroso, President; Rod Heisler, Preconstruction Project Manager; Ron Bond, Production Supervisor; John Neill, Carpenter; Matt Stevens, Carpenter; Andy Hutton, Project Manager; and Thomas Madsen, Project Manager. (Photo by Bruce Schneider)
One of the biggest trouble spots in many renovations is the three-way line of communication between the designers, the homeowner and the contractor. With an Integrated Practice approach, they establish a relationship early in the project - often about the time that conceptual sketches are being done. Through Integrated Practice, the collaboration of the contractor with architects, designers, engineers and subcontractors, Moroso Construction creates a partnership that capitalizes on the strengths of all team members. "When problems do arise, because of the extent of our planning and the cohesiveness of the team, we can efficiently handle whatever comes up. We leverage the resources available - typically issues are solved right away. Usually clients don't even know that anything out of the ordinary happened."
A key advantage to Integrated Practice is that the builder is involved in accurate budgeting early in the project. "Our goal is to help clients and architects integrate the project scope and budget from the very beginning," said Moroso. "By understanding early on what the end goals of the clients are and working with the designers through successive concept iterations, we keep the team informed of the budgetary ramifications of their choices. Then, if we need to shift course, we can help at any time to streamline the project."
The living room was fully updated with new lighting, electrical, security and sound systems while keeping all the period details from 1906. (Photo by Bruce Schneider)
The company focuses on complex high-end residential remodeling projects, which range from highly detailed kitchens and bathrooms to multimillion-dollar home renovations. To maintain everyone's serenity, Moroso Construction concentrates their talents on outstanding scheduling, budgeting and project management practices throughout the life of a remodeling project.
The previous kitchen had a wall in the center of the room housing plumbing for four units on the floor above. Opening it up into one large room for eating and entertaining (per the owner's desires) required a complete gut, major plumbing changes and massive steel work to support the upper floors. The owners were looking for traditional, white face frame cabinets with simple, clean trim details and dark uniform granite countertops. A custom profile single piece crown was designed to blend with existing crown moldings in the unit. Professional grade appliances, including a wine cooler, lots of recessed lighting and a custom chandelier, finish off the space. Since the windows could not be changed, their height help dictate the location of a window seat to accommodate the owner's table and chairs. (Photo by Bruce Schneider)
The owners wanted to create an intense visual experience for their guests, which helped drive the furniture style vanity and the lavish use of color. An extra deep cabinet behind the mirror created storage. (Photo by Bruce Schneider)
INTEGRATED PRACTICE OFFERS MAJOR ADVANTAGES - THE MOROSO WAY
Over the years, the company has developed a comprehensive integrated methodology they call The Moroso Way. This ensures customer satisfaction through a smooth and efficient remodeling process. The company has put together a website that better explains their approach, showcases some of their renowned projects, and even offers free advice to people considering a remodeling project. Moroso Construction also refers their prospective clients to the website before the team's process starts: www.morosoconstruction.com
Well before construction begins, the client is invited to an initial meeting with the entire team, regardless of the current state of the project's design. The team thoroughly interviews the clients, asking questions that will help them fully understand and appreciate the needs of the remodeling project. "By being asked a lot of questions," says Jeff, "clients know that we really want to stay focused on their goals. We help clients make difficult decisions earlier in the process, rather than later. As a result, we avoid forcing the client to make last minute 'emergency' decisions."
Space planning in the master bath and dressing rooms was challenging. The two-person shower occupies what was the original small bath. The recessed vanity, full-length mirror, custom bi-fold door and ceiling hung lights help the narrow space work comfortably. (Photo by Bruce Schneider)
After the homeowners' goals for the project are discussed, the whole team works together to deliver a realistic plan, schedule and budget. By having all team members at the table from the outset, the transition from concept to specification to construction is smooth and orderly for the homeowner, the designers and everyone involved with the project. The team anticipates as much as possible and never underestimates the human challenges. This allows the clients to avoid the surprises, details and headaches inherent in every renovation.
The simple, airy exercise room provides a flat-panel television and added closet space in addition to hiding a radiator and electrical panels. (Photo by Bruce Schneider)
Moroso Construction sees well-managed communication as a key ingredient to the way they do business. Moroso Construction is happy to talk to architects and designers around the Bay Area about how the Integrated Practice approach may be a fit for their clientele. After decades of experience, Moroso has learned that they don't just build homes; they build confidence, and that makes for solid business relationships and very satisfied clients.
Contact Jeff Moroso at (650) 738-8018 or jeff@morosoconstruction.com, or visit their website at morosoconstruction.com
Jeff is a NARI Certified Remodeler and Certified Green Building Professional. He is active in numerous green organizations and contractor groups and stresses continued education and involvement to stay at the top of the rapidly evolving construction field. His offices are located at: 80 Eureka Square, Suite 214, Pacifica, CA 94044.
May 2006 Builder Architect Edition Issue
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