Whenever possible, we prefer to be part of the initial project team during design conception. Working with the client and architect from the beginning integrates site orientation, building design and product specifications thus creating a more streamlined and cost-effective process. By being involved early, Schmitt & Company can avoid start-up delays and expensive redesign of completed plans.

In order to offer the high level of quality and service we take pride in, and because we are a highly detail-orientated company, we build only three to four projects a year.

The majority of our work comes from architects or client referrals. Projects are normally scheduled 10-12 months before start of construction. Experience has shown us this to be the best length of time needed to finalize completed plans, engineering specifications, permit applications and to take care of important details. This dedication to scheduling allows actual construction to start on time.

Additional pre-construction support we can provide for our clients:

	Working out county code and permit requirements which are changing constantly.
	Site feasibility: examining soils, structural, & septic conditions.
	Preliminary budgeting based on early sets of drawings.
	Permit submittals, departmental clearances, and permit acquisition.

We believe, by clearly understanding our client's desires, goals, and budget, the construction process is easier, faster and more cost-effective. Through weekly or bi-weekly meetings, our clients remain involved throughout the entire design and building process. This ongoing and effective communication gives our clients peace of mind by avoiding any unpleasant surprises. Clients can choose their level of involvement. Meeting notes that confirm decisions made from meeting conversations are distributed to all involved. Each client has a password protected Private Entrance, from our website, allowing them to review project notes, details and job progress photos at their convenience.

It is well known by those who contract customized building work that there are thousands of decisions to be made. From initial discussions about design concepts to final project completion, from working closely with clients, architects and subcontractors, from directing and supervising the whole building process, important decisions are made about many, many details. It is these details that we at Schmitt & Company pay attention to and take pride in making count. This is what we are all about.

All aspects of the construction process are managed by our integrated software system. To the benefit of our clients, our accounting and job costing software not only generates preliminary budget proposals, but also tracks costs to date, changes to the budget and creates timely accurate billings and invoices. As a result, our clients know where they stand on their budget at all times.

Project Manager Eric Schmitt, owner of Schmitt & Company, personally handles overall project management. He is responsible for budgeting, subcontractor selection, scheduling, contracts, cost control, invoicing, and working with architects and designers. He attends all client meetings both on and off-site. He is your primary contact.

Project Superintendent Each job has its own project superintendent who will be on the job from start to finish. The project superintendent stays in close communication with the project manager thus insuring all client desires are met in the most cost-effective method possible. He is responsible for all field construction including daily scheduling, quality control, safety management, and the coordination of crew and subcontractors.

A general contractor is no better than the subcontractors he uses. Twenty years of building in the Napa Valley has enabled Schmitt & Company to selectively choose dependable subcontractors who are committed to quality. We choose subcontractors who take pride in their work. We treat all subcontractors with respect and fairness, creating relationships that give us a unique advantage in scheduling and cooperation. Generally our subcontract work is competitively bid out, and although cost is a consideration, subcontractors are primarily selected based on being a good match for a specific project.

Schmitt & Company puts subcontracted work, along with material packages, appliances and fixtures out for competitive bids. Usually this represents 50-60% of the complete construction budget. The balance of work is completed by our crews following the budgeted scope of work.