The Best Just Keeps Getting Better

Here’s a simple fact. People who are the best at what they do keep finding ways to get even better. That’s just who they are. And that’s why they’re the best.

Take Steve Albert, for example. Over the past 21 years, he’s grown his company, S.E.A. Construction Inc., into a superior remodeling and building powerhouse. S.E.A.’s amazing organization provides homeowners with a simple but comprehensive process that includes everything necessary, from site review through architectural and interior design, permitting, and full service construction services. Now, Albert is adding to his already comprehensive menu of services, a practice he calls budgeting transparency.

“It’s something that has been around in one form or another for many years, but never in a collaborative process.” And collaboration with their clients is what S.E.A. is all about. “With an open book competitive estimating system we are able to consistently deliver the lowest possible prices for the finest quality work,” Albert said.

Albert further explains that his budget transparency process also allows:
• Accurate preliminary budgets based on current costs
• Architects, designers, and clients access to all pricing impacts as they develop designs
• Competitive bidding to insure the lowest possible pricing from qualified subcontractors and vendors
• Flexibility that allows changes without costly delays or penalties

Once S.E.A.’s team and the homeowners complete their design, S.E.A. seeks multiple bids from vendors and suppliers, and draws upon their expertise in their trades to eliminate waste and provide the best systems at the lowest possible prices.

“We then negotiate with the vendor that presents the best bid at the best price. We review these with the homeowner and select the build team together,” explains Albert. For smaller projects, S.E.A.’s own in-house expert carpenters and employees can complete all the onsite work. But for major remodels and additions, S.E.A. seeks out the best drywall, electrical, heating and other technicians to ensure that the project is done in the most cost effective and efficient way. “We also encourage the homeowners to get bids if they desire.

I have learned over the years that this serves everyone because it typically assures clients that the estimates we’re getting are in line with what they have asked for,” Albert said, adding, “We also encourage them to bring whatever talents or connections they have to the table.”

“We apply all the power associated with knowing what things cost to construct at the beginning, and then work with design to achieve the most efficient way to build them. This allows budget control and cost effectiveness not available through other methods”. A recent example shows the process is not only different but superior to even the big box home improvement store experience, according to Albert. Big box sells itself as the most cost effective approach, “not always true” says Albert. He recently worked with homeowners who were quoted a price that was promised to be accurate and all-inclusive. After estimates were compared and all missing items included, S.E.A. was awarded the job.

The clients wanted personalized and thoughtful designs from experienced interior designers who are well versed in the selection of the highest quality products. They also desired experienced professionals to provide all the construction services on time and on budget as promised.

“We’re not going to try to lowball anyone just to get into the project and then surprise them with higher costs. We know it is possible to get great products that are made to last and still be cost effective,” said Albert.

Thanks to S.E.A.’s transparent, collaborative approach to pricing and budget control, homeowners know they’re getting the best in design and construction services at the lowest possible cost. “We’re in the business of solving problems.

Tell us what you are trying to achieve. We’ll make it happen providing the highest quality workmanship and materials with the greatest cost effectiveness.”

Please contact Steven Albert at S.E.A. Construction Inc at (650) 287-4202 or visit their Web site at www.seaconstruction.com. S.E.A. is a proud member of NARI.