Case Study

Case Studies

Projects that demonstrate the process in practice

The best way to understand how we work is to see it applied to a real project. These case studies walk through two completed projects — what was involved, how we managed scope and schedule, and what the outcome looked like for the client.

 

We share these not to showcase finished photos, but to be transparent about the complexity involved and how our process handled it.

Case Study 01

San Jose kitchen remodel

A full kitchen gut-and-rebuild in an occupied single-family home. The client wanted a modern, functional layout with high-end finishes — and needed the project completed within a fixed window before a family commitment.

The Challenge: The existing layout had a load-bearing wall separating the kitchen from the dining area — a common condition in homes of this era that often surfaces mid-demo and catches clients off guard. We identified it during the site visit, confirmed it with a structural engineer before estimating, and factored the beam and post work into the original contract.

How we managed scope

The full scope was defined in writing before contract execution — including the structural element, appliance specifications, and finish selections. Two minor change orders were submitted during construction: one for an upgraded tile selection the client requested, and one for an electrical upgrade required by the inspector. Both were documented and approved before work proceeded.

How we managed the schedule

The full scope was defined in writing before contract execution — including the structural element, appliance specifications, and finish selections. Two minor change orders were submitted during construction: one for an upgraded tile selection the client requested, and one for an electrical upgrade required by the inspector. Both were documented and approved before work proceeded.

Outcomes

  • Project delivered on the contracted completion date
  • Final cost within original contract value, excluding two approved change orders
  • Load-bearing wall removed, beam and post installed per engineer’s specifications
  • Full permit pulled and final inspection passed without corrections
  • Client occupied the home throughout — zero unplanned access disruptions

Case Study 02

Whole-home remodel + ADU addition

A phased project combining a full interior remodel of a primary residence with the design and construction of a detached ADU (accessory dwelling unit) on the same property. Two scopes, two permit tracks, one coordinated schedule.

The Challenge: Projects of this scope introduce coordination complexity that compounds quickly: multiple subcontractors across two structures, overlapping inspection schedules, material lead times that affect sequencing, and a client who needed to remain in the primary residence while both scopes were active.

How we structured the project

The two scopes were contracted separately with linked schedules. Phase sequencing was designed so ADU foundation and framing work could proceed while interior remodel finishes were being completed — reducing overall project duration without compressing individual trade schedules.

Change order discipline

On a project of this duration, scope evolution is expected. Every client-initiated change, material substitution, and field condition was handled through a written change order before work proceeded. The client always knew where the contract stood — no accumulation of undocumented verbal agreements.

Outcomes

  • Both scopes delivered within the contracted budget, with all changes documented
  • ADU permitted and passed final inspection — legal, rentable unit
  • Primary residence occupied throughout with phased access coordination
  • Phased scheduling reduced total project duration by approximately six weeks versus sequential execution
  • Client had a single point of contact and weekly written updates across both scopes

Case Study 03

Morgan Hill Full Home Remodel

A full interior restoration of an occupied single-family home following severe water damage. The homeowners needed a high-end remodel executed with precision and without the chaos that typically comes with insurance-triggered builds, all completed within a defined timeline.

The Challenge: The water damage affected nearly every room in the home, forcing a complete interior overhaul under urgent conditions. Coordinating whole-home flooring, painting, a luxury kitchen remodel, and two high-end bathroom transformations simultaneously required tight sequencing and clear scope definitions from day one. We structured the project so every trade had a defined window, and the homeowners were never left managing the chaos themselves.

How we managed scope

The full scope was defined before any restoration work began, covering water damage mitigation, new flooring throughout, full interior painting, a complete kitchen remodel, and two bathroom renovations including a primary suite with custom closets and a freestanding soaking tub. Finish selections and hardware sourcing were locked in early to prevent delays mid-build. Any additions requested during construction were handled through formal change orders, documented and approved before work proceeded.

How we managed the schedule

Trade sequencing was mapped out before demolition started, with mitigation, framing, and rough work completed before any finish trades entered the home. The kitchen and bathrooms were phased to avoid conflicts between tile, cabinetry, and fixture installations. The homeowners remained in the home throughout, so daily access was coordinated to minimize disruption to occupied areas.

Outcomes

  • Project delivered on the contracted completion date
  • Final cost within original contract value, excluding approved change orders
  • Water damage fully mitigated and documented for insurance compliance
  • New flooring and paint installed throughout the entire home
  • Luxury kitchen completed with custom cabinetry alignment and architectural lighting
  • Primary bathroom reimagined with precision tile work and a freestanding soaking tub
  • Custom closets built out in the primary suite
  • Full permits pulled and final inspections passed without corrections

A Systematic Approach Backed by Experience

What both projects had in common.

Different scope, different timeline, different complexity — but the same process underneath. These are the principles that held across both projects and that we apply to every project we take on.

Scope before signature

Nothing is contracted until the scope is written, reviewed, and agreed upon by both parties. No ballpark estimates that become binding by default.

Known unknowns upfront

Nothing is contracted until the scope is written, reviewed, and agreed upon by both parties. No ballpark estimates that become binding by default.

Change orders in writing

Every change — client-initiated or field-required — is documented before work proceeds. The contract always reflects the current scope.

Schedules with float

Realistic durations and built-in contingency at high-risk phases. When delays happen, they’re absorbed — not passed to the client as new problems.

Consistent crews

The same core team and trade partners on every project. Not whoever is available that week. Consistency reduces coordination errors and maintains quality.

Deliberate closeout

Projects don’t close until punch lists are complete and the client has signed off. Post-project issues tied to our work are addressed — full stop.

Client Reviews

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Armin Kennebrew

Assistant Project Manager

Armin joined us in 2023. He’s a Marine veteran, a longtime personal friend, and one of the most dependable people on our team.

 

He started out doing basic labor and earned his way into a larger role through consistency and follow-through. Today, he helps keep projects moving, coordinates with clients, and keeps the team organized.

 

What this means for you:
There’s always someone paying attention to the details, following up, and keeping momentum when things get busy.

Juan “Toro” Velazquez

Project Lead, Foreman

Toro has been with us since 2016 and is a highly skilled carpenter with experience across multiple trades, including drywall, plumbing, electrical, foundations, painting, and metal fabrication.

 

He’s detail-driven and consistent. When Toro is leading work on site, things get done carefully and methodically, not rushed.

 

What this means for you:
Day-to-day work is executed by someone who understands how all the pieces fit together, not just their own trade.

Jose Morgado

Head of Construction, Superintendent

Jose has been leading construction projects with me since 2011. He has deep, hands-on knowledge of every phase of residential construction and an instinct for spotting problems before they materialize.

 

Jose grew up on job sites and has worked in the Bay Area his entire life. He knows how homes here are built, how they fail, and how they should be put back together. His standard on site sets the tone for the entire team.

 

What this means for you:
Your project is overseen daily by someone who knows what right looks like and won’t let small issues slide until they turn into big ones.

Eric Morgado

President, Project Management

I’ve been in construction since 2011 and founded Morgado Building and Renovation in 2019. I’m a licensed General Contractor and PMP certified.

 

I focus on the administrative and planning side of your project. Estimating, scheduling, scope definition, change management, and clear communication. My job is to make sure expectations are set correctly and the systems behind the scenes support what’s happening on site.

 

What this means for you:
Your project is planned, documented, and managed deliberately, not improvised as it goes.