OUR CONSTRUCTION PROCESS

Skelly Build was established in 2017. Many of our team members have decades of individual industry experience, totaling more than 200 years. Skelly Build has been an industry leader in Austin, Texas, named by the Austin Business Journal as one of “The Best Places to Work in Austin” and the “Top 25 Women-Led Businesses in Austin.” In Feb 2024, Skelly Build was named as one of Austin’s “Best Home Builders.” For more information pertaining to our awards and proven experience in the construction industry, check out the Awards & Press sections of our website.

1. Client Satisfaction: Our focus extends beyond construction; we prioritize client satisfaction. Building strong relationships and delivering on client expectations is integral to our approach.

2. Commitment to Quality: We take pride in our commitment to quality construction. Every project, big or small, is executed with precision and attention to detail.

3. Specialized Internal Teams: Skelly Build organizes into internal Specialized Teams. Each internal team focuses on a specific aspect of the construction process, enabling them to become experts in their field. By doing so, we streamline the project’s timeline and budget while also enhancing the overall quality and reducing the likelihood of errors.

Once you sign the contract, we will begin working on your project without delay. However, before we proceed to the demolition phase, we need to ensure that your permits are approved and the estimated time of arrival (ETA) for materials is verified. Our dedicated materials team will promptly initiate the process of ordering materials and obtaining their ETAs once the project commences. Once all the necessary permits are secured and materials are ready, construction on your project will promptly begin. This ensures a smooth project timeline without unnecessary delays.

At Skelly Build, we will be upfront and honest with you at all times regarding the status of your project. In addition, we use a client relation software called Buildertrend that gives daily access to project updates. Through Buildertrend, clients can check anytime and from anywhere in the world on the status, schedule, budget, and daily communication regarding their project.

Skelly Build started as a residential renovation company and has grown into a full service residential and commercial construction company, expertly performing renovations, additions, new builds, and commercial build-outs. We also have a Facilities Maintenance division, where we service some of Austin’s most iconic condominium buildings and hospitality and retail properties.

Our team participates in ongoing continuing education and expanding certifications. In addition, Skelly Build is a member of the Austin chapter of NARI (National Association of the Remodeling Industry), and our CEO, Diana Skellenger, sits on the Austin NARI Board of Directors and the Home Builders Association of Greater Austin Board of Directors.

Skelly Build has simplified preconstruction and construction processes that we follow on all of our projects. These processes are detailed on our Process page and communicated in more detail to our clients in a Guidelines & Expectations meeting scheduled with you at project inception.

Clear communication of plans and detailed safety protocols are the first steps in ensuring a sound construction site. Our project managers take charge of this clear communication across every level of subcontractor working on the job. Every job site receives a lock box with a secure code, a book of detailed plans, specific instruction posters for the walls, and clearly marked areas for materials placement, break times, etc. We also account for trash haul offs & cleanings in our estimation bids. These routine practices help keep our job sites safe and effective. 

Clear communication on any jobsite is key, especially when unexpected challenges or needed changes arise.  You will receive daily logs from a project manager as a normal practice and more frequent updates during an unexpected challenging situation. Our priority is to keep you in the loop with open, honest communication. We suggest building contingencies into our estimate to account for some of these potential challenges. However, if a change order needs to be added onto the project, we will agree on the terms and have you sign off prior to making any additions to the scope of work. This is done through BuilderTrend, our software system.

Skelly Build is a certified Austin Energy Green Certified Builder.  If you are looking for a green build or higher performance home, we have the certified training and practical experience to be your builder. Check out the Sustainability section of our website to see the detailed process you can expect when planning your green build.

We are proud to have worked on over 200 projects in the Austin area. With that comes knowledge about timelines. Once your scope and estimate are finalized, we will provide the timeline. The duration of your project depends on multiple aspects including size of the renovation, scope of work, materials/finishes used, and (most importantly) any changes or additions to the project along the way.

All projects are different based on the scope and materials, which is why the first step is to consult with you! We recommend having a 5-10% contingency budget prepared on top of your initial estimate cost. Projects almost never proceed without challenges unveiled or changes desired by the client as we are uncovering issues. Having a contingency budget prepared will better help you move smoothly through the project.

Upon signing of the contract, we collect 25% of the project total as a down payment. In the contract, a progress payment schedule is part of our agreement. Payments are made in stages as your renovation project reaches critical milestones.

We are fully insured and happy to provide proof of insurance upon request.

Skelly Build manages submitting and pulling permits,  and you will be informed as we move through the process. A designer or architect may also submit permits needed.

You will have an assigned project manager committed to your project. The project manager will visit your project 3 or more times per week. Depending on the scope of your project, you may also have a full-time on-site superintendent. Our project management software, Buildertrend, will provide you with a digital portal where you will receive 2-3 progress reports per week, change orders, budgeting information, and communication with your project manager.

Hire Skelly Build! In our experience, most of renovation stress is due to unclear expectations. We work to limit stress by mapping the process for you. You’ll know what decisions need to be made when, have a detailed invoice of your costs, and know clearly what our contract policies are. You’ll also know exactly who to call when you need guidance or clarification. As your guide, we consider it our job to keep you feeling in control and excited about your project’s progress.

No. We are purely a construction firm, although we work with many designers. If you are interested in working with a designer as well, please reach out to us and we can happily provide you with some recommendations.

This is dependent on the scope of your home remodeling project. There will likely be some brief interruption to utilities, but we will always give you advance warning so that you can plan accordingly.

Construction is inherently dusty and dirty. Dust and dirt will occur at varying levels throughout the entire home renovation process. We do our very best to seal off the rest of the house during the renovation process, however, dust travels and it’s impossible to prevent it from spreading. If you are planning to live at home during the renovation, we suggest scheduling cleanings throughout the project and a construction clean at project completion (we will book these with your approval).

Yes! Construction is inherently noisy. Noise happens at varying levels throughout the home renovation process. If you plan to live in your home it can certainly be a challenge for some.

Once you have signed a contract on a home, we would love to meet with you and do a walk through of the areas you are looking to renovate.  However, there are enough shifting variables in the house buying process that we have determined the best use of both of our time is to do the walk through after you own the home.

No. We install a lockbox on-site so our craftsmen can come and go as necessary.

Absolutely! Check out our Testimonials Page to hear from our previous client community. We are also happy to schedule a walk through of a current project to help you visualize our work or connect you directly with a past client.