Business Details
46 Years
experience
Your Trusted Partner for Remodeling Solutions in Marin County
Design Build Specialists has been transforming homes in Marin County since 1980. Founded by Mark Labourdette, our company combines architectural design and construction under one roof to deliver seamless remodeling experiences. We specialize in kitchen and bathroom renovations, whole-house remodels, accessory dwelling units (ADUs), and outdoor living spaces. Our feasibility-first approach ensures projects align with zoning regulations, design intent, and budget before construction begins.With decades of local expertise, we handle permits, materials coordination, and on-site supervision to guarantee quality craftsmanship. Our team prioritizes transparent communication and energy-efficient solutions while maintaining a 40-year reputation for exceeding client expectations. We are fully licensed and insured in California, serving homeowners who value durability, functionality, and aesthetic excellence in their renovation projects.
Services
Kitchen Remodeling
Bathroom Remodeling
Accessory Dwelling Units
Whole House Remodels
Outdoor Living Spaces
Custom Countertops
Cabinet Refacing
Fire Restoration
Front Door Installation
Custom Cabinets
Details
- Year established: 1980
Highlights and features
- We've completed thousands of projects since 1980 with a dedicated local team
- Our feasibility study prevents budget surprises through 3D planning and zoning analysis
- Full-service design-build approach handles permits, materials, and construction
- California licensed and insured professionals with decades of regional expertise
- Specialize in energy-efficient solutions and sustainable construction practices
What people say
5-star reviews
Experienced team
Seamless process
Quality craftsmanship
Transparent communication
Services
Accessory Dwelling Units
We specialize in creating functional accessory dwelling units that meet California's specific regulations. Our services include feasibility studies, 3D design visualization, and complete construction management. These versatile living spaces can serve as guest houses, rental units, or family accommodations while maintaining seamless integration with your existing property.
Kitchen Remodeling
Our kitchen remodeling service combines aesthetic design with practical functionality. We offer custom cabinetry solutions, countertop installation, and complete layout transformations. Using state-of-the-art design software, we help visualize the final product while ensuring optimal storage solutions and energy-efficient material selections that enhance your home's value.
Bathroom Remodeling
We create modern, functional bathroom spaces tailored to your lifestyle needs. Our services include fixture upgrades, custom tiling, and complete layout redesigns. We focus on water-resistant materials and accessibility features while maintaining strict adherence to local building codes and permit requirements.
Custom Countertops
We offer premium countertop solutions including natural stone, quartz, and composite materials. Our experts provide precise measurements, seam placement, and edge detailing to ensure perfect fit and durability. We work with top manufacturers to deliver countertops that combine aesthetic appeal with practical functionality for kitchens and bathrooms.
Fire Restoration
Our fire restoration service handles complete property recovery from fire and water damage. We manage insurance claims, code compliance upgrades, and structural repairs while minimizing disruption to homeowners. Our team coordinates all aspects from initial assessment to final reconstruction, ensuring properties meet current safety standards.
People
Mark Labourdette
Owner
With over 40 years of experience in the remodeling industry, Mark founded Design Build Specialists in 1980. He pioneered the feasibility study approach that prevents budget overruns and leads our team in delivering comprehensive design-build solutions for Marin County homeowners.
Questions
What makes your remodeling process different from other contractors?
Our feasibility-first approach includes 3D planning and zoning analysis before construction begins, preventing budget surprises and ensuring code compliance from the start.
Do you handle permits and inspections for remodeling projects?
Yes, we manage all permitting requirements and coordinate with local inspectors to ensure your project meets Marin County's specific regulations and passes inspections on the first attempt.
Can you help with accessory dwelling unit construction?
We specialize in ADU construction and helped develop California's current ADU regulations. Our services include site assessment, design, and complete turn-key construction for backyard or attached units.
Are you licensed and insured for home remodeling projects?
Yes, we maintain full California contractor licensing (Class B General Building) and carry comprehensive insurance coverage for all our remodeling and construction services.
What areas do you serve for home remodeling projects?
We primarily serve Marin County including San Rafael, Novato, Corte Madera, Mill Valley, Tiburon, Sausalito, and Petaluma with specialized knowledge of local building codes and requirements.
Do you offer eco-friendly remodeling options?
Yes, we incorporate energy-efficient materials and systems in all our projects, including sustainable cabinetry, low-VOC finishes, and water-saving fixtures to meet modern environmental standards.
Videos
Reviews (5)
Justin P. McCarthy
Jan 08, 2022
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We've worked with Mark and his team at Design Build Specialists, Inc. for over 10 years and two houses. In our old house, they remodeled two termite-damaged bathrooms with keen design, efficient execution, and excellent results. In 2019, they remodeled a powder room in our current home, and worked comfortably with our designer. We liked the results so much we invited Mark to remodel our kitchen in 2021, and we are incredibly happy with it. Beyond being very technically knowledgeable, super organized (lots of Gantt charts!), and a master at conflict resolution, Mark hires great people who are
Wendell Willat
Dec 12, 2021
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Positive:Professionalism,Punctuality,Quality
We've just started on our second project with DBS which should tell you everything you need to know. Thanks Mark for coming in on-time and on budget. We may be addicted to home renovation now
Service:Remodeling
We've just started on our second project with DBS which should tell you everything you need to know. Thanks Mark for coming in on-time and on budget. We may be addicted to home renovation now
Service:Remodeling
Customer Support
Mar 19, 2021
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Positive:Professionalism
We enjoyed collaborating with Design Build Specialists on an installation of our suspended seating. They were very professional in their communication with us. We highly recommend them!
We enjoyed collaborating with Design Build Specialists on an installation of our suspended seating. They were very professional in their communication with us. We highly recommend them!
Loren Nickel
Sep 24, 2018
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We hired Mark and his team to do a whole-house remodel. He and his team were fantastic from the start. He is very knowledgable about many different areas in construction. We used his knowledge several times in the construction project as we came across termite damage, water damage and other odds and ends for an older home. He found workable solutions every time, and was very reasonable on his cost projections. Another area where Mark was fantastic was that when he makes a commitment he keeps it. We could always trust him to do what he said and follow through. A rarity it seems with contractors
Michael Farey
Nov 26, 2017
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Design Build Specialists remodeled my In Law Unit finishing it in August 2016. As is my custom when writing contractor reviews, I like to wait several months or a year to publish as I want to be confident the project is fully tested before I weigh in on it. These guys are the real deal, they did design the remodel and participated in every phase of the construction. They did a beautiful job and I am happy to report that worries I had about the drainage around the structure were excellently addressed, the water went where it was supposed to go, even in a heavy rainfall winter like we experienced
