How We Build

A proven 6-step process designed to keep your project on schedule, on budget, and built to last — from first conversation through final walkthrough.

One Team. Full Accountability. Every Phase.

Most construction problems come from poor coordination — too many parties, unclear responsibilities, and gaps between design and execution. Cerpa Construction eliminates that. As your developer and construction manager, we own every phase of the process and serve as your single point of contact from day one through project close.

Our 6-Step Process

1

Initial Consultation & Project Assessment

Every project starts with a direct conversation. We learn your goals, your budget range, your timeline, and what success looks like for you. Whether you're renovating an investment property, developing from raw land, or rebuilding after storm damage — we ask the right questions before anything else.

We assess the property, identify constraints, and give you an honest read on what's realistic. No overselling, no lowball estimates to win your business.

📋 Site and property evaluation
💬 Budget and timeline discussion
📐 Scope definition and feasibility
🎯 Clear goal alignment
2

Planning, Design & Permitting

Once scope is agreed, we move into detailed planning. We coordinate with architects, engineers, and designers where needed — and we handle the permitting process so you don't have to navigate city and county requirements on your own.

Getting this phase right is what prevents expensive surprises later. We align construction methods, materials, and systems before a single nail is driven.

📐 Architectural and engineering coordination
📄 Permit applications and approvals
🔧 Materials and systems selection
📅 Construction schedule development
3

Contractor Selection & Trade Coordination

We work with a vetted network of licensed, insured trade professionals across Memphis — framing, roofing, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, finish work, and more. We select the right contractors for each scope of work and coordinate them as a unified team.

You don't manage subcontractors. We do. Every trade is held to our quality standards and schedule commitments.

✅ Licensed and insured contractors only
📋 Scope-specific contractor matching
📅 Trade scheduling and sequencing
💰 Competitive bidding and cost control
4

Construction Oversight & Quality Control

This is where most construction managers go quiet. We don't. We maintain active oversight throughout the build — regular site visits, daily coordination with trades, and immediate response when issues arise.

We track progress against schedule, monitor budget, and communicate with you consistently so there are no surprises. If something isn't right, we catch it before it becomes expensive.

👁️ Active site supervision
📊 Budget tracking and reporting
📅 Schedule management
🔍 Quality inspections at every phase
5

Inspections & Code Compliance

All work is inspected and completed in full compliance with Memphis city codes, Shelby County regulations, and Tennessee state requirements. We coordinate all required inspections and ensure every system — structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing — is properly signed off before we move to completion.

Compliance isn't optional. It protects your investment, your insurance, and your ability to sell or lease the property.

🏛️ City and county code compliance
✅ All required inspections coordinated
📄 Certificate of occupancy management
🔒 Full Tennessee regulatory compliance
6

Final Walkthrough & Project Close

Before we hand over the keys, we do a comprehensive final walkthrough — identifying and completing any outstanding punch list items, verifying all systems are operational, and ensuring the finished product meets the standard we committed to at day one.

You get a completed project, all documentation, permits, and warranties — and a construction manager you can call again for the next one.

🔑 Complete punch list resolution
📋 All documentation and permits delivered
🏠 Systems operational verification
🤝 Final client sign-off

Why This Model Works

The developer/construction management model gives you the strategic oversight of a developer with the hands-on accountability of a builder — without the overhead of a large GC operation.

🎯

Single Point of Contact

One person is accountable for the entire project. No finger-pointing between architect, GC, and subs. You call us, we handle it.

💰

Cost Transparency

We don't hide margins in contractor markups. You see where your budget goes and why. Competitive bidding keeps costs controlled.

Faster Decision-Making

When issues arise on site — and they always do — decisions get made immediately. No waiting for approval chains or disconnected parties.

🏗️

Right Contractor for Every Job

We match each scope of work to the best-fit licensed professional in our network — not just whoever's available or cheapest.

📋

Full Compliance Management

Permits, inspections, code compliance — we manage it all. Your project is built right and documented correctly from start to finish.

📈

Investment-Minded Approach

We think like developers because we are developers. Every decision considers long-term value, durability, and return on investment.

Common Questions

How is Cerpa Construction different from a general contractor?

A traditional GC typically employs crews and self-performs much of the work. Cerpa Construction operates as a developer and construction manager — we plan, coordinate, oversee, and hold accountability for every phase, working with a vetted network of licensed trade professionals. This gives you broader expertise, better cost control, and a single accountable party without the overhead of a large GC operation.

Who actually performs the construction work?

All construction work is performed by licensed, insured contractors and trade professionals. Cerpa Construction manages the selection, coordination, scheduling, and oversight of all trades. All work requiring licensure under Tennessee law is performed by properly licensed contractors.

How long does a typical project take?

Timeline varies significantly by project type and scope. A focused renovation may take 6–12 weeks. A full home addition or investment property transformation typically runs 3–6 months. Ground-up new construction or multifamily development can range from 6–18 months depending on size and complexity. We establish realistic timelines during the planning phase and track against them throughout construction.

Do you handle permits and inspections?

Yes. We manage the full permitting process — applications, plan review coordination, and all required inspections through the City of Memphis and Shelby County. You don't need to navigate the permit office. We handle it.

What areas do you serve?

We serve Memphis and the greater Shelby County area, including Germantown, Bartlett, Collierville, and Cordova. We also take projects in West Tennessee, North Mississippi, and Eastern Arkansas on a case-by-case basis. Contact us to discuss your specific location.

Do you work with insurance claims for storm damage?

Yes. We have direct experience managing storm damage and insurance reconstruction projects, including emergency response, structural assessment, insurance documentation coordination, and full rebuild. We work alongside your insurance adjuster to ensure the scope of damage is properly captured and the rebuild is completed to the original or improved standard.

Ready to Start Your Project?

Tell us what you're building. We'll tell you how we can make it happen.

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