How is Canopy Different?
What does Canopy actually do?
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Canopy is an independent advisor for homeowners in Marin, Sonoma and San Francisco. We help you make the big decisions about your home: what to buy, what to build or change, whom to hire, and how to protect its value over time. Every other professional on your project has a specific piece to deliver. Our only job is to look out for you, from the first “should we?” to long after move-in.
We can be, and that's only part of what we do. Most owner's reps and project managers are hired once a project is planned and the team is in place, and their work ends at move-in. Canopy starts earlier: before you buy, before you design, before the team is chosen. And we stay with you long after the project is complete. Some clients engage us as advisors. Others also ask us to manage their project as their owner's representative, so the person leading the build is the same one who helped shape it from the start.
Is Canopy an owner’s representative or project manager?
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If you offer project management, how can I trust your advice about whether I need it?
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It's a fair question, and we'd rather you ask it. If we believe your project needs a dedicated project manager, we'll tell you why, and we'll tell you honestly whether Canopy or another firm is the better fit for your project. Ensuring that a project moves smoothly requires that decisions be made in a timely manner and that a decision maker is readily available to answer questions from the architect, contractor and subs. Your availability and familiarity with construction and design will make it clear whether a project manager is right for you. We're glad to help you interview other firms. Our advisory work never depends on you hiring us for more.
Will Canopy work with my real estate agent?
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Yes, and we think the two roles work best together. Your agent knows the market: finding properties, pricing, negotiating and getting the deal closed. Canopy doesn’t do any of that, and we never take or share a commission. We focus on the property itself: does it fit how you live, what will it realistically cost to renovate, what will the lot allow, and does the price reflect the work ahead. Buyers who have those answers tend to decide faster and with more confidence. Because we’re paid for our time, we can tell you when a house isn’t the right one, so you and your agent can focus on the one that is. Don’t have an agent yet? We’re glad to introduce you to a great one.
How is Canopy different than my architect or designer?
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Your architect and designer create the vision for your home. Canopy helps you get the most out of them. We help you choose the right fit, prepare for design meetings, review plans with a builder's eye for cost and practicality, and make sure the design matches how you actually want to live. We don't design, and we never compete with your design team.
Isn’t this what a home inspector does?
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An inspector reports on a home's current condition. Canopy looks at the whole picture: what the home could become, what that will cost, what the planning and permitting process will involve, and whether it's the right investment for you. We often recommend an inspection too; the two work well together.
Do you do construction or act as a contractor?
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No. Canopy never builds, brokers or designs. When we manage a project, we act as your owner's representative: we coordinate your architect, contractor and consultants on your behalf, but we never hold the construction contract or profit from it. Some of our advisors hold professional licenses from earlier in their careers, and that hands-on experience informs everything we do.
Does Canopy work with my existing team?
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Naturally. Most clients come to us with people they already trust: an agent, an architect, a contractor, sometimes all three. We don’t replace anyone, and we don’t suggest new people unless you ask. Our role is to help the whole team work well together. We make sure everyone gets the information and decisions they need from you, translate between disciplines, and catch issues early, while they’re still easy to solve. Most professionals find that a prepared, well-advised client makes their job easier. And if your team is missing someone, we can help you find the right fit.
Can you tell me what I’m allowed to build before I buy or design?
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Often, yes, and it's one of the most valuable things we do. Canopy advisor Sean Kennings is a land use and environmental planner with experience across Marin, Sonoma and Napa. Before you commit, he can review a property's zoning, setbacks, creeks, coastal and environmental rules, and the approvals a project would need. You'll know early what's realistic, how long approvals may take, and where the risks are, so your design and budget start from what the town is likely to approve.