An Inside Look at Our Home Remodeling Design Process

Step One: Connect & Learn

During our initial conversations, we take the time to listen to you and understand your needs so that we can provide solutions that specifically address the dreams you have for your home or the pain points you’re experiencing in your current space. After getting to know you and your project goals, we’ll provide you with a high-level idea of what we think it’ll take to meet those goals, including initial explorations of cost, timeline, etc.

This early stage is all about honesty. We want to make sure you’re clear on what your project will require, whether you’re ready to make that kind of investment, and whether Crescent Builds is the right fit for you and your project. Because you’re also getting to know us during these early conversations! And whether you go with us or another contractor, you want to make sure from the beginning that you feel like you can trust the people you’re going to be working with on your home remodel. 

Step Two: Program & Budget

This is where we start to dig into the details of your vision for your remodel and explore what’s possible. We’ll start by assessing any external limiting factors for your project. This could include checking with the city to see if there are any environmental issues or building restrictions we need to consider. We’ll also look at whether your lot has any unique features that we’ll need to design and build around. Because it’s much easier—and less costly!—to identify and plan around those external factors now than to be surprised and derailed by them later.

Step Three: Design & Develop

After getting to know you, your needs, your budget, and the various factors we need to consider for your project, it’s time for the fun stuff—design!

There are really two “mini-stages” when it comes to design. First, there’s schematic design. This is where we take your schedule, budget, and scope and produce a few different high-level options for how we could design the space to achieve your goals. One option might be geared more toward hitting all the features on your wishlist, but the budget is a bit higher, while another option might be more limited in scope but focused on saving you money.

The goal here is to give you a few different pictures of what your space could look like so that you can start to get a clearer sense of exactly what you want and what’s most important to you for your home remodeling project.

After you’ve chosen the option that best balances your desires for scope, budget, and timeline, we move forward with full design and development. This involves architectural and interior design, as well as materials selections.

Then, with a design in place, we’ll start pricing and planning for what we’ve designed. We’ll talk to our trades and our vendors to get feedback on what’s doable and how we’re going to bring the design to life. With a clear understanding of the costs for each element of the design and how many hours our team will need to complete the project, we’ll then put together a final scope and budget for construction and a final project timeline.

At this point, we do one last big check-in with you so we can discuss what your project will include, how much it will cost, and how long it will take. Once we’re in agreement, you can sign the contract, and we can move on to the pre-construction planning phase!

Step Four: Plan & Prepare

This is a part of the home remodeling process that many homeowners don’t necessarily think about, but it’s critical for ensuring the project goes smoothly during construction.

In this planning phase, we’ll focus on detailed preparation, making sure every aspect of the project is ready for production. That means making sure trades are scheduled and ready to be on-site when needed. It means procuring long-lead items like cabinets, doors, or windows that could bring your project to a halt if they weren’t accounted for beforehand. We’ll also make sure all the necessary permits are secured at this time.

We know it might feel frustrating to have this planning phase sandwiched between design and construction. You’re ready to break ground on that beautiful remodel! But trust us—this planning stage is essential and will save you time in the long run.

Step Five: Produce & Manage

You’ve been so patient up to this point, and now it’s finally time to start building! We won’t get into the nitty gritty details here (look out for a future post on the in-production process!) since this blog is focused primarily on the home remodeling design process.

But know that during production, our team is dedicated to managing the construction process, keeping you informed with regular updates while ensuring your project progresses smoothly and meets our high-quality standards.

Step Six: Complete & Enjoy!

You’ve made it this far—now it’s time to enjoy your finished remodel! We’ll do a final walkthrough to make sure that absolutely everything meets your expectations. Then, all that’s left is to start making memories in your new, beautiful space. Congrats!

We’re Here For All Your Home Remodeling Design Questions

A home remodel, even a small one, involves so many moving parts and unforeseen variables. But with the right contractor on your side, you can navigate every step of the journey with confidence and finally bring your vision for your new space to life.

We’d love to partner with you on your next home remodeling project. If you have any questions about the home remodeling design process, or if you have questions about what it’s like to work with us, contact us. We’d be happy to talk with you and get you a preliminary estimate.