A new kitchen and/or bath is a very exciting remodeling project as these projects not only add value to your home, they make for an exciting change in the way your home feels.

 

What is a Design-Build Project?

Design-build is a one-stop, seamless way to build a home or undertake a remodeling project. Think of the players as having hats. There is a “design hat” and a “construction hat” needed to do a construction project. Most people think these are two separate disciplines, but they do not have to be. In fact, it’s better if they are not! With the design-build approach, one company wears both of these hats, minimizing costs and communication errors between the design firm and your construction firm.  Because we offer design build services, the cost of design is included in the total cost of your project and you will not be billed separately for this service.  This added value, overall decreases your design costs.

 

Timeline

Because the very nature of this type of remodeling is to personalize the room just for you, it can be challenging to provide a timeline. Structural changes, wall removals, additional framing all make both the design and execution of this remodel more time-intensive.

The following guide will help you get started and will adjust based on your needs. The design build kitchen remodel is 100% executed by our general contracting firm as we employ an in-house design team. 

 

Design Phase (4-10weeks)

The very first allocation of the remodeling timeline goes to the design of your new space. This includes the wants and needs analysis and scope of work outline. I try to allow for no more than 1 appointment per week to tackle the decisions. Meeting twice per week is an aggressive schedule, and not all homeowners have that time available.

All told, the Design Phase can be completed in 4-8 weeks. Smaller projects with fewer decisions can be done more quickly. Larger projects can spend 6-10 weeks in design.

Maintaining a consistent meeting schedule keeps the decisions on track. Following a structured selection process is key to getting through the choices and getting the kitchen you want. (The article “Why do I need a Kitchen Designer?” goes into the selection process in more detail.)

 

Designing Expectations by Week

• Initial Consult:  When you meet with your designer, come prepared with pictures, pinterest pages and other ideas of what design style you prefer.  A good designer will assess your home and get an idea of your style by what you already have styled in your home.  At this meeting, be prepared to discuss your budget, so that the designer can work around your budget expectations and not suggest something to you, that will be out of budget.

• 2nd Meeting:  When you next meet, expect your designer to have some finishes chosen for you to look at. You will go through finishes and select “yay” or “nay” on some, to allow your designer to narrow in on your style.

• 3rd Meeting:  By the time you meet with your designer a 3rd time, expect to have some visuals prepared, for the overall look of your room.  Whether it be an idea board or some finishes to touch and feel, this will further solidify your design.

• 4th Meeting:  By the 4th time you meet with your designer, you should already know if you have chosen the right firm to work with.  By now, you have given your budget to the contractor and have determined what scope of work fits into that budget.