Building or renovating a home is one of the bigger decisions you’ll make. The process should feel transparent from start to finish — not a mystery you only understand after the contract is signed.
Below is exactly how we work with every client. Every step. No surprises.
Step 1 — Discovery conversation
What it is: A 10-20 minute phone call, or an in-person conversation at our shop, to learn about your project.
What we cover:
- What you’re hoping to build or renovate
- Your timeline — ASAP, this year, planning for next year
- Your rough budget range
- Whether you have plans or sketches yet, or are still in the thinking-about-it stage
- Whether you’re working with an architect (or want us to introduce you to one)
What we don’t do: Pressure you. The discovery conversation is free, no commitment, and the only way we can both figure out if there’s a good fit.
Step 2 — Site visit
What it is: We come to your lot, your existing home, or both. Usually takes 1-2 hours.
What we cover:
- Walking through what you want, in the space where it’ll happen
- Looking at the existing conditions — foundation, framing, systems, site
- Identifying any constraints — setbacks, wetlands, historic district, septic conditions
- Talking through realistic timelines and budget ranges for what you’ve described
- Answering questions about how we work, what to expect, what makes a project go well or badly
Who’s there: Jeff or one of our project leads. Sometimes your architect, if you have one.
What it costs: Nothing. Site visits are free.
Step 3 — Estimate
If we both agree there’s a project worth pursuing, we’ll prepare a written estimate.
What’s in our estimate:
- A clear written scope of work — every piece of the project, listed out
- Line-item pricing — not a single bottom-line number, but a breakdown of each major cost category (framing, electrical, plumbing, finishes, etc.)
- Allowances for items not yet selected (cabinets, fixtures, appliances, finishes)
- A realistic schedule with major milestones
- Clear terms — what triggers a change order, what’s included, what’s excluded
- Our license, insurance, and registration info
What you do with it: Take your time. Ask questions. Compare with other estimates if you’re gathering more than one. Make sure you understand every line.
If something in the estimate doesn’t sit right, tell us. We’d rather adjust scope than have you sign something you regret.
Step 4 — Contract and pre-construction planning
Once you’ve signed the estimate (now a contract), we move into the pre-construction phase.
What we do during pre-construction:
- File for building permits with the town
- File any required conservation, historic district, or board of health applications
- Order long-lead items (cabinets, windows, custom millwork) so the build doesn’t sit waiting
- Schedule major trades (electrical, plumbing, masonry, HVAC, roofing)
- Walk the project with you again, locking down any decisions still pending
- Set up communication — your point of contact, how often we’ll update you, how you’ll see progress
Timeline: Typically 4-12 weeks depending on project complexity and town permitting speed.
Step 5 — The build
What you can expect:
- Weekly site walks — typically Friday afternoons. You’re invited every week. Even if you can’t make it, we’ll send photos.
- A dedicated project lead — one person on our team who is your point of contact from start to finish. You’ll have their cell phone number.
- Daily clean site — we sweep up at the end of every workday. Tools are stored. Trash is removed. Your home stays livable around the work.
- Honest communication when surprises happen — when we open a wall and find something unexpected, we stop, document it with photos, and explain your options before doing anything. Nothing happens without your say-so.
- No surprise change orders — every change in scope is documented in writing, with new pricing and schedule impact, before any new work starts.
Typical build timelines:
- Kitchen remodel: 6-12 weeks
- Bathroom remodel: 3-6 weeks
- Addition: 3-9 months
- Whole-home renovation: 4-12 months
- Custom home: 12-18 months
Step 6 — Final walkthrough and punch list
When we’re nearly done, we walk the project together. Anything that needs touch-up, adjustment, or fix gets written on a punch list — and we stay on the job until every item is checked off.
We don’t ship the final invoice until you’d recommend us to your sister.
Step 7 — Aftercare
After you move back in (or move in for the first time on a new build), the relationship continues.
- One-year workmanship warranty covering any installation defects
- Manufacturer warranties on materials (often longer)
- We stay reachable — most of our past clients can text Jeff directly and get a response same-day
- Annual courtesy follow-up — we check in around the one-year mark to see how everything is holding up
- First call when you’re ready for the next project — most clients call us back ten years later for the next renovation
What it looks like in practice
A typical custom home build, from first call to move-in:
| Phase | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Discovery + site visit | 1-2 weeks |
| Design (with your architect) | 2-6 months |
| Estimate + contract | 2-4 weeks |
| Pre-construction (permits, ordering, scheduling) | 6-12 weeks |
| Construction | 12-18 months |
| Final walkthrough + punch list | 2-4 weeks |
| Total | 18-30 months |
A typical kitchen remodel:
| Phase | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Discovery + site visit | 1-2 weeks |
| Design + selections | 2-4 weeks |
| Estimate + contract | 1-2 weeks |
| Pre-construction (ordering cabinets, scheduling) | 4-8 weeks |
| Construction | 6-12 weeks |
| Final walkthrough + punch list | 1 week |
| Total | 4-7 months |
Common questions about our process
- Do you require a deposit? Yes, a deposit is paid at contract signing. The amount depends on project size. Subsequent payments are tied to milestones, not a calendar.
- What if I want to make changes during the build? Changes are normal. Every change is documented in writing as a change order, with pricing and schedule impact, before any new work starts.
- Do you work in winter? Yes, year-round. Interior work proceeds normally. Exterior work and concrete pours are scheduled around weather.
- Can I see a project in progress? Often, yes — with a current client’s permission. Just ask.
See our full FAQ page for more.
Ready to start?
The first step is a no-pressure conversation. Call (508) 619-7909 or send us a message.