Remodels + Additions
Not sure if renovating your home is the right choice? You likely have more questions than answers—about possibilities, costs, and timelines. We’re here to help you explore your options and make the best decision for you.
Learn more about budgeting (time + money) for your project.
If your ready to take the first step, start with our short survey, then schedule a free video call with Katy to discuss your goals and our approach. If we’re a good fit, we’ll guide you through our predesign process to plan your next steps.
Start the conversation
Learn how we guide you through every step of the design process, from discovery to construction.
Predesign – Laying the Foundation for your Project
Before design begins, we gather key details about your goals, home, and budget while identifying potential challenges. This process, known as programming, helps determine project feasibility. You bring your ideas—we ask the right questions, take measurements, and compile our findings into a Design Brief.
Fixed Fee Pricing:
- Interior Remodel – $750
- Remodel with Addition – $1,200 (includes site & zoning research)
This small investment gives you a clear understanding of your project before committing further. The Design Brief also serves as a reference throughout the design process, ensuring your goals remain the focus as we refine your vision.
Existing Conditions Survey
Before design begins, we conduct a detailed measurement of your home and create a 3D model in Revit. You’ll receive a PDF of the existing plans. This service costs $1 per square foot of surveyed space, typically covering the entire home for a complete understanding of its structure and details.
For additions, a separate site survey (by others) may be required for permitting and structural planning.
Design Starts Here:
Schematic Design: Exploring Your Options
In this phase, we transform ideas into buildable concepts. It’s the best time to explore options and make changes. We start by presenting multiple design approaches, discussing their pros and cons, and refining them based on your feedback.
For remodels and additions, we prioritize constructability and budget—ensuring the design makes sense for your home. The schematic direction is typically finalized in one to two meetings, with follow-up discussions as needed.
While architects don’t control pricing, we leverage our construction expertise to estimate costs. For budget-sensitive projects, we may consult a preferred builder early on to ensure feasibility. Since many builders book out 6–12 months in advance, pre-selecting one now can help secure your spot. We’ll guide you through this decision as we move forward.
Design Development: Refining the Details
Building on the schematic design, we refine each space’s function, character, and details. For additions, we often start with the exterior shell—windows, doors, and relationships to the interior layout. For interior remodels, we dive into cabinetry, materials, and fixtures.
Once the main elements are set, we concurrently develop the design in two key areas:
- Fixture + Finish Selections – If you choose full interior design services, we guide you through material and fixture choices using 3D models, images, and samples, ensuring a cohesive look. We prioritize selections that impact budget and lead times.
- Structural + System Design – Behind the scenes, we coordinate with engineers to ensure structural integrity and system efficiency while keeping you informed of development and options. For mechanical systems, we provide pricing options so you can make informed decisions based on overall project costs.
Construction Documents Lite: Preparing for Pricing
In this phase, we document all design decisions to create a Bid Package for contractor pricing. Given rising construction costs, getting accurate estimates before finalizing every detail helps you make informed decisions.
The Bid Package includes:
- Architectural Drawings – Layout, sizing, construction details, and locations of fixtures and finishes (doors, windows, siding, trim, cabinets, flooring, etc.).
- Structural, Mechanical & Electrical Plans – Layout and intent.
- Outline Specifications – Key selections and allowances for undecided items.
- Detailed Design Elements – Any custom features beyond standard construction.
- Pricing Alternates – Additional options for cost comparison.
This package ensures accurate pricing but is not intended for construction.
Bidding & Contractor Selection
At this stage, contractors begin pricing your project. For remodels and additions, this includes an onsite pricing visit where the general contractor and trade partners review the design and existing conditions. Their insights may reveal new ideas, challenges, or efficiencies, and we’re there to ensure everything aligns with the overall vision.
The contractor then gathers and compiles pricing, which takes time. While design work is minimal during this phase, we remain available to answer questions and clarify details. We also attend the pricing meeting with you to keep everything on track.
A budget reconciliation period follows, where scope and costs are adjusted as needed to finalize what’s included in the project.
Construction Documents: Finalizing the Plan
After pricing, we refine the design to match the contractor’s scope. We finalize drawings, details, and specifications to create the official permit and construction documents. These documents serve as the contract that guides the building process.
Construction Administration: Your Advocate Through the Build
Remodeling can be complex and stressful, but we’re here to guide you. As your advocate, we monitor construction to ensure it aligns with the design and catch issues early while they’re easy to fix.
We also support the contractor by answering questions, clarifying design intent, reviewing materials, and providing additional drawings—helping keep the project on track and running smoothly.