Thank you for visiting our website and for your interest in working with J.S. Brown & Co. We know inviting a remodeling partner into your home is a significant decision, and we believe clarity upfront is the first step toward a successful experience.
That’s why our design-build remodel process is built around alignment, thoughtful planning, and well-informed decisions long before construction begins. Below is an overview of how our process works as we begin exploring a project together.
Steps in Our Design-Build Remodel Process
1. Understanding Your Vision
We begin with a conversation about your home, your goals, and what you’re hoping to accomplish through your design-build remodel. This includes discussing priorities, lifestyle needs, timing considerations, and any early ideas you may already have.
2. Establishing a Preliminary Budget
Based on that conversation, we develop a preliminary budget range. This is not a quote or formal estimate. Instead, it serves as a compass to ensure we’re all heading in the same direction before investing time in detailed design work for your design-build remodel.
3. Retaining J.S. Brown & Co.
If the preliminary budget aligns with your expectations and we both feel we’re the right fit, the next step is a design retainer.
- The retainer is typically 4% of the low end of the preliminary budget range
- This retainer applies toward your project
- It allows us to fully engage our design, estimating, and production expertise on your behalf
This step is important because it allows our team to dedicate focused time and resources to planning your design-build remodel with accuracy and care.
4. Site Visit & Documentation
Next, we schedule a second visit to your home to take detailed measurements, photographs, and notes of existing conditions. Capturing accurate information is key to creating a smooth, successful design-build remodel plan.
5. “As-Built” Documentation
Your home is then drawn in our CAD system (Chief Architect) to create an accurate as-built model. This becomes the foundation for thoughtful design development and helps ensure the design solutions we propose work within your home’s actual conditions.
6. Conceptual Design Development
Using the as-built drawings and your project goals, we develop multiple design options or layouts that explore different ways to solve your needs. This is where we begin shaping the design direction of your design-build remodel.
7. Design Review Meeting
We review these concepts together, either in our office or virtually. During this meeting, we walk through design ideas, budget priorities, and opportunities so we can gather feedback and determine what direction feels best.
8. Refinement & Collaboration
Design evolves collaboratively. We refine layouts, combine elements from different options, and fine-tune details until we arrive at a design that truly fits your home and your vision.
This step is where your design-build remodel begins to take shape in a more complete and personalized way.
9. Probable Cost Review
Once a preferred design is in place, we prepare probable cost numbers to confirm we’re still aligned with your goals and budget before moving into full pricing. If necessary, we can revise plans and estimates to find the right balance, ensuring your design-build remodel stays aligned without surprises later.
10. Labor Confirmation Meeting
Once the design and direction are solid, we refine material selections and conduct a Labor Confirmation at your home. This involves our internal team and key trade partners to verify scope, logistics, and constructability before final pricing is completed.
11. Final Proposal & Contract
Following the Labor Confirmation, we assemble your final pricing and present a comprehensive contract for review. This is the step where your plan becomes official, and your design-build remodel is positioned for a smooth transition into construction.
Why This Design-Build Remodel Process Matters
Our approach is intentional and thorough. It minimizes surprises, supports accurate pricing, and helps create a smoother construction phase. Most importantly, it ensures your design-build remodel reflects both excellent craftsmanship and smart decision-making.
We’ve found that when homeowners have clarity early, the entire project feels more organized, more collaborative, and far more enjoyable from start to finish.
Contact J.S. Brown & Co. to Get Started
If you’re considering a design-build remodel, we’d love to learn more about your home, your goals, and what you’re envisioning. Contact J.S. Brown & Co. to schedule an initial conversation and see if our process feels like the right fit for you.
