DESIGN AND BUILD PROCESS 

What is the design/build process anyway? Many contractors that don't provide a design/build process let the customer find a designer on their own and work with them separately. Once that design is done, the customer will then need to find a contractor to work with who will build the project. Starting your remodeling project working with both a designer and a contractor seperately, playing the middle man, and trying to make decisions is a challenging way to complete your project. This process is very time consuming, confusing and overall very frustrating.

At CORE Remodeling we believe the Design/Build process is the most effective model for residential home remodeling and construction. As architects, designers and builders under one roof, we work with you as a team. CORE has a united and experienced team from initial concept through construction, which means that we can identify potential issues before they become problems. Our CORE process will also answer all of our clients’ needs, which reduces problems and overall costs. This is how CORE ensures a smooth remodeling process from start to finish. Take a minute to read about our process to see if CORE is the right contractor for you. Then read reviews from our past customers to see how our remodeling process worked for them.

Design and Build Process

What is the Design/Build process anyway? Many contractors who don’t provide a Design/Build approach require the homeowner to find a separate designer on their own. Once the design is complete, the homeowner then has to find a contractor willing—and able—to build it. This creates two common scenarios:

Scenario 1: You begin the remodeling process working with both a designer and a contractor independently, acting as the go-between, coordinating communication, and trying to make decisions without full guidance. This approach is often time-consuming, confusing, and frustrating.

Scenario 2: You work with a designer, share your budget, and end up with a design you love—only to learn from multiple contractors that it’s far above your budget. Designers are not estimators, and this misalignment often results in paying twice: once for a design you can’t afford, and again for one that fits your budget.

At CORE Remodeling Services, Inc., we believe the Design/Build model is the most effective, efficient, and enjoyable way to remodel. With architects, designers, estimators, and builders working together under one roof, our process ensures your project is designed intentionally—with your style, your home, and your budget in mind.

Our CORE team collaborates from the very first concept through the final day of construction, identifying potential challenges early, reducing delays, improving accuracy, and providing a smoother remodeling experience from start to finish.

Take a moment to explore our process below and see how CORE Remodeling Services ensures clarity, confidence, and exceptional results. Then read reviews from past clients to see how our process has worked for homeowners just like you.

Average Remodeling Cost in Central Massachusetts

Here’s a detailed overview of our Design and Build Process:

Step 1: Project Compatibility Consultation

• Send us pictures of the space you’re considering remodeling.
• Join a Zoom meeting to review our Design/Build process, confirm mutual fit, and discuss realistic budget ranges (20–30 minutes).
• If CORE feels like the right partner and the budget range is comfortable for you, we’ll schedule an in-home consultation.

Step 2: In-Home Consultation

• We visit your home to take measurements, photos, and learn your project goals in detail.
• We discuss your priorities, design style, and must-have features.
• We refine budget expectations and outline the project scope.
• If both parties wish to move forward, your CORE Remodeling Consultant will prepare a Design/Build Agreement to present in person.

Step 3: Design/Build Agreement

• Review your agreement with your Remodeling Consultant—it outlines the project phases, deliverables, and an estimated budget range.
• When ready, sign the agreement and provide the design retainer so our team can begin the design and planning phase.

Step 4: Design & Planning

Work with one of our professional designers to bring your ideas to life. This stage includes:

• Gathering all necessary project information.
• Developing design concepts and construction drawings.
• Assistance with product and material selections.
• Creation of detailed project specifications for accurate pricing.

Step 5: Production / Construction

After finalizing plans, selections, and specifications, we prepare a fixed-price Massachusetts HIC-compliant construction contract. Your design retainer is applied to the contract. From here:

• We complete construction and permit-ready plans.
• We apply for all required building permits on your behalf.
• We build a detailed construction schedule in our online project management system, CORE Construct.
• We host a pre-construction meeting to review logistics and expectations.
• Your project is managed by a NARI-Certified Production Manager and executed using our Lead Carpenter System.
• Weekly update walk-throughs ensure open communication throughout the build.
• Our goal: to earn your referral by delivering an exceptional remodeling experience.

Step 6: Post-Production

• We conduct a pre-completion walk-through to identify final touchups.
• Our professional cleaning crew prepares your space for immediate enjoyment.
• We provide completion documentation and begin your warranty period.
• You receive a project packet with care and warranty information for all materials.
• We’ll ask if we have earned the right to be referred to others in your network.
• We’ll also ask if you’d be willing to share a testimonial or online review based on your experience.