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 process let the customer find a designer on their own and work with them separately. Once that design is done, the customer must then find a contractor to build the project. Usually, there are two scenarios:

Scenario 1: You start your remodeling project working with both a designer and a contractor separately, playing the middleman and trying to make decisions. This approach is time-consuming, confusing, and frustrating.

Scenario 2: You work with a designer, share your budget, and they create a design you love—only to find that every contractor you meet tells you it’s well above your budget. Designers are not estimators, and this often leads to 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 process is the most effective model for residential remodeling and construction. With architects, designers, and builders under one roof, we work with you as a team to create a design that fits your style and your budget.

Our CORE team collaborates from initial concept through construction, identifying potential issues before they become problems. This unified approach reduces delays, minimizes surprises, and ensures a smooth remodeling experience from start to finish.

Take a minute to explore our process below and see if CORE Remodeling Services is the right fit for you. Then read reviews from our past customers to see how our process has worked for them.

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 area you’re considering remodeling.
• Schedule a Zoom meeting to review our Design/Build process, ensure mutual fit, and discuss initial budget ranges (20–30 minutes).
• If CORE feels like the right partner and the discussed budgets work for you, we’ll schedule an in-home consultation.

Step 2: In-Home Consultation

• We’ll visit your home, take measurements and photos, and discuss your project goals.
• We’ll learn what matters most to you and refine the design and scope of work.
• We’ll confirm the project budget range and determine next steps.
• If both parties are confident about moving forward, your CORE Remodeling Consultant will prepare a Design/Build Agreement and present it in person.

Step 3: Design/Build Agreement

• Review your agreement with your Remodeling Consultant — it outlines project steps, phases, and an estimated budget range.
• If you’re ready to move forward, sign the agreement and provide the design retainer to begin.

Step 4: Design & Planning

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

• Gathering all necessary project information.
• Developing and finalizing design concepts and drawings.
• Assistance with product and material selections.
• Creating detailed project specifications.

Step 5: Production / Construction

Once plans, specs, and selections are complete, we finalize a fixed-price Massachusetts HIC-compliant construction contract. Your design retainer is applied to the contract, and the project begins:

• Complete construction and permit plans.
• Apply for all required building permits on your behalf.
• Produce a detailed construction schedule using our online project management system, CORE Construct.
• Hold a pre-construction meeting to review expectations and answer questions.
• Your project will be managed by a NARI-Certified Production Manager and completed using our Lead Carpenter System.
• Weekly project update walk-throughs ensure clear communication.
• Our goal is to earn your referrals through exceptional performance.

Step 6: Post-Production

• Conduct a pre-completion walk-through to identify final details before calling the project complete.
• Our professional cleaning crew prepares your new space for immediate use.
• Finalize completion documents and begin your warranty period.
• Receive a project packet including warranty and care information for all materials.
• We will then ask you if we have earned the right to be referred to others by you.
• We will also ask if you would help us by providing a written testimonial or review.