What to Expect During the Design-Build Remodeling Process with Homework Remodels

At Homework Remodels, we believe your home remodeling journey should be just as rewarding as the finished space itself. That’s why we use the design-build approach—a proven system that gives you clarity, control, and confidence from the very beginning to the final walkthrough. Whether you’re planning a kitchen remodel, bathroom upgrade, whole-home renovation, or a home addition in Phoenix, Scottsdale, or any surrounding East Valley city, our design-build remodeling process is structured to eliminate surprises and elevate the experience.

Why Choose the Design-Build System for Your Remodel?

Traditional remodeling often involves juggling different contractors, unclear budgets, and inconsistent communication. Design-build remodeling solves those problems. With Homework Remodels, you work with one dedicated team through every stage of your project. From initial design ideas to the final coat of paint, our licensed design and construction professionals work collaboratively to keep your vision—and budget—on track.

This integrated approach ensures fewer delays, fewer miscommunications, and higher-quality outcomes. It’s one of the reasons our Phoenix-area clients choose Homework Remodels time and again for their home transformations.

Step-by-Step: The Design-Build Remodeling Process

Initial Consultation – Let’s Talk About Your Home

Your remodeling journey starts with a personal consultation. During this first meeting, we’ll listen carefully to your goals, lifestyle needs, design ideas, and budget considerations. Are you expanding your kitchen for entertaining? Making space for multigenerational living? Hoping to restore the character of a historic Phoenix home? Whatever your dream, we’re here to understand it.

We’ll also review your existing home layout and discuss your remodeling priorities so we can begin shaping the right path forward together.

Feasibility & Preconstruction Planning

Next comes the feasibility phase, where we evaluate your property, zoning considerations, and budget range to ensure the vision aligns with reality. This stage often includes:

Site measurements and photos
As-is floor plan documentation
Code compliance review
High-level conceptual options

By getting everything on the table early, we avoid surprises later and develop a project scope you can confidently invest in.

Design Development – Where Ideas Take Shape

This is where the magic happens. Our talented design team—including Master Certified Kitchen and Bath Remodeler Sheila Lanier—translates your ideas into detailed drawings, 3D renderings, and realistic finish concepts. Whether you’re remodeling a 1930s Willo Historic District bungalow or a mid-century home in Arcadia, we tailor the design to honor your home’s architecture while meeting today’s functional needs.

Design decisions we guide you through may include:

Floor plan layouts and wall modifications
Kitchen and bathroom cabinet design
Countertop, tile, and flooring selections
Lighting, plumbing fixtures, and finishes
Aging-in-place or universal design options, if needed

You’ll have multiple opportunities to review, revise, and approve the design, ensuring it reflects your style and goals before construction begins.

Detailed Cost Proposal & Contract

Once the design is finalized, we present a detailed construction proposal that outlines everything—from labor and materials to schedule and payment terms. This is a fixed-price agreement that eliminates the guesswork.

You’ll receive:

A comprehensive project scope
Accurate pricing with allowances for fixtures and finishes
A realistic construction timeline
A clear contract for mutual understanding

We’ll walk you through the agreement so you feel informed and empowered every step of the way.

Permits & Pre-Construction Preparation

Before construction begins, we handle all necessary permits, approvals, and preparations. Our team will:

Submit architectural plans for city permits (when required)
Coordinate inspections and HOA approvals
Finalize construction documents and schedules
Order long-lead items early (e.g., custom cabinetry or windows)

We also protect your home by planning for dust barriers, temporary walls, and floor protection. Communication ramps up as we prepare your household for what to expect during construction.

Construction Begins – Professional, Respectful Execution

When demolition and construction begin, our team arrives on time, maintains a clean work site, and communicates regularly to ensure a seamless process. You’ll meet your project manager, your day-to-day contact, who will keep things moving and keep you informed.

We keep remodeling stress to a minimum by:

Maintaining a clean and safe work environment
Sticking to the schedule (weather and material delays permitting)
Communicating daily through phone, email, or onsite visits
Respecting your family’s privacy and routines

You’ll never be left guessing about what’s happening next.

Quality Control & Ongoing Walkthroughs

Throughout the construction process, we conduct regular quality checks. Our leadership team, including founder Steve Shinn, a Master Certified Remodeler, reviews progress to ensure that craftsmanship meets our high standards. If any surprises or adjustments arise, we’ll address them with honesty and prompt solutions.

We also schedule milestone walkthroughs with you to review work-in-progress, confirm details, and make any necessary adjustments before proceeding.

Final Walkthrough & Completion

As we approach completion, we conduct a final walkthrough together. This gives you a chance to review the finished work and ask questions. If any minor punch list items remain, we promptly address and resolve them.

When the project is complete, we provide:

A final close-out package (manuals, warranties, maintenance tips)
Photos of the completed remodel
Our lasting gratitude for trusting us with your home

We leave you with a space that’s beautiful, functional, and uniquely yours.

Post-Project Support & Warranty

Even after we finish, we’re still here for you. Every Homework Remodels project includes a comprehensive warranty and access to our team if questions arise later.

We’re proud to stand behind our work, and even prouder to see our clients enjoy their newly remodeled homes for years to come.

Your Phoenix Remodeling Partner—From Vision to Completion

Choosing the right remodeler can feel overwhelming. That’s why we make it easy by bringing everything under one roof—from design through construction—with honesty, transparency, and a passion for excellence. We specialize in remodeling homes throughout Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe, Chandler, Mesa, and the surrounding East Valley.

If you’re ready to remodel your home with less stress and more certainty, Homework Remodels is here to guide you every step of the way.