DESIGN SERVICES

As a design build remodeler, Castle Building & Remodeling focuses on finding the project design and budget that will work best for each homewoner. At Castle, we have several tools and a team full of designers to make your remodeling dreams a reality. From the initial budget documents to 3D drawing tools, to production involvement in project planning; our goal is a beautiful, well planned, financially feasible project that is finished on a pre-determined timeline.

Unlike stand alone design services, our system integrates the pricing into the design process. Whether your style is traditional, modern, or transitional, our process and professional design team will find you the best value in residential remodeling. If you have questions about how the design build process works, please ask your designer to explain our process or call our office with inquiries.

The Beginning Stages of the Design Process

CONSULTATION Using the pop up on our website, please schedule your phone consultation with our sales team. We will reach out to confirm your call. During the phone consult, we will discuss what you want to accomplish with your remodeling project, any special needs, and what type of investment you want to make in your home. As we discuss the project over the phone we will be taking notes to pass along to the sales person or designer that visits your home.

CREATE A VISION During the first visit to your home we will discuss the project(s) with you, take photographs, and measurements and explain how Castle performs the design & planning process. We will leave a copy of our pretty brochure that contains information about Castle, our team of professionals, photos of projects, and our annual infographic.

BUDGET ANALYSIS After the appointment, we will email you a budget estimate of costs for your project. A PDF copy of Castle's Design & Planning contract will also be emailed.

DESIGN & PLANNING STAGE 1 The design costs associated with the drawings, selections, adn the detailed scope of work and pricing contract usually equal approximately 3-5% of the project budget, depending on project design complexity and the hours Castle expects to spend on each phase of the Design & Planning process. The way to keep design and planning costs down is to invest some time upfront determining how the job should look when completed, making precise decisions, and not changing the budget or scope of the design project numerous times.

DESIGN & PLANNING STAGE 2 If you are already working with an architect or other professional designer, we will work with them to put together the specifications and help with interior design selections at a negotiated fee based on the complexity of the project. If no design is necessary due to the nature of the project, the specification fee can be negotiated.

SITE VISIT With your approval of the design and planning agreement, we schedule our first design meeting and begin the design and planning process.

Eight Ways Homeowners Can Be Involved

Castle is one of the few professional remodeling companies that actually encourage participation by clients. Castle believes that by encouraging homeowner involvement, a greater value can be provided to the client. Labor costs typically represent the largest portion of remodeling costs and consequently provide the greatest opportunity for savings on the part of the client. Although Castle often receives and passes along deeply discounted pricing on materials, additional savings can be garnered if the client procures and delivers some accessories and materials. Castle also believes that clients who are involved in their project have a greater appreciation for the skill required as well as the unexpected circumstances that arise in remodeling.

Although Castle encourages client participation, there are certain restrictions that have been enacted based on past negative experiences. In general, Castle most strongly encourages participation in the beginning and ending stages of the project. Here is an overview of eight ways homeowners can get involved during their project.

1. Site Prep, Tear Out & Demolition

Many clients do tear out and demo and save thousands in labor costs. This is the first stage of the project and involves ripping out, smashing, and removing what will be leaving. This phase can be gratifying and tiring. Expect many trips to the dumpster and try to recruit some friends to help.

2. Insulation

Some insulation applications, particularly fiberglass batts, are easy to install and can be done by the client. Typically, the amount of time it takes to complete this item compared to the small savings realized from doing so leads clients to pass on this area.

3. Tile & Stone

Take a class, buy a wet saw and you are in business (if you’re adventurous). Not that easy but some homeowners have been quite successful if willing to take their time. This is a decent place to save (you can save about half of the tiling costs by doing it yourself) and an opportunity to set your tile in grout for an eternity.

4. Cabinets, Countertops, and Appliances

Castle generally does this part. If you hire a pro, please let us handle the part that reflects the most on final appearances.

5. Specialties

Many homeowners handle this relatively easy portion, which offers a chance to save money by cutting out management coordination of ordering and delivering materials and the labor to install.

6. Floor Coverings

If you have the time, this is an area to save by installing or managing yourself. It adds to Castle’s coordination, but we are amicable.

7. Painting & Decorating

This is frequently handled by the homeowner if they have the time. Don’t forget to figure in time for masking and prep. Please paint nicely so that our pictures look good.

8. Clean Up and Debris Removal

If you are willing to clean the jobsite each day and move debris to the dumpster, you may be able to save some costs in this area.

Head to our website to learn more about our unique Design-Build processes.