Process
Craft Spaces Perfectly Tailored to Your Lifestyle
10 Steps to Home Remodeling
Our remodeling process streamlines every step of transforming your home. From initial design concepts to final construction, you’ll work with a single, trusted team, ensuring a seamless and transparent experience. With our proven approach to estimating and project delivery, we guarantee efficiency and exceptional results.
Custom Construction
Design Execution
We prioritize clear communication and collaboration from the start, laying the foundation for a smooth construction process. Through careful planning and strategic design, we minimize surprises and keep costs under control.
1. Initial Consultation
• 45-90 minute meeting
• Defining the Project Scope
Our initial consultation takes place at your home and typically lasts 45–90 minutes. This meeting provides an efficient and productive opportunity for us to understand your project and share examples of similar projects during our discussion.
We’ll ask detailed questions to understand the ‘why’ behind your project and identify the challenges you’re looking to address. Our team excels at finding creative solutions to meet your needs. We’ll also discuss your timeline expectations and your desired investment for the project.
During this meeting, we’ll walk you through our Design Development Process and answer any questions you may have. By the end of the consultation, your only decision will be whether the design-build process is the right fit for you. If so, we’ll schedule a follow-up consultation to take the next steps.
2. Budget and Guidance
• Provide an Opinion of Probable Cost (OPC)
• If the construction budget aligns with the OPC range (+/- 15%), proceed to Design Development
• Assess existing site conditions if needed
• Renovation financing available through RenoFi
During our second meeting, we will provide an Opinion of Probable Cost (OPC) based on our experience with projects of similar size and scope. We encourage homeowners to schedule a free consultation with RenoFi to learn more about their options to finance the project regardless of their initial understanding of their budget.
Your selections and the project design will have bearing on the cost of the project. We find by giving practical guidance into the design and helping our clients with the selections, we can steer the project costs towards a construction budget and help keep the overall costs of the project down.
If your construction budget falls within the OPC range (+/- 15%), you may opt to proceed to Design Development. In the event you have architectural plans already, we can also provide a proposal through a modified Pre-Construction Development Agreement.
At this phase we will begin examining existing site conditions, your electric panel, HVAC and plumbing, taking a walk around your house, taking measurements, and discussing the finer details of the project.
3. Design Agreement
• Provides a high-level scope of work and design budget
• Details the Design Retainer Fee and outlines the work involved in the design phase
At this stage, we execute a Design Agreement, which defines the scope of work, establishes a design budget, and specifies the Design Retainer Fee. The agreement also outlines the tasks during the design phase, including:
- Three meetings with the Architectural Designer or Draftsperson
- Four meetings with the Design Coordinator
- Multiple showroom visits to assist with product selection
During the 6–14 week Design Development period, we will meet approximately every 10 days, depending on your schedule and the progress made. The process begins with an Initial Design & Style meeting, a site visit to your home with our Draftsperson and Design Coordinator. During this visit, we confirm measurements, explore design aesthetics, and get a better understanding of your space.
Following the meeting, we’ll present 4–5 conceptual layouts for your review, then refine them to 1–2 finalized plans. This phase includes spatial planning, such as furniture placement, to ensure functionality and flow.
Payment Details
The Design Retainer Fee is 6–10% of the OPC, depending on the project’s complexity. This fee covers:
- Concept exploration and plan development
- Elevations, perspective drawings, and 2D renderings
- A detailed scope of work
- Trade walkthroughs
- A GANTT construction schedule
- Finalized project cost estimates.
4. Architecture & Selections
• Complete a detailed questionnaire before product selection
• 66–14 week Design Development phase
• Meet approximately every 10 days
• Receive budget and design guidance throughout
During this phase, our Design Coordinator will guide you through the product selection process. Completing selections in a specific sequence ensures the efficiency and success of the design phase. Before recommending any products or solutions, your Designer will review a detailed questionnaire to fully understand your project’s needs.
For example, if installing flooring over concrete, considerations such as moisture levels, floor leveling, surface temperature, and transitions to adjacent flooring must all be factored in. By asking the right questions and taking a systematic approach, we ensure that every decision is tailored to your project and delivers the best possible outcomes.
5. Trade Walkthrough & Meet the Team
• Trade Walkthrough with production staff and trade partners
• Review mechanical systems and confirm project feasibility
• Essential step to prevent unexpected issues
About two-thirds into the Design Development phase, we conduct a Trade Walkthrough with our production team and trade professionals involved in your project. During this visit, we inspect behind walls, evaluate mechanical systems, and ensure the project is fully constructible.
This proactive step helps identify and address potential issues early, ensuring a smoother construction process. By taking this approach, we can provide you with a firm and accurate price for the project scope, eliminating surprises for both you and our team.
Communication Before Construction
Design Development
We prioritize open and transparent communication from the start. By listening to your concerns, expectations, and ideas, we ensure your vision is at the heart of every project. Our goal is to transform wood, plaster, and tile into a space where you and your family feel truly at home. Your satisfaction matters to us, so we stay connected with you throughout the entire process—because that’s how we believe business should be done.
6. Authorization to Proceed
- Review updated architectural plans
- Finalize storyboard selections
- Examine the detailed scope of work (Construction Contract)
- Discuss the GANTT chart schedule with projected start and completion dates
- Thoroughly assess corresponding pricing
- A 10% deposit payment is required upon approval to proceed
At the conclusion of the Design Development phase, we will review any modifications made to the drawings following the Trade Walkthrough, along with updated architectural plans, storyboard selections, the finalized scope of work, and the construction schedule. We will also explore value engineering options to optimize costs while maintaining quality, performance, and safety.
Before submitting for permits, we conduct a comprehensive review to ensure accuracy in every detail. If you choose not to proceed, the architectural drawings and design deliverables remain yours with no further obligation.
Payment Note: A 10% deposit is required upon your approval to move forward.
7. Pre-Construction & Permitting
- Submit permits after finalizing plans
- Design Confirmation Meeting
- Consolidation Meeting
- Pre-Construction Meeting
The pre-construction phase spans 5–6 weeks, ensuring every detail is planned for a seamless execution. This phase includes four key steps:
A. Permits & Engineering
Before submitting for permits, we finalize any necessary structural engineering. Once plans are complete, we handle permit applications with your township or borough.
B. Design Confirmation Meeting
Held in our office, this meeting finalizes design selections and ensures that long-lead items are ordered in advance.
C. Consolidation Meeting
An internal meeting where our design team hands off the project to our production staff. This step is crucial for scheduling resources and ensuring a smooth transition from planning to execution.
D. Pre-Construction Meeting
Conducted at your home, this meeting covers the construction schedule, temporary kitchen setup (if needed), placement of the lockbox, dumpster, and material deliveries. We also discuss accommodations for all household members—including pets—to ensure minimal disruption.
8. Construction
- Install dust control walls at key areas
- Send regular progress updates via email
- Daily broom sweeping of the job site
- Weekly vacuum cleaning for a thorough cleanup
- Milestone-based stage payments throughout construction
We prioritize the cleanliness and organization of your home during construction. Dust control walls are set up at critical intersections to minimize disruption.
Our Lead Carpenter or Project Manager will be on-site daily as needed and available for any questions or concerns from7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. They will provide daily updates, address any issues promptly, and keep you informed with a weekly Project Update email.
To maintain a safe and efficient work environment, we broom sweep the site at the end of each day and perform a more thorough vacuum cleaning at the end of each workweek. We aim to minimize inconvenience while ensuring a smooth construction process.
Payment Note
Weekly stage payments align with project milestones, allowing you to monitor progress and approve each phase of construction.
9. Substantial Completion
- Schedule a Pre-Completion Meeting at Substantial
- Completion
Identify and address any Punch List items
At Substantial Completion — when your space is functional and ready for use—we will conduct a Pre-Completion Meeting to walk through your home and ensure every detail meets your expectations. If any minor adjustments or finishing touches are needed, they will be documented in a Punch List and addressed promptly.
While we strive for a Zero Punch List, we are committed to resolving any outstanding items as quickly as possible to ensure your complete satisfaction.
Payment Note
Your final two payments will be tied to Substantial Completion and Punch List completion, ensuring all work is finalized to your approval.
10. Warranty
- Two-Year Warranty on All Work
- Warranty Cards, Product Care Guide, and Warranty Letter Provided
- Follow-Up Calls at 6, 12, 18, and 24 Months
- Any Necessary Rework Completed Within 30 Days
After your project is complete, you will receive a Warranty Letter, Product Care Guide, and all warranty cards for your records.
We believe in long-term client relationships and will follow up at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months to ensure your satisfaction. If any adjustments or touch-ups are needed, we will schedule and complete them within 30 days.
With our commitment to Communication, Quality, and Cleanliness, over 75% of our work comes from repeat clients and referrals — some customers return for their fourth or even fifth project with us!
Price List
Home Remodeling Costs
Every project is unique, and so is the cost associated with completing it. Various factors influence project pricing, and the estimates provided are approximate, intended only as a budgeting guide. We recommend scheduling a consultation to explore your financing options for the renovation.
In terms of return on investment, you can anticipate recouping 45-65% on resale after one year, according to Remodeling Magazine’s annual survey.
$8K+
Basic Powder Room Remodel
Replacing all plumbing fixtures to existing copper pipes
Installing new tile on the floor
Replacing the toilet with a comfort-height fixture
Replacing the vanity with a pedestal sink
Installing a new mirror or medicine cabinet
$35K+
Complete Hall Bathroom Remodel
Upgrade old galvanized and lead pipes be to copper and ABS
Ceiling exhaust fan installation with exits to the exterior (not into the attic)
Retiling the walls, bath and adding a 42″ wainscot
New vanity, granite counter, sink and faucet
$65K+
Complete Master Bathroom Remodel
Free standing tubs
Frameless glass showers
Full-tiled showers
Linen cabinets
Comfort-height toilets
Granite counters
Window replacement
Relocating plumbing and fixtures around to make better use of space
$65K+
Basic Kitchen Remodel
If you are happy with your current kitchen layout, and your plumbing and electric are up to current building codes, then a basic kitchen remodel may be the way to go
Remove and replace the cabinets, countertops, flooring, and any other finishes
This ballpark price includes a laminate countertop. Granite is always available as an upgrade
Often expense saving discoveries occur, such as finding good solid wood flooring under existing linoleum
$110K+
Complete Kitchen Remodel
A complete kitchen remodel may be right for you if your kitchen has not been updated in some time, was not remodeled properly, or is a dysfunctional use of space
Upgrade electrical service, install new plumbing, or install an exhaust vent system
Relocate new appliances and move structural walls to create the best possible configuration
Finish the floors and ceilings
$85K+
Lower Level Renovations
Older homes often require bringing your electrical system, plumbing, and HVAC up to code (or at least improved) to remain maintenance free
Remove unnecessary walls
Rerouted/repaired mechanical systems
Luxurious master suites, home theaters, workout rooms, recreational rooms, additional bedrooms, or living spaces
Install basement access/egress windows or a Bilco door/stairs per new code
$95K+
Attic & Shed Dormers
Raise a portion of the roof with a shed or gable dormer, giving you additional square footage
Cleaning the existing space
Framing new walls
Electrical work
Insulation, drywall, and painting
Carpet installation on stairs and floor to muffle noise
Ceilings are usually sloped to allow for greater square footage upstairs
Through-the-wall heat pump/AC unit typically makes the entire room comfortable year-round
$275K+
First Floor Flow
Many of our clients struggle with the configuration of their first floor, and as lifestyles change, it becomes necessary to improve the functionality of their home to reflect the way they live today. Kitchens are too congested, Dining and Living Rooms are rarely used and powder rooms are located in ubiquitous spaces without privacy.
With hundreds of clients that have expressed their frustration with poorly designed homes, we have a constant feedback loop from real world disfunction. We can help you gain an understanding of how you currently use your first floor spaces, pin point any sources of frustration, and collaborate with you to deliver a beautiful, functional first floor environment.
$425+/SF
One or Two Story Additions
To meet changing family needs, sometimes you need more space. Hammer Creek Renovations will work with you to determine your best opportunities for increasing the footprint of your home, and we will efficiently develop and execute that expansion.
Additions range from small kitchen bump outs to a full two-story addition.
$250K+/SF
Whole House Renovations
Every so often we meet someone who has purchased a great house in an ideal neighborhood that needs significant work to turn it into a home they want to live in.
There are many factors to consider when pursuing this type of project.
We recommend developing a master plan for your entire home which can be constructed in phases over time.
