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Planning First. Communication Throughout.

Our Home Remodeling Process

From the first conversation to the final walkthrough, CHC Remodeling follows a clear process designed to define the project, coordinate important decisions early, and keep homeowners informed as the work moves forward.

Whether you are planning a kitchen remodel, custom cabinetry, bathroom renovation, home addition, or whole-home remodel, the process begins with understanding the existing home and what you want the finished space to accomplish.

25+ Years of ExperienceLicensed Washington ContractorEngineering & Design Expertise
Request a ConsultationCall (425) 448-6680
Completed CHC kitchen remodel with floor-to-ceiling custom cabinets
Completed CHC remodeling project in Kirkland
7Clear stages from consultation to closeout
What to Expect

A successful remodel starts well before demolition. CHC works to understand existing conditions, define the scope, coordinate design and material decisions, identify applicable permit requirements, and establish the construction plan.

Custom cabinet construction detail used during CHC planning
CHC custom cabinet installation detail

What to Expect When Remodeling With CHC

A Clear Process Before Construction Begins

A successful remodel starts well before demolition.

Before construction begins, we work to understand the existing conditions, define the project scope, coordinate design and material decisions, identify applicable permit requirements, and establish the construction plan.

CHC Remodeling brings more than 25 years of construction experience to residential projects. Our management team includes structural engineering, architecture, and interior-design expertise, helping us consider both the technical and functional sides of a renovation.

Our remodeling process generally follows seven stages.

From First Conversation to Final Walkthrough

Our Seven-Stage Remodeling Process

Each stage builds on the decisions made before it, helping the project move from a general idea to a coordinated construction plan.

Initial Consultation

Understand your home, goals, priorities, and general project expectations.

Home Evaluation

Review the existing space and visible conditions that may affect the work.

Design & Scope

Turn ideas into a defined, buildable plan with coordinated decisions.

Estimate & Planning

Develop pricing around the established scope, materials, and project requirements.

Pre-Construction

Coordinate selections, permits, scheduling, long-lead items, and logistics.

Construction

Sequence and coordinate the trades involved in the remodeling work.

Final Walkthrough

Review completed work and applicable final details before project closeout.

CHC home evaluation and remodeling consultation
Existing home interior evaluated for remodeling

Stage 1

Initial Consultation

Understanding Your Home, Goals, and Priorities

The first step is a conversation about what you want to change and why.

We discuss the existing space, your priorities, the type of renovation you are considering, general budget expectations, and factors that could affect the project.

For example, you may want to improve an inefficient kitchen, create better storage, update an aging bathroom, open connected living spaces, add square footage, or renovate several areas at the same time.

This first conversation helps determine the appropriate next step instead of trying to fit every homeowner into the same remodeling package.

Stage 2: Home Evaluation and Existing Conditions
Before developing the final scope, CHC evaluates the areas involved in the project and considers visible conditions that may affect construction.

Understanding What We Are Remodeling

Depending on the renovation, this can include room dimensions, current layout, access, structural considerations, existing finishes, plumbing and electrical locations, and how the remodeled space connects with the rest of the home.

This stage is particularly important in existing houses because the new design has to work with the building that is already there.

Not every condition can be seen before demolition, but careful evaluation helps identify potential issues earlier and improves the quality of project planning.

Stage 3

Design and Scope Development

Turning Ideas Into a Buildable Plan

Once the existing space and project goals are understood, we begin defining what the renovation will actually include.

This may involve layout decisions, structural considerations, materials, fixtures, cabinetry, flooring, lighting, plumbing or electrical changes, and other components of the project.

The objective is to move from a general idea such as “we want a better kitchen” to a clear scope that can be planned and constructed.

Kitchen Remodeling and Custom Cabinet Planning
For kitchen projects, cabinetry should be considered early because it affects much of the room.

CHC has expanded its work in kitchen remodeling and custom cabinetry. During planning, we consider cabinet configuration, storage needs, appliance placement, islands, pantry space, countertop areas, and how the cabinetry fits the dimensions of the room.

Custom cabinet projects may include solutions such as deep drawers, pantry cabinets, pull-out storage, built-in appliance areas, organizers, custom-sized cabinets, and islands designed around the homeowner’s needs.

Cabinet planning also has to coordinate with countertops, plumbing, electrical locations, flooring, appliances, and finished wall dimensions.

For more information, explore our custom kitchen cabinets and kitchen remodeling services.

Custom cabinet design and scope development
Completed custom kitchen cabinetry by CHC

Stage 4

Estimate and Project Planning

Defining the Work Before Construction

Once enough of the scope has been established, CHC prepares an estimate based on the work involved.

Remodeling costs are affected by more than square footage. Existing conditions, structural modifications, cabinetry, material selections, plumbing and electrical work, project complexity, and the amount of finish work can all influence the final investment.

This is why comparing remodeling proposals only by the bottom-line number can be misleading.

Two estimates may appear to cover the same renovation while including very different materials, allowances, trade work, or responsibilities.

Our goal during this phase is to make the proposed scope understandable before construction begins.

Stage 5

Selections, Permits, and Pre-Construction Coordination

Preparing the Project Before Work Starts

Good pre-construction planning can prevent many avoidable delays and last-minute decisions.

Before the relevant work begins, CHC coordinates project details such as material selections, scheduling, applicable permit requirements, long-lead items, and construction logistics.

For a kitchen remodel, important decisions may include cabinet specifications, appliances, countertops, sinks, plumbing fixtures, backsplash, flooring, lighting, and hardware.

For a bathroom, selections may include tile, shower components, tub, vanity, fixtures, lighting, ventilation, glass, and storage.

Permit requirements depend on the location and actual scope of the project. Structural work, additions, electrical modifications, plumbing changes, and other regulated work can have different permitting requirements.

When permits apply to the CHC project scope, they are addressed as part of project preparation rather than treated as an afterthought.

CHC cabinet installation during construction
Finished Shaker cabinet detail after construction

Stage 6

Remodeling and Construction

Coordinated Work in Your Home

Once the project is ready for construction, work proceeds according to the scope and required sequence.

Depending on the renovation, construction can involve demolition, framing, structural work, plumbing, electrical work, drywall, waterproofing, tile, flooring, cabinetry, countertops, painting, trim, fixtures, and other finish work.

Not every project includes every trade.

The important part is sequencing the work correctly.

For example, cabinet installation depends on accurate dimensions and completed preparation. Countertop fabrication follows cabinet installation and templating. Tile and finish work may depend on plumbing, electrical, waterproofing, or wall preparation being completed first.

CHC coordinates these stages as part of the overall remodeling project.

Communication During Construction

An occupied home is different from an empty construction site.

Homeowners need to understand what work is taking place, which decisions are approaching, and whether an unexpected condition affects the original plan.

CHC focuses on maintaining communication throughout construction and addressing project questions as they arise.

When Conditions Change

What Happens If We Discover an Unexpected Condition?

Remodeling an existing home can reveal conditions that were concealed before demolition.

Examples can include previous construction, water damage, deteriorated materials, framing conditions, outdated wiring, plumbing issues, or other work hidden behind finished surfaces.

No responsible contractor should promise that an existing-home renovation can never uncover something unexpected.

Instead, the goal is to reduce avoidable surprises through careful planning.

When a concealed condition materially affects the project, it should be evaluated, explained to the homeowner, and incorporated into the scope appropriately before the related additional work proceeds.

Clear Change Management

How Are Changes Handled During a Remodel?

Sometimes homeowners decide to modify the original scope after work begins. In other cases, an existing condition may require a change.

Either situation should be clearly communicated.

A change can affect cost, materials, scheduling, or several trades at once. Understanding those effects before proceeding helps prevent confusion at the end of the project.

This is another reason detailed planning at the beginning of a remodel is so valuable.

Stage 7

Final Walkthrough and Project Closeout

Reviewing the Completed Work Together

Construction does not simply end when the last major installation is finished.

At the completion stage, CHC reviews the remodeled areas with the homeowner, discusses applicable final details, and addresses remaining items associated with the agreed project scope.

Where inspections are required, applicable final inspection requirements are also part of project closeout.

The final walkthrough gives the homeowner and project team an opportunity to review the completed renovation together before the project is closed.

Completed CHC remodel reviewed during final walkthrough
Completed kitchen remodeling project at closeout
CHC kitchen remodel planned before demolition
Completed CHC bathroom remodeling project

Why the Process Starts Early

Why Our Remodeling Process Starts Before Demolition

Many of the decisions that determine how smoothly a remodel runs happen before construction.

A successful project needs coordination between the design, existing home, materials, cabinetry, structure, building systems, budget, schedule, and people performing the work.

Starting demolition before those pieces are sufficiently defined can create unnecessary changes later.

CHC therefore puts substantial emphasis on planning the project before major construction begins.

CHC remodeling insight: The earlier layout, cabinetry, appliance, structural, plumbing, electrical, and material decisions are coordinated, the easier it becomes to identify conflicts before they reach the jobsite.

Remodeling Expertise Behind the Process

Construction and Design Expertise Under One Roof

That combination is particularly useful when remodeling decisions affect both how a space looks and how it needs to be constructed.

25+

Years of Experience

CHC brings more than 25 years of construction experience to residential remodeling projects.

WA

Licensed Contractor

CHC maintains Washington contractor licensing and a documented history of permitted residential projects.

SE

Structural Engineering

CEO Siamak Firooz is a structural engineer with a master’s degree in engineering and residential and commercial project experience.

A&D

Architecture & Interiors

Architect and interior designer Marjan Sabounchi brings nearly two decades of design experience to the team.

One Planning-First Approach

What Types of Projects Follow This Process?

The exact steps are adapted to the project, but CHC uses the same planning-first approach across residential remodeling work.

This includes kitchen remodeling and custom cabinets, bathroom remodeling, whole-home renovations, home additions, basement and garage remodeling, layout and structural changes, and other substantial home improvements.

A focused bathroom renovation will not require the same planning as a structural whole-home remodel, so the amount of design, engineering, permitting, and pre-construction work varies with the scope.

Kitchen RemodelingCustom CabinetsBathroom RemodelingWhole-Home RemodelingHome Additions
CHC custom kitchen remodeling project
CHC bathroom renovation project

Common Homeowner Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Our Remodeling Process

How do I start a remodeling project with CHC?
Start with a consultation. We discuss what you want to change, the problems you want the renovation to solve, the existing space, and the general project scope. From there, we can determine the appropriate next steps for evaluation, planning, and estimating.
When will I receive a remodeling estimate?
An estimate is most useful after enough of the project scope is understood. The amount of information needed before estimating depends on the complexity of the renovation. Layout changes, structural work, cabinetry, plumbing, electrical requirements, and material selections can all affect pricing.
Does CHC help coordinate remodeling permits?
When permits apply to the CHC project scope, permit requirements are addressed during project preparation. The permits required depend on the property jurisdiction and the type of work being completed.
When should kitchen cabinets be selected?
Cabinet planning should happen early in a kitchen renovation. Cabinet configuration affects appliance locations, plumbing, electrical work, countertops, storage, clearances, and the overall layout. For custom cabinet work, measurements and important specifications should be confirmed before production.
What if I want to change something after construction begins?
Discuss the proposed change with the project team before the related work proceeds. Changes can affect cost, materials, trade sequencing, or the schedule, so the impact should be understood before incorporating the change into the project.
Can I live in my home during remodeling?
It depends on the project’s size and how much of the home is affected. Living in the house may be practical during some focused renovations. Major demolition, utility interruptions, or extensive whole-home work can make temporary relocation more practical. This should be discussed during project planning.
How long will my remodeling project take?
There is no reliable timeline that applies to every renovation. Project duration depends on scope, permits, structural complexity, material lead times, custom cabinetry, inspections, and site conditions. A useful construction schedule can be developed once those variables are sufficiently understood.

Ready to Start Planning Your Remodel?

A Successful Renovation Begins With a Clear Plan

Contemporary Home Construction, LLC helps homeowners move through the remodeling process from initial consultation and planning to construction and final walkthrough.

Request a ConsultationCall (425) 448-6680

TALK WITH CHC

Discuss Your Remodeling Project

Whether you are considering a kitchen, custom cabinetry, bathroom, whole-home renovation or addition, start by telling us what you want to change.

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Serving the Greater Seattle Area

Remodeling Across Seattle, the Eastside & Nearby Communities

Choose your city for local remodeling information. The service buttons inside each location also make it easy to explore kitchens, bathrooms, custom cabinetry, additions, whole-home remodeling and other relevant CHC services.

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Looking for a specific remodeling service? Some cities already have dedicated kitchen, bathroom, roofing, siding or remodeling-plumbing pages. Where a city-specific service page has not yet been created, the service button currently takes you to CHC's main service page.