Deciding to remodel your home is a big step—one that’s both exciting and a little intimidating.
After all, your home is your sanctuary. At Stearns Design Build, we understand how personal this journey is, and we’ve spent decades perfecting a thoughtful, streamlined remodeling process that puts your comfort and confidence first.
Whether you dream of a gourmet kitchen, a spa-inspired bathroom, or a whole-home remodel, our design-build approach ensures every detail is carefully planned and beautifully executed. Here’s a transparent look at what you can expect when you remodel your home with us.
Step 1: Complimentary Consultation
Every remodeling project starts with a conversation. Your first meeting is with Hugh Stearns, the founder and president of Stearns Design Build. This is our opportunity to understand your vision, goals, and any concerns you may have about remodeling your home.
Even if you choose not to move forward with us, we want you to leave this meeting with valuable insights and a better understanding of what’s possible.
Step 2: Design Retainer
After the initial consultation, we collect a design retainer to move forward. This is not an additional fee; it’s a payment that goes directly toward your project and functions like a deposit. This investment enables us to initiate the design and budgeting process, ensuring your project receives the attention it deserves.
Step 3: Initial Design Meeting
Here’s where the magic begins. Our designer and production manager will visit your home to:
- Take detailed measurements and photographs
- Gather important information about your lifestyle and needs
- Dive deeper into your vision for the space
Whether you’re planning a kitchen remodel, bathroom remodel, or whole-home upgrade, we tailor every detail to match your style, functionality needs, and future goals.
Step 4: Feasibility Meeting
Before we begin the design process, we evaluate budget feasibility. Using the information gathered, we clearly picture your project’s potential scope and budget range. This step prevents misaligned expectations and ensures we’re creating a design that matches your dreams and your budget—saving you time and stress.
Step 5: Concept Meeting
At this point, you’ll start to see your ideas take shape. During the concept meeting, we:
- Present floor plan drawings
- Refine the project’s scope and budget range
- Explore preliminary design directions
Larger projects may require multiple concept meetings to thoroughly explore all possibilities.
Step 6: Charrette (Team Site Meeting)
The “charrette” is a collaborative planning session that often happens at your home. We bring in key team members—such as the job manager, electrician, plumber, and more—to walk through the project together.
Why is this important?
This integrated design-build collaboration sets Stearns apart because it allows us to solve potential challenges before construction begins. It helps us deliver projects on time.
Step 7: Design Development
Now it’s time to fine-tune the design!
From cabinetry and staircases to backsplashes and built-ins, this phase includes:
- Selecting materials and finishes
- Choosing paint colors and hardware
- Making decisions on lighting, plumbing, tile, and more
Our designer will guide you through every choice to ensure your space reflects your personal style and feels cohesive.
Step 8: Final Proposal + Construction Agreement
This is your full project proposal—complete with the following:
- A finalized design plan
- A clear and accurate construction estimate
- A construction contract to move forward
At this point, you’ll have a visual understanding of what your new space will look like—and confidence in what comes next.
Step 9: Pre-Construction Meeting
Before we break ground, we meet at your home to review logistics:
- Material storage areas
- Dust wall placement
- Temporary facilities (like port-o-potties)
- Work hours and site access
- Weekly job site meeting schedule
We aim to make construction as comfortable and non-disruptive as possible, while maintaining clear and consistent communication.
Step 10: Open Wall Meeting
We walk through the space together before we close up the walls.
This gives you a chance to:
- See electrical placements
- Review door swings, lighting, and fixture heights
- Make last-minute adjustments with minimal budget impact
It’s another way to ensure the details align with your expectations before moving forward.
Step 11: Project Completion & Celebration
Your project is complete—it’s time to celebrate! We’ll host a wine and cheese party for up to 12 of your closest friends and family. Our team will be there to toast your new space and share insights into the design and construction process.
This is one of our favorite traditions—and a way to honor the journey you’ve taken with us.
Step 12: Warranty & Ongoing Support
We stand behind our work. Our warranty program includes scheduled follow-ups to monitor your remodel’s performance and address any remaining questions. If something isn’t right, we’ll make it right.
We’ve proudly served Bryan and College Station since 1993, and our goal is to build relationships—and homes—that last for generations.
Ready to Remodel Your Home?
We’d love to discuss your options if you’re considering a home renovation in Bryan, College Station, or the surrounding areas. At Stearns Design Build, we combine expert craftsmanship, innovative design, and personalized service to create homes that truly support your lifestyle.
