Planning a Home Remodel in Charlotte: What to Expect When Working With a Design-Build Firm

Planning a home remodel in Charlotte is an exciting opportunity to reimagine how your home looks, feels, and functions. Whether you’re updating a kitchen, reconfiguring your floor plan, or tackling a whole-home renovation, the right plan—and team—can make all the difference. 

In this step-by-step guide, you’ll learn how to plan your remodel with realistic timelines, clear expectations, and expert support at every stage.

Step 1: Start Planning a Home Renovation Early—Ideally 12 Months Before Your Start Date

Remodeling a home is not a decision to be made lightly, and that’s a good thing. Significant renovation projects often require months of meticulous planning before construction begins.

If you’re aiming for a specific start date—for instance, a summer kitchen remodel or a fall bathroom renovation—it’s wise to start the planning process 9–12 months in advance. This timeline provides ample room for:

• Investigating financing options and creating a realistic renovation budget
• Exploring your wish list and design goals
• Choosing the right remodeling contractor
• Finalizing the scope of work
• Securing the necessary building permits
• Allowing ample time for ordering building materials and custom finishes that supply chain issues may impact

While your remodeling firm will manage much of this behind the scenes—from design development to permit coordination—getting started early gives you time to plan your project right.

Step 2: Choose the Right Design-Build Partner

One of the most important decisions in any home remodeling project is choosing the best contractor, and for many Charlotte homeowners, a design-build firm is the ideal choice.

Unlike hiring a general contractor and a separate architect and/or interior designer, a design-build team handles everything under one roof: architecture, design, and construction. This leads to fewer change orders, better communication, and a more cohesive project timeline.

When selecting a firm, look for:

• A straightforward proposal process that you understand and trust
• Local experience with older homes (if applicable to your situation) and structural work
• Strong portfolio of similar projects
• Transparent payment schedule and cost estimate
• A project manager who communicates regularly and clearly

A reputable firm will offer all of this—and often more—so you can move forward knowing your project is in capable, trustworthy hands.

Step 3: Define Your Goals, Budget, and Scope of Work

Before your design-build team begins working on drawings, finishes, or floor plans, they’ll help you clarify your motivation for remodeling. Understanding your deeper motivation—the “why”—is the key to shaping a renovation that meets your needs today and well into the future.

Ask yourself:

• What’s not working in your current home?
• What lifestyle changes are prompting this remodel?
• Are you planning to stay long-term or improve the home for future resale?
• What spaces feel outdated, underutilized, or disconnected from how your family lives?

Here are a few common “whys” our Charlotte clients share:

• Making room for a home office or upstairs bedroom (by remodeling the great room)
• Creating a more open living space for entertaining
• Improving layout and energy efficiency in an older home
• Modernizing the kitchen or a new bathroom remodel to match their style
• Repairing and modernizing after water damage or structural issues

Being upfront about your goals and expectations during this planning phase leads to a smoother experience and a final design that truly supports your lifestyle.

Step 4: Move Into the Design Phase (6–8 Months Out)

Once your goals, budget, and scope are aligned, your remodel officially enters the design phase—a collaborative process where your vision takes shape.

This is when your design-build team brings together their expertise in interior design, space planning, construction, and product knowledge to create a personalized plan for your home. You’ll work closely with your designer and project manager to make key decisions that will guide the rest of the project.

During this phase, your team will:

• Measure and document existing conditions in your own home
• Develop a new floor plan and layout that fits your goals
• Present interior design concepts, mood boards (like the ones above), and finish palettes
• Review any required structural and mechanical changes and how they’ll be incorporated into the overall project plan. For example, you may consider a new water heater or new air conditioning unit as part of the overall project.
• Begin material selections, such as light fixtures, cabinetry, countertops, hardwood floors, appliances, and tile
• Discuss potential timeline factors like building materials availability or supply chain issues
• Ensure your design choices align with your realistic budget

Even though your remodeling firm will guide you through this step-by-step, expect to be involved in reviewing options and giving feedback. This is where the project becomes uniquely yours—and where thoughtful planning avoids costly change orders or delays later.

It’s also the best time to confirm details that often get overlooked in early planning—like where outlets should go, how much storage you need, or whether your new home office needs soundproofing. A great design-build team will walk you through these details so nothing gets missed.

Step 5: Final Selections and Permit Preparation (3–5 Months Out)

As the design phase wraps up, your remodeling team will begin preparing for construction. While most of the heavy lifting is done behind the scenes, this stage is a key checkpoint to ensure everything is in place for a smooth start.

Here’s what typically happens:

• Your design-build team finalizes all selections—finishes, fixtures, appliances, and materials—and places orders.
• Construction documents are prepared and submitted for necessary permits. Depending on the scope of your project and the local permitting office, this can take several weeks.
• A detailed project timeline is created, including your official start date.
• You’ll receive a clear plan for what to expect during construction, including communication protocols and any steps you’ll need to take to prepare your home.

Step 6: Get Ready for Construction (1–2 Months Out)

With your start date approaching, your remodeling firm will guide you through final pre-construction steps, both logistically and emotionally. This part of the process often feels the most real, especially if you’ll be living at home during the renovation.

Here’s what typically happens during this time:

• Your team will finalize access plans, confirm material delivery schedules, and walk through the space one last time before work begins.
• You’ll receive a detailed overview of what to expect once the site is active—timelines, who will be on-site, safety considerations, and how your project manager will keep you informed.
• If you’re staying in the home, it’s time to make arrangements for daily routines, pets, kids, or remote work during construction.
• You’ll need to clear out the work area and protect adjacent rooms, furniture, and valuables.

We’ve compiled an article on preparing your home and your family for a remodel, including storage tips, dust protection, and what to expect during demo. Read the full article here»

Step 7: Construction + Finishing Touches

During construction, you’ll communicate with your project manager on an ongoing basis to stay informed on progress and address any questions that arise.

As your new space takes shape, you’ll begin to see the results of your months of planning and collaboration. Your team will handle:

• Inspections and code compliance
• Coordination of trades (plumbing, electrical, carpentry, etc.)
• Installation of materials and finishes
• Final walk-through, punch list, and final touches

Step 8: Enjoy Your New Space—and Start Dreaming About What’s Next

Once construction wraps up and the final finishing touches are complete, it’s time to walk through your renovated home, review the punch list with your team, and enjoy the results of all your planning and collaboration.

For many Charlotte homeowners, this won’t be the last home improvement project. Renovations often happen in phases, and now that you’ve gone through the process once, you’ll be even more prepared for your next remodel—whether it’s a small project or a major home renovation project down the road.

Ready to Start Planning Your Own Renovation?

We specialize in helping Charlotte-area homeowners navigate every stage of the design-build process—from the very first idea to the final walkthrough. Whether you’re beginning to explore kitchen remodeling, bathroom renovation, or even a whole-home renovation, our design-build team is here to guide you with expert planning, creative solutions, and high-quality craftsmanship.

Let’s turn your ideas into a home you’ll love for years to come.

Schedule a consultation to take the first step toward a Life Remodeled.