How We Work

A process
built around
your home.

From first conversation to final walk-through. A clear, transparent process built around keeping you informed at every step.

The Problem We Solve

Most clients
don't know
where to start.

You have a vision , maybe it is clear, maybe it is just a feeling. What you do not have is a set of plans, a contractor you trust, or any real sense of what it is going to cost.

That is exactly where we begin. Handbuilt does not require you to arrive with drawings or a finalized design. We start with a conversation about how you live, what you want to change, and what success looks like for you.

From there, our team handles the design, the documentation, and the build under one roof. You never get passed between a designer and a contractor. You never find yourself in the middle of a dispute about who is responsible for what. One team. One point of contact. One result. And if you have never worked with a cost plus contractor before, we will walk you through exactly what that means and why it is better for you.

01
The First Step

Intro
Visit

We come to you. We walk the space, listen to what you want to change, and give you an honest picture of what is possible. Then we show you exactly how Handbuilt would approach it.

This visit is complimentary. We do not charge for showing up and listening. If we are not the right fit, we will tell you that too.

What we doWalk the property. Listen to your goals. Assess the space and flag anything that will affect scope, timeline, or cost.
What you getAn honest read on feasibility and a clear sense of what working together would look like.
On site60 to 90 minutes at the property. We come to you.
CostComplimentary.
02
Understanding the Project

Design
Discovery

If we are both ready to move forward after the intro visit, we formalize the relationship with a design retainer. From there, we get to work understanding the project completely before anything gets drawn.

We survey the existing space, align on how you live and what needs to change, and present schematic layout options. This is where big decisions get made on paper, not during construction.

What we doAs-built survey of the existing space. Schematic layout options presented for your review. Scope and priorities aligned before design development begins.
What you getA clear direction agreed upon by both sides. A realistic picture of scope, timeline, and what the design process will produce.
How we billCost plus. Transparent billing on actual hours and materials. No hidden markups. The retainer tops up as phases complete.
OutcomeApproved schematic direction. Design development begins.
03
Making It Real

Design
Package

With the schematic direction approved, we develop the full design. This is a complete set of documents, not a rough direction. Every material selected, every surface drawn, every fixture priced and approved before a permit is pulled.

Everything we produce is yours to keep. If you choose to build with someone else, you walk away with a complete set of documents. We believe the work speaks for itself.

Full plan setDeveloped from the approved schematic. Every layout decision resolved and drawn in detail.
Priced selectionsEvery material, fixture, and finish selected and priced. You approve each selection before it is specified.
Elevation drawingsWall by wall. What you approve is what gets built. No interpretation required in the field.
OwnershipAll documents are yours. Use them with Handbuilt or any contractor you choose.
04
Locking It In

Construction
Agreement

Once the design is approved and selections are locked, we finalize the construction agreement. Every line item is documented. Every selection is specified. Every subcontractor scope is defined.

You know exactly what you are committing to before a single permit is pulled. No hidden markups, no mystery line items.

What we doFinalize scope, collect hard bids from trade contractors, level bids, and produce a clean agreement with full cost visibility.
What you getA signed agreement with a defined scope, a payment schedule, and a project timeline.
Payment structureWeekly billing tied to work completed that week , never after.
PermitsWe pull all required permits. Permit fees are a pass-through cost, never marked up.
05
The Work

Build +
Manage

Construction begins. The same team that designed your project manages every phase of the build. You have one point of contact throughout. You never wonder what is happening on site.

Weekly updates. Real photos. Honest answers. If something changes, you hear it from us first , not from a subcontractor, not from an invoice.

CommunicationWeekly written update with job site photos and a clear statement of where the project stands against schedule and budget.
Site managementDaily on-site superintendent. Trade coordination, inspection scheduling, material deliveries , all managed without your involvement.
ChangesAny scope change is documented and priced before it is executed. You approve every change before it becomes a cost.
CloseoutPunch list walk with you on site. Final inspection. Warranty documentation. Maintenance guide for everything we installed.

Ready to start
the conversation?

The intro visit is complimentary. We come to you, walk the space, and give you an honest read on what is possible. No commitment required.

Let's Talk

What every
Handbuilt client experiences.

Regardless of project size or scope, these are the things that do not change.

◻
One team, start to finish

The people who designed your project manage the build. No hand-offs. No version of the project that gets lost between a designer and a contractor.

◻
Full visibility before you commit

Every selection priced, every scope item documented before the construction agreement is signed. You know exactly what you are building and what it costs.

◻
Weekly communication, always

A written update with photos every week of construction. You never have to call to find out what is happening. We tell you before you ask.

◻
No change orders without approval

If something changes, you hear about it and approve the cost before it is executed. Change orders are never presented after the fact.

◻
Honest answers, even hard ones

If your budget does not match your vision, we say so early. If a timeline is not achievable, we say so before you sign anything. No overselling.

◻
A finished project, documented

Punch list walk, final inspection, warranty documentation, and a maintenance guide for everything we installed. Closeout is not an afterthought.

The home
you have been
imagining.

Fill out the form and we will reach out within 24 hours. No pitch, no pressure. Just an honest conversation about your project and whether we are the right fit.

Let's Talk