After signing the Project Development Agreement (PDA) at Custom Built, we will have a Step 1 meeting. This marks the beginning of your design phase.
The purpose of the Step 1 meeting is to gather precise measurements from your home. These measurements are used to create a 3D rendering of your project.
Embarking on a home remodeling project is a massive commitment. Fortunately for you, Custom Built has been helping homeowners remodel their homes for over 15 years. We have a well-defined process that will ensure your project is handled in the best way possible.
Through every step of your project, we will work closely with you, to make sure you understand the details and get the best design for your lifestyle.
By the end of this article, you will know what to expect and what you can do to prepare for this meeting.
The Step 1 meeting
Designing your home remodel is an exciting undertaking. We will work with you throughout this entire process to help you achieve your design vision.
Step 1 is the first of four meetings in the design phase where we will work together to design your space and guide you through the remodeling process.
At the Step 1 meeting, we are in your home to:
- Introduce you to the Designer of your project
- The Designer is working in tandem with the Project Development Advisor to turn your design vision into a reality
- Take pictures of the space being remodeled
- Take detailed measurements of your entire home
- Continue the conversation with you about your desired design, which includes:
- Layout
- Material selections
- Take into account all existing conditions that affect your project, which include:
- Identifying load-bearing walls
- Map out mechanical systems
- Exact window and door location
- Gather locations of existing switches, plugs, and lights
- Give you a brief introduction and training to our project management software, Buildertrend, that you will have access to throughout your project
What the Step 1 meeting will accomplish
The Step 1 meeting is an information-gathering meeting for your Project Development Advisor and the Designer. During this meeting, we will:
Gather measurements
We will need measurements of your home to complete as-built drawings. These measurements are more precise than those from our first visit and are needed to create a 3D rendering of your home.
The measurements used from our initial visit are accurate enough to generate price ranges for your remodel but need to be more precise to use in the design phase.
Discuss your project details
We’re going to sit down together in a comfortable setting in your home to discuss your project further.
Deciding to remodel your home is a major undertaking and we want to develop a good working relationship with not just you as a client, but as an extension of the Custom Built family.
Being in your home gives us the perfect chance to embrace your design vision and see what you want your home to become.
During these discussions, show your inspirational pictures to us. Through this process, we may look further into these photos to understand what it is you like, and sometimes more importantly, what you don’t like.
These discussions may include topics into:
- Product selections
- Potential layout options
- Desired design elements
- Your inspirational pictures
- Meshing desired style into the existing style
Preparing for the Step 1 meeting
Being ready for the Step 1 meeting and all corresponding meetings will give you the best experience possible throughout the design process. Reading this article is a great way to know what happens and what you can do to prepare.
To be ready for the Step 1 meeting, we recommend the following:
- Have all decision-makers present at the meeting
- Gather inspirational pictures ready to share with us
- Set aside at least an hour of your time for this meeting
- Locate any blueprints, HOA and historic district bi-laws, and land survey information for exterior projects
Next steps after the Step 1 meeting
Now that you know what will happen during a Step 1 meeting, you know how to come prepared and what the meeting will accomplish.
As a full-service design and remodeling company with 15+ years of experience, we have these meetings with homeowners like yourself every week. Step 1 meetings play a necessary role in a successful remodeling project.
Before the Step 1 meeting concludes, we will schedule your Step 2 meeting. This meeting takes place at our showroom and you will see the completed 3D rendering of your remodeling project!
You can learn more about the next Step 2 meeting with Custom Built here. In between your Step 1 and Step 2 meetings, our team is working behind the scenes on your floor plan, selections, and additional design elements specific to your project.
To learn more about design ideas, consider reading one of the following articles: