If you’re the kind of person who likes to do your homework before making a big decision, you’re not alone. Remodeling is a significant investment, and it’s completely natural to want to understand how it all works—especially when it comes to the remodel design and planning process.
In fact, many of our most thoughtful clients are people who want to make sure everything is thoroughly considered before construction begins. They want to know what’s going to happen, when it will happen, what decisions they’ll need to make, and what will be handled for them.
And honestly? That makes sense. No one wants to feel rushed, pressured, or confused while trying to make dozens of decisions about their home.
This article is for you if:
- You like to understand the full process before you commit.
- You’ve got a lot of questions (and maybe a few anxieties).
- You want to feel prepared and supported, not overwhelmed.
We’re going to walk you through exactly what happens during the design phase—step by step—so you can move forward with confidence and peace of mind.
What Is the Design Phase of a Remodel (and Why Does It Matter)?
Before we swing a single hammer or order a single tile, we need a plan. A real plan—not a vague wish list or a rough sketch.
That’s what the design phase is all about: turning ideas into a fully thought-out, buildable project. It’s where we do the thinking, coordinating, planning, and refining before construction begins—so that when construction starts, it goes smoothly.
Why is the Design Phase So Important?
Most remodeling delays and budget problems don’t happen during construction—they happen before it ever starts. They happen when the plan is vague, the selections are incomplete, or the scope of work is unclear.
By taking the time to plan thoroughly now, we can:
- Avoid last-minute decisions that cause stress or delays
- Protect your investment from scope creep and cost overruns
- Help you make design choices you’ll love (and feel good about)
- Coordinate trades, suppliers, and schedules with confidence
We like to think of the design phase as the blueprint for your peace of mind. It’s not just about picking pretty things—it’s about making sure your remodel is beautiful, buildable, and worth the investment.
What Happens When Planning Comes Too Late
We’ve all seen the remodel that starts before the design is finished. A contractor starts the project quickly, after telling the homeowner, “We don’t need those details yet. You have time.” Next thing you know, the home is torn apart, and the homeowner is being asked to choose tile, lighting, or plumbing fixtures on the fly. The pressure builds fast—especially when a tile delay means the shower can’t be built, and that pushes back the plumber, which pushes back the floor install, which pushes back the final inspection.
Without a clear design plan, the schedule becomes a moving target. Materials go on backorder mid-project. Trades show up only to be turned away. Costs inch higher each week. And no one—not even the contractor—can give a straight answer about when the project will be done.
This is exactly what our remodel design process is meant to prevent. When we plan first, we protect everything else that comes after.
Our 8-Step Remodel Design Process (Start to Finish)
Every remodel begins with a conversation—and from there, we follow a step-by-step process designed to reduce stress, avoid confusion, and give you total clarity. Here’s exactly what happens when you design with Rothrock:
Step 1: Discovery Call
Before anything else, we start with a simple phone call—usually about 20 to 30 minutes.
This is where we:
- Listen to what you’re hoping to change in your home
- Talk through your goals, your style, and what’s not working in your space
- Give you an overview of how our process works
- Offer perspective on timing and budget for the type of project you’re considering
For some homeowners, this is a quick check-in. For others—especially those who like to dive deep—it can turn into a longer conversation. Either way, we take the time to make sure your questions are answered.
If we both feel like it’s a good fit, we’ll move forward with a Design Agreement.
Step 2: Design Agreement
This is the official beginning of your project’s planning phase.
It outlines:
- The design services we’ll be providing
- How many meetings are included
- What’s expected from both of us
- What’s included (and not included) in the design fee
The agreement is there to protect your time, your investment, and your peace of mind. It sets the tone for a collaborative process, with clear expectations from day one.
Step 3: Concept Evaluation Meeting
This is our first in-person design meeting at your home—and it’s a big one.
Here’s what we do:
- Take detailed measurements of the existing space
- Capture a 3D scan of the room, which we convert into a CAD file for our design software
- Evaluate existing conditions and look for potential challenges
- Talk through your goals, wish list, and priorities in more detail
- Refine your target budget so we’re designing toward the right investment level
We’ll also provide early feedback about feasibility and layout possibilities. This is where we start turning your ideas into an actionable plan.
Step 4: Design & Selections
Once we understand the space and your goals, we move into design and selections.
This is where we help you:
- Explore layout options (if applicable)
- Choose materials that suit your style, lifestyle, and budget
- Compare product types (like cabinetry, tile, fixtures, lighting, etc.)
- Coordinate colors, textures, and finishes so everything works together
You’re not left to figure this out on your own—we’ll guide you through each decision in a way that feels manageable, not overwhelming.
We also take care of organizing all the specs, visuals, and product information so you don’t have to keep track of it all yourself.
Step 5: Preliminary Design Estimate
Once most of your selections are made, we create a preliminary estimate based on your current design.
This is your first look at what the project is likely to cost given the choices made so far. It’s not a final number—it’s a checkpoint.
If the estimate is aligned with your expectations, great! We can skip ahead to the final proposal.
If not, we move into the next step: refinement.
Step 6: Design Refinement
Sometimes, the initial design or selections push the budget a little further than you’d like. That’s normal—and that’s what this step is for.
We work with you to:
- Adjust the layout or scope to save cost
- Swap materials or features for more budget-friendly options
- Explore alternate design directions if you’ve had a change of heart
This is a collaborative, judgment-free process. The goal is always to arrive at a design that feels just right—for both your space and your investment.
Step 7: Detailed Scope & Proposal
Once the design is finalized, we get to work building out the detailed scope of work.
This is where we:
- Finalize labor estimates
- Gather quotes from trusted trade partners
- Source your selected materials and confirm pricing
- Organize everything into a clear, buildable plan
This is where the big picture becomes real—and ready to build.
Step 8: Final Review & Proposal Presentation
We wrap up the design phase with a final meeting to go over:
- Your complete scope of work
- All selected materials and fixtures
- The proposed construction timeline
- The final fixed-price investment for your remodel
At this point, you’ll have all the information you need to move forward with construction confidently—or to hit pause if it’s not the right time.
Either way, you’ll leave this phase with clarity, direction, and a design that reflects your goals.
What’s Included in Our Design Process
When you sign a Design Agreement with us, you’re not just paying for ideas—you’re entering a thoughtful, well-paced planning process designed to protect your time, your budget, and your sanity.
We’ve seen how frustrating it can be when a homeowner falls in love with a design—only to realize it’s twice what they hoped to spend. That’s why we do things differently. Instead of designing in a vacuum, we check in on the budget at key moments to make sure your design stays grounded in reality.
Here’s what you’ll walk away with at the end of the design phase:
What’s Included:
- As-built drawings
Dimensioned floor plans of your existing space, created from a 3D scan - Floor plans (as needed)
If the layout is changing, you’ll get floor plan drawings that reflect these changes - Design meetings
Structured, collaborative sessions to guide layout ideas, selections, and detailed decisions - Product selections & specifications
A complete list of your chosen finishes: cabinetry, tile, plumbing fixtures, lighting, paint colors, countertops, hardware, and more - Design details
Notes, diagrams, and drawings specifying things like lighting placement, flooring layout, cabinet trim, tile edges, and other finishing details - Trade & supplier walkthroughs (as needed)
In-person visits with key vendors or trade partners to clarify scope and ensure accurate pricing - Build-ready scope of work
A detailed, fixed-price proposal that includes labor, materials, and a construction timeline
Many of our clients don’t need architectural drawings, engineering plans, or 3D renderings—but if your project does, we can absolutely provide them as well. We’ll let you know up front if they’re necessary, and we’ll walk you through that process together.
A Quick Note About Budget Check-ins
We don’t wait until the end to talk about money. It’s part of the conversation from the very beginning.
We’ll guide you toward selections that fit the budget we discussed—but if you want to explore more premium options, you absolutely can. That’s where our check-ins come in.
At key points during design, we’ll provide a budget estimate based on your current choices. If we’re starting to drift away from your target investment, we’ll work with you to make smart refinements—before it becomes a problem.
The result? No sticker shock, no stress, and no starting over from scratch. Just a design you love, at a cost you’re comfortable with.
When Designers Don’t Talk About Cost…
Most homeowners come into a remodel with a budget already in mind—and they feel confident it’s enough to get what they want. And when they hire a designer, they assume that person has a solid understanding of construction costs and will help keep things on track.
But here’s the reality: designers and architects aren’t usually the ones responsible for building the project. And even though they’re professionals, they often don’t know what a contractor will actually charge to bring those ideas to life.
So here’s what often happens:
A homeowner tells a designer, “My budget is around $80,000,” and shares some beautiful inspiration photos. The designer works with her to create a stunning layout filled with high-end finishes and custom details. It’s exactly what she pictured—until the quotes come back at $160,000!
Now she’s stuck. She either has to double her budget, start over, or begin stripping out everything she loved about the design. She gets new quotes, tweaks the plan again, and watches costs stay frustratingly high. The designer is frustrated too—no one likes to redesign a project six times. The contractors are losing patience. And the homeowner is left wondering why no one warned her sooner.
We never want that to be your story. That’s why we check in on budget throughout the design phase—not after it. You get to explore ideas, but with eyes wide open. That way, by the time your proposal is finalized, you know exactly what you’re getting and what it will take to build it.
What’s Expected of You During the Design Phase (and What We Handle)
Remodeling is a team effort—but you don’t have to do the heavy lifting alone.
During the design phase, our goal is to guide you through each decision in a way that feels manageable and clear. You’ll stay in control, but you won’t be left to figure it all out by yourself.
Here’s how we divide responsibilities:
What You’ll be Responsible For:
- Sharing your goals, ideas, and inspiration—whether it’s a Pinterest board or just a list of things that aren’t working in your current space
- Setting a target investment range that feels realistic and comfortable
- Attending your scheduled design meetings and letting us know what’s working (and what’s not)
- Making decisions about layout, finishes, and materials with our guidance
- Letting us know if your preferences, priorities, or budget change along the way
What We’ll Do:
- Take accurate measurements and scan your space for as-built drawings
- Evaluate existing conditions and identify any potential challenges
- Create layout concepts based on your goals, space, and budget
- Guide you through selections, explaining pros, cons, and price ranges
- Organize all your chosen materials and fixtures into a clear, documented spec list
- Coordinate with trade partners and suppliers as needed
- Keep the design aligned with your budget through regular check-ins
- Deliver a build-ready proposal you can move forward with confidently
Think of us as your remodeling co-pilot. You’re in the driver’s seat—but we’re here with the map, the snacks, and a plan for how to get there without any U-turns.
How Long Does The Remodel Design Process Take?
The average design timeline for a kitchen or bathroom remodel is about three to five weeks, but it can vary depending on the size of your project and how quickly decisions are made.
Some clients are ready to make selections right away. Others prefer to take their time—and that’s okay. We’ll work at a pace that feels comfortable and keep you updated at every step.
Typical Design Timelines by Project Type:
- Hall bath or powder room: 2–3 weeks
- Primary bathroom or mid-sized kitchen: 4–6 weeks
- Larger kitchens or multiple-room remodels: 6–8+ weeks
What Affects the Timeline for the Design Phase?
A few factors that can speed things up—or slow them down:
- Decision-making speed:
If you’re quick to make choices, things move faster. If you need time to think, we’ll give you the space to do that. - Scope complexity:
Projects involving layout changes, structural work, or specialty materials usually take a little longer to plan properly. - Product availability:
If a product is backordered or discontinued during the selection phase, we’ll help you pivot without stress. - Extra meetings or design changes:
If your vision evolves or you’d like additional review meetings, we’re happy to accommodate, with some minor schedule adjustments.
Our goal isn’t just to finish the design phase—it’s to finish it with confidence, clarity, and a plan that actually works.
Remodel Design Process FAQs
We’ve worked with a lot of homeowners over the years—and we know the design process can bring up a lot of “what ifs.” Here are some of the most common questions we hear:
How much do design services cost?
Design fees for a kitchen or bathroom remodel typically range from $950 to $2,500+, depending on the size and complexity of your project. Smaller projects like a hall bathroom fall at the lower end, while larger kitchens or multi-room remodels require more planning time and meetings.
We’ll give you a clear, upfront quote during your Discovery Call—so you’ll know exactly what to expect before making any decisions.
The design fee covers everything we need to create a buildable plan, including measurements, layout options, selections guidance, budget check-ins, trade walkthroughs, and a fixed-price construction proposal.
What if I change my mind during the design process?
That’s completely normal. Whether it’s a layout tweak, a different tile pattern, or a whole new direction—we’re used to pivoting.
We’ll walk you through the pros, cons, and cost impacts of any change, and adjust the plan accordingly. That’s part of why we check in on budget as we go—it gives us room to adapt without starting from scratch.
What if the design goes over my budget?
This is one of the most common fears—and it’s exactly what our process is built to avoid.
We start with your target investment in mind, guide you toward selections that fit it, and provide early cost estimates so you’re never blindsided. If we start to creep over, we’ll help you value-engineer the project while still honoring your goals.
What happens if I decide not to move forward with construction?
You won’t be locked in. While the design phase is intended to prepare your project for construction with our team, we understand that circumstances can change—or that you might not be ready to make a final decision just yet.
You’ll still keep the work we’ve done together. That includes floor plans, your selected finishes, and a detailed scope of work. Many of our clients find this incredibly helpful for thinking through their project—even if they need to pause or explore their options.
That said, not every contractor builds the same way. The way we scope, schedule, and manage projects is closely tied to how we design them. So while you’re welcome to take your design elsewhere, it’s worth knowing that some details may need to be adjusted to fit a different builder’s approach.
We approach design with the intention of seeing it through. But whether you choose to build with us or not, you’ll leave this phase with clarity, direction, and a professional plan that reflects your goals.
Does the design fee include 3D renderings or architectural plans?
3D renderings require additional time and expertise to create, adding cost to the design process. Many of our clients don’t need them, and choose to save cost by leaving them out. We’re happy to provide these services as an add-on if you find them helpful.
We’ll let you know upfront if your project would benefit from architectural drawings or engineered plans, and we’ll coordinate them as part of the process, if needed.
Do I have to make all my decisions during the design phase?
Not every last detail—but most of them, yes.
The design phase is where we walk you through the big decisions: layout, materials, product selections, and scope. This allows us to quote accurately, schedule efficiently, and move through construction without delays.
If smaller details need to be finalized later, we’ll build that into the plan.
Why Does the Design Process Matter When I Remodel?
Remodeling your home isn’t just about new materials or a better layout—it’s about how you feel in your space and how you get there.
A rushed or vague design process can lead to stress, delays, and decisions made under pressure. But when you take the time to plan thoughtfully—with a team that’s guiding you every step of the way—you’re not just remodeling. You’re investing in peace of mind.
That’s what our design phase is really about:
- Clarity before commitment
- Confidence instead of confusion
- A solid plan that brings your goals to life without the drama
Whether you’re remodeling a kitchen, bath, or your entire first floor, our process is designed to help you move forward with certainty and excitement—not stress and second-guessing.
Summary
Here’s what you can expect during the design phase:
- A clear, collaborative process from first call to final proposal
- Design guidance that aligns with your taste and your budget
- Professional drawings, product selections, and a buildable scope of work
- Honest conversations, budget check-ins, and no last-minute surprises
- A remodel plan that’s ready to build—whether you start next month or next year
Ready to take the first step?
Start with a simple phone call. We’ll talk through your ideas, your timeline, and what kind of investment makes sense for your home.
👉 Schedule Your Discovery Call
Or, if you’re still exploring:
👉 Check out our pricing calculator to get a sense of what your remodel might cost