Design Process

Oak City Homes Project Onboarding Form — A screenshot of our onboarding questionnaire which is our first step in the process!

Part 1: Project Onboarding

Getting to Know You & Your Space

Every great project starts with a conversation. The first step in our design-build process is all about getting to know you, your style, and your goals for your remodel or custom home. During this interview we’ll chat about your vision, needs and design preferences so everything is aligned to your expectations.

In this get to know you session we’ll go over your budget, timeline and any ideas you have for your kitchen remodel, bathroom renovation, addition or full home transformation. This is also a great chance to meet the team, learn about our process and ask any questions you may have.

By the end of this step you’ll have a clear project plan, what to expect at each phase. With a defined plan, budget and expert guidance you’ll feel confident and ready to move forward to your dream home.

Part 2: Design Launch

Meet Your Design Team

After the first consultation, we move into the Project Kickoff where your ideas start to come to life. Our experienced designers will begin to develop concepts, layouts and key design elements for your remodel or custom home build. This stage involves taking exact measurements, assessing your home’s existing structure and identifying any unique features that will impact the final design.

This is your chance to share your inspiration, whether it’s photos, design ideas or specific features you want to include. We’ll work closely with you to align the direction with your vision, so every element – from layout and function to materials and style – fits your style, needs and budget.

The Design Launch is all about collaboration and precision. By the end of this phase you’ll have a rock solid foundation for your remodel or new build with clear concepts and direction to move forward to the next stage of the design-build process.

Oak City Homes Design Team with Customer — 2 of our talented designers collaborating with a customer.

Design Process Onboarding Mood Board — Example of a conceptual mood board that helps our designers understand your style and preferences.

Part 3: Preliminary Design

A Collaborative Approach

The Preliminary Design is where your remodel or custom home project starts to take form. Our design team creates detailed floor plans, elevations and early 3D renderings so you can see how your new space will look and function. This is a very collaborative process where we share ideas, gather your feedback and refine the design until it matches your style, needs and budget.

This is also where the fun stuff happens. We’ll help you choose materials, finishes and fixtures so every element enhances both the beauty and functionality of your home. From custom cabinetry and countertops to lighting and flooring we’ll guide you in making choices that match your vision while being practical and durable.

By the end of this phase you’ll have a final design plan that balances aesthetics, efficiency and cost so we can set the foundation for a smooth and organized construction process.

Step 4: Final Design

The Finishing Touches

The Final Design is where we finalize every detail of your project so you’ll have a smooth transition into construction. We refine the design based on your feedback from the Preliminary Design and make any necessary adjustments to layouts, materials and finishes. At this stage you’ll receive 3D renderings, detailed construction drawings and the final design package which includes all your chosen fixtures, materials and specifications.

We’ll also provide a final project proposal which outlines exact costs, construction timeframes and project milestones so you have full transparency before we start building. So everything is aligns with your budget, expectations and vision. We want you to be 100% happy and excited before we go ahead so the construction phase is smooth, easy and stress free.

Design Process Preliminary Design Sheet — Example of a product spec sheet. One of the many helpful design tools our team has to offer.

Cary Home Addition Bedroom and Sunroom Framing — Construction of an owner's suite addition in Cary, NC.

What's Next?

The Construction Process

Now that your design is approved, let’s bring your plans to life. Our construction process is all about efficiency, transparency and craftsmanship, so your project is completed on time and on budget. From permits to tradespeople to every detail of the build, our experienced team will handle everything so you don’t have to stress.

We’ll keep you updated with regular progress reports and on-site visits, so you’re always in the know. Our goal is to minimize the disruption to your life and deliver a stress-free, organized construction experience. Whether it’s a kitchen renovation, bathroom renovation, home addition or full home transformation, we have strict quality control to ensure everything matches the vision we created together.

Once construction is done, your beautiful new space will be move-in ready, built to precision, durability and detail – so you can start enjoying it day one.

Learn More About the Construction Process

Design Process FAQs

Here are a few things you may be wondering

Our design process includes four key phases: onboarding, design launch, preliminary design, and final design. We work closely with you to understand your vision, create detailed plans, and finalize every design detail to ensure the project aligns with your style, needs, and budget.

The length of the design process can vary depending on the scope and complexity of your project. Typically, it takes anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. We’ll provide a more specific timeline during the onboarding phase.

Absolutely! We believe in a collaborative approach. You’ll be involved at every stage, from sharing your ideas and inspiration to reviewing plans and making selections. Your input is key to creating a design that truly reflects your vision.

Yes, you can make changes during the design process. We’ll gather your feedback at each stage to make sure the design meets your expectations. Our goal is to fine-tune everything until you’re completely satisfied.

Once the design is finalized and approved, we will hand you over to our construction team who will handle things from there!

Have a Project?

Speak with a Construction Expert

Speak with Our Team

Oak City Homes LLC
Raleigh, NC
(919) 283-4421