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

The first step in our design process is getting to know you and what you’re looking for. We start with a relaxed onboarding session where we chat about your style, goals, and the details of your remodeling or construction project. We'll talk about your budget, your timeline, and any specific ideas or needs you have for your home's design. You’ll also get to meet our team, learn about how we work, and ask any questions you might have.

By the end of this step, you’ll know exactly what to expect and feel ready to move forward with confidence.

Part 2: Design Launch

Meet Your Design Team

Once your onboarding is complete, we will transition into the Design Launch. This is where we start bringing your ideas to life. Our design team gets to work on the first concepts for your remodel or new build, taking all the measurements and noting any special features of your home that could impact the design.

You’ll have plenty of chances to share your inspiration—whether it’s photos, ideas, or specific preferences that capture the vibe you want. The Design Launch is all about setting the creative direction and making sure we’re all on the same page from the start.

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 phase is where your project really starts to come to life. We create detailed floor plans, elevations, and early renderings to help you picture how everything will look. This part is super collaborative—we’ll share our ideas, get your feedback, and tweak the design until it feels just right.

We’ll also dive into the fun stuff: picking out materials, finishes, and fixtures that will make your space both beautiful and practical. Our goal is to make sure the design fits your vision and budget while getting everything ready for a smooth construction process.

Step 4: Final Design

The Finishing Touches

In the Final Design phase, we get down to the details. We take your feedback from the preliminary stage, make any needed adjustments, and lock in all the design specifics. You'll get everything you need: 3D renderings, detailed construction drawings, and a complete design package with all your chosen materials, finishes, and specs.

We’ll also give you a final proposal that lays out the exact costs and timeline for the construction phase. The goal is to make sure you’re 100% happy with the design before we start building.

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

Once your design is finalized, it's time to turn it into reality. Our construction process is just as smooth and focused on you as our design work. Our experienced team takes care of everything—from getting permits and coordinating with tradespeople to managing all the details of the build.

We'll keep you in the loop with regular updates and check-ins, so you always know what's going on. Our main goal is to deliver top-notch craftsmanship while keeping the disruption to your daily life as minimal as possible. You can trust us to stay on track with the schedule, stick to the budget, and make sure every detail aligns with the vision we’ve created together.

When all is said and done, you’ll have a beautiful new space that’s ready for you to enjoy.

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