Remodeling your home doesn’t have to be confusing or stressful. HBRE has spent more than a decade working out the kinks in our process so that homeowners actually understand what’s happening at each step instead of feeling lost. Since 2013, we’ve guided hundreds of Twin Cities families through transforming their homes, and we’ve learned that success comes from having a clear roadmap from the very first conversation to the final walkthrough.
The difference between a remodeling project that exceeds expectations and one that causes endless headaches usually comes down to process. When everyone understands what happens next, when decisions need to be made, and what costs look like before construction begins, projects run smoothly. That’s why HBRE built a three-phase approach that prevents surprises and keeps homeowners involved at every step.
Home remodeling is complicated by nature. Your design preferences, your priorities, your budget, your home: everything is unique to you. The work itself might be familiar to experienced contractors, but the circumstances are always new. That’s why having a structured process matters so much.
Without clear steps, remodeling projects drift. Decisions get made at the wrong times. Costs escalate because nobody established firm numbers before starting work. Communication breaks down because there’s no framework for when and how information gets shared. Timelines extend indefinitely because milestones weren’t defined upfront.
HBRE’s process tackles these problems by separating planning from building. This might sound like common sense, but plenty of contractors skip the planning part and start ripping out walls right away. Then you end up with expensive changes mid-project, delays while everyone figures out what to do next, and frustration when what you get doesn’t match what you thought you were getting.
Every HBRE project starts with understanding what you’re trying to accomplish. The discussions have to start somewhere, so we meet at your home, the actual job site where work will happen. This isn’t a sales pitch. It’s a conversation where we learn about you and you learn about us.
The Initial Consultation: During this first meeting, we tour your home and discuss your vision. What’s driving this project? Your kitchen may feel cramped and outdated. You may need a home office now that you’re working remotely. Or you may be adding a bedroom because your family is growing. Understanding the why behind your project shapes everything that comes after.
We ask a lot of questions during this consultation because details matter. How do you currently use the space? What frustrates you about it? What would make your daily life better? These aren’t just pleasantries – the answers directly influence how we approach your design.
Feasibility Assessment: While we tour your home, we also evaluate what’s actually possible. Can that wall be removed? Is there room to expand your floor plan? Do your electrical and plumbing systems need upgrading? What complications might come up during construction?
This assessment prevents you from falling in love with ideas that won’t work for your home. There’s nothing worse than spending time planning something only to discover it violates building codes or requires structural work that blows your budget.
Want to have a better idea of what your project might cost without committing to a full design? HBRE can give you preliminary estimates based on what we’ve talked about. This helps you get a realistic idea of the potential expenses, but remember, these aren’t the final numbers; we’ll have those once the design is complete.
If the initial estimate shows your ideas exceed your budget, we can discuss modifications that bring costs down. Maybe you remodel the kitchen, but wait on the adjoining family room. Perhaps you use different materials that cost less but still achieve the look you want. Having these conversations early saves everyone time and disappointment.
The Design Agreement: If the project seems feasible and the rough numbers work with your budget, the next step involves a design agreement. This contract covers the design phase work – creating drawings, developing concepts, selecting materials, and producing a detailed construction estimate. The design fee varies based on project complexity but typically represents a small fraction of total project costs.
Some homeowners hesitate to pay for design work before committing to construction. Here’s why it matters: design is where all the critical decisions happen. Skipping this step or rushing through it causes problems that are far more expensive to fix during construction than they would have been to plan correctly up front.
The design phase is where your project really takes shape. This typically lasts 2-3 months because there are hundreds of decisions to make, and getting them right matters more than moving quickly.
Space Planning and Measurements: HBRE carefully measures your existing spaces. These measurements form the foundation for accurate drawings that show what currently exists and what will change.
Concept Development: After taking measurements, we create different layout options that match your goals. Kitchen concepts show different ways to arrange appliances, cabinets, and islands. Bathroom layouts focus on where fixtures go and how to build in enough storage.
This isn’t a one-shot process. We typically present initial concepts, gather your feedback, and refine the designs until you’re excited about the direction. Some families know exactly what they want, and concept approval happens quickly. Others need to see a few options before finding what feels right.
Material and Finish Selections: Once the layout is set, it’s time to select everything that goes into your space. This includes, but is not limited to:
The selection process can feel overwhelming because there can be what seems to be a sea of choices. HBRE guides you through this systematically, ensuring you really understand the pros and cons of every option. We’ll show you which materials work best in Minnesota’s climate, which finishes can handle daily use, and when spending a little more actually makes a difference compared to standard options.
Our relationships with local suppliers mean you can see actual samples instead of just pictures. Seeing and touching materials helps you make confident decisions, rather than guessing based on photos that might not accurately represent colors.
Detailed Construction Drawings: As selections are finalized, HBRE creates comprehensive drawings that show exactly what gets built. These drawings include:
These drawings do a few important jobs. You need them to get permits from the city. The construction crew relies on them, so there’s no confusion about what gets built where. Documenting everything prevents arguments later about what was agreed to. The plans show:
The Final Proposal Package: At the end of the design phase, you receive a complete package including:
This package gives you everything needed to make an informed decision about moving forward. The construction estimate is detailed and accurate because it’s based on actual bids from the suppliers and subcontractors who’ll work on your project, not vague guesses.
Once you’ve reviewed the proposal package and signed the construction contract, the building begins. But even construction follows a structured process at HBRE.
Pre-Construction Planning: Before the first wall comes down, we spend a few weeks on critical preparation:
The availability of materials and subcontractors determines the construction timeline. This is why we order everything up front rather than scrambling to find things as we need them. It prevents delays and ensures you get the specific products selected during the design phase.
Demolition: For most remodeling projects, construction begins with demo. Out with the old before you can bring in the new. Demo might seem straightforward, but it requires care to avoid damaging parts of your home you’re keeping. HBRE uses dust containment systems, protective coverings, and careful removal techniques to minimize mess and disruption.
The Build: Construction progresses through logical phases that mirror how homes are built:
Throughout construction, our team personally oversees projects to ensure work meets HBRE’s standards.
Transparent Communication: We provide consistent, thorough updates on your project’s progress and address any emerging issues. While most families receive weekly updates, you’re always welcome to contact us with questions at any time.
Change orders happen on most projects, either because you decide you want something different or because construction reveals issues requiring modifications. HBRE documents all change orders in writing, including cost and timeline impacts, before proceeding with the work.
Substantial Completion: This milestone marks when your project is essentially finished. There might still be a few small items to address, but the space is functional and the major work is complete.
The Punch List: After the substantial completion walkthrough, we create a punch list of all items that still need to be addressed. These typically include minor issues such as paint touch-ups or cabinet door adjustments, which HBRE then promptly resolves. This triggers final payment once completed and HBRE workmanship warranties.
Final Walkthrough and Closeout: Once punch list items are finished, the final walkthrough confirms everything meets your expectations. With your project officially complete, you can now enjoy your transformed space.
This tried-and-true approach prevents the common problems that plague remodeling projects:
No Surprises: You know what you’re paying before any work starts because the estimates come from actual bids, not rough guesses. Change orders are documented clearly so you always understand cost impacts.
Clear Timeline Expectations: Realistic schedules account for material lead times, permit approvals, and weather delays. You know approximately when work will start and finish.
Better Design Decisions: Taking time during the design phase to make thoughtful selections results in spaces you love rather than compromises made under construction pressure.
Reduced Stress: Understanding what happens next and when key decisions need to be made eliminates much of the anxiety that comes with remodeling.
Quality Results: Thorough planning and experienced execution combine to create finished spaces that exceed expectations and last for years.
If you’re tired of hearing horror stories about remodeling projects gone wrong, HBRE’s proven process offers a better way. Our three-phase approach has guided hundreds of Twin Cities families through successful renovations, and it can work for your project too.
The process starts with a simple conversation about your vision and goals. No pressure, no obligation, just an honest discussion about what you want to accomplish and whether HBRE is the right fit for your project.
Contact HBRE today to schedule your complimentary consultation and take the first step from blueprint to dream home.
Get a complimentary consultation with an owner or project manager (not a salesperson).
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