Remodeling 101: Timeline, Process & Pitfalls to Avoid
Remodeling your home is an exciting opportunity to transform your space into something more beautiful, functional, and uniquely you. But it can also feel overwhelming. Between design decisions, contractor coordination, and managing timelines, it’s easy to feel lost before the project even begins.
That’s where NorthLight Custom Builders steps in.
Serving homeowners in King and Snohomish Counties, we’re a design-build general contractor that streamlines the entire remodeling process, keeping everything from concept and design to construction and clean-up under one roof. Our goal is to deliver a home you’ll love without the headaches that often come with traditional remodeling.
What Our Clients Are Saying
“From design through completion, we had an excellent experience. The team gave us great suggestions and worked hard to make our renovation ideas a reality that we love!”
Britt P.
“The crew at Northlight Custom Builders did a great job remodeling my kitchen! They looked for and rectified small problems before they became big ones! They listened to my concerns and were very responsive.”
Brenda B.
“From design, to demolition to construction, I was happy with how my project went. I felt confident in their knowledge, skills and appreciated their respect for my home while working in it.”
Bernadette R.
How Pre-Construction Sets You Up for Success
We believe a successful remodel begins long before the first hammer swings. Our Pre-Construction process is thorough, thoughtful, and built to prevent costly surprises. While other contractors may rush to construction, we take the time to investigate, plan, and communicate every detail with you which means fewer change orders and a smoother overall experience.
What’s included in our Pre-Construction process?
- A detailed site and budget review
- Establishing your design & layout preferences
- Identifying potential hurdles and finding solutions
- Detailed contract development & schedule tracking
Timeline: What You Can Expect
While every project is unique, most follow this general timeline:
- Initial Consultation: We get to know your goals, style, and home remodel vision.
- Pre-Construction Planning: This is where we dive into all the details needed for your home remodeling project. You will work with a dedicated team comprised of an account manager, designer, and project manager.
- Construction Phase: Dedicated Project Manager and Lead Carpenter oversee your project from start to finish.
- Project Completion & Warranty: We don’t just hand you the keys. We check-in after 11 months to address typical wear and tear items, such as squeaky hinges, caulking upkeep, or nail pops.
Exceptional communication is key at every step. You’ll always know what’s happening and when through our Buildertrend client platform. We will work with you on all details of your home remodeling project. Even if there are hurdles to overcome, we will work together as a team to find solutions.
Questions You May Have
Q: What does the Pre-Construction phase involve?
A: NorthLight’s Pre-Construction phase is all about detailed planning. We work closely with you to finalize layouts, select finishes with our in-house design team, and coordinate with our trade partners for accurate quotes. This process allows us to provide a fixed-price contract — no guesswork, no surprises — all within your budget.
Q: How do you avoid or minimize change orders?
A: Our thorough Pre-Construction phase helps us spot potential issues early, including checking attics, crawl spaces, and existing systems. While unexpected surprises can still pop up, we do everything we can to minimize them. If a change order does come up, it’s usually because the homeowner decides to make a change to the original scope of work.
Q: Will someone from NorthLight be on the jobsite every day?
A: Yes — every project has a dedicated lead carpenter who’s onsite every day that work is being done. They keep the project moving and provide weekly updates. You’ll also have access to the rest of the NorthLight team throughout your remodel.
Ready to Start Your Remodel?
Whether you’re reimagining a kitchen, bathroom, or your whole home, NorthLight Custom Builders is here to guide you through every step. With our proven process and experienced team, we’ll help you avoid costly mistakes and create a space that truly reflects your lifestyle.
Call us or schedule your FREE consultation below!