At Forward Design Build, we think home design and remodeling are about a whole lot more than just adding value to your home! While it’s important to consider the economics of any investment you make, far more important is creating a space that enhances your lifestyle.

Our design-build dream at Forward is that first and foremost you truly enjoy your home remodel — before, during, and after construction. The North Star of your remodel should be a happy life for you and your family. Your remodel, from the rooms you renovate to the features you choose, should always be geared toward achieving that.

Where to start when remodeling your home

How would you like to feel in your home?

It seems simple, but that’s the crucial question you need to ask yourself whenever you get started on a home remodel. 

At the start of every remodeling project, question:

• What parts of my home need the most help?

• Where does my family spend most of its time? Why?

• Is anything in my home outdated?

• What could I add or take away that would make the experience of living in my house more enjoyable?

• What do I like in the homes of my friends and relatives? 

• What have I always wanted in a home but never had?

Don’t worry if you don’t have the answers to all of these questions. It’s more something to think about as you start to explore different options for creating your dream home. 

How does our design-build process work?

Our design-build process is an efficient way to discover your perfect home. We’ll help you solve your functional needs with creative solutions that inspire and represent your personality. 

Over 25+ years of working with clients in Ann Arbor, we have developed a remodeling process that feels more like a journey. We want you to get the most out of this! We will work tirelessly to minimize your stress and maximize your enjoyment. 

Advantages of our design-build process:

• Better cost control: Because our designers and construction professionals work together, they are knowledgeable about what their designs will cost, not just how they will look. Our process also allows our estimate to evolve as the design progresses, allowing us to make scope decisions based on real information. Our creative director, designers, production manager and estimator work together, yielding pinpoint precision when it comes to the cost of your project. 

• Speedy transition from design to construction: Our design and build team works like a well-oiled machine. When your design is finished and approved, we’ll be ready to get started on the construction immediately. 

• Designs that can actually be built: Our designers and builders are all in-house, meaning we can meet at a few minutes’ notice to clarify details or find solutions to any issue that crops up! Designs that are approved are the designs that will actually be built.

• Accountability: No finger pointing at Forward Design Build. We work together and handle everything from beginning to end. You’ll never be left with a scenario where an architect and contractor are fighting over who made a mistake. Any issues will be ours to fix. 

Read below to learn more about our design-build process steps:

1. Interview

Before we start working with any client, we want to make sure we’re the right fit. This is for everyone’s benefit — we want to make sure we only sign onto your project if we can actually help you achieve your goals!

We work with clients who want to build functional value in their house and are hoping to truly enjoy and cherish home. 

We’ll come out to you, and (at no cost to you) complete this first design-build step. This is an initial consultation at your home, which includes:

• Reviewing your goals and priority list

• Taking pictures and capturing initial measurements

• Discussing and initially developing conceptual ideas

We’ll then host a follow-up presentation at our office about what your home remodeling process will look like, presenting you with a preliminary, bracketed investment range and scope of work.

2. Design

Once you’ve chosen to work with our team and sign our design agreement, we’ll get started on the design of your remodel. This part of the process will be centered entirely around your feedback. 

First, we’ll research and obtain all the information on your space. We’ll obtain detailed information about your space and exact measurements of the rooms to be remodeled in your home.

Our designers then get to work using your goals and preferences. We’ll work together on floor plan development, material, fixture and product selections and put together final design specifications for your approval. Then we get ready for the permit application process!

3. Build 

Once your designs are finalized, we’ll draw up a fixed-fee construction contract. We’ll apply, pay for all permits, and produce a detailed construction schedule for completing your project.

Our in-house project managers will then start working on your project. We’ll hold weekly meetings and make sure that we’re meeting your expectations.

4. Enjoy

Once we’re finished, your warranty will start. We’ll provide information on your selections and what to expect from them as we go through heating and cooling seasons. We’ll also schedule follow-up meetings as needed to review and ensure everything is working properly.

Most importantly, now is your time to truly enjoy and experience the wonders of living in a home you love.

Learn more about the Forward Design Build process

The best way to get a sense of how our design-build process can lead to a more fulfilling home is to meet with us! We’ll show you how we can significantly improve the function and beauty of your home... and help you live your best life. 

Get in touch today to learn more and see how we can help you improve your Ann Arbor home. 

For MORE INFORMATION: Visit our Home Page to learn about our complete list of services.