Our process
A calm, clear process — no surprises
Renovating shouldn’t feel overwhelming. Here’s exactly what to expect, step by step, from our first visit to the day we hand back your home.
Step 1: A free consultation
We meet at your home — or the home you’re thinking of buying — listen to what you want and talk honestly about budget, timing and value.
About an hour, at the house
What you’ll get
- Honest first thoughts on cost and timing
- Ideas you may not have considered
- No pressure and no obligation
Step 2: Design & a fixed price
Our designer measures, draws the plans and prepares a detailed proposal with one clear price — no vague numbers and no surprise add-ons later.
1–3 weeks
What you’ll get
- Drawings you can understand
- A line-by-line, fixed-price proposal
- A realistic schedule
Step 3: Selections made simple
We help you choose cabinets, counters, tile, fixtures and colors — at our design studio or trusted showrooms — and keep every choice on budget.
1–2 weeks
What you’ll get
- Guided showroom visits
- Samples to see in your own light
- A written selections sheet
Step 4: Permits & scheduling
We handle the permit applications, order materials early and give you a start date you can plan your life around.
2–6 weeks, depending on your town
What you’ll get
- Permits pulled in our name
- Materials ordered and checked
- A confirmed start date
Step 5: Construction
Our own licensed crew does the work, led by one project manager who updates you every week and leaves the site clean every day.
Depends on the project
What you’ll get
- One project manager, start to finish
- Weekly updates with photos
- Floors protected and dust contained
Step 6: Final walkthrough & warranty
We walk every room with you, finish every punch-list item and back our work with a five-year workmanship warranty.
A final visit, then we’re a call away
What you’ll get
- A room-by-room walkthrough
- Care and maintenance guide
- 5-year workmanship warranty
Selections
The fun part: choosing your finishes
Tile, cabinetry, counters, paint and hardware. We bring samples to your kitchen table so you can see them in your own light, and we keep a running total so every choice stays on budget.
Our promises
Six things you can count on
Every project, every size — in writing.
Fixed-price proposals
One clear price before work begins. Changes happen only with your written approval.
One project manager
The same person from the first day to the last — and they answer the phone.
Weekly updates
By phone, text or email — your choice — with photos of progress.
A clean, respectful site
Floors protected, dust contained and everything tidied at the end of every day.
Licensed & insured
Every permit pulled, every inspection passed, certificates of insurance on request.
5-year warranty
Our workmanship is guaranteed for five years — in writing.
Is the first consultation really free?
Yes. We’ll visit, listen and share honest first thoughts on cost and timing with no obligation. For larger projects, a detailed design and fixed-price proposal follows.
Can you estimate a home I’m thinking of buying?
Yes — it’s one of the things we do best. We can usually walk the home with you within 48 hours and give you a written estimate range before your offer deadline.
Do I have to work with Hartwell Realty Group to hire you?
Not at all. Many of our clients simply want to improve the home they already love. If you are buying or selling, having one team on both sides just makes things easier.
Are you licensed and insured?
Yes. We are a licensed home improvement contractor, fully insured, and we pull every required permit. We’re happy to send certificates of insurance.
How long will my project take?
It depends on the scope. A bathroom is typically three to six weeks on site, a kitchen six to twelve weeks and a whole-home renovation three to six months. You’ll get a written schedule before we start.
Can we live at home during the work?
Usually, yes. We seal off work areas, protect floors and clean up every day. For kitchen remodels we’ll help you set up a temporary kitchen.
How do payments work?
You’ll get a clear payment schedule tied to project milestones, so you never pay far ahead of the work that’s been done.
Do you offer financing?
We don’t lend money ourselves, but we work with local lenders every week and can provide the bids and documents they need for home equity or renovation loans.
Free consultation
Let’s talk about your home.
Free, no-pressure consultations. We’ll walk through the house with you and give you honest advice — even if that means waiting.