The Design-Build Process for Kitchen Remodeling
Remodeling your kitchen is a big investment, and the process can feel overwhelming if you’re trying to manage it on your own. Between selecting materials, hiring tradespeople, getting permits, and staying on budget, there are a lot of moving parts. That’s why many homeowners in Southeast Michigan are turning to design-build remodeling firms — a streamlined approach that puts everything under one roof.
At Lincorp Borchert, we’ve refined the design-build process over decades of experience so homeowners can enjoy their remodel instead of stressing over it. This guide will help you understand what “design-build” means, how it compares to traditional remodeling methods, and why it’s one of the smartest ways to approach your kitchen project.
What Is Design-Build Remodeling?
In a traditional remodeling project, you’d hire a designer or architect to create plans, then get bids from contractors to bring those plans to life. That approach often leads to miscommunication, budget surprises, and delays because the designer and contractor aren’t working together.
Design-build combines both roles. You work with a single team responsible for:
- Creating your kitchen design
- Managing your budget and timeline
- Coordinating all trades and contractors
- Overseeing construction from start to finish
With one team managing every step, there’s less confusion, fewer delays, and a more seamless experience.
The Benefits of a Design-Build Approach
- One Point of Contact: You’ll have a single team guiding you through every phase, so you never feel like you’re juggling multiple companies.
- Clear Budgets: Because design and construction are handled together, pricing is realistic and accurate from the start.
- Time Savings: With a dedicated project manager, scheduling and communication are handled for you, keeping the project on track.
- Better Collaboration: Designers and builders work hand-in-hand to ensure your vision is achievable, functional, and within your budget.
- Less Stress: You won’t need to hire, coordinate, or oversee multiple contractors. Everything runs through one trusted team.
The Lincorp Borchert Design-Build Process
Here’s how our process works step by step:
1. Initial Consultation
We start with a conversation about your goals, your vision, and your frustrations with your current kitchen. This step is about listening, not selling.
2. Design Discovery
Our design team visits your home to take detailed measurements, understand traffic flow, and see how you use your space day-to-day.
3. Concept & Budget Planning
You’ll receive concept drawings and a realistic budget based on your style preferences, must-haves, and nice-to-haves. We’ll refine the plan together until it feels just right.
4. Material Selection
With your design in place, we guide you through choosing cabinets, countertops, flooring, hardware, and lighting. You’ll see samples and explore finishes that work for your home and lifestyle.
5. Final Design & CAD Renderings
We provide detailed CAD renderings so you can visualize your kitchen before construction begins. No surprises — you’ll know exactly how it will look.
6. Permits & Pre-Construction Prep
Our team handles all permits, inspections, and pre-construction details. We’ll also schedule protective measures for your home, like dust barriers and temporary kitchen solutions.
7. Construction & Project Management
Your dedicated project manager coordinates all trades, timelines, and materials. We keep you updated every step of the way, so you always know what’s happening.
8. Final Walkthrough & Clean-Up
We conduct a detailed walkthrough with you to make sure every detail is perfect. After that, your kitchen is professionally cleaned and ready to enjoy.
9. Warranty & Support
Our work doesn’t end at completion. With a 1-year warranty on labor and product warranties, you’ll have peace of mind long after the project is done.
Why Southeast Michigan Homeowners Love This Approach
Michigan homeowners often choose design-build because it’s efficient and reliable. Older homes in our area often present surprises behind the walls — outdated plumbing, uneven floors, or wiring issues. A design-build firm anticipates these challenges, solving them quickly without sending your budget or schedule off track.
This approach also gives you more control. Because the design and construction teams work together, you can make informed decisions along the way, adjusting as needed without major headaches.
How Design-Build Compares to Traditional Remodeling
| Feature | Design-Build Approach | Traditional Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Project Oversight | One team manages everything | Designer and contractor separate |
| Budget Accuracy | Realistic pricing from day one | Often adjusted during construction |
| Timeline Efficiency | Streamlined communication | More risk of delays |
| Homeowner Stress Level | Low | High |
| Accountability | Single source of accountability | Split between multiple parties |
Common Misconceptions About Design-Build
- “It’s more expensive.” In reality, design-build often saves money by reducing delays, avoiding costly mistakes, and providing accurate pricing upfront.
- “I’ll have less control.” You actually get more control because you’re part of every decision, with expert guidance to help you.
- “It’s only for large projects.” Design-build is ideal for projects of all sizes, from small kitchen updates to full-scale renovations.
Next Steps
The design-build approach takes the stress out of kitchen remodeling, giving you a single team to trust, clear communication, and a finished product you’ll love for years to come.
The next step in your remodeling journey is to explore how to set a realistic budget for your project, so you know what to expect before diving in.
👉 Explore the next guide: How to Budget for a Kitchen Remodel
📞 Call us at (586) 992-8400
