The Power of Preconstruction: Planning the Perfect Remodel
Before the first board is cut or the first tile is laid, there’s a quieter phase of remodeling that has already been in the works. It often gets overlooked, but this phase is where the real magic starts: the preconstruction period. This is the time when ideas take shape, details get hammered out, decisions are made, and the path to a successful remodel is carefully mapped. A solid and detailed preconstruction phase sets the stage for your remodel. It leads to fewer surprises, a smoother experience, and better results. We put a lot of stock in preconstruction. We know it’s the difference between a good remodel and a great one for your Tacoma home.
Why Planning is Everything
Preconstruction isn’t just about picking paint colors. It’s about bringing everyone on the team to a place of clarity and alignment about every detail of the project, from budgeting to the final walk-through. With a good preconstruction period, you can prevent or at least limit project delays, unexpected costs, and scope creep. You can feel confident in your decisions (and reduce decision fatigue!) because you know that all your choices fit into your overall plans and goals.
The time spent before the hammers swing leads to a better final product because it allows for careful, thought-out decisions and fewer regrets later. Your remodeled Tacoma home will be better for every minute you spend on preconstruction planning.
Our Preconstruction Process, Step-by-Step
Curious about how the preconstruction process plays out in real life? Let’s walk through what our process at Massey Remodel + Design looks like. Let’s say you’ve been thinking about remodeling your Tacoma kitchen for a while, and it’s finally time to get the process started. It’s an exciting prospect, and if you’re honest, a little overwhelming. You’ve spent so much time staring at gorgeous kitchens in home magazines and Pinterest boards—will you be successful at bringing your plan to reality?
Step 1: The First Call
When you contact us, you can expect a friendly, low-pressure conversation. We want to get to know you and talk about what you want from your remodel. We discuss your current kitchen as well as your goals, ideas, and must-haves for your remodeled one. You might tell us you have your heart set on a custom island with room for your family to sit at while you cook. Or a workstation sink with its built-in accessories and sleek design. You share your ideas with us.
You also share your basic budget with us, too. Sometimes clients don’t want to share this information because they think their contractors will use it against them. But in reality, we all need to be open and honest about costs. Otherwise, we won’t know what kind of space we have to help you plan your project—what’s realistic for you and your home? Honest conversations about money can be difficult, but they help everyone to be on the same page.
During this call, we will generally give you a range of cost for your project. This amount is based on the last twelve months of actual similar projects we have done in the Tacoma, Washington area. While this range will get narrowed down as the planning process continues, we will work very hard to stick to it. We want you to know what to expect.
Step 2: In-Home Meeting
After that initial call, we will schedule a time to come by your home. We want to see the project with our own eyes and get a better sense of your space. We will walk around, take measurements, and discuss layout possibilities. We will also begin identifying any project constraints we see—and any opportunities! We will begin narrowing down the range of cost and also the scope of work at this time, getting a better feel for what the project will entail.
Step 3: Design Phase
This part of preconstruction is actually so much fun. Collaboration between you and our designer begins as you hammer out the details. She will ask questions, help you create mood boards, and get a sense of your taste and preferences. She will use 3D renderings and floor plans to give you layout options and help you visualize them.
You’ll begin—with her help—to make selections. Choosing tile, paint, hardware, appliances, flooring, and more can be overwhelming. That’s why our designer will go with you to several showrooms where you can see and touch the materials and make decisions with her guidance. You’ll feel more confident and clear in your choices because she’ll help you align them with your goals and preferences.
Again, as you make selections, the range of cost is continuing to be updated. If you choose something that we hadn’t included in that original range, like custom cabinetry or a special design feature, we will have a conversation with you about how that will affect your budget. There won’t be any surprises—just clear and honest communication.
In the Background
While all this is going on, we’re hard at work on other important pieces as well. We will be spending time
coordinating with engineers
making plans for electrical, plumbing, and HVAC work
starting the permitting process
sourcing materials and ensuring their availability
scheduling subcontractors and other workers
ordering materials to avoid delays and make sure we have them when we need them
and other behind-the-scenes necessities.
Our goal is a seamless start to construction. When it’s go-time, we want to be completely ready.
Construction Begins—But Preconstruction Keeps Working
When it’s time to start construction, the planning continues. Your designer stays involved throughout the building process to keep the vision on track. You have a project manager who handles the day-to-day work, making sure that everyone is on the same page. If any problems arise, your design-build team will creatively and collaboratively work for a solution. You will have ongoing communication through a group text, and you will also have access to an online project portal that will give you updates and details.
The benefits of our robust preconstruction phase are seen now: everything runs smoothly with fewer surprises. Decisions have been made, plans are in place, and everyone on the team knows where they’re heading. You can sit back, relax, and watch the magic happen.
Why Preconstruction is Worth It
Remodeling your Tacoma home doesn’t start with a sledgehammer—it starts with a conversation. When the planning is done well, the build goes faster, more smoothly, on budget, and with less stress. A well-executed preconstruction phase leads to a final product you’ll love with fewer bumps along the way. You’ll have confidence in your decisions and your team, and you’ll be thrilled with the results.
Are you ready to start talking? Let’s have that first conversation today. You’ll be that much closer to loving everything about your Tacoma home.