Frequently Asked Questions

Remodeling FAQ’s: Answers From a Design-Build Contractor

Planning a remodel comes with a lot of questions. Below, we’ve answered the most common questions homeowners ask about our design-build process, timelines, pricing structure, and what it’s like to work with our team.

BROWSE QUESTIONS BY TOPIC:
GENERAL REMODELING DESIGN-BUILD PLANNING LIVING THROUGH A REMODEL PRICING TIMELINES COMMUNICATION WARRANTY

General Remodeling FAQs

What type of remodeling company is Massey Remodel + Design?

Massey Remodel + Design is a veteran-owned, residential design-build remodeling firm serving homeowners in Tacoma, Bellevue, and surrounding Puget Sound communities. We specialize in kitchen remodels, bathroom remodels, basement renovations, and whole-home remodels using an integrated design-build approach that combines design, construction, and project management under one team.

What areas do you serve?

We serve homeowners throughout Tacoma, Bellevue, and surrounding cities in Pierce and King Counties, including nearby neighborhoods and communities throughout the Puget Sound region. If you’re unsure whether your location is within our service area, we’re happy to confirm.

Are you licensed and insured?

Yes. Massey Remodel + Design is fully licensed and insured to perform residential remodeling work in Washington State. We also work with trusted trade partners who meet the same professional standards.

What remodeling services do you offer?

Massey Remodel + Design offers full-service residential remodeling, including:

  • Kitchen remodeling

  • Bathroom remodeling

  • Basement finishing and remodeling

  • Whole-home renovations and additions

  • Custom interior remodeling projects

All services include in-house design, permitting coordination, construction, and project management.

What Is Design-Build Remodeling?

What does a design-build remodeling company do?

Design-build remodeling is a project delivery method where design and construction are handled by the same company. Instead of hiring a designer and contractor separately, homeowners work with one integrated team from concept through completion. This approach improves communication, reduces surprises, shortens timelines, and provides clearer budgeting throughout the remodeling process.

How is design-build different from hiring a contractor and designer separately?

With a traditional remodel, homeowners often hire a designer first and then bid the plans out to contractors. This can lead to cost overruns, redesigns, and miscommunication. In a design-build model, the design is developed with real construction costs and feasibility in mind, which helps align expectations and reduces change orders during construction.

Why should I choose a design-build remodeler?

Homeowners often choose a design-build remodeler for:

  • Clear communication

  • Fewer surprises during construction

  • Better alignment between design and budget

  • One accountable team from start to finish

For complex remodeling projects, this integrated approach creates a smoother and more predictable experience.

Planning & Getting Started for a Remodel

When should I contact a remodeling company?

Ideally, homeowners should contact a remodeling company before finalizing plans or drawings. Early involvement allows us to provide realistic budget guidance, identify potential challenges, and help shape the design to align with your goals, timeline, and investment level.

Can you help with design ideas and selections?

Yes. Our team includes in-house designers who guide homeowners through layout planning, material selections, finishes, and overall design direction. This collaborative approach ensures the design is both beautiful and buildable.

Do I need permits for my remodel?

Many remodeling projects in Tacoma and surrounding jurisdictions require permits, especially when work involves plumbing, electrical, structural changes, or additions. As part of our service, we handle the permitting process and ensure all work complies with local building codes and regulations.

  • No. Most homeowners do not have remodel plans before reaching out, and that’s completely normal.

    At Massey Remodel + Design, we’re a design-build remodeling company, which means the design and construction process are handled together under one team. Many clients come to us with only a general idea like “we want a more functional kitchen” or “our bathroom no longer works for our family.” From there, our in-house design team develops layout options, material selections, and construction drawings as part of the preconstruction process.

    If you already have architectural plans or a designer you’re working with, we can review those as well. But having finalized plans is not required to start the conversation.

  • You don’t need to prepare anything formal, but having a few things in mind helps us give better guidance during your consultation.

    Before we meet, it’s helpful to think about:

    • What spaces you want to remodel and why

    • Any functional challenges you’re experiencing (storage, layout, lighting, flow)

    • Your general timeline and level of flexibility

    • Whether you’re planning to stay in the home long-term

    Photos of your current space and any inspiration images are always welcome, but not mandatory. Our first consultation is designed to be a low-pressure, educational conversation, where we talk through your goals, explain our design-build process, and help you understand what a remodeling project typically involves.

Living Through a Remodel

Can I live in my home during a remodel?

In many cases, yes, but it depends on the scope of work and which areas of the home are affected.

Smaller, contained projects may allow homeowners to remain in the home with minimal disruption. Larger remodels, especially those involving kitchens, bathrooms, or multiple rooms, can be more challenging to live through comfortably.

We help homeowners evaluate this early in the planning phase by discussing daily routines, safety, and access to essential spaces. If you’re considering a kitchen project, we also recommend reading How to Survive a Kitchen Remodel, which walks through how to prepare living in your home during a kitchen remodel.

How do you protect my home during construction?

Before construction begins, we take deliberate steps to protect the parts of your home that are not being remodeled.

This typically includes floor protection, dust containment barriers, sealed doorways, and clearly defined pathways for crews and materials. Work areas are isolated as much as possible to reduce dust, debris, and disruption to lived-in spaces.

Throughout the project, our team maintains a clean jobsite, removes debris regularly, and protects adjacent finishes and surfaces as work progresses. These measures are part of our planning process and help preserve the condition of your home while construction is underway.

Pricing

How much does a kitchen remodel cost in the Tacoma area?

Kitchen remodel costs in the Tacoma area vary based on the size of the kitchen, the scope of work, and the level of customization involved. Factors such as layout changes, cabinetry, appliances, finishes, and structural modifications all influence the overall investment.

To help homeowners understand what costs typically start at, we’ve created a Kitchen Remodeling Investment Guide that outlines common project ranges and what’s included at different levels. During our design-build process, we also provide clear budget guidance early, allowing homeowners to make informed decisions before construction begins.

Do you provide detailed estimates?

Rather than providing a single rough estimate, our design-build process focuses on progressive pricing. As the design is developed, costs are refined so homeowners have clear, accurate pricing before construction begins. This approach helps avoid unexpected expenses later in the project.

  • Yes. We use fixed-price contracts once the design and project details are fully defined.

    A fixed-price contract means the scope of work, selections, and construction details are finalized before construction begins, allowing the project cost to be clearly established upfront. Any changes after that point are handled through documented change orders, so homeowners understand how adjustments affect cost.

    Because contract structure plays a significant role in cost clarity and risk management, we’ve also written an in-depth guide, Why Fixed-Price Contracts Matter in Remodeling, which explains how fixed-price agreements differ from open-ended or cost-plus approaches and why many homeowners prefer them.

  • You’ll receive cost guidance early, with more precision as the planning process progresses.

    During the initial phone consultation, we provide a general ballpark range based on your goals, home type, and typical project scopes in the area. This helps determine whether the project is a good fit before moving forward.

    After the in-home consultation and once the project scope is clearly defined, we prepare a full, detailed project proposal outlining the anticipated cost. This ensures pricing is based on real conditions, selections, and project requirements rather than assumptions.

    This step-by-step approach allows homeowners to gain clarity early while still ensuring accuracy before construction begins.

  • Several key factors influence the cost of a remodel, and they often work together.

    The most common cost drivers include the size of the space, the complexity of the work, layout changes, material selections, and the condition of the existing home. Structural modifications, custom cabinetry, specialty finishes, and upgrades to plumbing or electrical systems can also significantly affect overall investment.

    During planning, we help homeowners understand how each decision impacts cost so priorities can be set intentionally and surprises are minimized.

Timelines

How long does a typical remodeling project take?

Timelines vary by project type and scope. As a general guideline:

Because design and construction are integrated, our design-build process helps minimize delays and keeps projects moving efficiently.

When is the best time to remodel?

The best time to remodel depends more on your goals and level of preparedness than on the calendar alone.

Many homeowners assume there is a “perfect” season to remodel, but successful projects are usually the result of thoughtful planning, clear priorities, and realistic timelines. Starting the planning and design process early allows time for decisions, permitting, and material selections, regardless of when construction begins.

That said, factors like household schedules, travel plans, and how disruptive a project may be can influence timing. For example, kitchen or whole-home remodels may be easier to schedule when families have flexibility in their routines, while smaller projects can be completed at various times throughout the year.

Ultimately, the best time to remodel is when you have clarity around your goals, an understanding of the investment, and a plan in place that aligns with your lifestyle and long-term plans for your home.

How long does the design phase take before construction begins?

The design phase typically takes several weeks to a few months, depending on the size and complexity of the remodel.

During this phase, layouts are developed, materials are selected, budgets are refined, and construction details are coordinated. Larger projects, such as whole-home remodels or major kitchen renovations, generally require more design time than smaller or more contained updates.

Spending adequate time in the design phase helps prevent delays, change orders, and unexpected decisions once construction begins. By the time work starts, the scope, selections, and schedule are clearly defined, allowing construction to move forward more smoothly.

Communication

How will you communicate during the remodeling project?

Communication is ongoing and documented throughout the project.

Clients have access to daily project logs that reflect progress, upcoming work, and key updates. In addition, communication happens through a group text chat that includes both the builder and the designer assigned to the project.

This approach allows questions to be addressed in real time by the people directly involved in planning and executing the remodel, rather than routing everything through a separate coordinator.

Who will be my main point of contact?

You’ll work directly with the same team members who helped plan your project.

Your primary points of contact are your builder and designer, who remain involved from planning through construction. This continuity helps maintain clarity around decisions, design intent, and execution as the project progresses.

Having direct access to the team responsible for your remodel reduces miscommunication and allows issues to be addressed more efficiently.

What happens if something goes wrong during my remodel?

If an issue arises, it’s addressed through clear communication and documented problem-solving.

Because your builder and designer are involved throughout the project, questions or concerns can be discussed quickly and in context. Any necessary adjustments are communicated, documented, and reviewed so expectations remain clear.

Warranty & After Care

What kind of warranty do remodeling contractors offer?

Remodeling warranties can vary widely depending on the contractor, the scope of work, and the materials used.

Most reputable remodeling contractors offer a craftsmanship warranty, which covers labor and installation for a defined period of time after construction is complete. In addition, many products used in a remodel—such as cabinets, fixtures, appliances, and finishes—carry manufacturer warranties that are separate from the contractor’s labor warranty.

At Massey Remodel + Design, we explain warranty coverage clearly before construction begins so homeowners understand what is covered, for how long, and who to contact if an issue arises. Warranty details are included as part of the project closeout process, along with final documentation and walkthroughs.

Understanding warranty coverage upfront helps set realistic expectations and provides peace of mind long after the remodel is complete.

  • With Massey Remodel + Design, our clients are covered by our 3-year workmanship warranty.

    From the date of substantial completion, any defects related to our workmanship are covered for three years. That means if something wasn’t installed correctly or doesn’t perform the way it should, we’ll make it right.

    What you do:
    As soon as you notice an issue, just notify us in writing (email is perfect) within 30 days of discovering it. You don’t have to diagnose it—just let us know what you’re seeing.

    What we do:

    • We’ll schedule a time to inspect the issue

    • If it’s covered under the warranty, we’ll repair or replace the affected work at no cost to you

    • We handle the fix directly—no finger-pointing, no runaround

    A couple helpful notes:

    • Manufacturer warranties still apply to products (fixtures, appliances, etc.)

    • Normal wear and tear, damage from misuse, or changes made by others aren’t covered

    • We may need reasonable access to the space to perform the repair

    Bottom line: we don’t disappear after the final walkthrough. If something comes up that’s related to our work, we stand behind it and take care of it. That’s a big part of how we do business.

  • Most materials and products used in your project are covered by their respective manufacturer warranties. That typically includes things like cabinetry, plumbing fixtures, appliances, flooring, windows, and specialty products.
    Here’s how it usually breaks down:

    • Manufacturer warranties cover defects in the product itself (materials, finishes, mechanical parts, etc.). Coverage length and terms vary by product and brand.

    Massey Remodel + Design’s workmanship warranty covers how those products were installed for three years. So if something fails because of installation, that’s on us.

    • If a product issue comes up, we’ll help determine whether it’s a product defect or an installation issue and guide you through the next steps.

    A few important clarifications:

    • Products supplied by the homeowner or third parties are typically covered only by the manufacturer, not our workmanship warranty.

    • Normal wear and tear or damage from misuse isn’t covered by manufacturers or the remodeler.

    • Some manufacturers require registration or basic maintenance to keep the warranty valid.

    In short: yes, manufacturer warranties apply, and we’re here to help coordinate if something comes up so you’re not left dealing with it alone.

  • Most warranties do not automatically transfer when you sell your home.
    For Massey Remodel + Design, the 3-year workmanship warranty is non-transferable and applies only to the original homeowner who contracted the work. Once the home is sold, that warranty ends.
    That said, there can still be value for a buyer:

    • Some manufacturer warranties are transferable, either automatically or with a simple registration or transfer fee (this depends on the brand and product).

    • Even when not transferable, recent professional remodeling is often a strong selling point and can help support home value and buyer confidence.

    • We’re always happy to provide documentation of the work completed, materials used, and dates of completion for your records or for a buyer’s review.

How do I get started with a remodeling project?

The first step is scheduling a consultation. During this initial conversation, we discuss your goals, timeline, and budget expectations, and determine whether our design-build approach is a good fit for your project. From there, we guide you through design development and into construction.