Our Process

our philosophy

The details make the difference

At Maughan Design & Remodel, we love detail. It begins with the step-by-step process we use to develop great ideas into solid plans.

It shows on every page of our construction documents, where each carpenter and sub will find information tailored specifically to their trade. But this approach shines best when your project is under construction — in everything that doesn’t go wrong. From framing details to material transitions to functional lighting, our plan sets are field tested with years of experience behind every call-out.

Design + Remodel Process

Design & Planning Phase

We start every project with a meticulous design process.

01 Meet & Learn

We meet at your place, and we listen. We ask questions and understand what your dreams are, what problems you’re hoping to solve, how you live in your space vs how you’d like to live there. We go through a detailed questionnaire so that we touch on all the important things. We capture everything in a set of working notes each time we meet, and we email you a copy so we can be sure we’re all on the same page.

02 Measure & Document

We measure the area of scope and take pictures. We capture existing conditions for mechanical, plumbing, electrical and structure. This gives us an accurate basis from the beginning.

03 Design Options

We meet again at your place, reviewing layout options and discussing pros and cons. This is where everything you care about gets pinned down and brainstorming really helps the final vision to take shape.

04 Coalesce Ideas

We arrange a phone call to talk through your thoughts after you’ve had a chance to reflect. Then we take your choices and combine them to create one plan moving forward.

05 Design Details

We review your Houzz or Pinterest boards, photos and other inspirations and pull together physical samples of tile, wood, paint, etc. that can achieve the look you want us to create for you. If you have already chosen things you love, we bring physical samples of those items to finalize your design.

06 Visualize Options

We lay out several options and meet in our studio to narrow down your favorites to work with. A second materials meeting is planned if you would like to see more selections or if we are working with multiple rooms. To help you “see”, 3D visuals are created if desired. We want to take all the time necessary to choose the things you’ll be living with and enjoying for years to come.

07
Budget Planning

We schedule a walk-through with our sub-contractors and gather costs for a final budget. Our budgets are always separated into a main project scope and an options column with several items broken out. This helps you control your final budget by making it easy for you to see how much it would be to add or subtract choices like heated floors or a less expensive counter material.

08 Detailed Documents

We finalize detailed construction documents to illustrate design intent for every craftsman who will create your new space. Our final construction binders include materials schedules with installation instructions for ready reference.

"I think Kathie is an exceptional designer, whose experience allows her to work quickly and creatively, delivering huge value to a project.... She truly listens to understand, and incorporates our wishes while never compromising good design."
-Korney Campbell
"Kathie is an unusually great listener – truly a rare find. This allowed her to connect with our preferences and taste in a way that is difficult to describe."
- Kandis Hulteng

Construction Phase

After contracts are signed, we take several steps to ensure a great remodel experience.

01 Team Review

Our design team meets with each subcontractor to review the plans in person, ensuring the best communication of design intent. This is truly integrated design + remodel!

02 Reach Out

We contact your neighbors prior to starting our work to make sure they know how to get in touch with us if they have any concerns along the way.

03 Order Materials

We notify subs and begin ordering materials right away. We receive most items at our studio well ahead of when they’re needed on site. We check for accuracy and inspect for damage before redelivering to the job when needed. This minimizes schedule delays due to product issues.

04 Kick Into Gear

We run a driven schedule. There is typically work being performed every day throughout your project’s timeline. When schedule disruptions do happen, they’re communicated in a timely manner so you know what to expect.

05 Keeping It Clean

We keep things very clean! We use Zip Wall barriers Build-Clean air scrubbers during messy construction to minimize dust. We partner with our clients to minimize disruption if you are living in place through your remodel.

06
Progress Updates

We set a regular communication schedule and keep you in the loop with additional calls or texts as much or as little as you like. We send frequent update photos and progress reports if you are a long-distance client or if you’re away on vacation during your remodel.

"Moving into construction mode, the team was first-rate. Clean, courteous, diligent with crisp communication throughout the project. Issues that arose were promptly resolved with no bargaining or excuses — just robust professionalism."
- David Cheney
"The entire crew with Maughan Design were a joy to work with. Very respectful in every aspect of the job and felt like a little extension of the family by the end of the project."
- Shana Harper