Connect
Connect
Where every project starts
Before we pick up a hammer or open a design program, we need to understand what you’re actually trying to do. That’s what the Connect phase is about — getting to know each other, making sure we’re the right fit, and giving you enough information to make good decisions before the project begins.
› Introduction
Introduction
We start with a Zoom call. We want to hear what you’re thinking about doing, why now, and what matters most to you about the project. Maybe it’s the kitchen that hasn’t worked since your kids started cooking for themselves. Maybe it’s the awkward addition from the 80s that you’ve been living around (not in) for years.
On our end, we’ll walk you through how we work — what design-build actually means in practice, and you’ll meet some of the people who’d be involved in your project. By the end of the call, you should have a clear sense of whether this feels like the right fit.
› Education
Education
Assuming it does, we don’t jump straight into meetings and measurements. First, we send you some homework.
The clients who understand the process make better decisions. Not because they need to become experts in construction — that’s our job — but because knowing what to expect takes the stress out of it. We’ll share resources on how design-build works, how to think about budgeting, and what goes into the selections you’ll be making down the road. It’s the kind of stuff I wish every homeowner knew before starting a project, because it changes the conversations we have for the better.
› Initial Meetings
Initial Meetings
Once we’ve talked and you’ve had a chance to look through the materials, we’ll set up our first real sit-down. Sometimes that’s at our office, sometimes at your kitchen table — it depends on the project.
This is where we dig in. We’ll ask a lot of questions — not just about the house, but about how you live in it. What’s working, what isn’t, what you’ve tried to fix with furniture rearranging that really needs a wall moved. We’ll talk through preliminary budget ranges so nobody’s guessing, and we’ll look at realistic timelines for your scope of work.
If the project site is your home, we’ll walk through the space together. There’s no substitute for standing in a room and seeing where the light falls, where the floor slopes, where the old plumbing runs. That visit tells us things that photos and floor plans can’t.
By this point, we’ve had real conversations. You know how we think, we know what you’re after, and we both have a sense of whether this project makes sense to move forward on together.
› Milestone: Design Agreement
Milestone: Design Agreement
The Design Agreement is the contract that makes it official. It spells out the scope of the design work, what the fees will be, and what we’re both committing to. No surprises buried in the fine print.
The Design Agreement:
- Outlines the scope of the design work
- Provides a clear breakdown of design fees
- Establishes expectations for both parties
- Allows us to begin the exciting process of bringing your vision to life
From here, the project moves into Design — where your ideas start becoming plans you can actually see.
At TDS Design Build, we understand that embarking on a home project is a significant decision. Our Connect phase is designed to provide you with the information, confidence, and trust needed to move forward. We’re not just building or remodeling; we’re creating a home that will serve you well for years to come.
