Design + Build

Elevation and Floor plan of home

What is Design + Build

We believe DESIGN MATTERS. A truly custom and individualized architectural design is what sets NEPA Builders apart from other home remodeling companies. You know the way your family lives and functions is unique, and we believe the space you call home should fit that lifestyle. We want our clients to experience the value of design for generations and have a completed project that functions as well as it looks. Above all, our home and roofing services are designed for efficiency and sustainability without sacrificing design and functionality.

The Design + Build approach is known for being one of the quickest and most economical ways to achieve exceptional outcomes for clients. This method allows a single firm to take responsibility for the complete project from design through construction while keeping the project focused, on time, and within budget.

Our design + build services are transparent, manageable, and clear from start to finish. Our lead designer uses his knowledge of the construction industry to ensure that your home is designed not only beautifully and functionally but in a manner that is executable and practical in our current environment. This approach is a game changer for maintaining budgets and timelines.

A well-planned approach to building and remodeling will provide you with long-term savings and value. Whether you’re pursuing a custom new build or a large-scale remodel, we hold true to our process to ensure the end product is consistent and as designed.

Phase 1 starts the design-to-build project. It aims to collect detailed information about your project, determine whether we are the right fit, and proceed with a feasibility proposal (if we are a match).

Timeline: Approximately 2 to 4 weeks

If you’re here, it means you have already completed step one. We know you still have plenty of questions, like how much is this going to cost, am I going to like your team, how long is this going to take, the list goes on. No fear; every single one of those questions will be answered in the following steps. But for now, start with this:

  • Complete a project inquiry form. At NEPA Builders, we want to know your style preferences and understand your vision. (Pinterest and Houzz are helpful tools to provide creative ideas.) We also gather an idea of your budget and timeline.
  • If you are pursuing a remodeling project, you can send us some photos of your current space as well.
  • Get ready for a follow-up call from us within 24 to 48 business hours with what to do next.

After receiving your inquiry email, we will schedule a follow-up Discovery Call. This is a pain-free, non-committal consult call that allows us the opportunity to hear about you and your project goals. If our team seems like it may be a good fit for your project, we move on to step 3!

Going into a partnership on a design-to-build process is almost like getting married for a good chunk of time. We need to make sure we are compatible! We will fill you in on our process during this first meeting, along with expectations from us and from you, payments, and contracts. How to prepare for this first meeting?

  • No pressure here! This first meeting is our opportunity to get a general vibe for your project and goals, answer any questions, and identify if we can help you reach those goals!
  • Start getting serious about your timeline goals and ideal investment range (mentioned above). This becomes even more important in the next phase.
  • If we’re a great match, you’ll leave this meeting with a crystal clear understanding of what the next steps are, we promise! You’ll have a clear task list on how to prepare for the next meeting and loads of excitement for what comes next.

Pending the project, having a site visit (primarily in remodels) may be warranted prior to moving on to the next step. Measurements, identifying key areas of the home that are subject to the remodel, and exposing any potential concerns will be the focus of the site visit.

A Feasibility Study is an excellent way to assess the viability of your project and ensure your project can be executed to your expectations and within your ideal spending range.

When we have a good understanding of your project and its parameters, we will draft a Preconstruction proposal with a detailed list of the deliverables for the next phase of the process. Once it is signed off and a retainer is paid, we can get the process started!

Design and build phase 1: Pre-Design Phase flow chart
Design and build phase 2 phase 3 and phase 4

Design phase = the fun phase. This stage is where the magic happens, and the foundation is laid for your project. At this point, you receive initial sketches, 3D renderings, and a logistical strategy for your project.

Timeline: Approximately 1 to 2 months

In the first phase of the design process, we help you develop the big picture. We define your house’s general design program (e.g., rooms). This stage will identify your project’s priorities and guide us through the entire design process.

We also address lot orientation to optimize the future structure of the specific lot. During this phase, we may visit the site location to identify or assess the context, code requirements, solar orientation, and design aesthetic.

The end goal of this phase is to provide you with a series of concept drawings and images that outline the overall vision. At the end of this stage, it is expected to have the following completed:

  1. Initial site visit
  2. Concept design development
  3. 3D models
  4. Two follow-up client meetings
  5. Concept floor plan and elevations
  6. Conceptual site diagram
  7. Timeline goals

Once you approve the schematic design, which is essentially the concept layout and 3D models of your home, the shift from schematic design to design development occurs. We now take the initial concept and develop each area of your home’s interior and exterior. Our process takes you through each critical area of your home’s shell and interior so we can create a timeline and send it off for initial bidding.

This step takes up most of the design phase. Several owner/designer meetings occur to decide on a direction for the design to move forward. At this phase’s conclusion, you will receive the following documents:

  1. Site Plan: A drawing depicting your home’s location at the site within the scope of any zoning regulations.
  2. Floor Plans: A detailed sketch of each floor revealing the dimensions of the various rooms and living spaces.
  3. Key Elevations: Depictions of applicable sides (elevations) to convey conceptual design direction for your project.
  4. Roof Plan: Summary of roofing material and details such as dimensions, overhangs, drainage systems, slopes, and penetrations.
  5. Key Sections: Home cut-through drawings depicting the heights and relationships of the various floors and roofs.
  6. Ceiling Plan: Per area description of ceiling plans and details, including beams, casework, internal systems, etc.
  7. Area Analysis: A summarized description of the dimensions of various rooms throughout your home.
  8. Selections List: An overview of the upcoming material selections that must be made in the next phase.
  9. Cabinet Layout: A per-room layout of cabinetry that will be refined and finalized in the next phase.
  10. Renderings or Model: 3D renderings depicting the overall look of your home.
  11. Preliminary Cost: A calculation of the cost of construction-based estimate on the current home design. The aforementioned list of drawings and depictions may still not be finalized at this phase’s conclusion. These preliminary representations aim to cement a completed design direction for the next phase.
  12. Meetings: The number of meetings in this phase depends on the scope of your project and the timeliness of decision-making; typically, four meetings occur 5-7 weeks apart.

In this phase, design development moves forward to completion. Room and space sizes and aesthetics are finalized per drawings created in the previous phase. Materials and systems are selected based on needs and preferences. Door and window types and locations are chosen from a comprehensive menu of alternatives. Prepare for multiple owner/designer meetings throughout this process until documentation is in place for the next phase.

This step is the final phase of design. Client sign-off will signify transitioning to the next phase. Changes to the overall design are still possible at the end of this phase. However, they may be subject to timeline and budget impacts or alterations.

Meetings continue in this phase and involve builder/owner and interior design meetings. Meetings typically occur 1-2 weeks apart.

The construction documents phase (blueprints) incorporates sufficient detail and technical information into the design documents to transform your design into reality. At this stage, we create a set of detailed instructions for building your project. This process includes selecting home appliances, light fixtures, interior finishes, and plumbing fixtures.

Additionally, our architectural designers and contractors evaluate the technical aspects of your project. Once this is complete, the documents from the previous phases will be updated to reflect all the details necessary to construct your project. Additional supporting documents may be produced, with the quantity varying based on the scope of your project.

Upon conclusion, a completed construction document set provides extensive technical detail and will likely include some combination of the following aspects:

  1. Site Plan: A finalized layout depicting your home’s location on the site.
  2. Floor Plans: A finalized portrayal of each floor with the dimensions of the various rooms and living spaces.
  3. Key Elevations: Completed drawings of applicable sides (elevations) to confirm the preliminary design direction for your project.
  4. Essential Details: Large-scale drawings of specific elements within your project
  5. Key Sections: Home cut-through drawings depicting the heights and relationships of the various floors and roofs.
  6. Outline Specification: A written description of your project’s primary systems and materials.
  7. Key Interior Elevations: Drawings showing the relationship and material choices of interior rooms and spaces.
  8. Reflected Ceiling Plans: Depictions of the ceiling delineating locations of lighting, equipment, and level modifications.
  9. Interior Schedules: Detail regarding the type and location of interior finishes.
  10. Consultants’ Drawings: Structural, civil, and mechanical drawings to support other documentation.
Picture of house over isometric drawing

This stage is the final part of design + build, where the value of our time and effort in the previous phases begins to prove its worth. The construction process doesn’t come without its share of ups and downs, but your dedication to the design process will contribute to keeping your project on time, within budget, and without regrets.

interior design and build of a custom home courtesy of NEPA Builders

The signing of the construction contract officially marks the start of the actual building of your home. The average timeline for our custom construction projects ranges from 9 to 12 months, pending the scope of your project.

The construction process adheres to the following order of events:

  1. Cost and Contract
  2. Engineering, Site Prep, and Excavation
  3. Foundation and Utilities
  4. Building Envelope
  5. Systems Rough-In
  6. Drywall
  7. Finish Work
  8. Completion

Are you interested in starting a home project with our team? Connect with us today!

NEPA Builders is the one-stop shop for all your residential home improvement and renovation needs. Together, we are Building A Better Northeast. Our services include the following options:

At NEPA Builders, we are Northeast PA’s leading residential construction contractors. Whether you need home interior or exterior services, we have the knowledge and experience to guide you through your home restoration or remodeling project expertly, efficiently, and affordably. Contact us today to schedule your free initial consultation.


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NEPA Builders LLC

2808 Scranton Carbondale Hwy.

Blakely, PA 18447

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Saturday: 8:00 am - 12:00 pm

Sunday: Closed

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