Our Design-Build Process
The Sebring Design-Build Process
Sebring Design Build follows a clear five-step design-build process that keeps Franklin and Brentwood homeowners informed, on budget, and free from the stress that typically comes with a remodel. Every decision is confirmed before construction begins. Every detail is documented before a single nail is driven.
The Process
Five Steps. One Team. No Surprises.
Every Sebring project follows the same five steps. You always know where you are, what comes next, and a clear picture of your investment before work begins.
- Step 1EducateResearch your project, clarify your vision, and understand realistic investment ranges before you call anyone.
- Step 2DiscoverOur team walks your home, listens to your goals, and establishes whether Sebring is the right fit for your project.
- Step 3DesignYour designer creates 3D concepts, guides every selection, and locks in an agreed scope and price before construction begins.
- Step 4BuildExperienced craftsmen and qualified trade professionals execute the plan with daily project management and clear communication throughout.
- Step 5EnjoyWalk through your finished home with the Sebring team, backed by a 5-year workmanship guarantee and an ongoing relationship.
Educate
Before you call a remodeler, you will make better decisions and have better conversations if you spend time getting clear on what you want, what you can invest, and what kind of company you are looking to hire. This preparation protects your time and ours.
What should I do before contacting a design-build remodeler?
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Gather inspiration from Houzz, Pinterest, and project portfolios. Identify your must-haves versus nice-to-haves. Research realistic project costs on our kitchen and bathroom cost pages. Check reviews on Google and Houzz. The more specific you are about your project scope before your first call, the more productive that conversation will be.
- Decide if it is a kitchen only or kitchen plus adjacent spaces
- Set a realistic budget range before speaking with anyone
- Identify your top priority: design, speed, or budget certainty
- Know your preferred project timeline
What will Sebring ask on the first phone call?
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The first call is a brief conversation. A member of the Sebring team will ask where your home is located, what project you have in mind, why you want to do it, when you need it complete, and what you are looking to invest. These answers help both sides determine if Sebring is the right fit before anyone spends more time.
Discover
A member of the Sebring team walks your home in person. This in-person conversation covers your vision, your goals, and a high-level look at your budget range. At the end of the walk-through, both sides decide how to move forward. There are three possible outcomes and no pressure toward any of them.
What are the three possible outcomes from the discovery meeting?
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Outcome 1: A Discovery Partnership is established. Sebring prepares preliminary palette selections, a basic layout, and a 3D drawing. A modest fee applies, calculated as a percentage of the projected project cost.
Outcome 2: You move directly into a Design Agreement. A retainer based on the preliminary estimate is collected and full design work begins immediately.
Outcome 3: Both parties agree Sebring is not the right fit. No obligation. The team will refer you to a qualified contractor who is a better match.
Is there a cost for the initial home visit?
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The complimentary consultation is free. There is no cost for the initial walk-through. Fees are only introduced if both parties agree to move into the Discovery or Design phase, and those fees may apply toward your Construction Agreement when the project proceeds.
Design
Your in-house Sebring designer guides every decision from concept through final selection. You see 3D renderings of your space before any contract is signed. All materials, fixtures, and finishes are chosen and documented before construction begins. The result is a fixed-price Construction Agreement scoped to your agreed selections.
What does the design phase include?
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- Schematic design concepts and layout options
- 3D renderings of all cabinetry in kitchens, bathrooms, and bars
- Full interior material selections: cabinets, countertops, tile, plumbing fixtures, paint colors, flooring, and hardware
- Construction documents with dimensions, wall sections, and engineering review where needed
- Fixed-price Construction Agreement based on your agreed scope and selections, confirmed before a single nail is driven
Design fees paid in this phase are intended to apply toward your first construction payment.
Why does Sebring finalize all selections before construction starts?
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When selections are made during construction, projects stall while waiting for materials, costs change, and timelines drift. Sebring locks every decision and orders all materials before the first day of construction. This is a key reason Sebring projects hold their schedule and their budget.
Build
Construction begins after permits are approved and a pre-construction meeting confirms every detail. Your assigned project manager visits the site regularly, communicates clearly, and keeps the work moving on the timeline you were given. This is where the design becomes real.
What happens during the build phase?
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- Sebring prepares and submits all permit applications, with a typical planning allowance of 2 to 8 weeks depending on municipality
- A pre-construction meeting covers parking, dumpster placement, pet accommodations, and daily schedule
- Your project manager visits the site regularly and responds to questions through the online project portal
- All communication is logged and accessible from your phone at any time
- Sebring handles all inspections through to final sign-off
How does Sebring stay on schedule during construction?
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Because all materials are ordered and all selections are finalized before construction begins, the schedule is far less likely to stall waiting for tile to arrive or fixtures to be chosen. The project manager coordinates all trades on a documented schedule that you can view in real time. Daily site visits catch problems before they become delays.
Enjoy
The Sebring team walks the finished project with you personally. Every item on the punch list is completed. Your new space is photographed, documented, and backed by Sebring's 5-year workmanship guarantee. This is not the end of the relationship. Many Sebring clients go on to complete additional projects and refer friends and family.
What does the 5-year workmanship guarantee cover?
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The Sebring workmanship guarantee covers defects in construction quality for five years from project completion. If something is not right with how the work was executed, Sebring returns to make it right at no cost. This guarantee applies to the craftsmanship itself, separate from manufacturer warranties on fixtures and materials.
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Meet the people behind every Sebring project. Our designers and project managers bring decades of combined experience to homes across Franklin and Brentwood, and genuine care to every decision along the way.
Meet the TeamCommon Questions
Questions About the Sebring Process
How long does a design-build remodel take from start to finish?
Timeline varies by project scope. A kitchen remodel in Franklin typically takes 8 to 14 weeks of construction after permits are approved. Design and selection add 6 to 12 weeks before construction begins. Sebring provides a written schedule at the start of every project and updates it in real time through the project management portal.
Does Sebring Design Build handle permits?
Yes. Sebring prepares and submits all permit applications and manages all required inspections through to final approval. Homeowners never need to interact with the building department. Sebring typically plans for two to eight weeks for permit turnaround in Williamson County, though timelines depend on the municipality and project scope.
What does design-build mean and how is it different from hiring separately?
Design-build means one company handles both design and construction under a single contract. With Sebring, the designer and builder are on the same team from day one, which is intended to reduce the gap between what was designed and what gets built and to minimize surprises when construction begins.
Learn About Design-Build →Can I make changes after the Construction Agreement is signed?
Changes after the agreement is signed are handled through a written change order that updates the scope, cost, and timeline before any additional work is performed. Because all selections are finalized before construction begins, Sebring projects are designed to minimize the need for change orders.
Will I work with the same designer throughout my entire project?
Yes. Your Sebring designer stays with your project from the first selection meeting through the final reveal. You will know your designer by name, and they will know your home. Clients mention this continuity in their reviews.
Meet the Team →What areas does Sebring Design Build serve?
Sebring Design Build serves homeowners in Franklin, Brentwood, Cool Springs, Leiper's Fork, College Grove, and Thompson's Station within Williamson County, Tennessee. This is Sebring's primary service area, which allows the team to manage every project at the level of service its clients expect.
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