Our Design-Build Process
A transparent, step-by-step approach that eliminates surprises and keeps you in control from your first call to your final walkthrough.
Your Remodeling Journey, Step by Step
Our design-build process is engineered to deliver predictable timelines, accurate budgets, and exceptional results on every Austin project.
Discovery Call
15 minutes | Free
Your project starts with a brief conversation to understand your goals, timeline, and budget range. We discuss your vision for the space, any pain points with your current home, and the scope of work you have in mind. This call helps us determine whether we are the right fit for your project and allows us to prepare for the next step with the right information.
- Discuss your project goals and priorities
- Review your budget range and timeline expectations
- Determine project scope and feasibility at a high level
- Schedule your on-site feasibility assessment
Feasibility Assessment
1-2 weeks
Before we design or quote anything, we perform a thorough feasibility analysis of your property. This is what separates TrueBuilt from contractors who guess at costs. We physically evaluate your lot and home to identify every factor that could impact your budget, timeline, or design options.
- On-site lot analysis including setbacks, easements, and topography
- Zoning verification and impervious cover calculations
- Structural assessment of existing conditions
- Preliminary budget range based on real project data
- Identification of potential permitting requirements
Design & Planning
3-6 weeks
With feasibility confirmed, our design team creates a detailed plan tailored to your vision, your lot's constraints, and your budget. You will see exactly what your finished project looks like before construction begins, and you will receive a fixed-price proposal with no hidden line items.
- Architectural drawings and 3D renderings of the final design
- Material selections with showroom visits and samples
- Engineering specifications (structural, MEP)
- Fixed-price proposal with detailed scope of work
- Construction timeline with milestone schedule
Permitting & Pre-Construction
4-12 weeks (City of Austin dependent)
Austin's permitting process is complex and time-consuming. We handle every aspect of it so you never have to visit a permit office. Our team manages all submissions, responds to plan review comments, and coordinates inspections with the City of Austin Development Services Department.
- Permit application preparation and submission
- City of Austin plan review response management
- Tree ordinance and environmental review coordination
- Subcontractor scheduling and material procurement
- Pre-construction meeting to review scope and expectations
Construction
Duration varies by project scope
This is where your project comes to life. Your dedicated project manager oversees every aspect of the build, from foundation work to final finishes. You stay fully informed through our cloud-based client portal with daily photo updates, live schedule tracking, and transparent milestone-based payments.
- Daily construction logs with progress photos
- Live schedule tracking through your client portal
- Milestone-based payment schedule (no large upfront deposits)
- Rigorous quality control inspections at each phase
- Change order management with instant approvals
Final Walkthrough & Warranty
1-2 weeks
Before we hand over the keys, we conduct a comprehensive final walkthrough with you to review every detail. Any punch list items are addressed promptly. You receive a complete warranty package and all project documentation, including as-built drawings and maintenance guides for your new space.
- Detailed punch list walkthrough and resolution
- Final city inspections and Certificate of Occupancy
- Warranty documentation and coverage details
- As-built drawings and maintenance guide handover
- Post-project follow-up at 30, 60, and 90 days
What Makes Our Process Different
We built our process around the frustrations Austin homeowners told us about. Here is why our approach delivers better outcomes.
Fixed-Price Transparency
No vague estimates or allowances that balloon mid-project. Our feasibility-first approach means your proposal reflects real costs based on actual site conditions, verified zoning, and confirmed material selections. The price you approve is the price you pay.
Real-Time Project Visibility
Your cloud-based client portal gives you 24/7 access to daily construction photos, live schedule updates, budget tracking, and instant change order approvals. You always know exactly where your project stands without making a single phone call.
Single Point of Accountability
As a design-build firm, we own every phase of your project under one contract. There is no finger-pointing between architects, engineers, and contractors. One team, one contract, one point of accountability from concept to completion.