Our Process
Your Project, Delivered in 8 Clear and Predictable Phases
We simplify complex residential and commercial construction by breaking your project into eight defined phases each designed to protect your budget, timeline, and peace of mind.
One Contract, One Point of Responsibility
Our Design-Build Process
1
Inquiry & Discovery Call
Your journey with Emstone begins with a simple conversation. We take the time to learn about your project, the problems you’re trying to solve, your ideal investment range, and the timeline you’re hoping to achieve.
This isn’t a rushed intake call, it’s the foundation of a successful relationship. We walk you through our approach, highlight red flags to avoid, and help you determine whether your project aligns with a design-build or general contracting model.
What this phase means for you:
You get clarity from the start about realistic expectations, expert guidance, and an honest conversation about whether we’re the right fit before you invest time or money.
2
Complimentary On-Site Consultation
We visit your site to evaluate the existing conditions, identify feasibility considerations, and better understand the environment we’ll be building in.
This is where our construction expertise meets your vision, helping you understand what’s possible, what’s not, and what trade-offs may be required.
What this phase means for you:
Early insights from a professional builder before any financial commitment.
3
Preliminary Construction Estimate
This step is designed to give you financial clarity early, so you can make informed decisions before investing in drawings or engineering.
We revisit your goals, assess site conditions, review scope considerations, and collect preliminary measurements to ensure our estimate is grounded in real data.
We take preliminary measurements, review constraints, and use historical data from similar projects to build a detail-oriented budget outline.
During this phase, we prepare a high-level but structured budget outline, which will be reviewed with you in a follow-up meeting. If the preliminary budget aligns with your expectations, we refine the scope as needed and move into the next stage of planning.
What this phase means for you:
A clear, honest, and professional understanding of what your project may cost before you spend money on design or engineering.
4
Conceptual Design Agreement
This is where ideas begin to take shape. With a signed Conceptual Design Agreement, we move into layout development, structural considerations, and early design direction.
During this phase, we:
- Develop conceptual floor plans
- Explore structural feasibility
- Establish initial space planning
- Discuss early selections and aesthetics
- Define rough-in and mechanical considerations
The goal is to visually clarify your project and eliminate ambiguity before engineering begins.
What this phase means for you:
You’re no longer guessing, you can see how your future home or commercial space will function.
5
Pre-Construction Agreement
Once your conceptual design is approved and the preliminary budget feels right, we transition into the Pre-Construction Phase, the most important stage of the entire project.
This is where ideas become technical documents, selections become specifications, and your project gains the precision required for a fixed-price contract and a smooth construction experience.
During this phase, our team works through every architectural, structural, mechanical, and design element needed to finalize your Construction Drawings and prepare your project for permit approval and execution.
What this phase means for you:
By the end of Phase 5, you will know exactly what’s being built, how long it will take, and what it will cost with no ambiguity.
6
Final Budget & Construction Contract Signing
By the time we reach Phase 6, every major decision has been made — drawings are complete, engineering is finalized, selections have been documented, and the full scope is clearly defined. This is where your project transitions from planning to execution.
With all information consolidated, we prepare your fixed-price construction contract, ensuring your budget is transparent, predictable, and free from surprises.
At this stage, we also complete internal pre-production steps to prepare your project for a smooth and organized construction start. This includes coordination with trades, scheduling, site protection planning, material ordering timelines, and any specialty requirements such as tree protection or municipal compliance needs.
What this phase means for you:
No guesswork. Just complete financial and logistical clarity before we break ground.
7
Construction Begins
Before construction officially starts, we host an on-site kickoff meeting with you. We review expectations, walk through site logistics, confirm access requirements, and address any final details to ensure a smooth start. This is where your project transitions from preparation into action, supported by a team fully aligned on scope, schedule, and quality standards.
What this phase means for you:
A structured, predictable, and high-quality construction experience something most clients never thought possible.
This phase is where your project truly comes to life supported by a builder who keeps everything on track, transparent, and built to the highest standard.
8
Project Completion & Handover
When your project reaches Substantial Completion meaning the build is safe, functional, and ready for occupancy, we schedule a Final Walkthrough & Quality Review with you, your Project Manager, and your Site Supervisor.
Our relationship doesn’t end at handover, we stand behind our work, long after the last tool leaves the site.
Once everything is completed to your satisfaction, you approve the final walkthrough and the project is formally closed out.
You Aspire, We Construct
Talk to Builder
What You Can Expect
Working with Emstone means partnering with a builder who values clarity, structure, and craftsmanship above all else. You can expect:
- Honest budget discussions
- Transparent communication at every stage
- Organized schedules and milestone updates
- Clean, respectful job sites
Our goal is simple:
To make your building experience calm, clear, and confidence-filled.
Get in Touch with us
We can assist you with a quote, clarify any questions
Email us:
Call us: