How Does the Home Design Process Work?

You know the feeling. You walk into your kitchen or living room and sigh again, still. The clutter, the outdated finishes, the flow that doesn’t, well, flow. You see the mess and chaos and can’t imagine how it could ever become the space you dream about. Maybe you’ve even stopped dreaming.

But what if the process could feel calming instead of overwhelming? What if creating your dream home was an experience that brought clarity and a sense of excitement? At Sardone | McLain, we believe the design process is more than just a means to an end—it’s a journey that can be both uplifting and deeply satisfying. It’s about finding joy in discovery, relief in organization, and confidence as you see the pieces coming together.

What’s Behind the Curtain? Understanding the Design Process

Sardone | McLain is here to help you look past the chaos. We already see a kitchen where family dinners happen without bumping elbows, a living room where conversations linger, and a primary suite that feels like a personalized retreat. And we know how to get you there. From the first conversation, we aim to ease your mind and build excitement for the possibilities.

The home design process can feel like a mystery, especially when you’re staring at a “before” that feels impossible. We break it down into manageable steps, so it feels less like a leap and more like a guided path forward so you know exactly what to expect when you’re ready to turn your house into something that finally feels like home.

Digging Deep into Design

Discovery & Understanding Your Goals

The first thing we do is listen. That’s it. Before we draft a single line or pull out the remodel design software, we want to understand how you live in your home now and how you wish you could.

You might tell us:

• “The kitchen island is more like a speed bump.”
• “No matter where I put the sofa, this room just feels weird.”
• “Our primary bathroom looks like a time capsule from 1987.”

We’ve heard it all, and every frustration you share gives us the clues we need to design something that solves the problems. Sharing your frustrations often feels like a weight lifted because, finally, there’s a plan to address them.

What happens next:

• Site Visit: We visit your home to take measurements and photos and assess the structure. 
• Lifestyle Deep Dive: Do you host family holidays? Do you dream of a big pantry that keeps snacks and secrets? Do you need a mudroom for the puppy’s muddy paws?

This isn’t just about creating a “pretty” space. It’s about designing a home that fits. Every moment we spend gathering details now means fewer surprises (and change orders) later.

By the end of this phase, you’ll feel heard, understood, and maybe even excited! Your vision of your dream space is starting to come together. It’s not just possible; it’s becoming tangible.

Developing the Design Agreement

Here’s where things start getting real and exciting. After we’ve listened, measured, and taken notes like we’re prepping for a big exam, we create a Design Agreement. Think of it as the official green light to bring your dream space to life.

So, what is a Design Agreement? It’s essentially our plan for the plan.

• It outlines what we’ll design.
• It details the deliverables you’ll receive, like conceptual floor plans and visuals.
• It includes estimated timelines, so you know what to expect and when.
• And yes, it lays out costs for the design phase, so no surprise invoices sneak up on you.

If you’re thinking, “Wait, does this lock me into building with you?” It doesn’t. The Design Agreement ensures we’re aligned on vision and expectations before we roll up our sleeves and start doing the work.

At this point, you’ll feel confident that we get you and that there’s a roadmap to take your home from “meh” to marvelous.

Concept Design & Floor Plan Creation

Now, the fun begins. This is where ideas turn into something you can actually see.

We create conceptual floor plans and 3D visuals that help you see your new space. Not just “sort of see,” but really picture it. You’ll get an understanding of how the sunlight hits the new kitchen nook in the morning, how the living room flows when guests walk in, and how the primary suite feels like a retreat you’ve earned.

How the Design Phase Works

• First Draft: You’ll get an initial design based on everything we’ve talked about. This includes layout, function, flow, and style. 
• Collaboration & Feedback: The design process is a back-and-forth. You’ll tell us what you love, what you’d tweak, and what you didn’t know you wanted until you saw it.
• Refinements: Typically, we go through 2–3 rounds of revisions. This process is as much about discovery as it is about design.

We’ll walk you through every aspect of the design, from how the layout flows to the finishes that bring it all together. This is your chance to:

• Ask questions (“Would the island work better if we shifted it a foot to the right?”).
• Make small tweaks (“I love this but… can we sneak in a second sink here?”).
• Picture yourself living in it. Really picture it—Sunday morning pancakes in the kitchen, cozy evenings in the living room, or a glass of wine in that dreamy new bathroom.

And here’s the beauty: we’re not just creating a floor plan or a pretty picture. We’re solving problems. If you’ve ever cursed at an awkward corner or rolled your eyes at a cabinet that barely holds a cereal box, this phase is where we make sure those frustrations disappear.

What Happens After You Fall in Love with the Design?

So, you’re staring at your final design, floor plans, 3D renderings, all the little details, and you’re in love. Now what?

This is where we shift gears and move into the construction planning phase, blazing the trail into reality. Here’s what happens next.

Final Budget & Scope

Build Schedule & Logistics

We create a detailed timeline so you know exactly what will happen, when it will happen, and how we’re minimizing disruptions to your daily life.

Change Orders—What You Need to Know

Occasionally, surprises pop up during construction (like a sneaky plumbing issue hiding behind a wall).

We often already have a contingency plan for these possibilities because we’ve done our planning so well. We handle these smoothly, with transparent communication and examples of any adjustments needed. You’ll always know what’s happening, why, and how it affects the project.

The Hand-off to Construction

Your meticulously-designed space is handed over to our construction team, who have been part of the process all along. They know the details, the plan, and the heart of the design because we’ve built it together.

By this point, you’re not just dreaming about the home you want—you’re watching it come to life. And every piece of the process, from those first measurements to the last revision, has been crafted with you in mind.

You’ve already fallen in love with the design. Now, it’s time to fall in love with the transformation.

Personalized Spaces for Each Family Member

Your home should celebrate everyone’s unique vibe and needs! Creating personalized spaces for each family member makes everyone feel at home. For the kids, this might mean designing bedrooms that reflect their interests (hello, space-themed walls, or a built-in reading nook). For adults, think of dedicated hobby spaces like a crafting corner, a music room, or a library for late-night escapes. Even in shared areas, small additions can make a big impact. A cozy basement playroom that evolves into a teen hangout or a breakfast nook with storage benches for board games and puzzles ensures every family member has a place to call their own.

Why Choose Sardone | McLain for Your Home Remodel Design?

We’ve walked through the design process step by step, but what makes Sardone | McLain different? We believe it comes down to how we approach each project:

We Listen First: Before we talk about walls, windows, or countertops, we want to hear about you. Your frustrations, your dreams, and the way you want to live.

We Plan Meticulously: Our detailed design process ensures fewer surprises, tighter timelines, and a minimal need for contingencies (typically only 1–2%).

We Solve Problems Beautifully: Whether it’s fixing a dysfunctional layout, sneaking in extra storage, or transforming chaos into calm, we design with solutions in mind.

We Make It Fun: Remodeling your home shouldn’t feel like a root canal. We keep things light, collaborative, and, dare we say it, a little fun.

At the end of the day, our clients don’t just get a beautiful home. They get a space that feels like theirs, crafted to reflect their style, solve their problems, and elevate how they live.

Ready to Start Your Dallas Home Transformation?

If you’ve been staring at your home wondering how it could ever become the space you dream of, now you know: there’s a process for that. It’s clear, collaborative, and crafted with you in mind every step of the way. Sardone | McLain, we’re here to guide you from chaos to beautiful.  Ready to see the potential in your home come to life? Contact us today to get started.