Our Process

NEST Kitchen, Bath & Home Design

Our Process

Discovery
We begin with a detailed questionnaire and on-site consultation. We take measurements, define your goals, explore your style, and assess the investment needed to bring your vision to life.

Design Concept
Our team develops your design direction—complete with floor plans and curated selections. We present the vision in our studio, refine details, and align your aesthetic with real-world solutions.

Final Design
Once approved, we complete all technical documentation, final product specs, and 3D renderings. A pre-construction meeting ensures your budget is reviewed, and the builder has all specs and plans for smooth execution.

Implementation
We coordinate vendors, track deliveries, and begin product procurement. A pre-construction meeting ensures your builder has all specifications and plans for smooth execution.



Installation & Reveal
We oversee final installation, styling, and quality checks. Our team coordinates punch-list completion, delivery, and photography—ensuring your project is at its absolute best.

Transformative Design Rooted in Collaboration

At NEST Kitchen, Bath & Home Design, we believe great spaces are never accidental—they’re intentionally crafted through thoughtful, layered, and completely custom solutions. We don’t do fast flips or one‑size‑fits‑all packages. Instead, we create lasting impressions through a collaborative process that invites you into every stage of the journey. Rather than simply selling cabinets or materials and wishing you luck, we partner with you to shape a home that feels deeply personal and beautifully functional. Every design decision is grounded in your lifestyle, your vision, and your long‑term goals, ensuring a result that feels authentically yours. Below, you'll learn more about our process. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact us.

What to Expect

The Emotional Rollercoaster

• Excitement upfront, stress in the middle, joy at the end: It’s normal to feel thrilled at demo day, overwhelmed mid-project when the space looks worse before it looks better, and then relieved as finishes come together.
• Decision fatigue is real: You’ll make hundreds of choices. A designer or project manager can help filter and streamline so you don’t get stuck in overwhelm.

Budget Realities

• Unseen surprises: Behind every wall may be something outdated or damaged. Allow a contingency (20–30%) for the unexpected.
• The “while we’re at it” effect: Once open, homeowners often add scope (“as long as the walls are down, let’s add a skylight…”).
• Invest where it counts: Quality structure, plumbing, and electrical are worth every penny.
• Living expenses during construction: If your kitchen or bath is out of commission, you’ll likely be eating out, grabbing takeout, or relying on disposable goods more often. Build a small buffer into your budget for these lifestyle adjustments so they don’t catch you off guard.
• Material overage is normal: It’s standard for contractors and suppliers to order a certain percentage of extra material. This covers waste, cutting, errors, and potential breakage. There is often leftover material at the end of a job — this is not a mistake. Because many of these items are special orders, they are typically non-returnable.

Timelines (and Why They Stretch)

• Delays happen: Weather, backorders, inspections, and hidden conditions (like old wiring or rot) can shift schedules.
• Scope creep delays: Adding new requests mid-project (“while you’re here, could you also…”) often means reordering materials, pausing work, or rescheduling busy trades. Since construction happens in a certain order, even small scope changes can ripple into weeks of delays.
• The construction rhythm: Fast visual progress at first (demo, framing), slower invisible progress in the middle (plumbing, electrical, inspections), and then fast again at the end (paint, tile, fixtures).
• Expect buffer time: Build in extra weeks — finishing touches often take longer than expected. Scheduling a project around a major event or holiday rarely works out and causes everyone great stress.

Communication is Key

• One main point of contact: Know who answers your questions (designer, contractor, or site lead).
• Household point of contact: Give the crew one homeowner as their point of contact for questions. Make sure that the person has decision-making power.
• Regular updates: Weekly check-ins prevent small issues from becoming big ones.
• Clear documentation: Keep track of selections, invoices, and approvals in one place. You will have a job site book that contains many of the answers you’re looking for.

Living Through Construction

• Dust is inevitable: Even with protection, fine dust travels. Expect daily cleaning and covered furniture. Scheduling a final deep cleaning when the project is done is a great idea.
• Noise and disruption: Plan work-from-home days or kids’ naps around loud phases (demo, framing, and saws).
• Utilities: Temporary shutoffs of water, power, or HVAC may happen. Prepare backup plans.
• Pets and kids: Work sites are unsafe. Crews can’t be responsible for open doors or curious paws. The constant noise and activity can also be very stressful for animals. In many cases, pets are best suited for daycare, boarding, or a quiet stay with friends/family during heavy construction.

Permits and Codes

• Permits are not optional: They’re required by law and exist to protect you, your home, and anyone working on it. Skipping permits may save time in the moment, but will cause problems with safety, resale, and even insurance later.
• Inspections are part of the process: Your contractor will let you know when the work is ready to be inspected. Inspections cannot be rushed or skipped.
• On the inspector’s schedule, not yours: Inspectors work from their own calendars. This may mean waiting a few days (or longer in busy seasons). Be prepared — progress can’t continue until the inspector signs off.
• Engineering and stamped drawings: For structural changes, these aren’t “nice extras” — they’re required documentation. Trust that your contractor and design team will guide you through what’s needed.

Being a Good Neighbor

• Noise and disruption: Construction is noisy, and trucks may be coming and going. Let neighbors know the approximate schedule and reassure them that it’s temporary.
• Parking and access: Crews may need space for deliveries and dumpsters. Be mindful of shared driveways, mailboxes, or blocking street access. Let crews know if there is an area to avoid.
• Dust and debris: Outdoor work can create a mess. Good contractors will manage cleanup, but a quick check-in with neighbors goes a long way.
• Communication: A friendly heads-up before big events (like demolition day or major deliveries) helps set expectations and prevents frustration.
• The payoff: Remember, a smoother project is better for everyone — when neighbors feel respected, they’re less likely to complain and more likely to celebrate the finished result with you.

The Finish Line

• Punch list: Expect a round of final fixes — paint touch-ups, adjustments, hardware alignment, it’s normal.
• Warranty and maintenance: Keep all manuals, warranties, and care instructions together. You will find copies of these in the job site book.

Your Role as the Homeowner

• Be available for decisions: A quick “yes” or “no” can keep the schedule moving.
• Trust the process: Professionals see the bigger picture even when the middle looks messy.
• Celebrate progress: Take photos and note milestones — it helps keep perspective.

Materials and Move-In Readiness

• Staging space matters: Construction requires room for deliveries — cabinetry, appliances, flooring, tile, and lighting. Expect areas of your garage, basement, or rooms to be temporarily used for staging. You should be using a different area for entry during the project.
• Protecting what’s there: Even with coverings, dust, paint, and tools can be hard on furniture and belongings. It’s best to remove or store items rather than risk damage.
• Don’t move in too soon: Resist the temptation to use the new kitchen, bath, or living area before you get the all-clear from your contractor or designer. Moving belongings or starting to “live” in the space early can cause accidental damage, delay finishing touches, and void warranties.
• The job isn’t done until it’s done: Contractors may leave something that looks unfinished — but it may require drying time, additional materials, or a sequence of steps that aren’t complete yet. Please resist the urge to “fix” it yourself, remove protective coverings, or adjust something you feel is wrong. Doing so can create delays, extra costs, or even void warranties.
• Final green light: Wait until the official sign-off or completion walk-through — that’s when it’s safe to bring your belongings back and fully enjoy the space.