Schematic Design, typically. Complex homes or changing scope may require longer.
DESIGN + PRE-CONSTRUCTION
A successful build begins long before construction. Our team develops the project from early ideas through design, scope, selections, pricing and construction planning—creating a coordinated, buildable plan before the first day on site.
DESIGN WITH BUILDABILITY
Design decisions, priorities, investment and construction realities are considered together as the project develops.
FROM IDEA TO DOCUMENTATION
Measured drawings and floor-plan studies progress through 3D visualization, scope development, selections and construction-ready documentation.
Because the same team is thinking about design, investment and execution together, ideas are tested against real-world construction before they become expensive field decisions.
PHASE I
What are we building?
This is where possibilities become a project. We document the existing home, clarify priorities, explore layout and architectural options, and begin comparing the developing design to a responsible construction investment.
The goal is not a construction-ready answer yet. The goal is a concept you understand, can see and feel confident advancing.
A reliable understanding of the home we are transforming.
Floor plans, design concepts, architectural intent and exterior direction where applicable.
3D visualization that allows you to see and respond to the developing design.
A preliminary scope, early allowances and a tighter understanding of the anticipated investment.
The project is defined well enough to decide whether it is ready for the deeper coordination of Pre-Construction.
PHASE II
Exactly how are we building it, what is going into it and what will it cost?
Pre-Construction resolves the decisions that should never be left for the field. The design is documented, selections are completed, key trades contribute, scope and pricing are reconciled, and the project is organized into a coordinated Fixed Price Build Contract.
Fixtures, finishes, cabinetry, materials and product decisions are completed and documented.
Plans, engineering coordination, interior elevations and technical details advance for construction and permitting.
Key trades, vendors and consultants confirm constructability, availability, lead times and requirements.
Quotes, allowances, responsibilities and exclusions are reconciled into the Fixed Price Build Contract.
The important decisions are documented before the project moves into the field.
PLANNING INVESTMENT
These paid planning phases replace guesswork with design clarity, documented decisions and dependable pricing before construction begins.
of the anticipated construction investment
of the anticipated construction investment
Actual fees vary with project size, complexity, existing documentation and required professional resources. These ranges help you plan; your proposal defines the specific fee.
What Responsible Planning Looks Like
Substantial projects require more than a quick set of drawings and a hopeful estimate. The timeline depends on complexity, decisions, engineering, permitting and product lead times—but thoughtful planning is what makes construction more predictable.
Schematic Design, typically. Complex homes or changing scope may require longer.
Pre-Construction, selections, documentation, trade coordination, pricing and permits.
Construction can range from a focused renovation to a highly complex whole-home transformation or addition.
Your goals set the direction. Our responsibility is to help you evaluate each choice through the lenses of value, longevity, quality and the success of the finished home.
We consider how materials meet, how details will age, whether an assembly can be installed and warranted responsibly, and whether the investment belongs in the places that will matter most. We bring recommendations and explain the tradeoffs; you make informed decisions with a team accountable for the result.
Imagine an addition designed around a dramatic wall of glass, an open connection to the existing home and a vaulted ceiling. Early pricing shows that the first concept requires costly structural steel and a window configuration with difficult flashing and limited warranty support. Instead of simply shrinking the idea, Cowdin studies the span, window rhythm and roof geometry. By adjusting the opening and choosing a proven window assembly, the design keeps the light, height and connection that mattered to the homeowner—while redirecting investment toward the structure, envelope and finishes that will protect the home for decades.
Before completion, we review the work, resolve the punch list, explain important systems and care requirements, and organize applicable product information and warranties. We choose materials and assemblies with serviceability in mind, document what was installed and remain available when a question or legitimate warranty item arises. The goal is not merely a beautiful reveal—it is a home that continues to perform.
DECISION TOLLGATES
At defined points, we pause to confirm alignment before moving forward. These are not delays; they protect the project from expensive surprises later.
Good decisions made early help prevent expensive changes later. Schematic Design develops the idea and tests its fit before deeper planning begins.
No. Each major phase is a separate decision. We earn the opportunity to continue by creating clarity and value in the phase you are in.
We discuss it early—while there is still time to adjust priorities, scope, materials or approach thoughtfully.
We review what exists and determine the right entry point. Complete, coordinated documents may reduce part of the Pre-Construction scope; incomplete plans still require the decisions, specifications and pricing needed for a dependable build agreement.
Let’s talk about what you are considering, what information already exists and the right first step for your project.