Why Design-Build Works: A Smarter Renovation Process with Ashton Renovations – Part II

Part 2: The Ashton Renovations Design-Build Process — Step-by-Step

What Happens After You Say “Let’s Get Started”
Our Design-Build process isn’t just about getting you a nice design and a good price. It’s about helping you understand how your renovation will unfold, giving you tools to stay in the loop, and creating a roadmap that eliminates uncertainty. Here’s how it works, step by step:

Once we’ve agreed to move forward, your project enters our Planning & Design phase — the part of the process where good renovations are truly made. We don’t just dive into construction. We slow down to plan everything properly so that your renovation runs smoothly, without surprises.

Site Visit & Initial Planning

We begin with a visit to your home. Measurements are taken using LiDAR and a Canadian layout app called MagicPlan. We also take 360° images of the space — these become reference tools later for both design and trade work.

More importantly, we take time to walk the space with you. We ask questions about how you live, what you love, and what’s not working. The goal is to get a full picture of your needs before pencil ever touches paper.

Budget Alignment & Floor Plan Concepts

With the site reviewed, we’ll start developing a rough layout and align it with your budget.

We follow NKBA (National Kitchen and Bath Association) guidelines for layout planning, and we also reference past Ashton projects with similar scopes. This helps you see what’s realistic and where your money will go.

We may also recommend a few of our trusted showrooms — not to overwhelm you, but to start exploring finish ideas at your pace.

Organizing Ideas & Selections

You’ll be set up with a custom Trello board. This is a simple tool that keeps everything — selections, notes, and inspiration — in one place.

You can upload things you like, view our suggestions, and keep track of decisions as they evolve. Alongside Trello, we also create a clean product selection sheet that summarizes your choices in one spot.

This system helps prevent decision fatigue and avoids last-minute chaos later.

Drawings, Scope & Clarity for Trades

As the vision sharpens, we translate it into working documents.

You’ll receive updated floor plans, elevations, and a full in-scope/out-of-scope breakdown. To make things easier, we often include annotated images that explain specific installations — like what your waterproofing looks like, type of cabinetry & countertop, or lighting goes speficics.

These visuals are helpful not only to you but to our trades on site. It’s one of the ways we reduce questions, delays, and miscommunication during the build.

Optional 3D Renderings

Depending on the level of planning you’ve selected, we may also provide 3D renderings.

These are particularly helpful when clients are visual learners or when we’re dealing with custom cabinetry, finishes, or unique lighting effects. They don’t just look good — they help us get it right the first time.

Final Pre-Construction Setup

Once design is locked in, we prepare your permit drawings (if needed) and organize everything to begin construction.

This includes:

• Finalizing the material list
• Confirming trade availability
• Creating a proposed schedule
• Ordering long-lead items like cabinetry or fixtures

By the end of this phase, your renovation is mapped out in detail — ready for execution without guesswork.

Why This Phase Matters

Most of the stress in a renovation comes from uncertainty — unclear plans, missing materials, or last-minute decisions. This process eliminates that.

You get a design that fits your life, a budget that reflects reality, and a plan that everyone can follow. That’s why we invest so much in this phase. It’s not extra. It’s essential.