Frequently Asked Questions

Our specialty is designing and building substantial residential renovations and additions, from historic whole-home transformations and complex architectural changes to custom kitchens, primary suites, and thoughtfully integrated additions. These projects typically range from $200,000 to $2 million or more.

We also take on select smaller projects, including:

- Bathroom renovations with minimal layout changes

- Custom cabinetry, millwork, and built-ins

- Cosmetic renovations that don't require structural changes

Budgets for these projects generally range from $50,000 to $200,000, depending on scope.

While our primary focus is comprehensive remodeling, we also provide exterior repairs and replacement services, such as roofing, siding, windows, and doors, as part of larger renovations or for existing Red House clients. The same applies to insurance restoration work.

For homeowners looking to transform a space without construction, we also offer standalone interior decorating services, including furnishings, lighting, art, and professional installation.

Based in Providence, Red House Design Build serves homeowners throughout Rhode Island and select communities in Southern Massachusetts. Much of our work is concentrated in Providence, including the East Side, as well as Barrington, East Greenwich, and Tiverton.

We work on a variety of homes throughout the region, from historic city residences to coastal retreats and suburban properties.

Our architectural design services are offered as part of our integrated design-build process, rather than as a standalone service. This allows our designers, estimators, and construction professionals to collaborate from the beginning, developing plans that balance creative vision, construction feasibility, and budget.

If you're planning a renovation or addition and are looking for a team to guide both design and construction, we'd be happy to discuss your project.

Absolutely. If you already have a complete set of construction documents, we can review your plans and provide construction services without requiring you to repeat the design process.

If you're working from preliminary drawings, design concepts, or still need to select finishes, additional design development and documentation may be needed before construction can begin. In these cases, we'll review what's already been completed, identify any remaining requirements, and outline the associated design fees before moving forward.

Yes! Our interior decorating services are available independently of our design-build services, allowing you to transform your home without undertaking a renovation.

Whether you're furnishing a new home, refreshing a favorite room, or decorating a second residence, our designers help bring your personal style to life through furniture, textiles, wallpaper, lighting, art, and accessories.

We also manage procurement, delivery coordination, and installation, so you can enjoy a beautifully finished space without managing all the details yourself.

Projects begin with a minimum scope of one room, with design services billed at an hourly rate and a furnishings budget established together.

Getting started is simple. First, complete our project inquiry form to schedule a complimentary 30-minute Discovery Call. We'll discuss your renovation goals, preliminary budget, and timeline, introduce you to our process, and answer your initial questions.

If we determine we're a good fit, the next step is an in-home consultation with one of our Project Developers. During this visit, we'll explore your space, discuss the possibilities, and gather the information needed to prepare a proposed scope of work, preliminary budget, and design proposal tailored to your project.

Both the Discovery Call and initial site visit are complimentary. You'll have the information you need to decide whether you'd like to move forward with a formal design engagement.

Design-build is a project delivery method in which one company manages both the design and construction of your renovation, rather than requiring you to hire and coordinate separate design and construction firms.

At Red House, that means more than simply having designers and builders under one roof. Our in-house architectural designers, interior designers, Project Developers, estimators, and construction professionals collaborate from the beginning, bringing specialized expertise and different perspectives to every project.

This approach allows construction costs and feasibility to inform design decisions as they're made, rather than waiting until the plans are complete to understand what they'll cost to build. You benefit from one coordinated team, clear accountability, and a collaborative process that takes your project from initial concept through completed construction.

Both approaches can deliver exceptional results. The difference lies in how design, construction, and financial decisions are coodinated throughout the project.

At Red House, our integrated design-build approach offers five key advantages:

1. Earlier Construction Pricing

In a traditional design-bid-build process, construction bids are generally obtained after architectural plans have been developed. At Red House, our estimators and construction professionals contribute cost information from the beginning, allowing us to evaluate options, refine designs, and align your project with your budget before construction begins.

2. Built-In Checks and Balances

Our Project Developers advocate for your goals, budget, and schedule. Our designers champion the creative vision, while our estimators and construction team evaluate cost and feasibility. These different perspectives create healthy, constructive dialogue that leads to better-informed decisions.

3. Less Coordination for You

Complex renovations involve countless conversations, decisions, and moving parts. Rather than asking you to coordinate between independent professionals, we manage those relationships internally. You remain involved in the decisions that matter, without having to serve as your own project manager.

4. One Point of Accountability

With one company responsible for design and construction, communication, scheduling, and project execution are coordinated through a unified team. This creates clearer responsibility and a more consistent experience from planning through completion.

5. Better Planning and Execution

When designers and builders collaborate from the start, potential construction challenges can be identified earlier, details can be refined before work begins, and the original design intent can be carried more consistently through construction.

At Red House, collaboration doesn't mean everyone always agrees. We believe the best solutions emerge when professionals with different responsibilities and perspectives challenge ideas and work together.

Our Project Developers advocate for your goals, budget, and schedule. Our architectural and interior designers champion the creative vision, while our estimators and construction professionals evaluate costs, feasibility, and the practical realities of building.

This healthy tension creates valuable checks and balances throughout the process. Design decisions are evaluated against real construction costs from the beginning, allowing us to identify challenges, explore alternatives, and make informed decisions before construction begins.

The advantage is that we manage these conversations internally, rather than asking you to coordinate between separate professionals. You remain involved in the decisions that matter, with one accountable team working toward a shared goal.

Not necessarily. The cost of a renovation depends on the scope, complexity, materials, and level of professional services involved, not simply the project delivery method.

When comparing design-build with traditional remodeling, it's important to consider the full investment, including architectural design, interior design, construction, and project management. What may initially appear to be a higher price can reflect services that would otherwise be contracted separately.

At Red House, our integrated approach also allows construction costs to inform design decisions from the beginning, helping us identify opportunities, manage expectations, and make informed choices about your investment.

Our comprehensive design-build services are particularly well suited to homeowners undertaking complex renovations who value thoughtful design, skilled craftsmanship, and professional coordination throughout the process.

Our design fees are based on the size and scope of your renovation, typically ranging from 6–8% of your preliminary project budget.

After your complimentary initial site visit, we'll prepare a design proposal outlining the next steps. Rather than collecting the full design fee upfront, we begin with an initial payment based on your anticipated project investment:

Initial Design Payments:

$7,000 for projects up to $500,000

$12,000 for projects over $500,000 and up to $800,000

$18,000 for projects over $800,000

This initial payment is applied toward your total design fee and total project price.

Once you've signed your design proposal, we'll pair you with a Lead Designer selected for your project and begin our two-phase design process.

Phase 1: Feasibility & Schematic Design focuses on exploring possibilities, developing your architectural and interior design concepts, defining the project scope, and refining the preliminary construction estimate.

Phase 2: Design Development & Documentation brings the details together, including construction drawings, permit applications, material and fixture selections, and the documentation needed to prepare for construction.

Throughout both phases, our design, estimating, and construction teams collaborate to keep your vision, scope, and budget aligned.

At Red House, payments are tied to key milestones throughout the design and construction process. This allows you to plan for your investment as your project progresses.

Our typical payment schedule includes:

1. Initial Design Payment

An upfront payment is due when you sign your Design Proposal. The amount is based on your preliminary project budget and is applied toward your total design fee.

2. Remaining Design Fee

At the completion of the Feasibility Phase, the balance of your design fee is due. Our total design fee typically ranges from 6–8% of your preliminary project budget, less the initial payment already made.

3. Construction Commitment Payment

Once your design layout and project scope are established, you'll sign a Commitment Contract to move forward with construction. A payment of approximately 10% is due at this milestone.

4. Allowance Payment

After your fixtures, finishes, and material selections are finalized and reconciled, we'll invoice the agreed-upon allowance amount for those selections.

5. Construction Milestone Payments

The remaining construction payments are distributed across key stages of your project, typically including:

- Start of Construction

- Start of Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing Work

- Start of Millwork

- Start of Painting

-Final Completion

Your specific payment schedule, including amounts and due dates, will be outlined in your project agreements so you know what to expect before moving forward.

Our estimating process begins early and becomes increasingly detailed as your design takes shape.

During initial planning, we develop a preliminary budget using historical project costs and pricing ranges based on your anticipated scope, project size, and level of finish. This helps establish realistic investment expectations before detailed architectural plans are developed.

As the design progresses, our in-house estimator prepares a comprehensive construction estimate using detailed drawings and our established cost library for work performed by Red House. We also coordinate site visits with our trade partners, including electricians, plumbers, HVAC specialists, and other subcontractors, to obtain project-specific quotes.

Together, these costs inform your final construction price. Before signing a fixed-price construction contract, we'll review the scope, selections, and pricing with you to ensure the project aligns with your goals and investment.

While cost per square foot can be a useful reference point, it rarely tells the whole story when it comes to custom renovations. Two projects with identical square footage can have vastly different costs depending on structural changes, existing conditions, mechanical systems, material selections, and the complexity of the work.

Rather than relying on a standard square-foot price, we develop budgets based on your specific scope, goals, and level of finish. During our initial consultation, we'll discuss realistic investment ranges for your project, then refine those numbers as your design develops.

Our construction proposals provide a detailed scope of work and fixed-price construction pricing, so you understand exactly what's included in your project.

While we don't provide an itemized breakdown of every labor, material, and subcontractor cost, we believe in clear communication about your investment. We'll walk you through the major cost drivers, material selections, and available alternatives, explaining how different decisions affect your overall budget.

Our goal is to give you the information and guidance needed to make confident decisions, with a clearly defined scope and agreed-upon price before construction begins.

One of the advantages of our design-build process is that construction costs are evaluated throughout design, allowing us to identify potential budget challenges early rather than discovering them after plans are complete.

If your estimated project cost exceeds your target investment, we'll work together to explore options. This might include refining the scope, reconsidering material selections, or identifying opportunities to achieve your goals more efficiently.

Our team will help you understand the cost implications of each option so you can make informed decisions about where to invest, where to adjust, and how to move forward with confidence.

Possibly, but purchasing products independently doesn't always result in overall savings. Ordering fixtures, finishes, and other materials requires careful attention to specifications, lead times, delivery coordination, and quality control. Incorrect, damaged, or delayed products can disrupt construction schedules and create additional costs.

As part of our process, Red House manages purchasing, tracks orders, coordinates deliveries, and resolves issues with vendors, allowing our construction team to stay focused on your project.

If you prefer to purchase certain items yourself, we can discuss those arrangements in advance. You'll be responsible for coordinating their timely delivery, verifying product accuracy and condition, and resolving any issues that arise. We may also require a written agreement outlining these responsibilities.

Products purchased independently are not covered by Red House's three-year workmanship warranty. We'll review any applicable warranty limitations with you before moving forward.

At Red House, we take responsibility for managing your renovation from start to finish. This includes coordinating trades, maintaining construction schedules, overseeing quality, and standing behind our completed work with a three-year workmanship warranty.

For these reasons, we don't typically divide construction responsibilities with homeowners or outside contractors. Completing the project as one coordinated team allows us to maintain consistent standards, avoid scheduling conflicts, and provide clear accountability for the finished result.

If budget is a concern, we'd be happy to explore adjustments to the project scope or material selections that can help reduce costs without compromising the quality of our work.

The biggest cost drivers often begin with the scope of your renovation. Home additions, kitchens, and bathrooms typically represent the largest investments due to the complexity of construction, plumbing, electrical, and mechanical systems involved.

Beyond the scope itself, material and fixture selections can significantly influence your budget. Custom cabinetry, millwork, windows, exterior doors, natural stone countertops, and products requiring specialized installation are among the more substantial expenses.

To help you navigate these decisions, Red House offers a three-tiered selection catalog for many higher-cost items, providing options at different price points without sacrificing quality. Our designers and estimators work together to help you understand where to invest, where to save, and how your choices affect the overall project budget.

Our comprehensive design process typically takes 4–6 months, depending on the size and complexity of your renovation. During this time, we develop architectural plans, refine layouts, select materials and finishes, coordinate construction details, and establish accurate pricing.

Large-scale renovations involve hundreds of interconnected decisions. Taking the time to work through these details before construction begins helps reduce surprises, protect your investment, and ensure the finished home reflects your vision.

For smaller, more straightforward projects, we also offer our Design Essentials package, with an expedited design development timeline of approximately 8 weeks. This approach is particularly well suited to projects that don't require substantial layout changes, such as pull-and-replace bathroom renovations or custom built-ins.

Construction timelines depend on the size, scope, and complexity of your renovation. As a general guideline, a kitchen remodel typically takes about 3 months, while a comprehensive whole-home renovation with multiple additions may take 6–8 months or longer.

As your project moves through design, our team develops a detailed construction schedule based on the finalized scope, anticipated material lead times, and coordination of trades. We'll review this schedule with you before construction begins so you know what to expect and can plan accordingly.

While unforeseen conditions or changes in scope can affect the timeline, careful planning and proactive communication help us keep your project moving forward.

In many cases, yes! Most of our clients remain in their homes during construction, although larger whole-home renovations or projects affecting essential living spaces may require temporary accommodations.

We take care to protect your home and minimize disruption throughout construction. Our team uses floor protection, dust barriers, negative-air machines, and regular cleaning to help contain dust and protect areas outside the work zone.

For projects involving kitchens or laundry rooms, we can also help you plan temporary setups to make everyday life a little easier.

During the design process, we'll discuss what living at home during construction would realistically look like for your project, including access to essential spaces and any anticipated interruptions, so you can make the decision that's best for your household.

Clear, consistent communication is central to our process. Every project has a dedicated on-site construction leader who oversees the daily work and serves as a primary point of contact throughout construction.

You'll also have access to your own online Owner's Portal, where you can view daily progress logs, project photos, schedule updates, and important documents. The portal is accessible from your computer or mobile device, with messaging available whenever questions arise.

We also schedule weekly site meetings with you and the project team to review progress, discuss upcoming milestones, address questions, and make decisions together.

Our goal is to keep you informed and involved without requiring you to manage the day-to-day details of construction.

Yes. Our in-house carpenters and project managers work alongside a trusted network of specialized trade partners, including electricians, plumbers, HVAC professionals, tile installers, and skilled artisans.

Over the past two decades, we've built lasting relationships with craftspeople who share our commitment to quality, professionalism, and attention to detail.

Red House oversees all trade coordination, scheduling, and quality control throughout construction, so you benefit from specialized expertise while having one team accountable for the finished project.

Red House manages the permitting process for your renovation, including preparing and submitting the necessary documentation, coordinating with local building departments, and obtaining required permits before construction begins.

For projects involving historic properties, zoning considerations, or additional municipal approvals, our team helps navigate those requirements and incorporates them into the project schedule.

We'll keep you informed throughout the process, so you can feel confident that the necessary approvals are being addressed without having to manage them yourself.re a smooth build.

Even with careful planning, priorities can evolve. We understand that you may want to make adjustments as your renovation takes shape, and we're happy to explore those possibilities with you.

Your Project Developer will help coordinate any requested changes with our design and construction teams. We'll evaluate feasibility, review potential impacts on cost and schedule, and document any adjustments for your approval before moving forward.

While some changes may be more practical than others depending on the stage of construction, our goal is to remain flexible while protecting your investment, timeline, and the quality of the finished project.

Yes. We stand behind our craftsmanship with a three-year workmanship warranty on our renovation and construction projects.

Should an issue arise, simply submit a warranty request through your Red House Owner's Portal. A member of our team will follow up within one business day to review your concern and coordinate the next steps.

Our commitment to quality extends well beyond the warranty period. We take care in selecting durable materials, using proven construction techniques, and delivering work that's built to last.