Serving Pittsburgh and its surrounding areas

The Marvista Design-Build Process

A home remodel should be an inspiring journey, not a stressful one.

Design-build remodeling services offer a seamless, all-in-one approach—where vision, design, and construction are expertly managed under one roof. At Marvista Design + Build, we guide you through every step, transforming possibilities into reality with precision and ease.

Our process is designed for homeowners who seek more than just a renovation—they desire a home that reflects their lifestyle, enhances their daily experience, and is crafted with uncompromising quality.

A remodel doesn’t need to be chaotic.

How Our Design-Build Process Works

We’ve built a process that makes it easier—for you and for us. It’s structured, transparent, and keeps you from having to manage ten different people. We call it our three-phase design-build approach.

Get to Know Us

We’ve built a process that makes remodeling feel organized, intentional, and manageable. Everything is structured, documented, and handled by one team, so you’re never left coordinating multiple people or wondering what comes next.

Our design-build process is intentionally phased to protect your time, your investment, and your peace of mind.

Starting the Conversation: Making Sure We’re the Right Fit

Before any measuring or design work begins, we take time to understand whether Marvista Design + Build is the right partner for your project—and whether the project is right for our team

Initial Zoom Consultation

When you reach out, we begin with a 30-minute Zoom consultation with our creative director. This conversation allows us to learn about your home, your goals, and the scope you’re considering. We’ll also walk you through our process, timeline, and what working with Marvista looks like day to day. This step allows for expectations to be aligned  and to determine whether it makes sense to move forward together.

On-Site Home Consultation

If we mutually agree that there is strong alignment, we schedule an on-site consultation at your home. Our creative director and our construction manager/estimator visit the space to better understand existing conditions and explore what’s possible. This is an in-depth, collaborative discussion focused on your priorities—clarifying wants versus needs, identifying non-negotiables, and assessing feasibility. It’s an important step in confirming that we’re the right fit for each other.

Discovery Phase Agreement & Client Onboarding

Once aligned, you’ll sign the Discovery Phase agreement and be officially onboarded as a Marvista client. You’ll gain access to our client portal, where all documentation, communication, and next steps are organized in one place. From there, you’re introduced to your designer and schedule your first design-focused conversation.

Phase 1: Discovery

This phase is about clarity. We gather the information needed to design thoughtfully, plan responsibly, and move forward with confidence.

In-Home Meeting and Site Measure

Our designer and construction lead meet with you in your home to walk the space together. We capture detailed measurements and complete a full-site evaluation using 3D Matterport scanning technology to document existing conditions accurately. At the same time, we learn how you live, what’s working, what’s not, and what matters most—function, flow, storage, aesthetics, and long-term goals. This combination of technical precision and lifestyle insight forms the foundation of your project.

In-Studio Design Meeting

Next, we bring the conversation into our design studio. Based on what we’ve learned, we present two layout options that explore different ways your space could function and feel. This meeting also introduces preliminary material selections and finishes, presented as good, better, and best options. These tiers help you understand how different choices affect performance, durability, aesthetics, and overall investment—so decisions feel informed, not overwhelming.

Investment Report Presentation

We then present a clear investment report that outlines the proposed scope of work and the budget range. This report connects design decisions to financial implications, ensuring transparency and alignment before moving forward. You’ll leave this phase with a defined scope and a shared understanding of what the project includes.

Phase 2: Design Finalization

With the direction set, we refine every detail—methodically and without rushing.

Studio Design Meetings

Over a series of focused studio meetings, our designers guide you through final selections and design decisions. This includes finishes, cabinetry, lighting, plumbing fixtures, and flooring, along with the completion of architectural and construction drawings. High-quality renderings are developed so that you can clearly visualize the finished space before construction begins. Every detail is documented to ensure alignment across the entire team.

Estimating Handoff

Once design details are finalized, behind-the-scenes coordination ramps up. Designers complete drawings and documentation while our estimator prepares build costs. Trade partners conduct walkthroughs, final quantities are confirmed, and all remaining components are gathered to support accurate planning and execution.

Construction Contract Meeting

The phase concludes with a construction contract meeting, where we review the full scope, timeline, and fixed-price contract together. Everything is clearly defined before construction begins, so expectations are aligned and there’s no guesswork moving forward.

Phase 3: Construction

With design locked in and materials ordered, our build team takes over—and stays in close communication until it's done.

Dedicated Project Manager

You’ll have one point of contact running the job from start to finish.

In-House Carpentry Team

Our own crew does the framing, finish carpentry, and detail work, so we control quality and schedule.

Trade Coordination

We manage all subs and inspections. You don’t have to chase down a single person.

Buildertrend Portal:

See progress, make approvals, ask questions, track invoices—all in one place.

Daily Project Progression Reports

Communication is the key to a stress-free experience. Our team provides daily progress updates, keeping you informed about milestones, timelines, and next steps.

City Inspections & Permitting

We handle all necessary permits and inspections, ensuring compliance with local building codes. Our experience navigating these requirements streamlines the process and eliminates potential roadblocks.

Site Protection & Daily Clean-Up

Respecting your home is our priority. We implement site protection measures and conduct daily cleanups, maintaining a tidy and safe environment throughout construction. We treat your home with respect. Every day.

Lead Paint Testing

For older homes, we conduct lead paint testing to ensure safety. If needed, we will implement appropriate remediation to protect your family and comply with regulations.

Final Walkthrough + Support

We do a full review with you at the end, and we’re here long after if something comes up.

Stay Connected With Marvista’s Client Portal

At Marvista Design + Build, we make it easy for you to stay connected and organized throughout your entire project.

At Marvista Design + Build, we make it easy for you to stay connected and organized throughout your entire project. With the Marvista Client Portal, you’ll have access to a secure, personalized platform where you can manage every aspect of your renovation from the convenience of your phone, tablet, or computer.

Stay connected with your project wherever you are. With Marvista’s Client Portal, you get complete control, visibility, and communication throughout the entire process, guaranteeing a seamless and stress-free experience.

Real-Time Updates

Receive instant notifications about any changes or updates to your project, so you're always in the loop.

Centralized Communication

Keep all messages, updates, and important documents in one place, eliminating the need for scattered emails or lost paperwork.

Easy Change Orders

Need to make adjustments to your project? All change orders are processed electronically, making approvals quick and easy.

Secure Electronic Payments

Make payments directly through the portal, securely and effortlessly, ensuring you’re always on top of your transactions.

Daily Progress Logs with Photos

Receive daily updates, including progress photos, to visually track the progress of your project from start to finish.

Updated Drawings and Plans

Access the latest versions of your project’s drawings and blueprints, ensuring you’re always aligned with the most current design.

Project Photo Gallery

View and download images of your project as it evolves, giving you a clear visual timeline of the transformation.

Stay connected with your project wherever you are. With Marvista’s Client Portal, you get complete control, visibility, and communication throughout the entire process, guaranteeing a seamless and stress-free experience.

Stay Connected With Marvista’s Client Portal

At Marvista Design + Build, we make it easy for you to stay connected and organized throughout your entire project.

At Marvista Design + Build, we make it easy for you to stay connected and organized throughout your entire project. With the Marvista Client Portal, you’ll have access to a secure, personalized platform where you can manage every aspect of your renovation from the convenience of your phone, tablet, or computer.

Stay connected with your project wherever you are. With Marvista’s Client Portal, you get complete control, visibility, and communication throughout the entire process, guaranteeing a seamless and stress-free experience.

Real-Time Updates

Receive instant notifications about any changes or updates to your project, so you're always in the loop.

Centralized Communication

Keep all messages, updates, and important documents in one place, eliminating the need for scattered emails or lost paperwork.

Easy Change Orders

Need to make adjustments to your project? All change orders are processed electronically, making approvals quick and easy.

Secure Electronic Payments

Make payments directly through the portal, securely and effortlessly, ensuring you’re always on top of your transactions.

Daily Progress Logs with Photos

Receive daily updates, including progress photos, to visually track the progress of your project from start to finish.

Updated Drawings and Plans

Access the latest versions of your project’s drawings and blueprints, ensuring you’re always aligned with the most current design.

Project Photo Gallery

View and download images of your project as it evolves, giving you a clear visual timeline of the transformation.

Stay connected with your project wherever you are. With Marvista’s Client Portal, you get complete control, visibility, and communication throughout the entire process, guaranteeing a seamless and stress-free experience.

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