Thinking about remodeling your home but not sure where to start? You’re not alone. Most homeowners have a space that isn’t working, like a cramped kitchen, a dated bathroom, or a basement nobody uses. But they don’t know who to call first, what to ask, or if they need a plan before picking up the phone.
At JMC Design Build Remodel, the first person most homeowners talk to is Kelsey, our Office Assistant. She has these first conversations with homeowners across North Jersey every week, and they often start with the same questions.
In the video below, Kelsey walks you through what to expect during your first phone call with JMC. Prefer to read? We've also broken down the entire first step of our process in this article, including answers to some of the most common questions homeowners ask.
The first step in the JMC remodeling process is a short phone call with Kelsey, called the Discovery Call. It’s a relaxed conversation to learn about your project and figure out your best next step.
During the call, Kelsey will ask you a few basic questions:
You don’t need to have everything figured out before you call. That’s what this first conversation is for. Many homeowners call with nothing more than “this room doesn’t work for us anymore,” and that’s a perfectly good place to start.
The goal of the Discovery Call is to point you in the right direction, even if that direction isn’t JMC. Sometimes a project is a great fit for JMC’s design-build process. Other times another company or type of contractor would serve you better.
Either way, you’ll hang up knowing what your next step should be. An honest answer upfront saves you weeks of talking to the wrong contractor.
You can see the full step-by-step JMC design-build remodeling process, from this first call to final walkthrough, on the JMC website.
A few questions come up on almost every call, so here are the short answers. If yours isn’t covered here, bring it to the call.
The JMC process averages about 20 weeks from initial design through project completion. Every remodel is different, so your timeline can vary with the size and scope of your project. For a closer look at one project type, read the guide on how long a kitchen remodel takes.
No. JMC doesn’t currently take on second-story additions. The team does build other types of home additions, so it’s worth talking through what you want to accomplish to see if it’s a fit.
Yes. Design is included as part of every full design-build project. JMC has an in-house designer, and the team creates the plans, drawings and designs for your remodel, so everything is handled under one roof. Design services just aren’t offered on their own, apart from a full project.
A design-build remodeler handles both the design and the construction of your project with one team, under one agreement. The Design-Build Institute of America notes that this single agreement is what separates design-build from other ways of running a project. Because the designers and builders work as one team, design-build also leads to fewer surprises along the way.
That model shapes two of the most common questions homeowners ask.
JMC focuses on full remodels, where the space is truly transformed. That could mean changing the layout, moving appliances or plumbing, and completely redesigning the room. Smaller updates on their own, like replacing just the cabinets, countertops, flooring or a vanity, typically aren’t a fit.
Not sure where your project falls? That’s exactly what the Discovery Call is for. You can also browse JMC’s remodeling services to see the kinds of projects the team takes on.
No. JMC doesn’t work with outside architects or designers. As a full-service design-build company, JMC handles the entire process in-house, including the design, plans and drawings. The design and construction teams work together from the very beginning, which makes the whole remodeling process as seamless as possible for you.
If JMC sounds like a good fit, Kelsey will set up a Zoom call for you with the company’s owner, John. This is where you get into the details of your project.
On the Zoom call, John will:
After that, the next step is a measure meeting at your home. The JMC team will measure, inspect and photograph your space to begin the design.
No. You don’t need to have everything figured out before your first call. Kelsey will ask about the space, what you’d like to change and your general timeline, and help you decide your next step from there.
JMC will tell you honestly and point you toward the type of company or contractor that’s better suited to your project. The goal is for every homeowner to leave the call knowing what to do next. A great resource if we aren't a fit in the National Association of Remodelers.
The JMC process averages about 20 weeks from initial design through completion. Your timeline depends on your project’s size and scope.
Yes. JMC’s in-house designer creates your plans, drawings and designs as part of a full design-build project. Design services aren’t offered on their own.
If your project is a good fit, your next step is a Zoom call with JMC’s owner, John. He’ll learn about your goals, answer your questions and walk you through the design-build process.
JMC is based in Parsippany and serves homeowners throughout Morris County, plus Essex, Passaic, Somerset, Union and Sussex counties. See all of JMC’s North Jersey service areas.
Starting a remodel doesn’t have to be overwhelming. It begins with one easy conversation. On the Discovery Call, you’ll share what you want to change, get straight answers about whether JMC is the right fit and learn exactly what your next step should be.
If you’re still in the planning stage, read these tips on how to have a stress-free remodeling experience before you call.
When you’re ready, call JMC at 973-386-0707 or book your Discovery Call.