You’ve had your first phone call with JMC Design Build Remodel, and now there’s a Zoom meeting on your calendar. If you’re wondering what you’ll talk about, what you should prepare, and whether you’re committing to anything, you’re not alone. Most homeowners have the same questions before Step 2 of a remodel.
JMC has guided New Jersey homeowners through this conversation for years, led by owner and founder John MacDougall. The virtual consultation is where you and JMC find out whether your project and the design-build process are a good fit.
In this article, you’ll learn exactly what happens during your virtual remodeling consultation, how to prepare, what the Design-Build Agreement includes, and what comes next.
A virtual remodeling consultation is a 45-minute Zoom meeting where JMC learns about your project and you learn about JMC. It’s Step 2 of the JMC design-build remodeling process, and it comes right after your first discovery call with JMC.
Before the meeting, you’ll be asked to send a few photos of the space you want to remodel. The photos let the JMC team see your existing space ahead of time to get an idea of your vision and the project you had in mind.
The conversation focuses on four things: what isn’t working in your space, what you want to change, your budget, and your timeline. The goal is a clear understanding of your project and confirmation that it matches the services JMC provides.
Here’s what you can expect to cover:
The consultation is also your chance to interview JMC and get to know who we are as a company. During the meeting, you’ll learn more about our team, our approach to remodeling, and why homeowners throughout Morris County continue to choose JMC for their remodeling projects.
You’ll also see a presentation that walks you through our design-build process from start to finish, along with examples of past projects so you can see the quality of our work. .
If you’re new to design-build, it means one company handles both the design and the construction of your remodel. The Design-Build Institute of America describes it as a single agreement covering both design and construction, rather than separate agreements with a designer and a builder. For you, that means one team, one point of contact, and no finger-pointing between the plans and the build.
You’re encouraged to ask questions throughout. By the end of the conversation, both you and JMC should have a clear sense of whether it’s the right fit for your project.
Besides sending photos of your space, the best preparation is a little time thinking about your goals. You don’t need to have everything figured out. Helping you with that is what the consultation is for.
Before the meeting, it helps to:
If you and JMC both feel good about moving forward, you’ll receive a Design-Build Agreement. This agreement starts the design phase of your project. It does not commit you to the full remodel.
The Design-Build Agreement includes:
You’ll have time to review everything, and the JMC team is happy to answer any more questions. Once you sign the agreement, you move to Step 3, the Measure Meeting. That’s when the JMC designer visits your home to take measurements and assess existing conditions.
Yes. You’ll talk about your budget and goals, and you’ll get a sense of whether your expectations line up with a realistic investment for your project. You won’t get an exact cost at this stage. That comes later, once the design and project details are worked out. For a starting point, see JMC’s guides on kitchen remodel costs in New Jersey and bathroom remodel costs in New Jersey.
Consider what you’d like to change, what you hope to accomplish, and your general budget and timeline. Write down any questions you have about the process.
No. The Design-Build Agreement covers only the design phase. JMC will measure your space and start conceptual plans based on your consultation. If you decide to go ahead with the full remodel, your design retainer is applied toward your final project cost.
Your design retainer covers the initial planning and design of your remodel. The JMC team takes detailed measurements, evaluates existing conditions and limitations, and creates conceptual floor plans based on your wish list. You’ll work with a JMC designer to refine layouts, discuss general material options, and see your space in a 3D rendering. At the end, you’ll receive a conceptual design, a scope of work, and a project estimate within 15% of the anticipated final cost.
Once JMC receives your signed agreement, you’ll schedule Step 3: the Measure Meeting. A JMC designer will visit your home to take detailed measurements, inspect existing conditions, and photograph the space so the design work can begin.
Your virtual consultation is a low-pressure, 45-minute conversation that gives you clarity before you commit to anything. You’ll share your goals, get an honest read on your budget, see how the design-build process works, and leave knowing whether JMC is the right partner for your remodel.
To recap: send your photos, think about what you’d like to change, have a budget and timeline in mind, and bring your questions. JMC will handle the rest.
If you haven’t had your first call yet, start with what happens during your first call with JMC.
JMC Design Build Remodel has helped New Jersey families remodel their homes for nearly 50 years, in Morris, Essex, Sussex, Union, Passaic and Somerset County. When you’re ready, book your virtual remodeling consultation or call 973-386-0707.