HOW WE WORK
Our Process: From First Meeting to Final Walkthrough
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At W.H.I. Renovations we’ve spent over 10 years perfecting a process that ensures your renovation journey is smooth, transparent, and enjoyable. Whether you’re planning a kitchen, bathroom, whole-home remodel, or an addition, our structured approach provides clarity, confidence, and craftsmanship every step of the way.
1. Initial Consultation & Vision Building
Step 1: In-Home Consultation — Where Your Vision Begins
Every home renovation with W.H.I. Renovations starts with a personalized in-home consultation designed to bring your vision to life. During this first meeting, our design-build team takes the time to truly understand your goals, lifestyle, and aesthetic preferences.
Whether your focus is on functionality, luxury design, or a balance of both, this is where we begin shaping a renovation plan tailored specifically to your home.
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What We’ll Discuss
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How do you use each space in your daily life
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Your style preferences and design inspirations
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Your must-have features and priorities
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Budget expectations and timeline goals
This initial conversation fosters trust and clarity, enabling us to establish a framework for your project that combines creativity, craftsmanship, and practicality.
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How to Prepare for Your Consultation
To make the most of our meeting, please gather visual materials that help communicate your ideas. Inspiration is everything in the early design phase!
Consider bringing:
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Photos of rooms, finishes, or layouts you love
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Pinterest boards or Houzz links that reflect your design style
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Product links or catalogs you’ve bookmarked
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Examples of what you don’t like (these are equally helpful)
These visuals help us align your goals with realistic design solutions and product options from our trusted partners and showrooms in the Charleston area.
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What to Expect
Your consultation typically lasts 60–90 minutes (or longer for larger homes). During this time, we’ll:
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Walk through your home to review the areas you’d like to renovate
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Discuss design possibilities, layout options, and product categories
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Outline our step-by-step renovation process — from design and budgeting to construction and completion
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Answer any questions about scope, timeline, and investment
By the end of your consultation, you’ll have a clear understanding of what’s possible, what to expect next, and how W.H.I. Renovations will guide you every step of the way.
2. Pre-Construction Agreement
Step 2: Pre-Construction Agreement & Design Development
Once your vision has been clearly defined, we move into the Pre-Construction Agreement phase — the foundation of every successful renovation. This agreement allows W.H.I. Renovations to dedicate the focused time, attention, and professional resources needed to turn your ideas into a highly detailed, build-ready renovation plan.
​What Happens in This Phase
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Design Development & Planning
We begin refining your renovation concept into a complete design plan, including layouts, structural considerations, and style direction. -
Product Sourcing & Selections
Our team collaborates with our trusted Charleston-area distributors to identify the perfect materials, fixtures, and finishes for your project — balancing aesthetics, durability, and budget. -
Technical Review & Coordination
We coordinate with specialists, trades, and suppliers to ensure that every element is compatible, code-compliant, and properly documented before construction begins. -
Budget & Scope Confirmation
During this phase, we align your project’s design details with realistic costs and timelines, so you always know what to expect next. -
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Why the Pre-Construction Agreement Matters
This stage isn’t just about planning — it’s about confidence and control.
By entering into a Pre-Construction Agreement, you gain peace of mind knowing that your renovation is progressing in a structured, transparent, and professional manner. Every decision is made before construction begins, saving time, reducing surprises, and protecting your investment.
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What You’ll Receive
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A clear design direction tailored to your home
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Itemized preliminary estimates with detailed "scope of work"
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Access to our partner showrooms for personally guided selections
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A project roadmap that leads seamlessly into the detailed construction contract
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At this point, you’ll see your renovation and vision take shape — on paper, in design boards, and through product selections. Once you’re confident and satisfied with the plan, we’ll begin to finalize everything in your Construction Agreement, setting the stage for the build itself.
3. Design & Selections Phase
Step 3: Design Selections & Showroom Experience
This is where your vision begins to take shape. After we’ve established your renovation plan, the design selection phase transforms ideas into tangible materials, colors, and finishes that reflect your personal style and your home’s character.
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Working side-by-side with our design team and trusted showroom partners, you’ll finalize every selection that defines your renovation, including:
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Tile, Flooring & Trim
From luxurious large-format tiles to detailed trim finishes, we’ll guide you through cohesive design choices that set the tone for your home.
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Vanities, Countertops & Cabinetry
Discover durable and elegant materials that seamlessly blend functionality with timeless appeal.
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Plumbing Fixtures, Tubs & Sinks
Choose from premium brands and finishes to enhance both form and function.
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Lighting Fixtures & Layouts
Create warmth, depth, and mood through layered lighting design.
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Paint Colors, Hardware & Finishing Touches
Pull everything together with coordinated details that complete your space.
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Our Hands-On Showroom Process
To make the experience both productive and enjoyable, we schedule private, guided showroom visits—often on Tuesdays and Thursdays—to help you explore and compare options in person. You’ll have the opportunity to see, touch, and evaluate products firsthand, ensuring you make selections with confidence.
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We partner with some of the most reputable showrooms and suppliers in the Charleston and Mount Pleasant area, including:
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Melcer and Palmetto Tile – Tile, shower systems, and custom patterns
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Source Consulting – Vanities, countertops, flooring, and hardware
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Gateway Supply House – Plumbing fixtures, tubs, and sinks
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Carolina Lanterns & Lighting – Decorative and functional lighting
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During these visits, we’ll help you stay organized and focused, narrowing down options that suit your design vision, budget, and renovation goals. By the end of this phase, you’ll have a cohesive design package and material list ready for pricing and construction scheduling.
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Why Clients Love This Step
This is often the most exciting part of the process—it’s where you begin to see your renovation come to life. With our guidance, you’ll make confident and informed decisions that strike a balance between creativity, practicality, and long-term value. Every selection you make brings you one step closer to the home you’ve been envisioning.
4. Quote Development
Step 4: Estimate Development & Financial Transparency
Once all selections and design details are in place, we move into the estimate development phase—a crucial step that transforms your design vision into a fully cost-defined, executable plan.
At W.H.I. Renovations, transparency is a cornerstone of how we do business. Our estimates aren’t generic or vague — they are meticulously detailed, line-by-line breakdowns that give you complete clarity on every part of your investment.
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What’s Included in Your Detailed Estimate
Your customized renovation estimate includes a clear outline of:
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Material & Fixture Costs – Every selected product is itemized, from tile and cabinetry to hardware and lighting.
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Labor & Installation Costs – Transparent pricing for all labor categories, including demolition, framing, electrical, plumbing, and finishing work.
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Scope of Work Breakdown – Each component of your renovation is listed, ensuring you understand the specific work being completed in every room or area.
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Allowances & Adjustments – We include flexible allowances where selections are still pending, giving you the freedom to adjust material choices without affecting your overall plan.
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Why This Step Matters
This phase provides more than just numbers — it provides confidence. With a full breakdown of your project’s costs and deliverables, you can see exactly where your investment is going and how it contributes to the overall value of your home.
Our transparent process also makes it easy to fine-tune your project. Whether you want to upgrade certain finishes or find ways to optimize your budget, this detailed estimate gives you the insight to make informed, strategic decisions.
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Your Financial Roadmap to Construction
By the time your estimate is finalized, you’ll have a comprehensive project roadmap that connects your vision, selections, and budget into one cohesive plan. Once you’re comfortable and confident with the details, we move seamlessly into the construction agreement—the next phase where schedules are confirmed, deposits are made, and work officially begins.
Every step of the way, our goal is to ensure you feel informed, empowered, and secure about your renovation investment.
5. Construction Contract
Step 5: Construction Contract & Project Launch
With your design selections and scope of work finalized, we move into the next exciting milestone — the Construction Contract. This is where your vision officially transitions from planning to production.
At W.H.I. Renovations, we take great pride in creating a contract that’s clear, comprehensive, and easy to understand. Every detail is laid out up front so there are no surprises, only structure and confidence as we prepare to begin construction.
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What’s Included in Your Construction Contract
Your construction agreement serves as the official roadmap for your renovation and includes:
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Project Schedule & Milestones
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A clearly defined timeline that outlines the start date, critical phases, and key completion goals, giving you a precise understanding of how your project will progress.
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Payment Structure & Draw Schedule
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A transparent, milestone-based payment plan that aligns with completed stages of work, ensuring accountability and predictable cash flow throughout the renovation.
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Detailed Deliverables & Commitments
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A written scope of every service and installation being performed, from demolition through the final finishes. This section guarantees that expectations and outcomes are perfectly aligned.
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Warranty & Protection Details
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Information about workmanship guarantees, product warranties, and homeowner protections to ensure peace of mind long after your project is complete.
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Why This Matters
This phase represents the moment when planning meets execution. The Construction Contract transforms the creative vision into a fully managed, legally binding agreement that protects both parties while maintaining flexibility for minor refinements as needed.
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By this point, you’ll know:
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Exactly what will be built,
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When it will happen, and
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How every stage of your renovation will unfold.
Our goal is to provide complete clarity so you can move forward with full confidence, knowing your investment and home are in capable, experienced hands.
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Setting the Stage for Success
Once the agreement is signed, we begin scheduling material deliveries, assigning trades, confirming inspections, and finalizing logistics. This careful coordination ensures that when construction begins, everything runs efficiently, safely, and according to plan.
This is also when the excitement truly begins — as your renovation moves from concept to reality. You’ll see progress every day, guided by a team that values communication, craftsmanship, and client care above all else.
6. Construction & Execution
Step 6: Construction Execution & Final Completion
This is where the transformation truly begins. Your vision comes to life through the hands of our skilled craftsmen, trusted subcontractors, and dedicated project management team. Every day on-site, our mission is simple — deliver precision, professionalism, and peace of mind.
At W.H.I. Renovations, we know that the construction phase is where trust and communication matter most. That’s why we handle every detail with care, from start to finish, while keeping you informed every step of the way.
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Our Construction Promise
Throughout the build, we maintain a strict commitment to:
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Quality Craftsmanship – Every cut, joint, and finish is completed to our exacting standards. We treat your home as if it were our own, ensuring long-lasting durability and impeccable results.
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Efficient Timelines
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Your schedule is our priority. We carefully coordinate crews, deliveries, and inspections to minimize downtime and keep your project moving smoothly toward completion.
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Clear Communication
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You’ll never be left guessing where things stand. We provide regular updates, progress photos, and check-ins to ensure you always feel connected and confident throughout the process.
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Home Protection
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From dust barriers to floor protection and site cleanliness, we take additional measures to safeguard your home and belongings throughout the construction process.
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What to Expect
Our on-site management ensures that every phase — from demolition to finish carpentry — meets the approved design and scope outlined in your construction contract. We also coordinate any necessary inspections and manage subcontractor performance to maintain efficiency and consistency.
Once the final details are complete, we’ll conduct a comprehensive walkthrough with you to confirm that every finish, fixture, and feature meets your expectations. Any remaining adjustments or fine-tuning will be handled promptly, ensuring your total satisfaction before closing the project.
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The Final Result
When the dust settles and the tools are packed away, what’s left is more than just a renovation — it’s a reimagined home that reflects your personality, lifestyle, and long-term vision.
We don’t just build beautiful spaces — we build relationships, trust, and confidence that last well beyond the final walkthrough.
7. Walkthrough & Client Experience
Ensuring Complete Satisfaction
At the end of every project, we take the time to ensure everything is exactly as it should be. Your renovation isn’t considered complete until you are completely satisfied.
We’ll conduct a comprehensive final walkthrough with you, reviewing every detail of the work — from finishes and fixtures to functionality and cleanliness. This meeting allows us to make any final adjustments, address any questions, and confirm that every aspect of your renovation reflects the quality and craftsmanship we promised from the outset.
Our goal during this stage is to provide you with total confidence in your investment and peace of mind, knowing that your home has been cared for with precision and pride.
Once you’ve approved the final result, we officially mark the project as complete — but our commitment doesn’t end there. Every renovation is backed by a warranty and post-project support, giving you continued protection and access to our team for maintenance guidance, future updates, or new renovation ideas.
We don’t just finish projects — we build relationships. When you choose W.H.I. Renovations, you gain a trusted partner dedicated to the ongoing beauty, comfort, and value of your home.
Post-Project & Client Experience -Our Commitment Continues-
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At W.H.I. Renovations, our relationship with you doesn’t end when the last tool is packed up. The completion of construction marks the beginning of our Post-Project Care Program, designed to ensure your continued satisfaction and confidence long after the renovation is complete.
We take great pride in standing behind our craftsmanship and the products we install. Every project includes a comprehensive warranty period that covers workmanship, materials, and manufacturer-approved installations. If anything needs adjustment or refinement after completion, our team is only a phone call away. We handle warranty requests promptly and professionally — because we believe peace of mind should come standard.
Beyond warranty coverage, we remain a partner in your home’s ongoing care. Whether you’re ready for your next phase of renovation or just need advice on maintenance, materials, or design updates, we’re here as a trusted long-term resource.
Following project completion, we’ll conduct a final walkthrough and client satisfaction review to ensure every detail exceeds expectations. Your feedback helps us refine our process and continue delivering the personalized service that defines W.H.I. Renovations.
Our goal is simple:
To leave every client not only with a beautifully transformed home, but also with the confidence that they’ve partnered with a team that values honesty, quality, and relationships above all else.
When you choose W.H.I. Renovations, you’re not just completing a renovation — you’re beginning a lasting partnership built on trust, craftsmanship, and care.