Our Process
A Clear, Simple, Guided Path — From First Conversation to a Beautifully Completed Project
At Choate Builders, LLC, we believe the remodeling process should feel organized, transparent, and stress-free.
Our goal isn’t just to deliver an excellent finished product — it’s to make sure you feel supported and informed every step of the way.
We don’t want you just happy.
We want you delighted.
📞 Step 1 — Discovery Call
A brief conversation to learn about your project, share investment ranges, confirm whether we’re a good fit, and help you choose between Path 1 or Path 2.
You’ll start with a brief call with Andrew, our Operations Manager.
During this call, we will:
- Learn what you’d like to have done
- Understand what’s happening in your home that’s pushing the project forward
- Share what our clients have invested in similar projects
- Determine whether your project is a good match
- Help you choose the right next step:
⭐️ Path 1: Professional Proposal & Scope of Work
⭐️ Path 2: Concept Plans (Design) & Proposal & Scope of Work
YOUR TWO PATH OPTIONS (Chosen During the Discovery Call)
⭐️ Path 1: Scope of Work (Professional Proposal)
Ideal for straightforward projects that don’t require design drawings at this stage.
This includes:
- A professional, detailed written scope of work
- A firm price or tight estimate range
- Clear expectations
- No guesswork
Investment: $1,800
($500 consultation credit applied)
⭐️ Path 2: Concept Plans (Design) & Proposal & Scope of Work
Ideal for remodels, additions, and multi-room transformations.
This includes:
- Multiple design and layout concepts
- Professional concept drawings
- A detailed written scope
- A firm construction price based on the final design
- A smooth transition into permitting and scheduling
Investment: $3,500–$10,000+
(Exact fee determined during consultation)
🏠 Step 2 — Design Consultation
A working meeting at your home where Paul reviews your space, answers questions, confirms the investment range, and begins the path you selected on the discovery call.
A thoughtful, working meeting at your home — the start of your selected path.
During this visit, Paul will:
- Walk the space with you
- Discuss ideas, challenges, and potential solutions
- Confirm whether the investment range from the call is accurate
- Talk through layout options, design needs, and priorities
- Answer your early questions
Investment: $500
(Applied to your chosen path)
🗂️ Step 3 — Your Chosen Path Moves Forward
We immediately begin the proposal or design work associated with the path you selected (Professional Proposal or Concept Plans + Proposal).
After the consultation, we immediately begin the work associated with the path you selected.
If you selected Path 1, we prepare your professional proposal + scope of work.
If you selected Path 2, we begin developing your custom design concepts and drawings.
📝 Step 4 — Contract, Permitting & Pre-Construction
We prepare your contract, finalize drawings, handle the permitting process, and map out your project timeline to ensure a smooth build.
Once your proposal or design is approved, we will:
- Prepare your construction contract
- Finalize drawings
- Submit and manage the permitting process
- Set your target start and finish dates
- Build out your project timeline
- Conduct pre-construction walkthroughs
This ensures every detail is understood before work begins.
🛠️ Step 5 — Construction
Your project comes to life through clean, organized, respectful craftsmanship supported by daily communication and progress photos.
During the build, you can expect:
- Clear, consistent communication
- Daily documentation and progress photos
- Clean, neat, organized job sites
- Respect for your home and family
- Skilled craftsmanship from Mario (Lead Carpenter) and our specialty trades
- Dedicated oversight from our project manager, James
We handle the stress so you can enjoy the transformation.
✅ Step 6 — Completion & Final Walkthrough
We review all completed work with you, address any final touches, and ensure everything meets your expectations.
When the project is complete, we will:
- Walk the space with you
- Review all completed work
- Address any final touches
- Ensure the finished project is exactly what you envisioned
Our goal is not just a satisfied customer — but a delighted one.
🤝 Step 7 — Ongoing Support
We remain available long after your project is complete for questions, future work, or anything you need.
Our relationship doesn’t end when the project does.
If you ever need anything — future projects, small questions, advice — we’re here.
We stand behind our work and our customers.
A Clear Design-Build Process
A structured approach that removes guesswork before construction begins.
Initial Call
A brief conversation to learn about your project, understand what’s driving it forward, and confirm whether we’re a good fit. We also help identify the most appropriate next step.
Design Phase
We develop buildable plans that explore ideas, address real-world constraints, and remove guesswork. Design is where clarity is created and informed decisions are made.
Detailed Proposal
Clarity and transparency are key. We provide a comprehensive proposal outlining every detail, ensuring you understand the scope, timeline, and cost with no surprises.
Construction
Your project is built through clean, organized, respectful craftsmanship supported by clear communication. We manage the process so you feel informed and confident throughout.
Building Trust, One Review at a Time
“Paul Choate and his team completed two projects for us, a deck and a total bathroom renovation. From start to finish on both projects, we were very happy with the results. There was always honest and open communication, with Paul immediately responding to any questions we had. His team was respectful, hard-working and kept the job site clean and tidy at the end of every day. I highly recommend this company.”
-Laurie C.
(via Google Review)
“We have gone to Paul and his team for several major projects. He has redone our back deck, our front entrance and walkway, and our master bedroom and master bath and powder room. He is respectful, professional, on time, and a stickler for managing subs and the quality of their work. He has great ideas. If something isn’t necessary, he tells you. We have unique hardwood and he was able to match them perfectly in the room he redid. He’s a great guy. And my cat loves him.”
-Sally V.
(via Google Review)
“We have used Choate Builders multiple times and have always been very happy with the results. Paul's design services are definitely worth the cost. Paul is great at listening to your ideas and turning them into a plan. They did an excellent job for us converting a living room and dining room into an in-law suite, and a previous project updating a master bath suite. The team is honest and reliable. Throughout the project, Paul Choate did a great job communicating status. I highly recommend Choate Builders and would use them again in the future.”
-Lisa D.
(via Google Review)
“Paul Choate and his craftsmen have done several ‘old house’ renovation projects for me - porch, pergola, dining room, bathroom, exterior doors, kitchen island, etc. He is an excellent designer who can take any idea or plan to the next level. He has attention to detail and employs experienced craftsmen that he supervises closely to achieve a first class result. I recommend Paul without reservation as the first choice for quality home improvements/expansions.”
-Steven A.
(via Google Review)
“My wife and I have used Choate Builders for 15 years. Paul has completed several projects to beautify our home. Most important, he did a major reconstruction of our sun-room, replacing windows, skylights, door and fan--as well as making the walls and ceiling structurally sound. Everyone who visits our house compliments us on this room!
Paul is friendly, honest and cooperative. He is an excellent communicator. We have complete trust in him and his work.”
-Eric V.
(via Google Review)
“I would highly recommend Choate Builders! We worked with Paul on designing/converting part of our basement/garage into a playroom for our kids. He was professional, detailed, thorough, and meticulous. The quality of the work and craftsmanship was outstanding, the communication from Paul was timely and clear, and the process was smooth and efficient. We could not be happier with the end result and the entire experience. We would love to work with Choate Builders again. Thanks Paul!”
-Adam S.
(via Google Review)
A Team Committed to Doing the Work the Right Way
Choate Builders, LLC is built around people who take responsibility for the work they do and the homes entrusted to them. Our team brings together design, planning, project management, and skilled craftsmanship under one roof, allowing every project to move forward with clarity, coordination, and accountability from start to finish.
Rather than relying on handoffs between separate designers, contractors, and trades, we operate as one integrated team. This structure allows us to plan thoroughly, communicate clearly, and follow through on the details that matter most throughout the remodeling process.
What homeowners can expect from our team:
- Design-led planning before construction begins
- Clear ownership of scope, schedule, and decisions
- Respect for your home, time, and investment
- A team structure built for accountability, not shortcuts
Behind every Choate Builders, LLC project is a team with defined roles and shared standards, working together to guide your project from design through completion.
Paul Choate
Andrew Strever
James Stewart
Mario Heredia
Why Choate Builders, LLC?
Design Comes First
Every project begins with design. We take the time to plan layouts, materials, and details before construction starts, so decisions are made intentionally and surprises are minimized.
Full Accountability
Design, planning, and construction are handled by one integrated team. No handoffs, no finger-pointing, and clear responsibility from the first conversation through completion.
Experienced Oversight
With over 30 years in residential construction, our team knows how to anticipate challenges before they become problems. That experience shows up in better planning, smoother builds, and lasting results.
Honest Expectations
We believe clarity builds trust. Homeowners can expect defined scopes of work, realistic timelines, and straightforward communication throughout the project.
Our Service Area
Proudly serving Fairfield and Western New Haven Counties
If you live in Fairfield or Western New Haven County, there is a good chance we’ve provided remodeling services in a neighborhood near you. We serve:
- Easton
- Fairfield
- Milford
- Monroe
- Newtown
- Orange
- Shelton
- Stratford
- Trumbull
- Weston
- Westport
- Wilton
Don’t see your city listed? Give us a call at (203) 945-9482 to discuss your project and our service area.
Let's Discuss Your Project