Before the Build: A Step-by-Step Guide to Alair’s Planning Phase
By Partners Heather Shuster, Dale Contant and Frank Wickstead
At Alair, the success of every project starts long before construction begins. Whether you’re remodeling a kitchen, transforming your whole home, creating your commercial space, or building from the ground up, the Planning Phase is where vision meets reality. It’s where trust is built, clarity is established, and surprises are minimized. Here’s what that process looks like when you work with Alair.
1. Define Your Vision
• What problems are we solving?
• What are your priorities—function, aesthetics, ROI, lifestyle, price alone?
• Which areas of your home are in scope?
Alair Tip: We start by listening. We help you translate your goals into a clear plan that fits your lifestyle and your budget—not just today, but for the years ahead.
2. Feasibility First: Know What’s Possible
• Review local zoning, setbacks, and lot coverage restrictions
• Check tree ordinances, utility access, floodplain status, and historic requirements
• Assess structural feasibility and site limitations
Alair Tip: Before design begins, we perform a thorough feasibility assessment to identify constraints early, saving time and reducing costly rework later.
3. Align on Budget Expectations
• Discuss your ideal investment range
• Understand how scale, scope, materials, and selections affect pricing
• Plan for contingency to cover unknowns
Alair Tip: We use a Cost + Management system that shows real trade pricing. You’ll see how each decision impacts the bottom line and can pivot confidently when needed.
4. Build Your Team
• Collaborate with your Alair project manager from day one
• Choose from our trusted network of architects and designers, or bring your own
• Ensure every team member is aligned on scope, goals, and process
Alair Tip: We serve as your single point of contact and orchestrate all partners to keep communication seamless and responsibilities clear.
5. Design & Selections
• Finalize floor plans, elevations, renderings, and detailed scopes of work
• Select materials, finishes, appliances, and fixtures
• Confirm every design element prior to contract signing
Alair Tip: Our detailed design process eliminates vague allowances. You’ll have clarity on exactly what you’re building and what it will cost.
6. Prioritize Spending & Manage the Budget
• Distinguish “must-haves” from “nice-to-haves”
• Explore cost-saving alternatives that maintain quality and function
• Phase scope if necessary to meet budget without sacrificing vision
Alair Tip: We work with you to maximize your investment and focus spending on what will have the most impact on your home.
7. Bid Management & Trade Partner Coordination
• Conduct jobsite walk-throughs with key trades
• Collect and compare actual bids based on final scope
• Vet availability, lead times, and construction readiness
Alair Tip: We don’t guess on costs. We engage trusted trade partners early to get accurate numbers—so there are no budget surprises later.
8. Understand Permitting & Approvals
• Review applicable building codes and site requirements
• Prepare and submit all necessary permit applications
• Build in time for review cycles and required revisions
Alair Tip: We manage this process on your behalf and keep you informed as approvals move forward.
9. Confirm Project Schedule
• Establish expected start and completion dates
• Factor in lead times for materials, permits, and availability of key trades
• Align on logistics like work hours, site access, and staging
Alair Tip: Our comprehensive project calendar helps you prepare for what’s ahead and reduces the disruption of construction.
10. Plan for Temporary Living
• Determine which areas of your home will be impacted
• Consider relocation
• Think through impacts to kids, pets and daily routines
• This will impact your overall project budget so needs to be considered well in advance
Alair Tip: We help you assess when staying makes sense—and when it’s better to relocate for comfort, safety, and peace of mind.
11. Financing & Lender Coordination (if applicable)
• Explore financing options like HELOCs or construction loans
• Align draw schedules with your lender’s requirements
• Ensure your appraisal reflects the scope of planned improvements
Alair Tip: We can connect you with lending partners who understand our process and help keep financing in sync with your build timeline.
12. Planning Agreement: Your Low-Risk Starting Point
• Engage with Alair through a Planning Agreement before construction begins
• Define scope, finalize drawings, collect bids, and solidify budget
• Decide with confidence if you want to move forward with construction
Alair Tip: The Planning Agreement allows you to make fully informed decisions with minimal risk. You’ll get all the facts before committing to the full project.
Why This Matters
Planning isn’t just paperwork. It’s the phase where vision is clarified, risks are managed, and surprises are reduced. It’s what allows us to take a commercial-level approach to residential projects and deliver consistent, high-quality outcomes.
Heather Shuster, Partner – Alair Decatur
“Thoughtful planning is what transforms a vision into a reality. It’s not just about design or budget—it’s about making sure our clients feel informed, heard, and empowered from day one.”
Frank Wickstead, Partner – Alair Buckhead
“The planning phase is where trust is built. It’s where we sit down with our clients, listen carefully, and align every detail. Clarity at this stage is what ensures confidence throughout the build.”
Dale Contant, Partner – Alair Marietta
“Planning is where experience meets intention. With the right process and team in place, we’re able to anticipate challenges, manage costs, and set the foundation for a successful, low-stress renovation.”
Let’s Start With Planning
If you’re considering a renovation or custom build, your first step isn’t swinging a hammer—it’s building a solid plan. Let’s talk about your goals, your home, and how we can help bring your vision to life, one intentional step at a time.