The C. Cooper Construction Process
A clear, calm, and craftsmanship-driven experience from start to finish.
Every renovation or custom build begins with understanding your home—and the way you hope to live in it. Our process is designed to remove uncertainty, protect your investment, and honor the character and integrity of your space.
Below is what you can expect when you partner with us.
Planning Phase:
Initial Inquiry:
Once you complete our website form, we’ll reach out within a few business days to schedule a 30-minute call. This conversation allows us to learn more about your goals, your home, and what kind of project you’re envisioning.
If your project aligns with our expertise, historic preservation, fine home building, and high-detail renovation, we’ll move forward with an on-site consultation.
On Site Consultation:
This is where we begin building the foundation for your project. Together, we walk through your home, study existing conditions, and discuss your priorities in greater depth.
For historic homes, we assess the original craftsmanship, framing, plaster, and architectural details. For newer homes, we explore how the space can be thoughtfully redesigned or expanded.
This visit ensures we understand the structural reality of your home long before work begins.
Feasibility Report:
Following the consultation, we develop a Feasibility Report; your first formal project deliverable and one of the most important steps in our process. It provides a clear, grounded understanding of what your home needs before design or construction begins. The report includes:
Existing conditions of the home: including visible structural elements and an assessment of the systems as they pertain to the proposed project (electrical, plumbing, HVAC, insulation, utilities)
A preliminary timeline
A rough budget range
Potential challenges and our recommended solutions
Guidance on whether architects, engineers, or designers should be involved
This report gives you clarity early on and helps prevent surprises later. A fee is associated with this step due to the time and expertise invested in evaluating your home responsibly.
Pre-Construction Phase:
Contract Signed:
Once you’ve reviewed your Feasibility Report and feel ready to proceed, we prepare a contract. When the contract is signed and retainer received, your project officially moves into pre-construction.
At this point, you may be finalizing plans with an architect or designer: or we can connect you with trusted partners we regularly collaborate with.
Scheduling, Scope of Work, Budget Revisions:
We refine your budget, outline a clear scope of work, and set your project schedule. An initial deposit is collected to secure your place on our calendar. Invoices are issued bi-weekly via secure bank transfer. Behind the scenes, we handle permitting, coordinate material procurement, and begin preparing the site for construction.
Design Finalized:
Once design plans and material selections are complete, we provide:
A fully updated schedule
A refined, transparent budget
A detailed Project Roadmap outlining milestones, subcontractor coordination, material deliveries, and artisan involvement
During this phase, materials are ordered, permits are finalized, and your project team meets for a formal kickoff. This ensures everyone is aligned before work begins.
Construction Phase:
Construction Begins
When construction is underway, you’ll receive weekly progress updates. Any change orders are communicated clearly and promptly for your approval.
If you will be living in the home during construction, we take great care to minimize disruption through dust containment, HEPA filtration, and thoughtful scheduling.
Our project manager and construction lead maintain consistent on-site presence to uphold quality and keep the project moving efficiently and safely.
Finalizing and Finishing
As we approach completion, our focus shifts to meticulous finishing and a seamless handoff. We conduct a detailed walkthrough with you, room by room, to ensure every detail meets our standards; and yours.
A professional cleaning is performed so your home is truly ready to enjoy.
You’ll also receive a tailored Home Care Guide outlining the materials, systems, and maintenance considerations unique to your project. It’s designed to help your home perform beautifully for years to come.
Craftsmanship, Clarity & Care
No matter the scale of your project; restoration, renovation, or new construction, we approach every home with the same values: precision, respect, transparency, and a commitment to creating spaces that endure.
