LEARN MORE ABOUT

Our Process

It’s Hard to Believe,
But it’s True.
How Does Hill & Harbor Design + Build:   

  • Deliver Top Tier-Architecture at a Fraction of the Cost
    (3-7% instead of 10-20%)
  • Build Up to 3x Faster? (A new home designed and built in 12-14 months vs. 3 years+. And a 6500 sq. ft. renovation complete in just 6 months)
  • Manage the Entire Process for You as an all-inclusive firm? (including all the red tape)

One thing’s for certain, it doesn’t happen by chance – we’ve spent years perfecting a process that alleviates stress and uncertainty, ensuring every property runs smoothly, on time and on budget. What’s more, unlike traditional builders, we put design first – creating homes that are both functional and breathtaking. 

LEARN MORE ABOUT

Our Process

It’s Hard to Believe,
But it’s True.

How Does
Hill & Harbor
Design + Build: 

  • Deliver Top Tier-Architecture at a
    Fraction of the Cost? (3-7% instead of 10-20%)
  • Build Up to 3x Faster? (A new home designed and built in 12-14 months vs. 3 years+. And a 6500 sq. ft. renovation complete in just 6 months)
  • Manage the Entire Process for You as an all-inclusive firm? (including all the red tape)

One thing’s for certain, it doesn’t happen by chance – we’ve spent years perfecting a process that alleviates stress and uncertainty, ensuring every property runs smoothly, on time and on budget. What’s more, unlike traditional builders, we put design first – creating homes that are both functional and breathtaking.

From sleek coastal designs to elegant Tudor revivals, our 5 Phase Process
allows us to bring your vision to life with precision and care. 

Phase One: Consultation & Assessment

Laying a Solid Foundation

Every project begins with understanding your vision and ensuring your project is feasible within your budget. Whether you’re planning a new build or renovating a heritage property, we’ll:

  • Explore your ideas: What do you want your home to look and feel like? What’s your lifestyle?
  • Assess your property: We’ll visit the site, evaluate opportunities and constraints, and provide expert advice specific to your land and goals.
  • Uncover red tape challenges: Navigating Rhode Island’s labyrinth of regulations on zoning, permitting, and historical requirements can derail projects, but we address these hurdles head-on with precision and expertise.
  • Establish your budget range: Using historical data and expertise, we’ll provide a realistic budget estimate based on your vision, so you know what to expect.

You’ll also gain access to our client portal, where you can upload inspiration photos, track progress, and stay informed every step of the way.

This first step ensures you start your journey on solid ground, armed with the information and confidence you need to move forward.

Phase Two: Onboarding, Planning & Design
Turn Your Vision into Reality

Unlike builders who treat design as an afterthought, we approach every project with a design-first philosophy. Here’s what this phase looks like:

Comprehensive onboarding: Our 70-point Client Onboarding Questionnaire dives deep into your preferences, from layouts to lighting and everything in between.

Concept design creation: We craft initial designs that reflect your unique style, lifestyle, and needs.

Simultaneous budgeting and design: Unlike architects who leave budgeting as an afterthought, we develop architectural plans and budgets together, ensuring your dream design is achievable within your financial goals.

Fixed-price proposal: While many builders provide vague estimates, we offer detailed, line-item budgets that provide complete transparency.

Clear agreements: Our agreements are thorough and transparent, eliminating surprises and ensuring you’re completely confident before moving forward.

Phase Three: Approvals, Selections & Preparation Navigating Red Tape With Ease

One of the most stressful aspects of any build or renovation is dealing with permits, zoning, and approvals. In Rhode Island, this process is especially complex, but at Hill & Harbor, we simplify it for you. Here’s how:

Permits and approvals: From zoning restrictions to historic district requirements, we handle all the red tape for you. Our team’s intimate understanding of local regulations ensures a seamless path to approval, saving you time, money, and frustration.

Curated Interior Design Selections: During this phase, our Interior Design team works closely with you to thoughtfully curate a tailored selection of finishes, materials, and fixtures that reflect your personal style and preferences. From flooring and cabinetry to lighting and hardware, every detail is carefully chosen to create a home that is distinctly and authentically yours.

Systematic Procurement and Planning: Our team meticulously coordinates the procurement of all materials and engages skilled craftsmen in a structured and organized manner. Detailed pre-construction planning ensures every element is prepared in advance, aligning resources, schedules, and logistics to facilitate a seamless and efficient build process.

By the time we’re ready to break ground or demo, every detail is accounted for, allowing us to start building without delay.

Phase Four: Construction A Seamless Process
Up to 3x Faster Than Most Builders

Construction is often the most stressful phase of a home project—but not with Hill & Harbor. Thanks to our meticulous planning and expert team, we ensure: 

  • Seamless scheduling: All materials and subcontractors are secured at least six weeks in advance, keeping your project on track.
  • Weekly updates: You’ll receive detailed reports, including photos, progress updates, and what’s coming next.
  • Unmatched coordination: Our proprietary system integrates design, engineering, and construction, ensuring no detail is overlooked.
  • Uncompromising quality: Rigorous inspections at every stage ensure your home is built to the highest standards.

We also use innovative technology on-site, such as QR codes that provide tradespeople instant access to project specifications and drawings, ensuring precision at every turn. 

Phase Five: Handover
Welcome to Your Dream Home

The handover phase is about ensuring your home is delivered to you in pristine condition, ready for you to enjoy. We focus on thoroughness, precision, and support:

  • Comprehensive walkthrough: We will inspect every detail of your home to ensure everything meets our exacting standards. If anything requires attention, we’ll address it promptly.
  • Home Operations Manual: You’ll receive a detailed guide that includes maintenance tips, warranties, and instructions for using your home’s systems and features.
  • Ongoing support: We schedule follow-ups at 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year to ensure everything is performing as expected and to handle any minor adjustments that may arise after move-in.

Our goal is to ensure your home is move-in ready, with every detail perfectly in place and your peace of mind intact.

Phase One: Consultation, Assessment & Onboarding

Laying a Solid Foundation

Every project begins with understanding your vision and ensuring your project is feasible within your budget. Whether you’re planning a new build or renovating a heritage property, we’ll:

  • Explore your ideas: What do you want your home to look and feel like? What’s your lifestyle?
  • Assess your property: We’ll visit the site, evaluate opportunities and constraints, and provide expert advice specific to your land and goals.
  • Uncover red tape challenges: Navigating Rhode Island’s labyrinth of regulations on zoning, permitting, and historical requirements can derail projects, but we address these hurdles head-on with precision and expertise.
  • Establish your budget range: Using historical data and expertise, we’ll provide a realistic budget estimate based on your vision, so you know what to expect.
  • Comprehensive onboarding: Our 70-point Client Onboarding Questionnaire dives deep into your preferences, from layouts to lighting and everything in between.

You’ll also gain access to our client portal, where you can upload inspiration photos, track progress, and stay informed every step of the way.

This first step ensures you start your journey on solid ground, armed with the information and confidence you need to move forward.

Phase Two: Onboarding, Planning & Design
Turn Your Vision into Reality

Unlike builders who treat design as an afterthought, we approach every project with a design-first philosophy. Here’s what this phase looks like:

Concept design creation: We craft initial designs that reflect your unique style, lifestyle, and needs.

Simultaneous budgeting and design: Unlike architects who leave budgeting as an afterthought, we develop architectural plans and budgets together, ensuring your dream design is achievable within your financial goals.

Fixed-price proposal: While many builders provide vague estimates, we offer detailed, line-item budgets that provide complete transparency.

Clear agreements: Our agreements are thorough and transparent, eliminating surprises and ensuring you’re completely confident before moving forward.

Phase Three: Approvals, Selections & Preparation Navigating Red Tape With Ease

One of the most stressful aspects of any build or renovation is dealing with permits, zoning, and approvals. In Rhode Island, this process is especially complex, but at Hill & Harbor, we simplify it for you. Here’s how:

Permits and approvals: From zoning restrictions to historic district requirements, we handle all the red tape for you. Our team’s intimate understanding of local regulations ensures a seamless path to approval, saving you time, money, and frustration.

Curated Interior Design Selections: During this phase, our Interior Design team works closely with you to thoughtfully curate a tailored selection of finishes, materials, and fixtures that reflect your personal style and preferences. From flooring and cabinetry to lighting and hardware, every detail is carefully chosen to create a home that is distinctly and authentically yours.

Systematic Procurement and Planning: Our team meticulously coordinates the procurement of all materials and engages skilled craftsmen in a structured and organized manner. Detailed pre-construction planning ensures every element is prepared in advance, aligning resources, schedules, and logistics to facilitate a seamless and efficient build process.

By the time we’re ready to break ground or demo, every detail is accounted for, allowing us to start building without delay.

Phase Four: Construction A Seamless Process
Up to 3x Faster Than Most Builders

Construction is often the most stressful phase of a home project—but not with Hill & Harbor. Thanks to our meticulous planning and expert team, we ensure: 

  • Seamless scheduling: All materials and subcontractors are secured at least six weeks in advance, keeping your project on track.
  • Weekly updates: You’ll receive detailed reports, including photos, progress updates, and what’s coming next.
  • Unmatched coordination: Our proprietary system integrates design, engineering, and construction, ensuring no detail is overlooked.
  • Uncompromising quality: Rigorous inspections at every stage ensure your home is built to the highest standards.

We also use innovative technology on-site, such as QR codes that provide tradespeople instant access to project specifications and drawings, ensuring precision at every turn. 

Phase Five: Handover
Welcome to Your Dream Home

The handover phase is about ensuring your home is delivered to you in pristine condition, ready for you to enjoy. We focus on thoroughness, precision, and support:

  • Comprehensive walkthrough: We will inspect every detail of your home to ensure everything meets our exacting standards. If anything requires attention, we’ll address it promptly.
  • Home Operations Manual: You’ll receive a detailed guide that includes maintenance tips, warranties, and instructions for using your home’s systems and features.
  • Ongoing support: We schedule follow-ups at 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year to ensure everything is performing as expected and to handle any minor adjustments that may arise after move-in.

Our goal is to ensure your home is move-in ready, with every detail perfectly in place and your peace of mind intact.

Why Hill & Harbor Design + Build is the
Builder of Choice for Rhode Island Clients

We Navigate the Red Tape, So You Don’t Have To
Rhode Island’s complex coastal permitting and historic district regulations can derail even the best-planned projects. With Hill & Harbor, you can rest easy knowing every aspect of compliance is handled by experts who specialize in overcoming these challenges. 

We Handle Everything from Start to Finish
From design to permitting to construction and interior design, we take care of every detail under one roof. There’s no need to juggle architects, engineers, designers and builders—we seamlessly orchestrate every phase, so you can focus on the excitement of creating your dream home. 

Fixed Pricing with No Surprises
While many builders rely on vague estimates, leading to costly overruns, our fixed-price contracts provide complete transparency. In fact, some of our clients finish under budget, thanks to our meticulous planning and commitment to efficiency. 

Streamlined Communication and Expert Guidance
From your first consultation to the final handover, you’ll have a dedicated point of contact guiding you through every stage. Our integrated approach means fewer headaches and faster results. 

Start Your Journey Today 
Transforming your home doesn’t have to be stressful. With Hill + Harbor Design & Build, you’ll enjoy a process that’s efficient, transparent, and enjoyable—delivering a fully custom home you’ll love for years to come. 

Book your Free Discovery Session today to learn how we can create your perfect plan and bring your vision to life — on time, on budget, and without the hassle.