the haven experience
what it's like to work with us
what you might be wondering
Planning
How far in advance should we reach out?
what happens at the consultation?
what should we prepare before reaching out?
how soon can you start?
Good projects take time, and the best ones start with thoughtful planning. Ideally, contact us several months before you'd like to begin. This gives us time to explore your goals, create a clear design plan, and ensure every detail aligns before work begins.
Our consultation is a time to dive deeper into your project: to discuss your goals, lifestyle needs, design inspirations, and investment. We'll also walk through the space, take measurements and photos, and consider how the room will flow with the rest of your home. It's a chance to explore possibilities, answer your questions, and make sure we're the right team to bring your vision to life.
A general sense of your goals, style, and desired investment is helpful, along with any inspiration photos you've gathered. Don't worry if you aren't sure yet — we're here to help refine your vision and guide you through the process.
We'll discuss our current schedule during your consultation and map out a realistic start date based on your design needs, permitting, and ordering materials.
what areas do you serve?
We're based in Cape Elizabeth and proudly serve surrounding coastal Maine communities. If you're outside this area, reach out — we're happy to discuss possibilities.
design
construction
expectations
investment
can you help up choose materials and finishes?
Absolutely. Guiding you through selections is one of the ways we ensure your home feels cohesive and functional. From tile and countertops to paint colors and fixtures, we curate options that align beautifully with your style and budget.
can we stay involved in design decisions?
Always. This is a collaboration — your tastes and priorities are at the heart of every choice. Together, we'll create a space that feels unmistakably yours.
can you work with materials or fixtures we've already purchased?
Sometimes, yes. We find the best results come from selecting materials together to ensure quality, proper quantities, and a seamless design. We're happy to discuss what you have and see how it fits into the plan.
What if I don't know exactly what I want yet?
That's perfectly okay, and it's one of the most common starting points. Part of our process is helping you uncover what you love and what will serve your life best. We'll guide you through inspiration images, material samples, and thoughtful questions to shape a design that feels right.
Planning
design
construction
expectations
investment
Planning
design
construction
expectations
investment
Who manages the work?
Unlike many firms that subcontract everything, Kyle personally oversees and completes much of the work on site. Your project benefits from skilled hands, discerning eyes, and a level of care that's hard to find.
Will we need to move out during the renovation?
It depends on your project's scope. For larger projects — especially bathrooms and kitchens — we recommend finding alternative accommodations to keep life running smoothly and minimize stress. If your home doesn't have a second bathroom, staying elsewhere during a bathroom remodel becomes essential. We're happy to discuss your specific situation and help determine what makes the most sense for your family.
do you work specific hours?
We typically keep a consistent weekday schedule so you always know when to expect us. We'll communicate start and end times clearly and respect your routine as much as possible.
Do you handle everything, or will other trades be involved?
Kyle manages and completes much of the work himself, especially carpentry and tile, but we also bring in trusted electricians, plumbers, and other specialists as needed. Rest assured, everything stays under our careful oversight.
What should we do to prepare before construction begins?
We'll provide a daily prep checklist, but in general you'll want to clear the space, nearby areas, and walkways of furniture and personal items, safely store valuables, and plan for pets and children to be kept away from work zones.
Planning
design
construction
expectations
investment
How will we communicate during the project?
We believe clear, frequent communication is key. We set up a dedicated project hub that serves as your go-to space for updates, check-ins, questions, and approvals. You'll always know what's happening next.
How long will our renovation take?
Timelines vary based on the scope and complexity of the project, as well as the current state of the home. After your consultation, we'll provide a general timeline estimate and keep you informed as things progress. While we always aim to stay on schedule, there are always unknowns, and we'll communicate openly if any delays arise.
How disruptive will the renovation be?
While we do everything we can to minimize the impact, renovations are inherently disruptive. Expect noise, dust, and some limitations to your space. That said, we're mindful of your home and routine.
what happens if there are delays?
Renovations can sometimes face unexpected hiccups, from weather to backordered materials to issues uncovered in demolition. We keep you informed every step of the way, adjust schedules transparently, and work diligently to keep your project on track.
Planning
design
construction
expectations
investment
What does a typical project cost?
Pricing varies widely based on scope and scale. After your consultation, we prepare a detailed estimate tailored to your needs, reflecting the scale of the project, the craftsmanship involved, and thoughtfully selected materials and finishes. This ensures your investment aligns with your priorities and the quality we're known for.
Can we make changes during the project?
We always aim to finalize plans before work begins to keep your project running smoothly and on time. That said, if ideas evolve, we're here to discuss them and can create change orders as needed, so you stay in control of your vision and investment.
Do you recommend including a contingency?
Yes. Even with careful planning, renovations can uncover surprises, especially in older homes. We always encourage setting aside a contingency, typically around 15-20% of your project investment, to cover any unforeseen issues or adjustments. This helps keep your project running smoothly and protects you from added stress if something unexpected arises.