Facebook-f Instagram Pinterest Houzz

Navigating Home Renovation: A Guide to Planning and Expectations | C3 Studio

Embarking on a home renovation can be a fantastic option for homeowners who appreciate the value of a great location or a solid foundation that can be improved with thoughtful planning. For clients with the foresight to consider this route, a well-executed renovation can breathe new life into a space while maximizing its potential.

Understanding the Renovation Process

In our experience, there is often a greater disparity between initial cost and time expectations for home renovation projects compared to custom home designs. Before committing to a renovation, it’s essential to follow a few critical steps to ensure the project aligns with both your vision and budget.

1. Consult with an Architectural Designer

The first step in any home renovation is consulting with an architectural designer. They will assess how long the design process is likely to take based on the scope of your renovation. Many clients are surprised to learn that the time investment for renovation design can rival that of custom home designs, both in terms of duration and cost.

2. Prepare for the Design Process

One common hurdle in home renovation projects is the lack of original house plans. Without these, time must be invested in measuring the existing structure to create “as-built” drawings, a process that can take an average of 15 to 20 hours, depending on the complexity of the home.

Once the as-built drawings are in hand, the real design work begins. At this stage, your designer will create conceptual sketches for your review. This phase involves a lot of back-and-forth, tweaking, and refining until the concepts align with your vision. Ideally, this process won’t drag on too long, but it’s crucial to take the necessary time to get it right.

3. Construction Drawings and Permits

After finalizing the conceptual designs, the next step is developing construction drawings. These detailed plans are necessary for both securing permits and guiding the actual construction process. Depending on the extent of your home renovation, this can be a significant time investment.

We generally advise clients to expect the architectural drawings to represent around 10% of the total construction budget. Additionally, the process of completing the drawings can take a couple of months, depending on the complexity of the renovation.

The Value of Detailed Construction Drawings

While the cost and time involved in creating architectural drawings may seem substantial, they are an investment in the success of your home renovation. A comprehensive set of construction drawings ensures that the final result is not only beautiful and functional but also efficient in terms of both time and cost. Clear plans help avoid costly surprises and delays during the build phase, making the entire renovation process smoother.

Collaborating with Builders and Interior Designers

It’s also vital to involve your builder and interior designer from the very start of the project. By obtaining initial pricing estimates from your builder and interior designer, you’ll have a more accurate understanding of the potential costs involved in the renovation. Collaboration between the architectural designer, builder, and interior designer is crucial to keeping the project on budget and ensuring all elements of the renovation work seamlessly together.

Ultimately, the success of any home renovation is dictated by a combination of expertly designed plans and their execution by skilled professionals. When these elements come together, the result is a space that not only meets but exceeds expectations.

To discuss whether a home renovation project may be right for you, contact us at 865 309-4461 or hello@c3studiollc.com.

No Comments

Post A Comment

Latest Posts

Get In Touch

Share:
Facebook Instagram Pinterest Houzz

Quick Links

Collections

Contact Us

© C3 Studio, LLC All Rights Reserved | View Our Privacy Policy
Rylen Huddy
Rylen Huddy is a Junior Architect at C3 Studio, blending a strong academic background with several years of hands-on experience. While officially joining the team full-time a year ago, Rylen spent over five years as an intern with C3 Studio, contributing to a wide variety of projects and becoming an integral part of the studio’s collaborative culture. He holds a Master’s in Architecture from Andrews University. He draws inspiration from regional architectural influences, allowing the setting and the client’s goals to shape the direction of each project.
Originally from the Lowcountry of South Carolina, Rylen brings a driven, energetic approach to his work. A former collegiate soccer player and two-time Academic All-American, he’s currently pursuing architectural licensure and enjoys an active lifestyle that includes soccer, hockey, skiing, and cheering on the Tennessee Vols.
Brian Lundberg
Brian is a senior draftsman at C3 Studio, bringing over two decades of experience in both design and construction. With a background in marine science and secondary science education, his unconventional path into architecture began with hands-on experience—framing houses in the Chicago area while taking night courses in AutoCAD.
Brian’s career has been shaped by both the technical and practical sides of home building. He spent years drafting for design firms before working as a licensed contractor in Tennessee, specializing in design-build projects. Now, with five years at C3 Studio, he focuses on refining plans from final design to construction documents, ensuring structural feasibility, code compliance, and seamless coordination with builders and engineers.
Passionate about thoughtful, lasting design, Brian enjoys the challenge of balancing aesthetics with buildability. His attention to construction details and drafting standards helps bring C3’s innovative and diverse designs to life. When he’s not at his desk, you’ll find him hiking, spending time with family, or enjoying life on the water.
Teresa Bolden
Teresa Bolden brings nearly 30 years of experience in the architectural field, specializing in residential design. She honed her skills through both formal training at TN State Area Vocational School and extensive on-the-job experience, developing a deep understanding of drafting and architectural planning.
At C3 Studio, Teresa is known for her dedication to detail and her passion for creating homes that are both functional and beautiful. She thrives in the collaborative environment of the firm, working closely with the team to bring thoughtful residential designs to life.
Outside of work, Teresa enjoys spending time with family and friends and cheering on the UT Volunteers.
Amy Enderle

Amy Enderle plays a pivotal role at C3 Studio, ensuring that every aspect of the business runs smoothly. As Operations Manager, she oversees key functions such as accounting, legal, human resources, and marketing, all while maintaining a client-first approach. Often the first point of contact, Amy ensures that each client’s journey begins with clarity, professionalism, and a seamless experience.

Her dedication to streamlining communication and optimizing internal processes allows C3 Studio to operate efficiently and effectively. With a meticulous attention to detail and a forward-thinking mindset, Amy not only supports the firm’s growth but also enhances the overall client experience. Her ability to balance operational precision with a personal touch makes her an integral part of the C3 Studio team.
Kevin Fresse
Born in New Jersey and raised in Puerto Rico, Kevin Fresse developed an early appreciation for architecture that blends culture, history, and functionality. He earned a Master of Architecture and a Bachelor of Science in Architecture from Andrews University.
For over 10 years, Kevin has been a key part of C3 Studio, specializing in custom single-family homes and sustainable, pedestrian-friendly master-planned communities. Inspired by the historic charm of Savannah, Charleston, and New Orleans, his work focuses on blending timeless elegance with modern functionality to create homes that are both beautiful and livable. His designs have been featured in Southern Living House Plans, reflecting his expertise in crafting homes that stand the test of time.
Andrew Reece
With nearly two decades in the design field, Andrew Reece is integral to C3 Studio’s development work, specializing in land planning, amenity design, and residential projects. Holding a Master’s degree in Architecture from Andrews University, his expertise spans townhomes, single-family homes, and multi-plex designs, ensuring that each project is both functional and community-focused.
Andrew has worked extensively in neighborhood planning, helping shape thriving, well-connected communities. One of his most compelling projects was the Papillion development in Myrtle Beach, where he played a key role in transforming an abandoned hospital site into a vibrant pocket neighborhood. His ability to blend smart planning with innovative design makes him an essential part of the C3 Studio team.
Jennifer Dawson
For over 10 years, Jennifer Dawson has been an integral part of C3 Studio, specializing in single-family custom home design. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Housing and Design from Tennessee Technological University and brings extensive experience in crafting homes that reflect her clients’ unique visions and personal styles.
Jennifer is passionate about making dream homes a reality, guiding clients through every step of the design process to create beautiful, livable spaces. Her ability to balance timeless elegance with functional design was showcased in one of her most notable projects—the design of a Southern Living Showcase Home. Whether working on traditional or contemporary homes, Jennifer’s expertise ensures each project is thoughtfully tailored to fit the homeowner’s lifestyle.
Bruce Bankhead
Bruce Bankhead has been a key designer at C3 Studio for over a decade, bringing extensive expertise in custom home design. With a Master’s in Architecture from Andrews University, he is inspired by classic architecture, which influences both his traditional and modern designs
Bruce specializes in creating timeless and livable spaces, drawing inspiration from both historic and contemporary styles. His work has been featured in Southern Living House Plans, showcasing his expertise in thoughtful and authentic residential design. Whether designing a traditional estate or a modern retreat, Bruce is dedicated to crafting homes that are as beautiful as they are functional, tailored to the unique needs of each client.
Greg Huddy
Greg Huddy is the driving force behind C3 Studio, bringing a wealth of architectural expertise and a deep passion for thoughtful home design. With a Master’s in Architecture from Clemson University, Greg founded the firm with a clear vision—to create homes that blend timeless beauty with modern functionality.
His approach to design is rooted in both tradition and innovation, allowing him to craft homes that feel both classic and contemporary, tailored for the way people live today. Greg’s leadership ensures that every project upholds the highest standards of quality, creativity, and livability, inspiring both his team and clients alike. Whether working on a custom residence, a Build-to-Rent community, or a renovation, his expertise shapes homes that stand the test of time, offering both elegance and practicality.