Design-Build Blog

Behind the Build

Josh Holmgren Josh Holmgren

Design-Build vs. Traditional Building: What’s The Difference?

When you're planning a custom home or major renovation in Clark County, Washington, one of the most crucial decisions you'll make isn't about flooring or fixtures, it's about which construction approach will best serve your project. As a design-build contractor Clark County residents have trusted for over 11 years, Renew Design + Build has seen firsthand how this choice can make or break your building experience.

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Josh Holmgren Josh Holmgren

Avoiding Kitchen Remodeling Disasters: Red Flags and Warning Signs

Kitchen remodeling should be an exciting journey toward your dream space, not a nightmare of delays, cost overruns, and poor workmanship. Unfortunately, many Clark County homeowners learn the hard way that not all contractors deliver the quality and service they promise. Reading kitchen contractor reviews reveals a troubling pattern of projects gone wrong, but these disasters are preventable when you know what warning signs to watch for.

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Josh Holmgren Josh Holmgren

Why Quality Custom Homes Start at $1M in Vancouver, WA

We have a conversation at least once a month that goes something like this:

"We've been looking at custom home builders in Vancouver, and we're seeing prices all over the map. Some builders quote $300 per square foot, others $600+. Why such a huge difference?” It's a fair question. And the answer matters if you're planning to invest in a custom luxury home in Vancouver or anywhere in Clark County. Let's talk honestly about what separates a $500K custom home from a $2M custom home—and why understanding these differences protects your investment.

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Josh Holmgren Josh Holmgren

Luxury Custom Home Building in Camas, WA: What Homeowners Should Know

You know what we love about working in Camas? It's that moment when clients drive through town for the first time and you can see it click. The tree-lined streets. Kids biking to school. That gorgeous lake. Downtown with its historic character and coffee shops where people actually know your name. If you're thinking about building your dream home in Camas, let's talk about what makes this place unique and what you should know before you start.

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Josh Holmgren Josh Holmgren

Home Addition Contractors: How to Choose the Right One

Adding space to your Clark County home represents a significant investment in your family's future comfort and your property's value. Whether you're planning a second story addition, expanding your kitchen, or creating a new master suite, success depends entirely on selecting the right home addition contractor in Vancouver WA for your specific project needs.

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Josh Holmgren Josh Holmgren

Why Homeowners in Clark County Choose Design Build for Remodeling and Additions

Planning a remodel or home addition in Vancouver WA or Clark County? The process should be exciting not overwhelming. But when you’re managing separate contractors, designers, and timelines, things can get confusing fast. But, if you've ever worked with multiple contractors and designers, you know how quickly things can get complicated.

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Josh Holmgren Josh Holmgren

Is It Better to Buy or Build a Home in SW Washington?

Building a custom home means partnering with a trusted firm (we believe in the design‑build model) from concept through construction. We help shape everything, from floor plans and finishes to timelines shaped around your life, not ours. This gives you clarity, ownership, and peace of mind, something that rarely comes with resale homes.

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Josh Holmgren Josh Holmgren

Key Questions to Ask When Choosing a Custom Home Builder in Vancouver

A custom home is more than a place to live. It is a reflection of your values, your lifestyle, and your long term vision for how you want to live in the Vancouver area. Whether you are building on land you already own or starting from the ground up, choosing the right custom home builder in Vancouver WA is one of the most important decisions you will make. At Renew Design + Build, we work with homeowners who value thoughtful design, quality craftsmanship, and a collaborative process. If you are beginning your search for a builder, here are five questions to ask that will help you make a confident and informed decision.

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Josh Holmgren Josh Holmgren

What to Know Before Starting a Home Addition in Clark County

Expanding your home is a big decision. Whether you need more space for a growing family, want to add a guest suite, or are ready to build the dream kitchen that finally fits everyone during the holidays, a home addition can bring long term value and comfort. At Renew Design + Build, we work with homeowners across Clark County who want to add thoughtful, functional space without sacrificing the integrity of their existing home. If you’re considering a home addition in Vancouver or the surrounding area, here are a few things you should know before getting started.

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Josh Holmgren Josh Holmgren

Ideas for Vancouver Homes: Maximizing Outdoor Living Spaces

Living in the Pacific Northwest means being surrounded by stunning natural beauty, and for homeowners in Vancouver, WA, outdoor living spaces are an essential part of enjoying the region’s unique lifestyle. Whether it’s hosting summer barbecues, relaxing with a cup of coffee on a crisp fall morning, or gathering around a fire pit on a cool evening, a well-designed outdoor space can transform your home and enhance your connection to the outdoors. At Renew Design + Build, we’ve helped many Vancouver homeowners create outdoor spaces that are both functional and beautiful, designed to suit the local climate and lifestyle. Let’s explore some ideas to help you make the most of your outdoor living space.

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Josh Holmgren Josh Holmgren

What Are the Most Common Remodeling Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)?

Remodeling your home is an exciting opportunity to transform your space and create something that truly fits your lifestyle. But without the right planning and guidance, it can also be a stressful and costly experience. At Renew Design + Build, we’ve seen it all—both the successes and the challenges homeowners face when tackling a remodel. To help you avoid common pitfalls, we’ve put together a list of the most frequent remodeling mistakes and how to steer clear of them. With the right approach, your remodel can be smooth, stress-free, and everything you’ve dreamed of.

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Josh Holmgren Josh Holmgren

How Do You Prepare a House for Remodeling?

Planning a home renovation is both exciting and time-consuming, but proper preparation is key to ensuring a smooth and successful project. Whether you’re updating a single room or tackling a full-scale remodel, taking the time to prepare your home (and yourself) can save you time, money, and stress. At Renew Design + Build, we’ve guided many homeowners through the renovation process, and we know that preparation is the foundation of a successful project. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get your house ready for renovation.

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Josh Holmgren Josh Holmgren

Remodel vs Rebuild: The Ultimate Decision Guide For Homeowners

You're standing in your kitchen, looking up at that water stain on the ceiling that's been growing for months. The layout is cramped, the floors creak, and the bathroom feels like it's stuck in 1982. You love your neighborhood, but your home just isn't working anymore. Now you're facing that pivotal question: Should you remodel your existing home or tear it down and start fresh?

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Josh Holmgren Josh Holmgren

How to Add Value to Your Home with a Remodel or Addition

Your home is more than just a place to live—it’s an investment, a reflection of your personality, and a space where memories are made. Whether you’re planning to sell in the future or simply want to enhance your living experience, a well-thought-out remodel or addition can significantly increase your home’s value. But where do you start? At Renew Design + Build, we’ve guided many homeowners through this process, helping them make smart decisions that maximize both functionality and return on investment. Let’s explore how remodeling or adding to your home can boost its value and create a space you’ll love for years to come.

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Josh Holmgren Josh Holmgren

Top Modern Kitchen Design Trends for 2025

Kitchens are the heart of any home. They are where families gather, meals are prepared, and memories are made. In custom homes, the kitchen design is especially important. It reflects your style and meets your needs for functionality. As a design-build remodeler, we spend a lot of time on kitchen designs and ideas. As we look ahead to 2025, we see some design features becoming popular. These features not only enhance the kitchen's look but also improve how it works. Take a look at some of the kitchen design trends that we've been installing in our luxury kitchen projects, and see if you get some ideas for your new home or remodel.

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Josh Holmgren Josh Holmgren

What is a General Contractor and How Do They Manage Your Project?

When I talk with people looking to hire a general contractor in Clark County, they often have questions about how we get involved and what parts of the project we typically handle. Whether you’ve heard the term before or are new to it, understanding the specific type of contractor to hire is essential to ensuring your project runs smoothly from start to finish. If you're preparing to build a home, you might have many of the same questions. This post will break down the responsibilities of a general contractor and explain how they manage your project effectively.

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Josh Holmgren Josh Holmgren

How to Choose the Best Contractor for Your Home Renovation

Whether you’re planning a small update or a major remodeling project, finding the right contractor is crucial. With so many options out there, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But don’t worry—we’ve got you covered! In this guide, we'll walk you through the different types of contractors you could hire and help you find the right contractor for your project.

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Josh Holmgren Josh Holmgren

How Long Does a Home Renovation Take to Complete?

One of the most common concerns homeowners have is the timeline for completing a renovation and how long they'll be displaced from key areas of their home. Will I be able to use my kitchen? Will we have access to water and electricity? Home renovations can be disruptive, but understanding the typical timeline can help you plan better.

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Josh Holmgren Josh Holmgren

General Contractor and Design-Build Contractor: What's the Difference?

The word “contractor” is often used to describe anyone who drives a pickup truck with tools in the back. Framers, drywallers, electricians, concrete workers, are all sometimes referred to by the generic title of “contractor.” And while all of these companies may do some of the work on a project, not ever contractor is prepared to help with the design, coordination, and delivery of a new home or an extensive remodel. When it's time to start planning a custom home, it can be hard to know who you should call. What type of contractor is right for your project? Here's what you should know.

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