A complete 2026 breakdown of what custom design-build remodeling actually costs in Middle Tennessee — and what you get for the investment.
Custom design-build remodel cost in Nashville, TN: $150,000–$700,000+.
Custom design-build remodeling projects in Middle Tennessee range from $150,000 for a significant single-space remodel to $700,000+ for a full whole-home renovation with all-custom elements. The design-build model integrates design and construction under one contract — you pay for a complete, managed process, not just the construction.
Custom design-build encompasses a range of project sizes. Here's how scope and investment relate in the Middle Tennessee market.
| Project Type | Typical Cost | What's Included |
|---|---|---|
| Custom Single-Space Remodel | $85,000–$175,000 | Custom kitchen or primary bath remodel with in-house design, 3D renderings, full material specification, and Brick & Beam construction management. Premium materials and custom cabinetry throughout. |
| Multi-Room Custom Renovation | $175,000–$400,000 | Custom design and renovation of multiple spaces — typically kitchen, primary bath, and 1–2 additional rooms — with cohesive design language, premium finishes, and custom built-ins or cabinetry throughout. |
| Whole-Home Custom Renovation | $400,000–$800,000+ | Comprehensive custom renovation of an entire home. Full architectural design, layout reconfiguration where needed, all-new systems, premium finishes in every room, custom cabinetry and millwork throughout, and complete project management from concept to completion. |
The design-build model bundles services that are often purchased separately in the traditional remodeling process. Understanding what's included helps explain the investment.
Architectural space planning, 3D renderings, and detailed material specifications are included in the design-build contract. In the traditional model, these are purchased separately from an architect or interior designer — typically at $150–$300/hour or 8–15% of construction cost.
One contract, one team, one point of contact for design and construction. There's no finger-pointing between your designer and your contractor when something doesn't work as planned — both are on the same team.
Because the design team and construction team are the same organization, design decisions are made with real cost data. You don't receive a design that looks beautiful on paper but is 40% over budget to build.
A design-build team guides you through selections for cabinetry, countertops, flooring, tile, fixtures, and hardware — and ensures every choice works together aesthetically and holds up over time. This replaces hours of self-directed research and the cost of independent design consultants.
The traditional design-bid-build process — hire architect, receive drawings, bid to contractors, select contractor, start construction — can take 12–18 months before a nail is driven. Design-build compresses this to 8–14 weeks from first consultation to construction start.
Custom design-build projects demand a different level of execution than standard remodeling. Tight tolerances for custom cabinetry installation, complex tile patterns, and custom millwork require craftspeople who specialize in this level of work.
The common assumption is that design-build costs more than the traditional model of hiring a designer separately and then bidding to contractors. In practice, the comparison is more nuanced.
In the traditional model, a homeowner pays an architect or designer 8–15% of construction cost for drawings and specifications, then bids those drawings to multiple contractors. The winning bid is typically the lowest price — which can reflect either an efficient contractor or one who has left out scope items that will become change orders.
In the design-build model, design and construction are priced together. The total cost is known before construction begins. Change orders happen less frequently because the designer and builder are the same team — they don't discover buildability problems after drawings are complete.
For complex, custom projects, most homeowners find the total cost and the final result comparable to or better than the traditional model — with significantly less stress and a shorter overall timeline.
Not every remodel requires a custom design-build approach. Here's how to think about when it makes sense.
Custom design-build is the right approach when: you want your spaces designed specifically for your family and how you live (not chosen from a catalog), you're making significant layout changes or reconfiguring how your home flows, you need someone to translate a vision into a buildable design, or you want premium materials and finishes with the assurance that everything will work together.
Standard remodeling — updating finishes within an existing layout with quality products — is often appropriate for projects that don't require design development. The key is matching the approach to the ambition of the project.
A typical custom design-build project moves through these phases:
All required permits are included in the Brick & Beam project scope. Permit fees are passed through at cost as part of the pre-construction budget.
Brick & Beam Homes serves Thompson's Station, Franklin, Brentwood, Nashville, Nolensville, Spring Hill, Murfreesboro, Columbia, and surrounding Williamson and Davidson County communities.