Renovations Done Right—from Vision to Completion

Design + Build Renovation Services

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Bring professional design and construction together from the beginning for clearer decisions, fewer surprises, and a finished space that truly works for your life.
Professional Design + Build Renovations

One Clear Vision From First Idea to Final Detail

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A successful renovation is more than construction—it is hundreds of decisions, moving parts, timelines, and details that need to come together perfectly. Total Renovations combines professional design with construction from the beginning so your project stays clear, coordinated, and aligned with the way you live.
Professional Design Guidance
Buildable, Realistic Plans
Design & Trade Coordination
Clear Direction From Day One

Why Combine Design + Construction?

Close the Gap Between the Vision and the Finished Space

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Without the right guidance, it is easy to feel overwhelmed, second-guess choices, or end up with a space that looks good—but does not truly work for your life. You want clarity. You want confidence. You want a finished space that feels right the moment you walk into it. That is exactly what our Design + Build approach delivers.

Most renovation problems happen in the gap between design and execution. Plans may not translate well on-site. Missed details can lead to costly changes. Decisions made too late can slow everything down, and the finished space may not fully meet expectations.

By integrating professional design into the renovation process from the beginning, we eliminate those gaps. The result is clearer direction, better and faster decision-making, fewer surprises during construction, and a smoother renovation experience from concept to completion.

Complete Design + Build Services
Coordinated Under One Renovation Team

When you choose to include design services in your renovation, every major decision is considered before construction begins and every detail is coordinated with the people responsible for building it.

vision project discovery
Vision & Project Discovery
We begin by understanding your lifestyle, habits, needs, goals, and the way you want your renovated home to feel and function.
space planning and layout design
Space Planning & Layout
Layouts are developed around movement, storage, comfort, proportion, and practical daily use—not simply appearance.
selections finishes
Selections & Finishes
Receive guidance through colours, materials, fixtures, surfaces, millwork, and finishes so every choice supports one cohesive vision.
buildable design plans
Buildable Design Plans
Plans are realistic, well thought-out, and coordinated with construction requirements before the renovation moves on-site.
design trade coordination
Design & Trade Coordination
Ongoing coordination keeps designers, project managers, and trades working from the same information throughout the build.
completion handover
Completion & Handover
The final space is reviewed as a complete whole so the details, function, and intended feeling carry through to completion.
How Your Design + Build Renovation Works
Our 4-Step Process
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Our coordinated process keeps decisions organized and gives the design and construction teams one clear direction from the first conversation through the final walkthrough.

1.
Discovery & Consultation
We discuss your project, lifestyle, priorities, needs, and the challenges you want the renovation to solve.
2.
Design & Selections
A cohesive design direction is developed, and you receive guidance through the choices that shape the finished space. Already have a designer or architect? Our team is happy to build from your existing plans.
3.
Planning & Construction
Plans, details, and selections are coordinated with the construction team before and throughout the renovation.
4.
Final Review & Handover
We review the completed work and ensure the finished home reflects the vision established at the beginning.
What This Means for Your Renovation

When you work with our team, you are not left figuring things out on your own. Including design services ensures your renovation is aligned from concept to completion.

You receive a clear, cohesive vision before construction begins, guidance through every selection and decision, and ongoing coordination between design and trades.

Clear Guidance at Every Stage
A clear, cohesive vision before construction begins
Guidance through every important selection and decision
Plans that are buildable, realistic, and well thought-out
Ongoing coordination between design and trades
Who This Service Is For

This service is ideal if you feel overwhelmed by the number of decisions involved, want to avoid costly mistakes, or value thoughtful, personalized design rather than cookie-cutter results.

It is also a strong fit when you care equally about how your home looks and how it functions. The result is a renovation that feels intentional and a home that feels like it was designed for you—because it was.

No disconnect. No guesswork. No expensive backtracking.

Decisions Coordinated Before Construction Begins
The Design + Build approach brings the key pieces of your renovation together early, reducing late decisions and helping construction move forward with greater clarity.
Cohesive Vision
The layout, materials, finishes, fixtures, and details are considered together rather than selected as disconnected pieces.
Timely Selections
Important choices are made at the right stage so construction is not delayed by unresolved design decisions.
Practical Function
The finished space is planned around your lifestyle and daily routines, not just how the room appears in photographs.
Buildable Details
Design ideas are reviewed with construction requirements in mind so the plans can be executed realistically on-site.
Trade Coordination
Design information is carried through to the trades responsible for construction, installation, and finishing.
Fewer Surprises
Better planning reduces missed details, rushed choices, change orders, and costly backtracking during the build.

Why Choose Total Renovations for Design + Build Services

One coordinated team keeps the renovation focused on the original vision while helping you move through complex decisions with greater confidence.

one coordinated renovation team
One Coordinated Team
Design, planning, construction, and trade coordination move forward as one connected renovation process.
clear renovation decisions
Clearer Decisions
Professional guidance makes complex choices easier to understand, compare, and complete at the right time.
practical buildable renovation design
Practical, Buildable Design
Creative ideas are balanced with the practical requirements of the home, budget, materials, and construction.
personalized renovation design
Personalized Results
Your renovated home is shaped around the people who live there rather than a generic or duplicated design formula.
Meet Your Designer
Charlene J Smith
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Interior Designer · Renovation Coordinator
Meet Your Designer Charlene J Smith

In a world full of generic, duplicated interiors, Charlene helps clients go beyond “basic” to create homes that are truly personal.

With over 20 years of experience, she brings a rare combination of creativity and practicality—designing spaces that are not only beautiful, but deeply functional for the way you live.

Charlene believes that when your home is designed intentionally, it supports your daily life, reduces stress, and elevates your overall well-being.

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Understanding your lifestyle, habits, and needs
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Timeless, customized design solutions
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Complex decisions made simple and manageable
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Beautiful spaces that function for daily life
Homeowner reviews
4.9 stars across verified Google reviews.
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Vancouver homeowners who entrusted us with their biggest investment — and what they had to say afterwards. Every review on this site is verified and linked to a real Google profile.
Delivered our full-home reno on time and on the original quote. No surprise change-orders. The PM texted photos every Friday — best contractor experience we've had in Vancouver.
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Sarah K.
Kitsilano - Full-Home
Renovation
We added a legal basement suite to help with the mortgage. They handled every City of Burnaby permit. Tenant-ready in 12 weeks — now rents for $2,300/mo. They paid for themselves.
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Mike & Rita G.
Burnaby - Legal
Secondary Suite
Our 1970s ensuite became a spa. Heated floors, walk-in shower, custom vanity. The design studio nailed our vision and the trades were respectful of our home every single day.
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Jenny L.
North Vancouver
Bathroom
Get a fixed quote
in one business hour
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Tell us about your project. A senior estimator — not a call-centre — replies the same business day with a ballpark, realistic timeline, and next steps. No pressure. No spam.
Request Your Free Quote
Where we work
From Surrey to Vancouver, White Rock and Burnaby.
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Total Renovations, a trusted renovation company located in Surrey, proudly works with homeowners across the Lower Mainland, offering comprehensive renovation services designed to enhance the comfort, functionality, and value of their homes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Design + Build Total Renos
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Helpful answers for homeowners considering a coordinated renovation from the first idea to the final detail.
What are Design + Build renovation services? j
Design + Build renovation services bring professional design, planning, construction, and trade coordination together from the beginning so the renovation follows one clear vision from concept to completion.
Why combine design and construction? i
How can design services reduce costly changes? i
What does Charlene J Smith help with? i
Is Design + Build right for my renovation? i
Will the design plans be realistic and buildable? i
How do I get started with Total Renos? i