Our Process

1. Design Readiness

   Before preliminary pricing or a site visit, we need:

   • Drawings, plans, or clearly defined inspiration
   • A general scope of work
   • A realistic budget range

   This information allows us to understand the project and prepare meaningful preliminary pricing.

2. Preliminary Pricing

   Using the information provided, UniMode prepares a Preliminary Proposal with concept-based pricing.

   This phase helps confirm that the proposed scope, design direction, and budget are generally aligned before either side invests further.

   At this stage:

   • Site measurements have not been completed
   • Engineering has not begun
   • Approval drawings are not included
   • Pricing reflects the design intent as presented

   Drawings, elevations, engineering documentation, and approval packages are developed during the Design & Engineering Engagement.

3. Design & Engineering Engagement

   After the Preliminary Proposal is accepted, the Design & Engineering Engagement begins.

   A 10% engagement fee is required to begin this phase. The fee is non-refundable and credited toward the final project price.

   The engagement includes:

   • Site measurement
   • Field verification
   • Design refinement
   • Engineering review
   • Approval drawings
   • One consolidated client/designer review and revision cycle

   All comments, questions, and requested changes for the included revision cycle must be submitted together in one written review.

   Additional revisions, piecemeal changes, layout changes, added scope, material or finish changes, hardware changes, accessory additions, or additional drafting and design time are billed at UniMode's current hourly design and engineering rate.

4. Final Scope & Contract

   After design and engineering are complete, the final scope is defined and pricing is confirmed or adjusted as required.

   A formal contract is then issued, and a 50% production deposit is collected to begin fabrication.

   Normal drawing updates required to reflect verified field dimensions and UniMode's engineering process are part of the project process. They are not treated as client-requested revisions or change orders.

   The client and designer review the field-verified drawings for final approval.

   This review confirms:

   • Dimensions
   • Engineering updates
   • Production readiness
   • Consistency with the agreed scope
   • Required materials, finishes, hardware, and selections

   This final approval is not an additional design revision cycle.

   Production does not begin until the final approval drawings and required selections are approved.

5. Fabrication & Installation

   All work is fabricated in our shop and installed professionally in accordance with the approved contract documents.

   Engineering, fabrication, finishing, and installation remain coordinated by UniMode from the approved drawings through final installation.

See the Work

Custom cabinetry and architectural millwork projects throughout the Chicago area, the North Shore, the western suburbs, Northwest Indiana, and select lakefront locations in Michigan.