Process

At Black Cat design build, process is crucial

To get a great project, you need a solid plan. Here at Black Cat, we start by listening to you, to gain a thorough understanding of what you want to achieve. Once we understand the goals of the project, we utilize our expertise and talents to design your project, and create a detailed plan. Then, we follow through with skilled carpenters and quality-minded subcontractors to build out your project just the way we planned it.

We create detailed construction documents for every project, including plans and written specifications. We review this with our clients and get buy-in before starting the actual construction. This way, all the materials can be ordered and secured in a timely manner and construction flows without waiting on undecided details. We schedule the project with enough time to do the tasks correctly, but without undue downtime. It’s important to have the project build out as efficiently as possible, because this not only minimizes wasted time and disruption, it also reduces cost.

Chris oversees all of the work on the projects personally, and we have regular and frequent communication with our clients, to keep them advised of the pertinent details.

Creative
Maybe you know what you want to achieve, but aren’t sure how best to make it happen? Or, maybe there’s a problem that needs to be solved in order to create what you want? We have years of experience and plenty of creative problem solving skills to bring to every project. Sometimes the solution is outside-the-box, and sometimes it’s a simple thing, but regardless, we always talk through options and make sure our clients are involved to come up with the best solutions to suit them.
Caring
This is your home we are working on, and we know it’s important to you. We respect that, and approach our work like we would for our own home - with thoughtful detail and quality work. Above all else, the care we extend is the reason why we have clients that come back to us, and refer us to friends and family.
Collaborative
Our primary collaboration is with our clients, to make sure they are involved and getting the project that they really want. We also collaborate with our subcontractors and suppliers. The exchange of ideas, knowledge and expertise all contribute to making the projects better. Occasionally, our clients might bring an outside designer, architect or other professional to be part the team, and we enjoy that, too.

Services

Currently serving Clark County (Vancouver, Camas, Washougal, Battle Ground, Ridgefield, Felida)
  • Design/Build Renovations
  • Kitchens
  • Baths
  • Remodeling
  • Additions

Services - Design/Build RenovationsThe benefit of using a design/build approach for your renovation is efficiency. With every renovation project, there are some constraints (available space, budget, timing, zoning compliance, etc…), and there is also the consideration of the existing structure. Because the impact to the existing structure needs to be considered, and because home renovations have a different basis for establishing costs (compared to new homes), it’s crucial to have the input from the construction team during the design phase.

We have a strong record of successful design/build projects, often with great outcomes from our creative thinking that a conventional builder would not have come up with. And, because we are design/build, the project development moves faster with much fewer false starts (both budget and practicality) than what you might experience with a design-only service.

Services - KitchensKitchens are the heart of the home, and most modern kitchens need to serve a multitude of functions. Besides being a place to cook, kitchens are frequently the central gathering spot for the home. We have the expertise to make sure your kitchen is functional, has efficient storage, and is also a comfortable, stylish place to gather with family and friends.

We understand all the aspects of crafting the optimal kitchen, from integrating the latest cooking appliances, to navigating through the huge spectrum of materials and finish options, to lighting and technology integration, and more. With the experience of creating literally hundreds of kitchens, we can help you with your kitchen, too.

Services - BathsBathroom renovations and upgrades are very popular. Whether you just need to freshen up your fixtures and finishes, or you want to create an all-out spa experience at home, we can help.

Improved storage, more luxurious showers and more relaxing tubs are some of the most common things that our clients ask us about. We have designed and built creative solutions for bathrooms of all shapes and sizes.

Services - RemodelingEven if your project does not require changes to the layout, it can still benefit from being well organized, closely managed and precisely constructed with quality materials. At Black Cat, we do this with every single project, regardless of size or complexity. Thorough specifications and written schedules before construction gets underway help everyone be clear about expectations. Frequent communication and quality work support trust. Doing what we say we are going to do and tending to the details bring the projects to a successful conclusion (more happy clients!).

Services - AdditionsIt is our opinion that the best additions are integrated so well that you really can’t tell what was added or where the addition starts. The key to achieving this kind of result is great design and careful planning….and, all of that starts with really listening to you, our client, and understanding what you need.

While adding on to your home can mean several months of construction, we plan the work carefully and we have built many additions through to a weather-tight shell before cutting into the walls of the existing home. This helps minimize disruption, mess, noise and exposure to weather.


What People are saying (hover over paragraph to pause the scrolling)

Chris and his team were very professional. I had the concept and they had the plan. After explaining what I had in mind he sent me to the right places to look pick out items for the bathroom remodel. His subs were very experienced and I had confidence in their craftsmanship. He kept the project on schedule and upon completion we were left with a very slick and updated bathroom.

houzz.com
Jared Perez

Client Review

We have worked on many projects with Chris as the electrical contractor and are always very pleased with his attention to detail and the quality and craftsmanship of his crews work. We also like that he respects a schedule and sticks to it the best that he can. He is great at communicating and following up which makes it nice for all parties involved.

houzz.com
Kitchen Electric

Colleague Testimonial

Chris Miller is Black Cat Designs. He designed our 1900s kitchen to bring it updated but kept it with the period of the house. He did the same with our upstairs bathroom. He also designed and is advising me how to direct contractors for a quilting studio that is nicely blending with our 100-year old home. I will always work with Chris. I trust his judgment as he is clear why something would or may not work. I trust his integrity and work ethic. Excellent work.

houzz.com
pollyanna66

Client Review

I have had the opportunity to work with Chris on two projects over the last year. The first project was an extensive remodel on the exterior and interior of my house. The job could not have gone better. The work was done in a timely manor and top quality installation. The second job was for my businesses show room remodel. Chris had great ideas and designs that set the place off. We have received several comments on how good it looks from customers. I would highly recommend Chris on your next project!

houzz.com
ESP Supply Inc

Client Review

Chris Miller has been our design-build choice for over 12 years now. He has added a covered veranda to our home, remodeled our kitchen and just upgraded our master bath with a custom tile shower room and more. We chose him initially because he was the only designer we interviewed who really listened to us and designed what we asked for. Through all our projects over the years, he has consistently performed: communications are frequent, work is done on time and in budget, subs are excellent, work is top quality. We have complete trust in his design sense and planning skills, and he has never disappointed us. We wouldn't do a house project without Chris. With him, we always get exactly what we want. Plus, he is fun to work with!

houzz.com
dadkin

Client Review

Over the years, Chris Miller has designed many areas of our home--our incredible kitchen, our glorious bathroom as well as my quilting studio from start-to-finish. I trust his taste and choices, his integrity, and his work ethic. Chris Miller is da bomb.

google.com
Doris Werkman

Client Review