How We Work
From First Call
to Final Walkthrough
Every ORCA project follows the same proven process — transparent, communicative, and built around keeping you in control every step of the way.
Step by Step
The ORCA Process
Six phases, zero surprises. Click any step to see exactly what happens and when.
30–60 minutes
Free Consultation
We listen first. Always.
Every project begins with a conversation — not a sales pitch. John or Sarah personally meets you at your home or via video call to hear about your vision, understand your lifestyle, and ask the questions most contractors skip.
What We Do
- Walk through the space together and take notes
- Ask about how you actually use the rooms
- Share honest thoughts on scope and feasibility
- Give you a rough budget range on the spot
- Outline realistic timelines based on current workload
What You Do
- Show us your inspiration images or ideas
- Tell us your must-haves vs. nice-to-haves
- Share any past renovation experience (good or bad)
- Ask every question you have — no judgment, no rush
Deliverable
A clear sense of scope, ballpark budget, and whether we're the right fit for each other.
John & Sarah — ORCA Founders
Santa Barbara, CA · Est. 2013
200+
Projects Completed
Our Commitment
The ORCA Promise
These aren't just talking points — they're the standards we hold ourselves to on every single project. Ask any of our past clients.
Fixed-Price Contracts
Your proposal price is your project price. We absorb cost overruns from our own estimating errors — not from surprise change orders on your end.
Timeline Accountability
We commit to a schedule in writing and track it daily. If we fall behind due to anything in our control, we work weekends to make it up — at no extra cost.
Daily Communication
Photo updates every evening during active construction. You'll never wonder what happened today — or have to chase us down for an answer.
2-Year Workmanship Warranty
If something we built fails within two years due to workmanship, we come back and fix it. Full stop. No arguing, no fine print.
John or Sarah On Every Job
Not a project manager you've never met — John or Sarah is personally on-site for quality checks every single day. That's our commitment.
Clean Site, Every Day
Your home is still your home during construction. We clean up at the end of every workday and treat your space with the same care we'd give our own.
Common Questions
Process FAQ
The questions every homeowner should ask before hiring a contractor — and our honest answers.
Most kitchen renovations run 6–14 weeks depending on scope. A straightforward cabinet and countertop swap with no layout changes can be done in 5–6 weeks. A full gut-and-rebuild with new plumbing, electrical, and custom cabinetry is typically 10–14 weeks. We'll give you a precise timeline during the Design & Planning phase — and we hold ourselves to it.
Have a question we didn't answer?
Call John Directly — (805) 699-6381