Residential Design Services in Monroe, CT
Professional Planning That Sets Every Project Up for Success
Serving homeowners throughout Fairfield County
5-Star Reputation
30+ Years Experience
300+ Clients Served
“Welcome to Choate Builders. Since 1996, we’ve helped homeowners take on complex remodeling projects with confidence, clarity, and a process that puts design first.
I’m Paul Choate. I’ve spent more than 30 years in residential construction, and over that time Choate Builders has grown from a small operation into a structured design-build company with a dedicated team overseeing design, planning, and construction. Today, our work is guided by experience, accountability, and a belief that great results come from doing the hard thinking before a single tool comes out.
Every Choate Builders project begins with design. We take preparation seriously, embrace challenging ideas, and plan every detail so construction runs smoothly and homeowners know exactly what to expect. It’s a responsibility we don’t take lightly, and it’s how we deliver work we’re proud to put our name on.”
Paul Choate
Owner, Choate Builders
Our Residential Design-Build Services
Design Services
Start With a Plan That Gives You Confidence
Our design services are available for both design-only projects and full design/build work. We help homeowners think through layout, materials, budgets, and feasibility before construction decisions are made. This approach provides clarity, reduces risk, and creates a strong foundation for a successful project.
- Design-Only or Design/Build Options: Flexibility based on your needs.
- Real-World Experience: Designs informed by decades of construction knowledge.
- Clear Documentation: Plans that support accurate pricing and smoother execution.
Basement Remodeling
Transform Unused Space Into Livable Square Footage
Basement remodeling unlocks space that is often underutilized or unfinished. We help homeowners turn basements into comfortable living areas by addressing layout, moisture control, lighting, and ceiling heights early in the design process. The result is a space that feels like a true extension of your home.
- Design Solutions for Constraints: Smart planning around structure, utilities, and height.
- Comfort-Focused Planning: Lighting, insulation, and finishes designed for everyday use.
- End-to-End Responsibility: One team managing design, construction, and coordination.
“Paul Choate and his team helped me get over my previous design/build PTSD…
…and rebuild more than just my space, but my faith in contractors too. I could not be more happy with the professionalism, the work, the process, the attention to detail and the results. On a scale of 1 to 10, I give him an 11.”
-Monica R.
(via Google Review)
Bathroom Remodeling
Turn Everyday Routines Into a Better Experience
Bathroom remodeling is about comfort, efficiency, and long-term reliability. We design bathrooms that feel calm, functional, and well thought out, with careful attention to layout, waterproofing, and material choices. Our process ensures the space is fully planned before work begins, reducing disruption and surprises.
- Detail-Driven Design: Layouts and systems planned before construction starts.
- Durable Construction Methods: Built to perform well for years, not just look good.
- Respect for Your Home: Clean job sites and clear expectations throughout the project.
Home Additions
Add Space That Feels Like It Always Belonged
A home addition should enhance your home without feeling like an afterthought. We design additions that integrate seamlessly with your existing structure, rooflines, and interior flow. By fully designing the addition before construction, we help ensure the new space feels cohesive and intentional.
- Seamless Integration: Additions designed to match your home’s structure and style.
- Thorough Up-Front Planning: Layout, systems, and transitions resolved early.
- Experienced Oversight: Careful coordination from design through final inspection.
Kitchen Remodeling
Create a Kitchen That Works Better and Feels Right
A kitchen remodel should improve how your home functions every day. We focus on layout, storage, workflow, and materials to create kitchens that are both practical and inviting. By resolving design details up front, we help avoid mid-project changes and deliver a kitchen that truly fits your life.
- Purposeful Layout Design: Cabinets, appliances, and work zones planned for real use.
- Material and Finish Guidance: Thoughtful selections that balance style and durability.
- Integrated Design and Build: One team responsible from planning through completion.
A Clear Design-Build Process
A structured approach that removes guesswork before construction begins.
Initial Call
A brief conversation to learn about your project, understand what’s driving it forward, and confirm whether we’re a good fit. We also help identify the most appropriate next step.
Design Phase
We develop buildable plans that explore ideas, address real-world constraints, and remove guesswork. Design is where clarity is created and informed decisions are made.
Detailed Proposal
Clarity and transparency are key. We provide a comprehensive proposal outlining every detail, ensuring you understand the scope, timeline, and cost with no surprises.
Construction
Your project is built through clean, organized, respectful craftsmanship supported by clear communication. We manage the process so you feel informed and confident throughout.
Building Trust, One Review at a Time
“Paul Choate and his team completed two projects for us, a deck and a total bathroom renovation. From start to finish on both projects, we were very happy with the results. There was always honest and open communication, with Paul immediately responding to any questions we had. His team was respectful, hard-working and kept the job site clean and tidy at the end of every day. I highly recommend this company.”
-Laurie C.
(via Google Review)
“We have gone to Paul and his team for several major projects. He has redone our back deck, our front entrance and walkway, and our master bedroom and master bath and powder room. He is respectful, professional, on time, and a stickler for managing subs and the quality of their work. He has great ideas. If something isn’t necessary, he tells you. We have unique hardwood and he was able to match them perfectly in the room he redid. He’s a great guy. And my cat loves him.”
-Sally V.
(via Google Review)
“We have used Choate Builders multiple times and have always been very happy with the results. Paul's design services are definitely worth the cost. Paul is great at listening to your ideas and turning them into a plan. They did an excellent job for us converting a living room and dining room into an in-law suite, and a previous project updating a master bath suite. The team is honest and reliable. Throughout the project, Paul Choate did a great job communicating status. I highly recommend Choate Builders and would use them again in the future.”
-Lisa D.
(via Google Review)
“Paul Choate and his craftsmen have done several ‘old house’ renovation projects for me - porch, pergola, dining room, bathroom, exterior doors, kitchen island, etc. He is an excellent designer who can take any idea or plan to the next level. He has attention to detail and employs experienced craftsmen that he supervises closely to achieve a first class result. I recommend Paul without reservation as the first choice for quality home improvements/expansions.”
-Steven A.
(via Google Review)
“My wife and I have used Choate Builders for 15 years. Paul has completed several projects to beautify our home. Most important, he did a major reconstruction of our sun-room, replacing windows, skylights, door and fan--as well as making the walls and ceiling structurally sound. Everyone who visits our house compliments us on this room!
Paul is friendly, honest and cooperative. He is an excellent communicator. We have complete trust in him and his work.”
-Eric V.
(via Google Review)
“I would highly recommend Choate Builders! We worked with Paul on designing/converting part of our basement/garage into a playroom for our kids. He was professional, detailed, thorough, and meticulous. The quality of the work and craftsmanship was outstanding, the communication from Paul was timely and clear, and the process was smooth and efficient. We could not be happier with the end result and the entire experience. We would love to work with Choate Builders again. Thanks Paul!”
-Adam S.
(via Google Review)
A Team Committed to Doing the Work the Right Way
Choate Builders is built around people who take responsibility for the work they do and the homes entrusted to them. Our team brings together design, planning, project management, and skilled craftsmanship under one roof, allowing every project to move forward with clarity, coordination, and accountability from start to finish.
Rather than relying on handoffs between separate designers, contractors, and trades, we operate as one integrated team. This structure allows us to plan thoroughly, communicate clearly, and follow through on the details that matter most throughout the remodeling process.
What homeowners can expect from our team:
- Design-led planning before construction begins
- Clear ownership of scope, schedule, and decisions
- Respect for your home, time, and investment
- A team structure built for accountability, not shortcuts
Behind every Choate Builders project is a team with defined roles and shared standards, working together to guide your project from design through completion.
Paul Choate
Andrew Strever
James Stewart
Mario Heredia
Why Choate Builders?
Design Comes First
Every project begins with design. We take the time to plan layouts, materials, and details before construction starts, so decisions are made intentionally and surprises are minimized.
Full Accountability
Design, planning, and construction are handled by one integrated team. No handoffs, no finger-pointing, and clear responsibility from the first conversation through completion.
Experienced Oversight
With over 30 years in residential construction, our team knows how to anticipate challenges before they become problems. That experience shows up in better planning, smoother builds, and lasting results.
Honest Expectations
We believe clarity builds trust. Homeowners can expect defined scopes of work, realistic timelines, and straightforward communication throughout the project.
Our Service Area
Proudly serving Fairfield and Western New Haven Counties
If you live in Fairfield or Western New Haven County, there is a good chance we’ve provided remodeling services in a neighborhood near you. We serve:
- Easton
- Fairfield
- Milford
- Monroe
- Newtown
- Orange
- Shelton
- Stratford
- Trumbull
- Weston
- Westport
- Wilton
Don’t see your city listed? Give us a call at (203) 945-9482 to discuss your project and our service area.
FAQ
Do I really need a design, even for a small project?
Yes. Even simple projects benefit greatly from a proper design. Without one, everyone relies on assumptions — and that’s where miscommunication, surprises, and cost overruns happen. A good design aligns expectations, minimizes issues during construction, and ensures the finished project matches what you envisioned.
What does “Design-Build” actually mean?
Design-Build means one integrated team (Choate Builders) handles both the design and the construction. Instead of hiring a separate designer, architect, and builder, you work with one coordinated team. This leads to better communication, more accurate pricing, fewer surprises, and a smoother overall experience.
Don’t all builders offer design? I thought most builders could design… don’t they?
Sometimes — but not always in the way homeowners expect.
Some builders will offer basic layout suggestions or sketch ideas during estimating. That can sometimes work for very simple projects, but it’s not the same as a structured design process.
Many traditional construction companies will instead ask you to hire an architect or designer first, then bring them completed plans. While that can work, it often leads to:
- Longer timelines
- Designs that look great but exceed budget
- Designs created without full consideration of construction logistics
- More back-and-forth between designer and builder
At Choate Builders, we follow a true Design-Build approach. That means design and construction are developed together, from day one. The result is:
- Designs that are beautiful and buildable
- Pricing that reflects real construction costs
- Fewer surprises during construction
- A smoother, more efficient process overall
Can you give me a price before design?
We can provide general price ranges (see our Pricing Page), but accurate pricing requires a design and defined scope of work. Every home and project is different. Our process is designed to replace guesswork with accurate pricing based on real drawings and details.
What’s the difference between Concept Plans and Working Drawings?
Concept Plans define the overall direction of your project — layout, flow, and appearance. They help you visualize the project and allow us to price it accurately.
Working Drawings are the detailed, permit-ready plans used to build the project. They include dimensions, notes, and technical construction details.
In simple terms:
Concept Plans = What the project will be
Working Drawings = Exactly how it will be built
What does your “team approach” mean for me as a homeowner?
It means you’re supported by a coordinated group — not relying on one person to do everything.
- Paul leads design and overall direction
- Andrew manages communication and client experience
- James oversees scheduling and jobsite execution
- Mario leads craftsmanship and field quality
This structure improves communication, accountability, and consistency throughout your project.
Can you build from plans we already have or improve designs we already have?
Often, yes. We’re happy to review existing plans and determine whether they’re detailed enough to build from. We can also refine layouts, improve buildability, and help optimize cost and performance before construction begins.
Let's Discuss Your Project