Remote Project Management for Second Homes & Vacation Properties
Update your scenic property with ease through our streamlined remote project management services.
Daily Logs
Our project management software helps to keep you informed with live updates from our team during all stages of production.
Expert Oversight
With years of experience, we ensure your project stays on schedule, is designed for your lifestyle, and meets the highest quality standards.
Stress-Reduced Experience
From coordinating contractors to managing every detail, we handle the entire project so you can confidently watch your remodel take place from afar.
How Custom Built Helps Achieve Your Remodeling Goals
Owning a vacation home should be about relaxation, not stress. But when it’s time for renovations, managing a project remotely can feel overwhelming. How do you ensure quality work, stay on schedule, and keep everything on track without being there in person?
At Custom Built, we specialize in Remote Project Management for second homes and vacation properties. Whether your home is near Lansing, in Chicago, or up in Boyne City, our streamlined process allows you to remodel with confidence, without needing to be on-site.

Risks of Hiring the Wrong Remote Remodeler
Choosing the right remote project management team is crucial to keeping your remodel on track. Here’s what can go sideways if you hire the wrong team:
Poor Communication & Lack of Updates
Without a reliable system for virtual check-ins and progress tracking, you could be left in the dark about your project’s status, leading to costly misunderstandings and delays.
Quality & Workmanship Issues
If your project isn’t managed by an experienced, detail-oriented team, mistakes can go unnoticed until it’s too late, resulting in subpar craftsmanship and expensive rework.
Scheduling & Budget Overruns
An inexperienced remote project manager may struggle to coordinate materials, subcontractors, and timelines effectively, leading to missed deadlines and unexpected costs.

How Our Remote Project Management Works
Remodeling from a distance can quickly feel unorganized and hard to manage. Without clear structure and consistent communication, important details can fall through the cracks. That is why we have refined our process to bring clarity and direction to every step so you feel confident and in control, even from miles away.
1. Virtual Consultation & Planning
We begin with a video meeting to walk through your space, discuss your goals, and gather important details. While our team will visit the home in person to take measurements and document existing conditions, you do not need to be onsite. This process allows us to move forward with accurate pricing and a clear plan, even if you are located hours or states away.
2. Detailed Scheduling & Progress Updates
You will have access to our project management platform, where you can view your construction schedule and track daily progress. We post photos, notes, and updates regularly so you can stay informed and feel connected to what is happening on the jobsite.
3. Remote Approvals & Decision-Making
We have designed our systems to make remote decision-making simple and secure. Whether you need to approve a design change, sign off on a change order, or make a payment, everything is handled online through secure platforms. You will receive clear documentation and timely communication so you always know what you are approving and why.
4. Secure & Reliable Worksite Management
Each project is led by a dedicated Project Development Advisor and a Field Supervisor. Your Advisor stays with you throughout the entire process, while your Field Supervisor manages the day-to-day activity once production begins. Our team works closely together to maintain a clean, secure jobsite and to quickly address any questions or concerns that may come up.
5. Production Team Delivers Project
We use a trusted combination of local tradespeople and members of our in-house production team based in the Lansing area. While we value supporting the Northern Michigan economy, we are committed to delivering the highest quality work by assigning the right team for your specific project.
6. Final Walkthough & Completion
As your project nears completion, we will send detailed photos and videos so you can review the work ahead of time. Whether you join in person or virtually, the final walkthrough is an important step where we come together to review every detail, make sure nothing is overlooked, and finish strong with a result we are all proud of.
What You Need to Know About Remote Project Management with Custom Built
Below you will find the answers to Custom Built’s most frequently asked questions regarding our remote project management services.
How will I stay updated on my project’s progress?
We tailor communication to fit your preferences, whether that means weekly check-ins, milestone updates, or something more frequent. In addition, we post regular daily logs through our project management platform, including detailed photos, videos, and notes that show exactly what is happening onsite.
What if I need to make a change during the project?
Any change to your project will require a clearly written change order and approval before we move forward. If you would like to make a design change or adjust the scope, your Project Development Advisor will work with you to explore solutions and guide you through the approval process.
How do you ensure the security of my property during the remodel?
We take property security seriously and tailor our approach based on the needs of each project. Precautions often include detailed documentation of your space before work begins, installation of our Clean Remodel System (CRS) with floor coverings, plastic barriers, and zip walls, and the use of jobsite cameras. We also work exclusively with trusted trade partners who are licensed and insured to ensure a secure and respectful jobsite.
Can I schedule a final walkthrough if I’m not in town?
Yes! We offer virtual walkthroughs via video call or can schedule an in-person walkthrough when you are available. If you choose a virtual walkthrough, we will send detailed photos and videos in advance so you can review the work thoroughly before we walk through it together.
Do you handle permits and local compliance?
Absolutely. We manage all required permits and ensure your project complies with local building codes, HOA guidelines, and other jurisdictional requirements. In addition to meeting these standards, we hold our work to an internal level of craftsmanship and quality that goes beyond basic compliance.
What is Custom Built's Remodeling Process?
Our process for remodeling your home is broken up into 3 main phases:
- Dream
- Design
- Build
Over the last 20 years in business, we have worked to refine this process. Here is a link to our roadmap and process page for you to dive deeper into our process.
What Warranty does Custom Built Provide for a Home Remodel?
A home remodel is a significant investment, so it is important to know exactly what kind of warranty coverage you will receive before moving forward. Any reputable remodeling contractor should provide a written warranty for you to review.
At Custom Built, we offer a Lifetime Workmanship Warranty—a level of coverage that, to our knowledge, no other contractor in Northern Michigan currently provides.
While many remodeling companies offer workmanship warranties that last between 12 and 36 months, our lifetime coverage reflects the confidence we have in the quality of our work and the long-term relationships we build with clients.
In addition to our workmanship warranty, we also guide you through the various manufacturer warranties tied to the specific materials used in your project. Whether it is flooring, cabinetry, decking, or other finishes, we make sure you understand what is covered and for how long.
Where can I see Home Remodels that Custom Built has completed?
"A picture is worth a thousand words."
Here are several client stories who have undergone a remodel with us!
Home Remodeling
Find the answers to all of your home remodeling-related questions through the resources located in our Learning Center.