Frequently Asked Questions:

What does Align Build Partners do?

We offer professional renovation project management services to homeowners, general contractors, and real estate professionals in the Smith Mountain Lake area. We help plan, coordinate, and manage renovation projects of all sizes, with services that scale based on your needs.

Who hires you — the homeowner or the contractor?

It depends on the situation. We can be hired directly by the homeowner, brought in by a general contractor, or work under a shared-cost arrangement. Some GCs absorb our fee into their project pricing, while others may split the cost or recommend us as an optional service.

What if my general contractor already has design or project management support?

We bid projects with general contractors across the spectrum — from full-service firms that offer architectural and interior design to streamlined builders who focus primarily on the build.

During the bid process, we clearly outline our role, cost, and whether we’ll collaborate with the GC or defer to their in-house capabilities. This gives homeowners more choice — allowing them to partner with smaller firms while getting a full-service experience and excellent craftmanship.

If a GC can meet the homeowner’s needs without us, we don’t propose unnecessary services. Our goal is to build the right team for each project — not to oversell.

Why would a GC use your services?

Contractors often face situations where they have more work than they can handle — but not enough to hire a full-time PM. We offer flexible, on-demand support for scheduling, homeowner communication, finish selection tracking, and milestone coordination. It’s a way to take on more work without sacrificing client experience or crew productivity.

Do you only work with second-homeowners or out-of-town clients?

Not at all — but that’s where we’re especially helpful. Many of our clients aren’t local or don’t have the time to manage a renovation day-to-day. We serve as their eyes, ears, and boots on the ground to make sure things get done — even when everyone’s running on lake time.

Do you do the construction yourself?

Nope. We’re not builders or tradespeople. Our role is to plan, coordinate, and manage the project. We help our clients find and select the right contractors, track tasks and timelines, and keep everything on schedule.