3 Steps to a Successful Renovation
I am no stranger to renovations – from single-room projects to new build, whole-home renovations. And I so love witnessing the transformation in the space and also in my client's life.
With all that experience, I have also seen and learned a lot! I observed projects taking longer than anticipated, clients stressed, making last-minute decisions, and sometimes regretting their choices at the end of the project.
A renovation can be confusing, especially if it is your first time! The key is to hire a designer before the renovation starts.
Investing in a designer upfront will help you save money, make the process smoother, and ensure you are confident and happy with the outcome long-term.
Below are steps you can take to ensure the process runs smoothly and to achieve the best possible results.
Step #1: Have a trusted designer on board before your project starts
This step is huge and will save you time, money, and heartache! Having a trusted guide that can help you make decisions and navigate the process is essential.
In any profession, you don't know what you don't know, and what is expected during a renovation is sometimes surprising to homeowners. As designers, we not only know where to go, who to call, and how projects run but also create a strategic and comprehensive plan.
We help set your expectations and prevent costly and time-consuming issues that can occur at every step of the project. As a result, meetings and communication will be efficient and effective, and your project will be, too.
A designer's expertise saves you time, helps avoid expensive mistakes, and ultimately ensures that the beautiful, soul-soothing interiors you want will come to life exactly how you imagine… or even better.
#2: Receive an accurate bid from a General Contractor
Estimating the investment of a renovation can sometimes be challenging. A contractor can only accurately bid on your project once you know all the materials, fixtures, and finishes selected for use. Therefore, any numbers offered without a design plan are really just a "best guess."
A designer will ask the right questions and bring your vision to life by creating a detailed plan that can be used as a template for all decisions and a communication tool for the team. Creating a design board, color, and material palette up front will make all decisions easier and achieve a cohesive look throughout the space.
#3: Ability to define the details & reach the desired outcome
A designer will help you define your vision to achieve your desired outcome. Unless you tell your General Contractor exactly what you want, odds are, they'll do what they think is best. Sometimes you'll agree with them. But sometimes… not so much.
When it comes to renovation and design, the art is in the decision-making. When it's not clear what matters to you, decisions will be made for you. Since decisions define the details and making them is important, we insist on clear and approved plans before construction begins.
With everything selected in advance and installation locations determined, the process can run smoothly — on time, in budget, and with a pre-approved final destination. (No winging it or stressful last-minute decisions!)
I've found, personally and professionally, that making decisions and goals clear to the installers is one of the most challenging parts of the process. A designer can help you create those design plans, define specifications, and manage the communication for you.
Hiring a designer to help formulate a plan is the best investment which ensures the biggest payoff – creating a home you love to live in!