3 Non-Negotiable Things You Must Do Before Renovating Any Home
Renovating your home is both a complex and exciting job. With so many moving pieces and people involved, such as budgets, design decisions, product selections, timelines, contractors, subcontractors and more...the process can easily feel overwhelming. Preparing ahead of time will help alleviate stress and allow you to enjoy the process more. I would like to share 3 essential steps to take before you get started with your project!
Step #1: Design Your Dream Home
One of the biggest mistakes I see my clients make with regard to renovation & construction, is putting the cart before the horse - meaning getting a quote/estimate from a contractor/builder before having a clear design in mind.
Product selections and design decisions can significantly shift an estimate, which will inevitably lead to disappointment. For example, if you are planning a bathroom renovation, but not yet sure of the style, selections or layout, the contractor will base their estimate on what you tell them in that first meeting, and on standard allowances/costs they have used in other projects. These numbers are not based on YOUR needs & wants.
If you agree to their original estimate, and then provide them with a new bathroom layout and requirements, you can be assured the contractor will increase their original cost.
To avoid this initial misstep (and headache), I suggest hiring a designer or architect - depending on the scope of work - to create a preliminary set of drawings and selections (known as a “Bid Set”) that communicates your design concept. This way your potential contractor/builder has something concrete to base their estimate upon.
If you prefer to handle the design yourself, I suggest doing as much research as possible on the cost of desired products, create a list of everything you want, and provide the contractor with one or two images of how you envision your dream home or space.
Step #2: Budget for Your Beautiful New Space
I always encourage homeowners to have two overall numbers in mind, BEFORE requesting an estimate from a contractor/builder:
How much am I willing to invest in my project?
How much do the things I want actually cost?
Having clarity around your own budget AND being informed on actual costs is essential. This will allow you to determine how to allocate your money, who to hire, and if necessary, where to cut back. There's power in knowledge!
This clarity will also place you on a more equal footing with any building professional, and you will be able to have a productive conversation with your potential contractor/builder, rather than being hit with sticker-shock and feeling defeated before the project even starts.
If you are working with a designer, they can help you develop a preliminary budget, including labor, fees and any additional items you may not have considered, such as shipping, delivery and tax. Designers are trained to work with these numbers, from the details to the big picture.
Step #3: Manage Your Project From The Start
Before hiring a contractor/builder, and most certainly before the project starts, it is important to decide who will manage your project.
Will you be managing the project yourself? If you prefer not to handle all these details, ask your designer/architect if they offer project management services. On smaller jobs the contractor might serve as project manager, and on larger jobs, the builder may assign a supervisor/manager. Regardless, this role needs to be determined early, and it should be someone you can trust and communicate with easily.
Once you have decided on a project manager, chosen your contractor/builder, and a start date is set for the project, all construction materials, finishes and fixtures should be purchased and ordered. The fastest way to halt or delay a project is your contractor/builder being ready to do the work without materials having arrived!
Check with your contractor and/or designer who is responsible for ordering specific materials, finishes and fixtures. Typically the contractor will order basic construction materials and finishes, and the owner/designer will order specialty items, furnishings and fixtures. Believe me, hiring a designer to handle the purchasing will save you stress!
Photo by Basia
How Can a Designer Help?
The main problem I seek to solve for my clients is to get them out of being overwhelmed, and into being excited about their design project. My role as a designer is to consider my client's unique lifestyle, ensuring the project runs as smoothly (and stress-free) as possible, and that it stays within budget.
Looking for a team that can handle your project from concept to completion? We've got your back! Book a discovery call today and let's get acquainted.
Warmly,
Alejandra