Design Details “Successful Renovating Projects” Nancy Barsotti, FASID
At the recent remodeling show, I spoke on the topic of how
to ensure that a home renovation project would go smoothly. Projects of any size can be overwhelming and
it’s never too early to do lots of planning and talking with the experts. As spring approaches, you might be thinking
of projects in your home. Perhaps these
tips might help to answer a question I am often asked, “Where do I start?”
It is a wise investment to ask the professionals – interior
designers, architects, landscape architects and lighting designers – to help
you navigate the plethora of options and products. Usually a very small fee to a professional will
give you the answer to that question and prevent something I often sadly hear
from potential clients “I wish I had known to get your advice before I did this
project.” Remember, the professionals
are on “your team” and want you to be happy with the end result.
The key to any
successful design project is communication.
I cannot emphasize that enough. Before
you talk with a professional, I advise assembling a notebook of the things you like
– or even don’t like. It really helps them
to see your existing home and to get a sense of your style and preferences. Think about your lifestyle, how you are going
to use the room and your budget. Having a realistic budget is critical to the
project.
Many times homeowners decide to call a contractor to look at
the job before they have thought out the project or even really discussed it
very much with each other. That is
usually a big waste of everyone’s time. The contractor is going to say, “What
do you want me to do?” And the homeowner
replies “Well we have some ideas but don’t know for sure. What would you do?” At which point a good contractor is going to
say “Call me when you have some definite plans.”
That is why hiring a professional to help you visualize what
you want, prepare some drawings and narrow down your choices to a realistic plan for your style and budget
is so important. They can assist you with setting your priorities, making your
budget go as far as possible and bring you resources and creative ideas that
you are most likely not aware exist. I love it when I hear “Wow! I never would
have thought of that.”
This is also the time to do as much homework – looking, shopping
and discussing with one another and with the professionals – everything that
you can think of – every option, every cost and every concern. You should take
as much time as you need to feel comfortable with your decisions. Do not
be in a hurry. Why? Because once the project starts, and hammer
and nails are flying, and contractors are working, it is not the time to
second-guess your decisions. It will
drive you crazy, it will drive the contractors even crazier and it will cost
you lots of extra money.
Indecision + Cost overruns = Worst renovations with
unhappy clients.
Once you have the design concept and plans, a professional will
prepare a detailed specification for the project. I
cannot overstate the need for detail - the more the better. Now is the time to call a contractor and
present him with the design and plans that he can work from to prepare a bid
for you.
It is also a good idea for the professionals to be at that
meeting. That way questions can be
answered and ideas explained – again
communication! A good contractor is
going to ask a lot of questions right from the beginning and wants to get well
acquainted with you, your project and your expectations. They may offer some
ideas as well. But beware of them trying
to talk you out of what you want simply because “I’ve never done it that way
before.” Or, “You won’t like that.” Remember
this is your home, and your style NOT theirs. The professionals can help to buffer those
situations.
If you feel appropriate you should get more than one
estimate. Beware though of estimates
that vary widely in price. It could mean
that someone is missing something. Or they
may think they can add to the price later in change orders. Ask for
references and check them out. Ask,
“Would you hire this contractor again?”
Be honest with the contractor – make sure you communicate
your expectations to them on deadlines, hours of work at your home, what parts of
your home they can have access to, etc. Know
what your community allows as far as dumpsters, street access, your own
driveway parking and bathroom availability.
These projects take time and hassles like these can be avoided by good
communication upfront.
This is also the time to decide who is purchasing what and
when. You may think you will save a few
dollars by doing your own purchasing – and you may. But keep in mind then that you are responsible for making sure the products are at the job
site, in good and workable condition, when needed. If they aren’t there, or something is broken
and has to be reordered, it causes a delay in the project.
Once you get the bids, look them over carefully and ask your
professional team member to look over them as well. We have years of experience
in knowing what to look for.
The bid should be as
detailed as possible. Beware of lump
sum figures such as “Plumbing - $10,000” without details of the fixtures,
quantity, make, etc.
Now, if you have been realistic about your budget and honest
with your contractor, the bid is more than likely to be close to what you
thought. But it’s also possible it’s
going to be more. If you need to make
changes be fair to all – don’t haggle and try to try to get a $50,000 bid down
to $40,000 without changing the scope of the project. No good
contractor is going to lower his profit margin without your project suffering
somewhere along the way. Also, don’t
expect them to try to get the project done in an unrealistic time frame. The quality of your project will suffer. Speed does not usually equal good workmanship. I believe strongly in buying the best you can
possibly afford – even if it means doing projects more slowly. My
mantra has always been “Do it right, do it once and never have to do it again.”
Also make sure the
contract spells out terms of payment.
The other important
thing for you to consider is who is going to be responsible for managing the
project once it begins. If both of
you work and/or don’t have the time to oversee what is being done, spend a
little extra on hiring one of your team to be the Project Manager. You can
agree on how much time this will take and therefore cost. But if possible, once a day or a couple times
a week at least at certain stages of the project this will really pay off in
the end.
For instance, once the framing is done, check the
dimensions. Then check the locations of
the electrical work and plumbing rough-ins.
It is much easier to add an outlet, change the location of a switch
plate, move the thermostat, etc. before the sheetrock is done.
Remember three key
items to ensure a successful renovation project – good plans, good
communication and a realistic budget. Professionals can help you set all of these in
motion to make sure you will have a project that you are happy with and proud
of for a long time.
