This being my first blog, I decided to write about a common question asked by my cients.  Please read this and let me know of any questions that you may have.

Often my clients ask that very question “When should we start the design process on our project?”.  Well this truly is a complicated question to answer as it depends on the size and scope of the project in question.  I think most people do not realize that design can take from anywhere from 2 months to a year. Yes, it is true it can take a year if you are remodeling an entire home or a large addition.  But knowing this beforehand will aid you in making the right decisions.

First and foremost is finding a designer that you are truly compatible with.  You will be spending a lot of time with this person and it is important that you are comfortable with them and that you trust them.  Questions you should ask include:  What is their experience?  Do they just do interior design or do they also have experience in creating an addition?  What kind of drawings will you receive? Can they help make selections?  Do they or have they worked with a contractor to aid in project coordination?  Can they refer you to multiple contractors?  All these answers will help you find the right designer that fits with you and your project.

Secondly, is figuring out what you budget is.  It is like buying a car, you can start with what level the base model is (economy, medium or luxury) and look at what options you want to add.  If your budget is unlimited than you are one of the few and can skip this paragraph.  However, most of us have a budget that we want to stick to.  Knowing this number and sharing it with your designer will tailor the project to fit your budget.  An experienced designer should be able to help you figure out what options there are whether it is in the design itself or in materials so that you stay near your magic number.  Otherwise, if your designer does not have this information, the design can easily turn into something that is out of your reach.

Now comes the design. First I suggest collecting pictures or plans of what you like, then share them with you designer.  This gives them a starting point and an idea of what you are looking for.  Now I won’t inundate you with the details, as there are MANY, but it is important to know that having the design and selections mostly complete (I say “mostly” because design is ever changing and developing even during construction) will make your construction project run a lot more smoothly.  Making selections such as the kitchen sink are important as it may be on back order for a few months.  Taking the time in design allows you to make decisions based on likes/dislikes and not based on deadlines.  The last thing anyone wants is to say “If I only had more time I would made different selections/decisions”.   So, take your time in design as changes are much less expensive when made on paper than on the job site.

Remodeling or building can be a fun and exciting experience if you let it and surround yourself with the right people.  Design and construction is a result of team work and constant communication.  The end result is that you enjoy the creative process instead of being stressed leaving you with a beautiful home for you to enjoy for years to come.  Until that is you decide that you now need to remodel the master bathroom!