If you’re looking at your first remodeling project, getting your arms around the entire process is daunting. If you’re a seasoned renovator, you know how complicated a project can be, and you may have encountered problems before, like too many change orders or product selections left to the last minute.
That’s how designers make a remodeling project successful and why we are a design-build company. Whether you rely on our own in-house design pro Paul Drayer or introduce us to a designer or architect of your choice, we work closely and collaboratively to get the best results.
Count on Experience
Odds are, no matter the project you are considering, an experienced designer has already tackled something similar. While homeowners may have one or two projects under their belts, designers do this every day, in a variety of home styles and decor. They know what works, what doesn’t, and how to build in value and function in a renovation project.
Streamlining the Process
Having a designer on your side will streamline the entire process, from your first meeting through the final touches. They know how to communicate what you want to the production team, the people who will actually build the project. They will create clear, actionable plans and documentation for all the large and small details of the design, as well as answering any questions or concerns the building crew may have, quickly. Your designer will ensure that the remodel you want is the remodel you get.
Simplify Selections
If you’re embarking on a kitchen remodel, a whole home renovation, or anything in between, the sheer number of products, appliances, finishes, and flooring choices can be overwhelming. Bathroom renovations also require you to make many choices. If you’re renovating a kitchen and creating a more open space, those selections have to take into account the style and materials used in the rooms around it — and will often lead to remodeling one or more of those areas.
A designer can help make your choices easier and smarter. They know the brands that combine quality and value, allowing you to select from a smaller pool of products that will best meet your needs and style. It’s an incredibly worthwhile service, saving you time and cutting down anxiety.
Cut Down on Change Orders
Change orders happen, but our goal is to keep them to a minimum. Working with a designer helps us achieve this goal. Change orders generally add to the cost of the project, and some are completely unforeseen, like having to repair a problem that was hidden until we opened up a wall, ceiling, or floor. Other change orders are preventable by having everything ready to go according to the planning in the design stage. A designer will make sure the selections are made, and materials are ordered and on-site when the time comes. If there’s a problem at the time the order is placed, like a certain fixture or finish is unavailable, another choice can be made quickly. This keeps the production schedule moving, avoids tacking on extra days waiting for delivery and installation.
Designing & Building
We’re proud to have Paul on our team. With years of experience in construction and a degree in architecture from U of M, he understands the design-build environment and the challenges of remodeling. Paul works collaboratively with our clients, acting as their advocate while working closely with our production team as we all work to get the best results. But we also welcome working with a designer or architect chosen by our clients. We’re proud that we can partner with them to create the home our clients dream of.
