How to Get Your Renovation Project Off the Ground

The number one thing clients tell me when they are thinking about a renovation, regardless of size or scope of the project, is that they don’t know where to start! Whether you are planning to renovate or expand your existing home, buy another property to improve, or update your existing furnishings and décor, careful planning will make all the difference in the success of your project.

A great place to start is with a designer or a contractor. Both will be able to provide you with the professional advice you need to evaluate the project and see what is possible within your budget, time-frame and existing structure. Bringing a designer on-board early in the project can help with getting advice and suggestions that you may not have considered from both a design and functionality standpoint. Designers often have great contacts for contractors and tradespeople that they work with on a regular basis and can bring them in to quote and consult on the project. Contractors and tradespeople bring all the technical skills and knowledge required to provide the accurate information you need to make informed decisions about what is possible and what the costs and timelines will be.

Once you have a designer and contractor on board, your designer will work with you to develop a realistic budget and select the best floor plan, furnishings, lighting and fixtures for your project – depending on what is involved. A designer will help you visualize what the completed space will look like by providing samples, inspiration boards or conceptual drawings. Many designers can even help you with the permit process – should your renovation require one.

Now that your design is in place, it’s time to get building! Your designer and contractor will work closely together to ensure your vision gets realized on-time and on-budget. Many designers, such as myself, act as project managers to oversee the entire renovation process and make sure that all materials are ordered and on-site in time for the contractor or other tradespeople to install them. We also coordinate the project schedule for the tradespeople and manage the final delivery and installation of furnishings, art and accessories. We are able to handle any issues as they arise since we are always checking in on progress at the job-site.

Most designers are a one-stop-shop in that they can assist you with the design, budget, permits and project management of your renovation; which is why starting your project by consulting with a designer is a great first step. Renovations can be overwhelming at times, but getting the right team on board at the beginning makes all the difference in how smoothly your project will run. Make sure you are comfortable with your designer and contractor, as you will be communicating with them a lot throughout the process!

If you have a project in mind that you would like to discuss, please get in touch! I can help answer any questions about what services may be right for you.