Read below to find out, how to choose the right person for the right job, negotiate your terms to ensure everyone is accountable and happy with the end result #1 KNOW WHAT YOU WANT As the client bring in trades/service providers to see and assess.
It is important that much thought has been given.
Spend some time thinking of basic goals.
Fundamental MUST -HAVES, a wish list.
If you are unable to translate your desires, hiring a designer, is a perfect way to help map out your thoughts.
Bring in a few; I'm certain you will find the ideas will be priceless to your bottom line.
They understand the fundamentals of building principles they can usually easily characterize what, will give you the biggest bang for your buck.
Frequently clients struggle with bringing in yet another decision maker.
However, an unbiased third party is a great way to redefine, the goals while factoring in timelines and budgets in conjunction with each other.
Also another set of fresh eyes, can never hurt.
Professionals in the business see things quite differently.
ENJOY and EXPLORE!! #2 TENDER THE PROJECT The world of quoting...
a book should be written on the art of understanding this alone.
All I will say here is CLEARLY define the scope of work to ensure all bids are created equal.
Understand what modification costs will be, are they time and materials? RE quotes? Just a word to the wise; there are ALWAYS adjustments.
NO matter how well planned.
If you know this in advance, it will help mentally prepare you for the months ahead.
I cannot stress enough the importance of PRE PLANNING!! #3 PRE-PLANNING Organize your thoughts.
Make lists.
Rank your top priorities and pencil in your thoughts and the cost associated with that item.
Do a rough budget, a Budget, not what you would like to spend.
What amount of money you feel fairly warrants the cost of that item and or task? Do you see value in changing all of your light fixtures? If so what amount of money do you deem a suitable investment? Then do a bit of research online or browsing at stores what type of fixtures you like.
Is that number attainable? If not, is this an area you are willing to sacrifice? In order of importance where did lighting fixtures rank? Interestingly enough this is the process, which is done pertaining to various goods within the project lifecycle Professionals in the industry can ballpark to a degree, having background knowledge of brand specifics, as well as vast resources to pool from.
Often bargain prices come with bargain service.
It tends to be the sacrificial lamb.
Stores cannot maintain high level staff when the pricing is based on low margins.
I'm sure you are well aware that you can buy an item at a particular store and it is more expensive somewhere else.
However their customer service is second to none.
Is it worth it to pay more for less aggravation? This is yet another question two people often do not answer the same.
It comes back to your relationship with money and the value you place on service.
#4 RESEARCH Yet another important tool in renovation work, understand the project.
As well as the skill set of each individual brought to the table.
Often professionals can save you time and money, by narrowing down the enormous field of choices.
I can walk into a space and immediately deem a list based on what stands out, and is screaming to be addressed.
Often clients tend to focus on the small stuff.
It is the larger impact items that are going to make the project feel vibrant and as though great strides have been made.
Trust me when the visual items are modified.
The little items will be lost in order of priority.
#5 TRUST Interview people, ensure a fit.
A relationship need to blossom here.
Everyone likes to work with people we like.
If you can, bring in a few consultants.
Do they "HEAR" what you are saying? Do you trust they understand your needs/wants/desires? Back away from anyone who is all about money, purchasing, and or large deposits? Trust me the chq writing will soon follow, but in the meantime a strong emphasis on PRE planning will help, the loss of funds by making haste selections and decrease the amount of mistakes.
The idea here is about strategy.
There is lots of time to spend.
Again we need to plan the purchases so your money works for you.
This way if you outline some rough costs you can see in black white where you have an ability to bump up or scale back, in certain areas.
#6 SET BOUNDARIES Set realistic parameters, to ensure everyone understands.
If you wish that trades keep the hours worked within timelines, this is something that needs to be addressed.
If you do not want subs, in on the weekends, it is important to point that out.
What time line have you set out for the execution of the scope of work? Is it realistic? Do you realize if labor is added and or changes are made this effects the dates of execution.
Is that OK with you? Could this be a phase 2 component? Lots to think about..
..
#7 STRATEGIES Important to communicate how you like to work.
Are you busy professional who only want s the communication of the bigger picture? Do you want constant updating relevant to all details? Are you a spreadsheet junkie? Do you need to be within Budget? Is the budget a starting point, d/t a lack of experience and a unclear understanding of the costs of goods required? If yes, no problem, again this is where a professional works with you to outline.
How this project can best be tailored to your comfort level.
This will be stressful, things will go wrong.
Embrace the fact that when one door closes, another opens.
As a matter of fact some of the best design concepts have been manufactured vicariously through a problem.
Pandora's box- once opened we are all in uncharted territory embrace it! This is where some assistance can guide you through pivotal, solutions.
To end up at the same fantastic end result!! #8 CONTRACTS Know what you're agreeing to.
Modify as needed, be careful here.
A contract is meant to be a document that binds both parties accountable to what was agreed.
If changes are made the contract should reflect this.
Often this type of work rushes by, so much work and or changes is being completed somewhat on the fly.
One piece of advice, conversations get forgotten.
People make mistakes.
Lots is talked about daily, it is difficult to remember where you left off.
I prefer to work with a recap email outlining/ regurgitating what was discussed.
So everyone is clear.
Keep in mind the trades are likely on six other sites.
They do have a tendency to blur together.
If high communications are expected, communicate this upfront so, the company can adjust and or increase the staff required to update as per your requests.
Many trades are sole proprietors, have difficulty with the administrative side of the business.
If they know this is an expectation, arrangements can and will be made.
Perhaps it can be via daily progress calls to the designer, so we could send out recaps/questions etc.
via email? You decide, be as upfront as you can with your comfort level.
I know I'm a control Freak I can admit it.
I work better being kept in the loop; this gives me peace of mind just hearing the back and for the communication so I know its being handled.
#9 THE BIGGER PICTURE Are you a visual person? Is a drawing necessary to visualize the concepts if so, this can be a valuable investment.
As with any service there are costs associated with this, however it saves hours of miscommunication and costly mistakes a Picture/rendering can literally be worth its weight in gold.
Again only you are familiar with you, the more upfront you are re your ability or inability to see things.
The clearer all can be sorted out.
Customizing an approach is the key to success.
You should love the process as much #10 WHEN TO START Are you sitting? Begin the "process" a year in advance.
This is just the beginning, clip pictures out of magazines.
Prepare yourself to a level of comfort and knowledge so you can begin having people come in to assess, and walk you through the steps.
Understand that Quality companies are in demand, most have a waiting list.
This is not a service to be rushed through.
Good decisions take time and strategic planning, prior to implementation.
Roughly map out a critical path on a calendar.
January- thinking about project goals defines each look/feel of spaces.
Find a great designer or a few, book appointments, to review space and chat about base project concepts.
Are seeing where I'm going here.
A typical Reno, takes six months to plan and however many months to execute, based on those decisions.
Always better to underestimate and over deliver..
NOW ENJOY the fruits of your labors.
Reno work is a tricky undertaking.
You will learn from this experience.
Hindsight after all is 20/20.
Live vicariously through others who have traveled this road before you and the many that will follow afterwards.
I was inspired to write this article as I had just recently read an article, in style at home by Kimberly Seldon, called design etiquette.
Being in the business this long you tend to forget how many steps it takes to manufacture a simple pillow.
You will soon see how many steps it takes to facilitate a job of this magnitude.
As they say it takes a VILLAGE, and it really does.
It is important that much thought has been given.
Spend some time thinking of basic goals.
Fundamental MUST -HAVES, a wish list.
If you are unable to translate your desires, hiring a designer, is a perfect way to help map out your thoughts.
Bring in a few; I'm certain you will find the ideas will be priceless to your bottom line.
They understand the fundamentals of building principles they can usually easily characterize what, will give you the biggest bang for your buck.
Frequently clients struggle with bringing in yet another decision maker.
However, an unbiased third party is a great way to redefine, the goals while factoring in timelines and budgets in conjunction with each other.
Also another set of fresh eyes, can never hurt.
Professionals in the business see things quite differently.
ENJOY and EXPLORE!! #2 TENDER THE PROJECT The world of quoting...
a book should be written on the art of understanding this alone.
All I will say here is CLEARLY define the scope of work to ensure all bids are created equal.
Understand what modification costs will be, are they time and materials? RE quotes? Just a word to the wise; there are ALWAYS adjustments.
NO matter how well planned.
If you know this in advance, it will help mentally prepare you for the months ahead.
I cannot stress enough the importance of PRE PLANNING!! #3 PRE-PLANNING Organize your thoughts.
Make lists.
Rank your top priorities and pencil in your thoughts and the cost associated with that item.
Do a rough budget, a Budget, not what you would like to spend.
What amount of money you feel fairly warrants the cost of that item and or task? Do you see value in changing all of your light fixtures? If so what amount of money do you deem a suitable investment? Then do a bit of research online or browsing at stores what type of fixtures you like.
Is that number attainable? If not, is this an area you are willing to sacrifice? In order of importance where did lighting fixtures rank? Interestingly enough this is the process, which is done pertaining to various goods within the project lifecycle Professionals in the industry can ballpark to a degree, having background knowledge of brand specifics, as well as vast resources to pool from.
Often bargain prices come with bargain service.
It tends to be the sacrificial lamb.
Stores cannot maintain high level staff when the pricing is based on low margins.
I'm sure you are well aware that you can buy an item at a particular store and it is more expensive somewhere else.
However their customer service is second to none.
Is it worth it to pay more for less aggravation? This is yet another question two people often do not answer the same.
It comes back to your relationship with money and the value you place on service.
#4 RESEARCH Yet another important tool in renovation work, understand the project.
As well as the skill set of each individual brought to the table.
Often professionals can save you time and money, by narrowing down the enormous field of choices.
I can walk into a space and immediately deem a list based on what stands out, and is screaming to be addressed.
Often clients tend to focus on the small stuff.
It is the larger impact items that are going to make the project feel vibrant and as though great strides have been made.
Trust me when the visual items are modified.
The little items will be lost in order of priority.
#5 TRUST Interview people, ensure a fit.
A relationship need to blossom here.
Everyone likes to work with people we like.
If you can, bring in a few consultants.
Do they "HEAR" what you are saying? Do you trust they understand your needs/wants/desires? Back away from anyone who is all about money, purchasing, and or large deposits? Trust me the chq writing will soon follow, but in the meantime a strong emphasis on PRE planning will help, the loss of funds by making haste selections and decrease the amount of mistakes.
The idea here is about strategy.
There is lots of time to spend.
Again we need to plan the purchases so your money works for you.
This way if you outline some rough costs you can see in black white where you have an ability to bump up or scale back, in certain areas.
#6 SET BOUNDARIES Set realistic parameters, to ensure everyone understands.
If you wish that trades keep the hours worked within timelines, this is something that needs to be addressed.
If you do not want subs, in on the weekends, it is important to point that out.
What time line have you set out for the execution of the scope of work? Is it realistic? Do you realize if labor is added and or changes are made this effects the dates of execution.
Is that OK with you? Could this be a phase 2 component? Lots to think about..
..
#7 STRATEGIES Important to communicate how you like to work.
Are you busy professional who only want s the communication of the bigger picture? Do you want constant updating relevant to all details? Are you a spreadsheet junkie? Do you need to be within Budget? Is the budget a starting point, d/t a lack of experience and a unclear understanding of the costs of goods required? If yes, no problem, again this is where a professional works with you to outline.
How this project can best be tailored to your comfort level.
This will be stressful, things will go wrong.
Embrace the fact that when one door closes, another opens.
As a matter of fact some of the best design concepts have been manufactured vicariously through a problem.
Pandora's box- once opened we are all in uncharted territory embrace it! This is where some assistance can guide you through pivotal, solutions.
To end up at the same fantastic end result!! #8 CONTRACTS Know what you're agreeing to.
Modify as needed, be careful here.
A contract is meant to be a document that binds both parties accountable to what was agreed.
If changes are made the contract should reflect this.
Often this type of work rushes by, so much work and or changes is being completed somewhat on the fly.
One piece of advice, conversations get forgotten.
People make mistakes.
Lots is talked about daily, it is difficult to remember where you left off.
I prefer to work with a recap email outlining/ regurgitating what was discussed.
So everyone is clear.
Keep in mind the trades are likely on six other sites.
They do have a tendency to blur together.
If high communications are expected, communicate this upfront so, the company can adjust and or increase the staff required to update as per your requests.
Many trades are sole proprietors, have difficulty with the administrative side of the business.
If they know this is an expectation, arrangements can and will be made.
Perhaps it can be via daily progress calls to the designer, so we could send out recaps/questions etc.
via email? You decide, be as upfront as you can with your comfort level.
I know I'm a control Freak I can admit it.
I work better being kept in the loop; this gives me peace of mind just hearing the back and for the communication so I know its being handled.
#9 THE BIGGER PICTURE Are you a visual person? Is a drawing necessary to visualize the concepts if so, this can be a valuable investment.
As with any service there are costs associated with this, however it saves hours of miscommunication and costly mistakes a Picture/rendering can literally be worth its weight in gold.
Again only you are familiar with you, the more upfront you are re your ability or inability to see things.
The clearer all can be sorted out.
Customizing an approach is the key to success.
You should love the process as much #10 WHEN TO START Are you sitting? Begin the "process" a year in advance.
This is just the beginning, clip pictures out of magazines.
Prepare yourself to a level of comfort and knowledge so you can begin having people come in to assess, and walk you through the steps.
Understand that Quality companies are in demand, most have a waiting list.
This is not a service to be rushed through.
Good decisions take time and strategic planning, prior to implementation.
Roughly map out a critical path on a calendar.
January- thinking about project goals defines each look/feel of spaces.
Find a great designer or a few, book appointments, to review space and chat about base project concepts.
Are seeing where I'm going here.
A typical Reno, takes six months to plan and however many months to execute, based on those decisions.
Always better to underestimate and over deliver..
NOW ENJOY the fruits of your labors.
Reno work is a tricky undertaking.
You will learn from this experience.
Hindsight after all is 20/20.
Live vicariously through others who have traveled this road before you and the many that will follow afterwards.
I was inspired to write this article as I had just recently read an article, in style at home by Kimberly Seldon, called design etiquette.
Being in the business this long you tend to forget how many steps it takes to manufacture a simple pillow.
You will soon see how many steps it takes to facilitate a job of this magnitude.
As they say it takes a VILLAGE, and it really does.
Source...