(Pre-Design) This is the very first phase of an ALH Design Remodel project. People want to know “what is this all going to cost” We perform an extremely detailed and comprehensive financial breakdown of what the estimated cost associated with each personal and unique remodeling project may cost. While this is the very first stage in a very lengthy process, design applications and/or products have not yet been selected, so adequate allowances are incorporated into the budget to allocate funds or “place holders” for all the product going into each unique remodel (plumbing fixtures, electrical fixtures, tile, cabinets, counter tops, etc. ) We often will refer to this as the financial compass as it points the direction a remodel may or may not go.
Often times, before signing a contract or committing to large design/remodel, people will ask
“How long will this take”
Responses
Kitchens- 1.5 to 3 months spent on design, then approx 3 months to execute
Bathrooms- 1 to 2 months spent on design, then approx 2 months to execute
Additions- 3 to 5 months for planning and design, then approx 5 to 6 month to execute
“When are we able to start?”
Responses
Immediately! The first item at hand will be completing the design packet (all floor plans, elevations, perspectives, cabinet layouts, ALL products selected, counter tops, lighting plans, etc….)
Once this phase has been completed to 95%, we then pass the baton to the production team where they will assess the design packet to make sure the remodeling is ready to now be scheduled. If the production staff finds that the binder/packet is incomplete and could possibly hinder the scheduling, the design team will be asked to finalize items so we don’t run into an issue during production.
We can talk about possible starting time frames/ranges, but an actual start date won’t be considered until the design phase of the project has been fully completed.
This is the time to slow down. HANDS DOWN….the BEST money and time spent on a remodeling project will be the money you spent on DESIGN! When considering your remodel project, some will reference the internet and search for inspirational images/pictures of kitchens, bathrooms or basement finishes to get inspired. THOSE images that you are saving in a folder to share with your contractor to communicate a design style……….almost EVERYONE of those saved images have been planned and designed by a DESIGNER! You will want to love your finished product and be happy with this sizable investment. ANY successful remodeling project starts with careful, mindful and methodical planning. The biggest compliment a welled planned remodel will get is that you will refer our company to another friend or business associate.
“I think I will just be my own designer”
In the Struktur/IKEA world we will get this a lot. They think that there is nothing to just picking out the stuff that they like. WHY do I need to waste that money on a designer when I can just do it myself?
Sure, we can all pick out a specific tile we like, or a light fixture or a counter top. It’s pulling it all together in harmony. Not too much of that, or too little of this! A designer has the experience, knowledge and education to know how to pull together all of the endless and numerous products, colors, textures, styles, finishes and orchestrate them into award winning designs! Just as you would not try to be your own attorney, or your own accountant…….the errors made by trying to attempt one of these jobs could be catastrophic! This is your home! Don’t make that same error. This IS one the most critical phases of any stunning remodel. Don’t do it a dis-service by passing this invaluable service.
“What will happen if I choose to be my own designer?”
We cannot commit to any specific schedule as we cannot predict when the design will be completed………not when YOU “think” you are going to be done……but when you ACTUALLY get the binder all filled out and complete.
We cannot commit to any specific start date as all design products and applications MUST be considered, and availability confirm BEFORE we can set any start date.
Once you have started the design process on your own and then realized you probably are in over your head, it’s now the design will take possibly twice as long, as all things now will have to be reconsidered.
