The First Step
Remodeling, refurbishing or restoring your existing residence
may be exactly what the doctor ordered. Do the spaces
you live in and your lifestyle mesh? Perhaps you have
considered adding a home office or you need more space
to accommodate a growing family. Then again, you may have
ample space, but finishes throughout look tired and worn.
And, there are so many "vanilla" houses, lacking
sparkle and personality. Whatever your motivations, when
considering whether to remodel or not remodel, hiring
a professional interior designer can be the most important
step you take.
Contractors, Architects and Interior Designers
Many people will go directly to a builder or contractor,
to obtain pricing and ideas. But, consider that contractors
are not trained to help you make interior design decisions.
They are experts in building the designs designers create.
This is not to say they don't have ideas, but will they
be the correct ones? Utilizing architects is often necessary.
Will they be interested in helping you through the whole
process through to its completion? There will be stucco
treatments to consider, molding and trim details, paint
selections, wallpaper or faux finishes to think about,
flooring, plumbing and lighting decisions on through to
determining drapery treatments, furnishings and accessories.
Architects are often very busy, more expensive and not
as interested in spending time on all the interior details
you wish to consider in your newly created space.
Current Market Trends
Even if it is only for a few hours, consulting with a
professional interior designer will help clarify many
issues and speed up the process. The fee you might pay
for a few hours of an expert's opinion will serve you
handsomely in the long run. Professionals will help you
decide which areas are the most important to consider.
What are the most cost-effective, highest-impact changes
to make? So often, a professional will see things you
do not see, because, of course, this is what they are
trained to do. They are also more focused, objective and
function oriented. Each and every day they are immersed
in the world of design, visiting showrooms throughout
the world, traveling, in and out of client's homes and
offices, and experiencing the finest of what is available
within the marketplace. They can walk into your home and
within a few hours give you hundreds of valuable ideas
to contemplate before you invest in a remodeling project.
And, you will be better able to proceed with confidence,
knowing you are making the right decisions.
Property Values
Examining your location, existing property values, and
potential expenditures are essential. Often homeowners,
if they have not attempted a project of this nature in
many years, will experience sticker shock. Designers can
discuss current prices to consider, based on their experience
within the market, and help determine which amenities
would be the best to add. It can be helpful to tour other
homes on the market in your neighborhood, as well as other
areas in town for comparisons. Does your home offer similar
amenities? If you have owned your home for many years
and attained substantial equity, you may be able to improve
your surroundings without exceeding the current market
value.
The Right Choices
Whether you live in a small home or a huge mansion, an
interior designer will help you with interior selections
appropriate to your lifestyle and price range. You can
always spend more, but you can also spend less. Which
investments reap the greatest rewards? Will you be able
to get your money back out of the property when it sells?
Bathrooms and kitchens are great areas to consider remodeling.
These areas tend to date a home more than any other, but
they are generally the most expensive areas to revamp.
Family rooms and large master bedrooms and baths are often
good choices. Everything is bigger than in years past
including closets. But, you might be surprised with what
a designer offers in terms of design options. And, if
you go through the inconvenience of a remodeling project,
there may be other areas throughout the house, needing
only small improvements, which would be inexpensive to
tackle while the workforce is present.
Quality Workmanship
It is best to obtain bids from a minimum of three contractors
in your area. Examine their credentials, their references
and ask to see samples of recent work. A general rule
of thumb is to throw out the lowest and highest bids,
and after researching the remaining companies, go with
the firm you feel is capable of handling your project.
A designer can often provide you with several recommendations
of reputable firms or act in a supervisory position to
handle the many details that will crop up. In the midst
of a project, issues will emerge which need to be addressed
and having a reliable source for answers will simplify
the process and keep the project on target.
Delays and Frustration
Be prepared for inconveniences along the way. The disruption
of having workmen in and out for weeks or months at a
time can not be under-estimated, no matter how talented
they are or how patient you might be. We are creatures
of habit and it can be quite an experience to be displaced
for any length of time. Permits, inspections, weather,
material delays, and improper planning contribute to delays
in a project. When hiring a contractor ask for an estimated
completion date. Extend the timetable given to include
another month or more, depending on the size of the project.
You will then be mentally prepared for the inevitable.
Unfortunately, remodeling often takes longer than initially
expected.
Additional Work
Having a shell of a room is not what you are after. Projects
are, many times, bid on a cost plus basis. Any increases
in materials and labor reflected in the marketplace add
to the cost of the project. Additional work orders implemented
after the initial agreement increase the costs as well.
Adding 10% to a contractors bid will help prevent shortages
requiring cutbacks and provide flexibility for upgrades
as you see fit.
Reap the Rewards
If you have ever been through a major remodeling project,
you may never wish to go through one again, but it may
be because you absolutely love the transformation and
are thoroughly content with the results. Remodeling can
take a ho-hum home and make it a place you enjoy day in
and day out. After all, it is not so much a matter of
what we have, but how we use what we have, that matters.
If you love your home and your neighborhood, remodeling
may just be the answer for you. And, your interior designer
will be happy to help you create a space that works well
and pleases you at every turn.
Dezignaré Interior Design Collective, Inc. http://www.dezignare.com
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