Sweeten Home Remodeling – Why You Need Design Services
Home designers bring a level of clarity, predictability and accountability to remodel projects. Many Sweeten contractors offer professional design services, and some are part of a “design/build” remodeling firm that incorporates both the design and construction process into one fee and contract.
Architects get involved on remodel projects where structural changes are required. They have earned their license and are often the most expensive option for a remodel.
Design Concepts
Design is a major step in any remodel, even if it’s a small kitchen update or master bathroom upgrade. Whether you’re working with an architectural firm that specializes in home remodels or a general contractor that uses the Design-Bid-Construct method, you will need a design phase to ensure your project is built properly and meets your expectations.
During this phase, your designer will take photos and measurements of the space, create a rough floor plan, explore paint colors, and play with design aesthetics. It’s helpful to have access to a Pinterest board during this time so your designers can get a sense of what inspires you and the overall look you want for your new living space.
This is also the point where your designer will start to provide you with concept designs. Depending on the complexity of your project, you may end up with multiple concepts to choose from. This is a great time to review these with your designer and decide which direction you want to move forward with. At this point, your designer will also begin working with other specialized design professionals such as structural engineers and geotechnical or civil engineers for additions and ground-up remodels.
Budget
Many remodelers will work with homeowners to determine an initial budget. This will include the cost of materials, appliances, paint and labor. Labor often accounts for 20 to 35 percent of the total project cost. Labor costs also include any living expenses incurred during the renovation, such as eating out, boarding pets or staying at a hotel.
Home remodeling design services can range from simple online consultations to full-service kitchen and bathroom designers who draw a complete set of up-to-code plans for home remodel design services a reasonable fee. Architects are more expensive and typically have an architecture degree or are members of the American Institute of Architects (AIA).
Finding a good designer can help you stay on budget during your remodel project. It’s also helpful to find ways to cut costs, such as by painting the rooms yourself rather than having them professionally painted or buying used items where possible. In addition, you can save money by working with a contractor that offers design-build services. These firms will have a team of architects and designers that work together from the beginning, which can reduce project costs and improve communication with the contractors.
Materials
The right materials can add to your renovation project’s aesthetic and Luxury Furniture Custom functionality. They can increase your home’s resale value, and improve its durability and lifespan. For example, choosing durable flooring over carpeting can help reduce the need for frequent repairs and replacements. It’s important to balance your material selections with your budget and maintenance preferences.
Contractors often have access to trade-only products and vendors that may offer higher-quality options at a lower cost. They also know how to evaluate and compare different materials based on their quality, function, and aesthetics. They’re familiar with suppliers’ warranty and return policies, and can resolve any issues that may arise promptly.
A good remodeler will include the cost of all necessary materials in their proposal. This helps avoid construction delays and ensures that the final project is on schedule and within budget. In addition, a contractor will ensure that the chosen materials are compatible for the job and deliver them to the job site in a timely manner. They will also make sure that they meet building codes and regulations.
Schedule
Home remodeling is a big project with a lot of moving parts. There are budget considerations, design plans to create and purchase materials for, construction schedules and local building permit approvals to navigate. Depending on the project, this can take weeks, months or even a year to complete!
It’s important to be patient throughout the remodeling process. There may be delays caused by unforeseen circumstances that you can’t control. For example, the delivery of your new kitchen cabinets could be delayed due to a backlog in production or shipping containers being held up at the border.
For this reason, it is a good idea to keep track of all documents related to the remodel and stay organized. One way to do this is to use myProSource Project Center, a free online tool that provides homeowners with a central location for documenting their project and product selections. It also allows homeowners to share this information with their renovation professionals and keep everyone in the loop. This will help prevent misunderstandings and delays down the line.
Communication
One of the top complaints homeowners have about their remodeling experience is a lack of clear communication with contractors. This leads to misunderstandings, extended project timelines, and inflated costs.
To prevent this, it’s best to have open and consistent communication with your contractor throughout the entire remodel. This includes regular meetings and updates, as well as a designated point of contact for the duration of the project. It’s also important to use professional language in communication and avoid using jargon or shorthand. This applies whether you’re communicating via email, phone, or in-person.
In addition, having a thorough design for the remodel reduces the chances of unforeseen costs during construction. This is because the designs directly inform the cost, ensuring that you have a complete understanding of the scope of work. Many home remodelers offer design services, and a few even employ architects on staff who can handle more structurally complex projects. This allows them to take the burden off of clients and provide a full-service solution. This bolsters productivity and decreases the likelihood of costly misunderstandings that can derail a project.
