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Posts Tagged ‘home renovation projects’

The Renovation Plan, Your Schedule and Budget

Monday, August 8th, 2016

 1586-75900B-MULTI6 Resort Fabric Covered Sideboard

1586-75900B-MULTI6 Resort Fabric Covered Sideboard

As a home renovation client, you might feel that you have very little influence when it comes to the makeover project; yet you have more control that you might actually lead yourself to think. Keep in mind that the scope of the project and the materials to be used are all going to be up to you.

The secret to working on a renovation project and keeping it on schedule and on the right budget is to plan all the details before the ground even breaks. If you have not renovated or rebuilt a home in the past, then it’s time that you learn some tricks on how to complete the project.

Know Your Goal

Before you even meet up with a professional, you must know what you would want to accomplish. Would you like to renovate the entire kitchen or just a portion of it? Would you want an elegant upgrade, complete replacement of the furnishings, or would you just like to replace a long-loved backsplash?

A few homeowners know when it is time to renovate their current home yet most of them aren’t sure how to go about with the project. Most of them end up deciding to work with professionals who help in interior design advice and developing a plan.

Prepare the Construction Plans

One of the most crucial documents that you will use are construction plans. These building plans should have the approval of an agency to ascertain that the home meets safety and local codes. If you are not familiar with the building codes as well as construction methods, then you should think of hiring a professional to draft the plans for you.

Different states have different drafting rules. These can also depend on the type and size of the renovation project. Ask people from the local building department to explain the current rules in your area.

Every profession emphasizes different roles. Interior designers and architects are the ones that come up with concepts. They are also the ones that usually draw plans. General contractors are the ones that build the plans while landscape architects create plans and designs for the outdoors.

Know Your Options

Many experts provide a range of services from project management to the final construction. There are those who charge by the hour and those who compute per project. There are also architectural firms that provide design services.

After knowing which team to handle your design project, then you should make your choice regarding who to become your first member. Most hire a designer, architect, builder or a remodeler depending on their current priorities.

Interview a few people then ask for references. Take the time to drive to their past projects. Follow these basic guidelines when hiring an interior designer.

FFDM American Cherry Collection

FFDM American Cherry Collection

Set the Right Budget

Not everyone may stay on budget, in fact, only about a third is able to work on a renovation project within their initial budget. Another third exceeded their budgets while only about 3% were able to achieve a project that’s below their budget. The worst group was those who had no budget to begin with. Those who went over their budgets reasoned that they chose more elegant materials and finishes.

Kitchen renovations can cost anywhere from $50,700 or more depending on the square feet that need to be worked on. Master bathroom renovation could include furniture and appliance replacement. Asking for an estimate should give you ample leeway in terms of budget. Rather than do the project yourself and risk possible mishaps, it’s way better to ask a team of professionals to complete the project for you.

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Posted in Design Contractor, Interior Design 101, The Interior Designer | No Comments »

Designing Home from Scratch

Monday, June 13th, 2016

This sample dining room set up by Hooker Furniture blends wood, metal and other materials beautifully.

This sample dining room set up by Hooker Furniture blends wood, metal and other materials beautifully.

Have you ever thought of renovation or the creation of a home as an exciting journey? Well, it should be an electrifying experience but in reality, most would-be homeowners dread having to take on such a huge project. Creating home from scratch – if done correctly – can help you discover who you are, what you actually want, and what environment you would like to live in. This is, essentially, your shot at defining your relationship to your family, your community and more so yourself.

So, are you ready to get down on your knees and begin this journey?

Every Journey Has a Plan

Just like any other journey, you must begin it with some planning and research. You would want to know what the end result would be and, of course, how much it is going to cost you. Don’t even begin to think that you’ll be able to finish this project alone because no has. A helping hand is not just a welcome idea but a needful aspect throughout the course of your building your home.

Planning requires goal setting. As a would-be homeowner or someone who wants a totally new look for his home, you must have goals. Effective goals are comprised of both functional and decorative elements. Each is crucial and must be recognized.

Make two plans for your project – Plans A and B. Should Plan A fail to make sense, then there’s always your backup plan.

The Cynthia Rowley 7064-011CR Windsor Tight Seat Sofa sits comfortably in a sea of like and complementary hues. The pop of color, now and then, is a fresh sight to behold.

The Cynthia Rowley 7064-011CR Windsor Tight Seat Sofa sits comfortably in a sea of like and complementary hues. The pop of color, now and then, is a fresh sight to behold.

Ask the Right Questions

Whoever thought that creating or designing home from scratch requires a series of questions? First, you need to know what you would want to achieve. This can be summed up in a theme for most people. Knowing your ultimate choice between contemporary and traditional makes a huge difference in the elements that will be bought and brought in.

It is also important to ask where you would want to be. This is that end result that you have been asked to envision. The layout should help give you a mental picture of what your home would look like when finished.

It is also vital to know the cost of the entire project. This is a good way to prevent scenes where you’d end up being cranky because the project turned out to be thousands of dollars costlier. Being realistic would help you plan a budget that works, else, you would be left to the mercy of unscrupulous individuals.

Make good use of an Excel sheet where you could have a bird’s eye view of what has been spent so far and where the cost is going.

Round Up Your Team

Remember, this is your project. Gather professionals who have proven their worth in terms of interior design. Just like a lawyer shouldn’t represent himself in court, then so should you take experts who will take on your project.

The team leader is you and your right hand should be the lead interior designer. This expert will be your guide, advocate, therapist and counselor throughout the project. It pays to find the best team from the onset. The right guide also ensures that the journey that you have embarked upon will be an enjoyable one.

You might also add some team members now and then. There are specialists among these experts (e.g. a kitchen and bath designer) that will be better able to help you. Every extra member will cost you more but it is an added guarantee on the success of the interior design project. Once you gather these experts and they are willing to help you out then, rest assured, that you will have a smooth-sailing journey ahead.

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Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, The Interior Designer | No Comments »

2016 Home Improvement Projects to Take On

Tuesday, March 22nd, 2016

Hooker Furniture Living Room Preston Ridge Sofa Table

Hooker Furniture Living Room Preston Ridge Sofa Table

Most homeowners find it easy to become complacent when at home. They can just let the days drift by without making the necessary home improvements. If done correctly, home improvement can literally allow you to reach your home’s potential. It can also up the value of the property. It’s now 2016; it’s up to you to decide which home improvement projects you’ll take on this year.

Garden Maintenance

The world’s climate is ever-changing so be sure to choose plants that are drought-tolerant. Gardening is an important part of adding curb appeal. Smart planting offers a natural aesthetic that is beautiful and difficult to surpass.

Why make do with mere bare fences when you can build trellis or a green wall. This kind of fence even allows nature to flourish. A plain brick wall would do well to have something like this. It will then look more interesting and robust. Choose the right species to plant there.

The great news is that plants can also insulate your home’s walls, providing them with the best thermal comfort.

Build Eaves

Are you aware of these parts of your roof? Environmental principles can be easily utilized in your home by saying no to air conditioning during the summer and building eaves instead. These are designed to let in the winter sun while blocking the blistering heat of the summer sun. These can make your home a lot more comfortable all months of the year. They can also reduce your electric bills.

Plan your eaves this year – it’s about time.

Utilize Roof Space

Have you considered working home instead of traveling to and from work? Then embrace the blessings of having a home office by utilizing your home’s unused attic space. This often dark room can actually be transformed to a brightly-lit, functional workspace. Improving that part of your home will not just add value to your property by the creation of usable space but also reduce commute time.

Roof space can also become a guest room project or a teen space. Adding skylight windows and timber flooring, painting the walls white, and putting furniture and accessories will surely make this room an awesome place to spend time in.

The Backyard Sanctuary

You can also turn unused space in your garden to a getaway. This should be the perfect spot if you are in need of a little quiet time.

Use articulated timber, light and plant life to create a peaceful feeling within that new part of your home. Your objective is to set up destinations right within your backyard. These should be inviting enough so that people will look forward to spend more time there.

Get Rid of Excess Stuff

If you clutter that has been eating a huge part of your home, then it’s time to throw ‘em away. Those that you can still use should be placed in storage. Any stuff that you haven’t used for more than a year should be considered junk. You can sell them online or donate them.

Let go of accessories that no longer work with the theme that you currently have.

Expand

Have you ever thought of setting up a roof garden? This can be a unique space in your home that can reduce the urban feel of your dwelling. This can be a simple grassed area lined with low-lying plants. Take advantage of any unutilized space and turn it into something that supports vegetation.

Any small plot of land outside of your home would also do.

Lastly, choose among the rooms in your home and find out which will be your 2016 home improvement project. Then be sure to finish this project and enjoy the fruits of your labor.

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Posted in 2016 Trends, Interior Design 101, Remodeling | No Comments »