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Thursday, October 5th, 2017
FIne Furniture Regal Double Pedestal Dining Table: The beautiful marriage of neutral colors in this dining room is difficult to ignore.
The beginning of a majestic design process always comes with the initial consultation. This is that moment when you meet up with the design experts and have an ocular visit of your home. This initial consult could also happen inside the designer’s studio which is the case when the house is going to be constructed or if a vacation home is to be set up.
An interior designer’s first interaction requires getting to know as much information about their client as possible. They have to know their desired outcomes, personalities, the timeframe for the project, and the budget.
Your selection of a design team also means looking for past clients. These are the people who can attest to the real portfolio of your chosen design team. Ask if the past clients were satisfied with the end result. Ask also if the builders have their license.
Warranty and service are also two things that you need to ask before signing any papers. Tour the model homes that they have made. The number of years that they have worked also count.
It is also important for the design team to know how the space will be used, discuss functionality as well as aesthetics. As a team, the client should specify the next meeting’s major task and what jobs to prioritize.
Find a design team that does not require a consultation fee or, at the very least, have a low asking price. The initial consultation should be a means to see if you and the team are a good fit. If you want the design team to take on the project a hundred-percent and you would just move in once it’s done, then specify that to them, too.
Material Selection
Another necessary step of the design process is the material selection phase. The design team will lay all of the options to you by this time. Be sure to give an honest feedback so that you will end up liking the materials used in your home.
While design teams try to get the material selection right the first time, there are also instances when some of the choices need to be revisited especially when they deviate from the desired outcome.
Estimation
The third step of the design process is the approximation of the project cost. Individual materials and products will be lined up so you can make your choice and make a final decision on what items to use. Take a careful look at all the alternatives before you make your final decision.
Most design teams will ask for a deposit once you sign the contract with them. This is the money that they will use to begin ordering the materials that you agreed to use for the project.
Implementation
This is the phase when actual construction will take place. You are bound to meet plumbers, electricians, flooring installers, wall experts, painters, general contractors, etc.
If you have your own set of experts whom you prefer to work with, then let the contractor know.
Final Inspection
So what should you expect once the construction is done?
Your builder must offer one last walkthrough before he hands over the structure to you. Have a blue painter’s tape with you during this walkthrough. This will serve as your marker as you point out anything that should be improved or was not done according to your specifications.
The builder should be able to correct these marked areas. It is your right to ask who will do the final work. There are builders who assign a dedicated team to complete the final items.
Keep a record of these marked items so that you can have another walkthrough once the project is really done.
Tags: design team, general contractor, house construction, interior design team, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings
Posted in Interior Design 101, The Interior Designer | Comments Off on Understanding the Design Process – A Walkthrough of the Design Team’s Job
Tuesday, June 14th, 2016
. Hooker Furniture Living Room Imperial Regal 3-Piece Stationary Sectional is the anchor to the rest of the design elements.
Building or remodeling a home is a huge emotional and financial investment. This project will also require a lot of your time especially when you want to be closely involved with the decision-making process. Setting your expectations prior to the beginning of the project will make you better prepared. Here are the 10 questions that you should ask your design contractor during his interview –
What Is the Project Schedule?
Setting the project start and end dates is not enough. The schedule is actually an outline that will give you a bird’s eye view of the sequences, tasks, timing and the deadlines. This is the benchmark so you’ll know when things are not keeping up with the deadlines.
Who Are Going to Work on the Project?
Depending on the structure of the interior design company, the answer to this could vary. Remodelers often make use of the lead carpenter system where the superintendent leads the day-to-day work. This is also known as a staff member since he works physically, too.
Ask who among the team members will be opening and locking up. Ask also who will be the contractors’ supervisor.
How Will You Keep the Property Safe?
This is a question that you need to ask before anything is demolished. Answering this will also assure you which parts of your home will be cordoned off. You also need to know how you will move about in your home.
Another issue that needs to be addressed is how all the stuff such as furniture, books, vases, drapes, and others could be removed from the construction area. You wouldn’t want any of them to collect dust or, worse, be damaged when the construction starts.
How and How Often Will We Communicate?
Set the mode of communication for the entire team. Would you need to call every day or would e-mails suffice? There are contractors that like to communicate on a weekly basis but are you amenable to that?
Which Part of the Project Is Problematic to You?
The contractor will always have something to say that will oppose what you planned. It is best to talk about the elephant in the room so that change orders won’t take place in the middle of the project.
Ask him what worst case scenarios he was able to bail out of in the past.
What Happens Should a Change Order Take Place?
Document change orders in writing. Remember that these have a way of catching up in financial terms and having paper trail is the best rebuttal to the contractor’s question on number of hours added, etc.
When Will You Need Me to Make Decisions?
Ask for an organized list of the things that you need to make a decision on. The list should give you a concise direction of what and when a decision is required from you.
Can I Call You After Hours?
It is important to know how you will get in touch with your contractor during emergencies. Exchange your numbers with the contractor’s landline, cell phone and work phone. Make sure that getting in touch with him won’t be a crisis.
When Will the Additional Meetings Be Held?
Even when there are weekly meetings, there could still be additional meetings where you would be required to attend. Installation of electricity, setting of tiles, is such activities that require your presence.
What Documents Will Be Given to Me After the Project Is Finished?
There are interior design projects that may require some kind of paperwork apart from the contract. This is especially true when you have to tear down walls or build new ones in your home. Documents also include the list of subcontractors, their contact details, etc.
The Winners Only Bedroom Slat King Bed BCQ1002K, the nightstand, the drawers, even the carpet all blend to create this harmonious bedroom.
Tags: design contractor, hiring interior designer, interior design contractor, interior design team, interior designer, interior designer interview, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, searching for interior designer
Posted in Interior Design 101, The Interior Designer | No Comments »
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