• Discuss your thoughts on budget while keeping an open mind on the reality check a designer can bring to the table. Having an honest discussion on costs can eliminate a lot of frustration as the selection process gets under way. It’s the experience a designer has to offer that is priceless. Knowing where to compromise to get the most from any budget is key. • Be sure all parties who will have a say in the decision making process are present at the planning meetings. Preparing a list of concerns and desires for your project and the things you do not want to compromise on will give your designer a baseline to work with. Even if you feel your spouse has opposing opinions, this is where your designer can find a middle ground to be sure everyone is happy with the final outcome. • Have a plan in hand before you try to build a room around a faucet. Sounds funny but it happens all the time. I always recommend to my clients that they utilize sites like Houzz. com or Pinterest to get some ideas. Absolutely share these with your designer, even if you don’t know why you like the photos, they will see the continuity and draw your ideas out. From there, your designer can navigate the process of defining your project and making recommendations to increase functionality as well as create a home you’ll love for years to come. Note, however, in a renovation project, if load bearing walls are to be changed or removed, it’s time to call an architect! For new construction, it’s helpful to involve a designer from the beginning as they can work hand-inhand with your architect/builder to ensure all your favorite possessions will have a place to call home. • Now it’s time to make those ever nerve-racking selections. Stay calm knowing you have a professional guiding you. It is always tempting to “go look” at all the options but what really happens is most people become overwhelmed by all that is out there. You can trust your designer to help you focus on the overall project and keep you moving smoothly in one direction.
Photo by Stockwell Media
• Communication between your designer and contractor/builder is of utmost importance. After all the work you have done to make these choices, it is imperative that your contractor/ builder acquires this information on a timely basis. Maintaining the construction time frame set forth by your contractor or builder ultimately saves you money!
Photo by Stockwell Media 32 | Saratoga Home & Lifestyle 2016
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