ARCHITECTURE

Road Map to Renovation.

A renovation can feel daunting. You might know how you want your space to look, but the reality of navigating a complex, months- or years- long process feels decidedly less glamorous than any TV show makes it seem. So where do you begin? And how do you ensure a successful project when your time, energy, and money are on the line?

ESTABLISH YOUR GOALS Every project needs clear goals. When consensus is built before you begin a renovation, it becomes easier to navigate challenges related to priorities, aesthetics, and budget. Think through what you want to accomplish with your space and write those goals down. Perhaps it’s as fluid as how you want the space to feel – warm, welcoming, and hospitable – or maybe it’s directly related to the functionality of a room. Either way, identifying your goals will give you a true north as you move forward.

If you need help establishing these goals, start by examining your current space. Whether it’s a mud room renovation or an entire first-floor remodel, jot down notes on functionality issues and problem areas. Have your kitchen counters inadvertently become the drop zone for mail, shoes, and backpacks? Has your dining room table become a makeshift work station? Taking inventory of these problem areas will give you clarity.

CONSIDER EXECUTION + PRIORITIZE

With goals in hand, it’s now important to think through how you want a project to be executed – whether that’s all at once or phased over time. While the idea of renovating an entire home in one fell swoop seems ideal, there are budget and practical constraints that make this approach unrealistic for some. You will also want to identify which projects you feel capable of taking on yourself and those you want to outsource to trusted professionals.

If you choose to phase your renovation, prioritize the updates that will have the most immediate impact on your daily life and bring you the most joy. If you love preparing meals, your kitchen might come first. If your family has a beloved weekly movie night tradition, a media room may be the priority. If you adore fashion but are cramming clothes into an undersized closet, a dressing room could top the list. The priorities you settle on need to reflect your values.

CONSIDER THE COST

Once you have an idea of your priorities, cost comes into play. Many of our clients do their research on the projects they would like to complete and find general estimates for project costs online or via television shows. These numbers don’t always align with expectations for finish, quality, and custom solutions.

Ask professionals for estimates on the spaces that are most important to you. It might be worth it to you to put more money into a certain area of your home because it supports your ultimate project goals. Getting a detailed estimated budget prior to beginning design work helps ensure you are committing to a renovation that is realistic and decidedly less stressful.

PICK THE RIGHT PARTNER

Depending on the scope of the project, you will likely need to either hire a full-service firm or find several different partners to bring your vision to life, including everyone from architects and interior designers to specialty contractors and furniture vendors. Navigating working with these different project partners is not for the faint of heart. Engaging a design-build team early will help establish scope and phasing with your budget in mind, ultimately providing value and immeasurable efficiencies.

When advising friends, family, clients, or colleagues on hiring partners, I encourage them to prioritize working with individuals who: • Listen, understand, and value their goals and vision. • Will take care of the project and home as if it were their own. • Are reputable. • Are referred by others in the industry. • Are established in the industry for several years. • Have completed similar projects. • Have deep knowledge of products, materials, and options. • Bring relationships with other vendors, consultants, and partners. General contractors must have great working relationships with vetted, quality tradesmen.

PRIORITIZE SERVICE AND MAKE THEM FEEL VALUED. Spend time interviewing potential partners. Don’t be afraid to ask for references or to see past project work. Ask contacts in the design and construction industry about the individuals you are considering hiring. The people you hire are the most critical component to ensuring your renovation goes smoothly.

A SMOOTH DELIVERY

Even with the right partner(s) on board, there is still endless coordination, communication, and decisions involved in any renovation. A dedicated project manager can make all the difference. Project managers serve as your day-to-day contact, funneling information to you and advocating on your behalf.

They also add value by:

Creating a clear scope of work.

A project manager will help piece together the details and be able to present this information to subcontractors in a way that makes the project easier to bid and execute. This has a direct impact on ensuring a quality end project and a smooth construction process.

Bidding and cost estimating.

They advocate to ensure project costs are within budget, communicate changes along the way, and ensure there is transparency.

Scheduling, coordination, and communication.

There could be more than a dozen vendors, craftsman, and trades on one project. The sequencing and efficiency of trades is vital to the project’s ultimate success. The project manager can problem solve as challenges arise and liaise between trades and the client to navigate ever-changing circumstances.

Protect the design.

Your initial goals and priorities should be evident in the design solution. The project manager’s role is to keep his/her eyes on that vision and protect the integrity of the design as it is built. This is one of the primary benefits of having a design-build firm, because the design and construction teams are under one roof.

Advocate for the client.

A project manager ensures contractors are delivering high-quality work, reviewing progress, and maintaining a standard that ensures the best craftsmanship at a competitive price in the most timely manner.

Keep the project moving.

Every project has hiccups, whether a backordered fixture or renovation discoveries. A project manager should bring the client solutions – not a problem.

Managing the details.

Finally, a good project manager ensures the details come together seamlessly to uphold the design intent. As a project wraps up, the project manager works with the client to develop a punch-list, following through until every last detail is complete. Renovations don’t have to be dreaded – and you don’t have to put up with chaos to reach the end result you’ve dreamed of. With clear goals, the right partners and a skilled project manager, the process itself can be something that brings you joy.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

An architectural engineer by trade, Kim Peters is a construction project manager who brings a wealth of experience to id|bp’s construction services. Her analytical skills, positivity, and attention to detail play a critical role in bringing designs to life.