RENOVATION PROCESS OVERVIEW

“There are no shortcuts in life, only those we imagine.” Frank Leahy

Take a deep breathe - - we will get you through this. We advise you to go step-by-step through each phase. TheSteps process has been refined over 20 years, so USE our resources. The number one step required for a successful outcome starts with a well thought out plan. Like any great master, we like to put the work-in, on the frontend, so when you get to the construction phase, your project will run more smoothly.

 1. Concept & Planning

The goal of this phase is to determine project criteria and research your best options.

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2. Design & Develop

Goal of this phase is to explore design concepts, narrow your preferred concept and determine the project criteria. Once the overall design concept has been created you will then establish the footprint of said room (shape and size).

  • Tip: Spend some time with the plans (even if hand drawn) visualizing the room/structures/flow and continue to refine design concept as needed before major decisions (structural, mechanical systems) are made.

  • Key considerations: interior elevations (room layout) ceiling plan (lighting/speaker footprint), interior materials and design selections (flooring, tile, paint, doors, windows, crown molding, finishes, fixtures etc.)

  • Link: Design Concept Steps

3. Documentation

You can call this the final, final if you will. In this phase the homeowner, architect, designer and contractor come together with technical drawings and specifications to agree on the final design. At this time all of the necessary drawings, schedules, material selections are finalized and executed. Technical drawings are secured for required construction and permits. Pricing is finalized.

4. Construction

  • Observe construction for consistency with construction documents. For example, is the size of the room on the drawings the same size as has been framed? This is your opportunity to resolve design problems (i.e. is the kitchen wall long enough to house your stock cabinets?) Regular meetings between all team members should be scheduled to make decisions on that week’s construction phase

  • Electrical walk through (decide on fixture, outlet & switch locations)

  • Finish work (window casing, door casing, crown molding, baseboard, etc)

  • Tiler (grout colors, tile patterns)

  • Please note this is a critical stage in the process. Many contractors are juggling multiple jobs and it is a good idea to be in regular dialogue with them so you can anticipate, select, and schedule site delivery of materials in advance. If not handled with care this can be a very costly and frustrating position to be in. There is nothing worse than being told the tiler is arriving tomorrow and the tile is still in transit, or painters are coming and the colors have not been finalized. In our opinion this is when the value of an experienced designer or contractor is worth every penny.

  • Link: Construction Steps

5. Install

  • This is when months of design and planning come to fruition.

  • Wallpaper, Window treatments, Rugs and Furniture are are installed.