The Project Process

Collaboration makes it more efficient and more fun.

A typical project starts with a meeting.... What do you want from your project? After all, construction projects take time and money to be completed. Neither of these is something that you want to waste. For the initial meeting, the Owner should bring all the information they can - idea photos, existing documents such as site or home plans, lists of "must haves" and "would love to have". And, of course, your budget for the project.

For a renovation project.... measurements of the existing building need to be taken. While measuring, I also take note of elements of the house that will impact further construction - structure, location of utilities, possible problem areas.

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The design process starts .... by my bringing 3-4 options to a discussion table. What do you like by each option? What doesn't work? What would work instead? We might take 2-4 meetings to discuss and improve the options, before we have a plan and elevations that we will take forward to construction documents.

​​Choosing materials like flooring, tile, counters and appliances is a substantial part of the project. I have a list of area showrooms and can join you on visits to them, if you would like my support in making the choices. 

Getting bids on the project is an important step. You need to choose a contractor who comes in at the right cost for your budget, but, also is someone you can trust. You will be spending months with the Contractor and his team and you will be living in the house for many years, this choice is important.

During Construction ... I will work with you and the Contractor to help keep the project on track. Construction is the time for everyone to be organized and efficient. Time is money during construction. Through project meetings, we will outline who needs to do what when. Finishes, appliances, tile, paint colors, light fixtures, door hardware, windows all need to be chosen and available when the Contractor's schedule requires them. This is the only way to keep a project on schedule and on budget. Weather and other unforeseen problems can create problems, so controlling what can be controlled is important.

Celebrate the project. When construction is finished, it is time to celebrate your new space. The work is done, the enjoyment begins.