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Well-Planned: From Pinterest to Reality!

  architect, architecture, blueprint, budget, building, communication, diy, diy project, hiring a professional, home, home diy, home renovation, house, house plans, house project, living spaces, project, remodel, shiplap, small changesAhhh Pinterest…and you-Houzz, what are you doing to us?!? Every day, new ideas! Countertops-granite, quartz, or marble? Subway tile, mosaic glass, SHIPLAP? And these are just the finishes. How much space does my family need? Should we remodel or move? We want to build-now what?

As a mom, I understand the wear and tear that a family puts on a house (how many times can I repaint my white trim?) As a wife and partner, I understand compromise with a frugal spouse. As an architect , I work on a variety of residential and commercial projects, but the ones I love most revolve around people’s homes. In these special places we share with our family and friends, even small changes are personal and should ideally reflect the lives of those who live there.

 

 architect, architecture, blueprint, budget, building, communication, diy, diy project, hiring a professional, home, home diy, home renovation, house, house plans, house project, living spaces, project, remodel, shiplap, small changes

Here are my tips on how to organize all of those great ideas for your project:

  1. Set a budget. Regardless of how much money you have, you will spend more than intended if you don’t set a budget. Depending on the scope of the project, there may also be some unknowns. We’ve all seen the HGTV shows where the furnace is kaput or the stairs don’t meet code, so a contingency fund is also key to help defray any unexpected costs. If you don’t use it, that’s great, and it may come in handy for extras like furniture or other end-of-project luxuries like a new grill or the espresso machine you’ve always wanted.
  2. Set priorities. Again, whether you are building new, or adding on, it’s good to have your list of must-haves. It is not uncommon, even on multi-million dollar homes, to have to choose wants over needs.
  3. Be flexible. Those unknowns I mentioned? Expect them. Delays in product shipment or speed of construction? Relax. One of the things I don’t love about the design field is the all encompassing panic over trivial things. Have some perspective on these truly first world problems and try to enjoy the ride.
  4. Consider the calendar. We all like to think things will go as planned, and they often do. Until they don’t! Planning a major remodel and hoping it wraps up with days to spare before you host a graduation/ bridal shower/ retirement party isn’t smart. So start sooner than you think to give everyone involved a little breathing room. Consider weather if there is outdoor work to be done. New excavation and footings, as well as exterior painting all require a basic level of warmth and lack of precipitation to be completed properly. Additionally, lead time on shipping for light fixtures, wallpaper, plumbing fixtures, and furniture can wreak havoc on showcasing the new space at a planned event.
  5. Reflect on why the project is necessary. Is there an existing problem you are fixing? Leaky plumbing, damaged structure, or faulty electrical? Are you trying to update to sell your home? Is your mud room not functional or is storage non-existent? Identifying the why of your project may help some of the other parameters, and if you have a partner or spouse, this is a good way to compromise on the scope (which is directly related to budget) and avoid turning your designer into a marriage counselor!
  6. Hire professionals. There are many ways to shortcut a construction project. But if code compliance and functioning systems aren’t enough incentive, consider the legal aspects of having a permit, and the peace of mind of a safe place for your family. Additionally, while almost anyone can draw plans, real design is a process and takes many components into consideration before arriving at a solution. Don’t rush your project only to regret making hasty decisions later.
  7. Don’t underestimate small changes. Sometimes removing a wall or changing the way your family uses a room are enough to make a house function for you. Don’t need a formal dining room but do need a place to work from home? Add french doors and voila-home office! Four bedrooms on one floor but you’re only using 3 and your closet is tiny? Potential space swapping is an excellent way to work through daily hassles. Outside perspective is a great reason to hire a design professional for cost effective solutions. You may realize you don’t need a large addition or a brand new home after all. No matter what your project, make it work for the people who use it most! architect, architecture, blueprint, budget, building, communication, diy, diy project, hiring a professional, home, home diy, home renovation, house, house plans, house project, living spaces, project, remodel, shiplap, small changes

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