Getting Started

It starts with a desire for change. But let's face it, the process - and the ability to carry it out - can be an overwhelming and daunting task. Choices are overwhelming, everyone you know has an opinion, even your neighbor says, "you don't need a designer, my brother is a remodeler and he can "take care of you".

Ala Carte'

1st Appointment, no charge. Discuss scope of project

Choose :      Hourly (Consultative)     

                    Flat Rate  (Based on estimated hours spent)

                    Percentage (Rate added to materials and labor costs.)

Choose:       Consulting

                    Staging, Re-arranging, Re-purposing, Decluttering

                    Cabinetry Sales (3 lines, I buy direct from Manf.)

                    Furniture (specialty finishes)

                    Closets (design and/or  materials)

                    Tile (design and/or materials)

                    Gallery Wall Layout

                    Interior Design (soft lines)

                    Interior Architectural Design (hard lines)

                    Drafting (hand, CAD, floorplan, elevations, perspective)

                    Selections (assist or per hire) elec, plbg, lighting, furniture

                    Project Coordinator

                    Project Manager

                    General Contractor

 

Understanding

Remodeler vs. Designer

Although these two people often work together, their skill sets and business models are very different. Understanding what they do and how they work is critical to your projects success.  I often joke, "Dont let you designer hang your new door and don't let you remodeler/carpenter design you new kitchen, bathroom or basement"; and yet a serious topic.

A remodelers business model is such that he needs to get in and out as quickly as possible to be profitable. This means that up front he wants a clear idea of what is wanted, he quickly assess how long it will take him, quotes you a ballpark price, yet noting (time and materials), because he knows changes are inevitable as you begin to see the project unfold, find other materials you like better or are more cost effective, or you run into a problem that needs a solution. He sends you around town to several places to handle all your needs, make all your selections and yet you aren't feeling confident about all your choices, cause they are all seperate. He will do what you ask. Be sure you know what that is.

A designers business model is such that he/she needs to take time to fully understand your goals, budget, changes that may be required, what you want to keep or replace. They have a degreed education that has taught them what they need to consider, how to ananlyze it, and how to communicate it.   They work with you to define the fininshed plan and prepare all the information and working drawings to aid the remodeler in saving him time getting his job done, with the fewest surprises. That includes: (construction detals, electrical locations and selections, plumbing locations and selections, venting or heat/cooling, cabinetry, flooring, color palette, etc. They aid the homowner in selecting the best and most cost effective materials to avoid impulsive decisions later that are usually costly, and guide then to make what they envisioned come to life.

Now that you understand what they do,seeing the value in: Step #1  the Designer, and then Step #2 allowing the Remodeler/Carpenter to come in and make the most efficient use of his time? All the guess work is gone. Most challenges have already been adderessed in design phase.

 
Recognizing

My clients become friends, and the contractors I work with, we enjoy working together, and it shows in our work, and in our clients testimonials.

Recognizing that partnering with fabulous craftsmen, knowledgable professionals, and dedicated healthcare providers, I am able to bring together a team of people to carry my clients through what can sometimes be an overwhelming experience, only do it on their behalf and with ease.

 

What Clients Love

Having me arrive at their home for each meeting and bring samples for them to review , I have been told repeatedly is one of the things they liked best working with me.

Knowing all their costs upfront, and knowing they are only paying for work at their home, not the costs of maintaining a showroom or all the other costs associated with the overhead that is part of larger firms. That is solid value that shows in the numbers, over and over.