THE SISTERS TIPS WHEN STARTING A RENOVATION
We've all had that moment. The moment you decide you want to renovate your home, but have absolutely no idea where to start. Well buckle in because the adventure is about to start here. We've done this a few times and have a few tips that might help you get started. The first thing to recognize is that renovation is a rollercoaster - there will be highs and there will be lows. If you're not a big rollercoaster fan don’t worry we'll be riding it with you with our hands up in the air, screaming and laughing until the end! Because we've been on this ride before we're sharing our tips and tricks to help you navigate this new adventure! Okay hands up… let the ride begin!
Create a Road Map
Sit down and map out your vision. Literally, write it down on a sheet of paper or draw it out. Answer these questions - What is your scope of work? When do you want this completed? Physically writing all of this out will help you understand what phase of the project you are in and help you understand each step, including timelines, lead times and deadlines.
In our office we have a white board that maps out each project and what phase of the project we are in. Every week we discuss the status of each project as a team and update it accordingly. Seeing this road map visually helps us organize our priorities for the week.
Make Sure You Have a Plan
Everyone loves a plan, at least we do. Making a plan will make your life so much easier when it comes to renovating. Write it down on paper - just like your road map. In addition, make sure each of the members on your team know the plan too. That's silly to say because it seems so obvious but things can always get lost in translation and pour communication can really f*** up a job. Communication is key in construction and design.
Commit To The Plan
This is very important for you as the client and for us as the designers. We'll say it again, COMMIT TO THE PLAN. Know that when you start making changes it will cost you more money and more time in the end.
Have All Materials On Site
This is something as designers that we highly suggest! We like to have everything ordered and onsite before construction starts. This makes the building and installation process so much easier. If you start ordering at the same time construction is starting, a number of things can go wrong, for example stock of an item may change or lead times may be longer than expected. Ordering everything ahead of time will alleviate stress during construction and installation! Trust us!
Phase Things Out
If you try to do everything all at once you may get overwhelmed. Many of our clients like to do their projects in phases. It’s easier financially and it allows for a less stressful process overall.
Walk The Site
This is very important! It’s so easy to just look at the plans two dimensionally on a piece of paper, but it’s so important to walk the site and the space before starting anything. Everything looks different in person! This is one of the first things we do with every client! As designers we are visual learners and this is one of the most important aspects of our job. There are so many details that go into a renovation and walking the site allows you to see the space in a three-dimensional way. In addition, verify ALL dimensions on site! The plans are never the same as the actual dimensions. We also suggest walking the site after you've conceptualized a design. This is a great opportunity for you to tape out all walls and large furniture pieces to help visualize the space.
Trust Your Team
This is the MOST important advice we could give you. Trust us and trust the process! We know what we are doing, we promise! This also means taking the time to choose the RIGHT team! Make sure you are comfortable with all the parties involved and let them do their job! This is our full time job and we will guide you! WE PROMISE!
Make sure throughout the entire process you ask questions. Your team is there to help you make this new adventure a little smoother and more manageable for you! And just think, when the adventure is over you’ll feel overwhelmed with joy and satisfaction… AND you’ll have a brand new space to call your own!
Love, The Sisters