New Beginnings: A THREE-PART HOME RENOVATION GUIDE
Part II: Impementing Your Design
Welcome back to our three-part series on home renovation! In the first installment, we outlined the first steps toward your dream home remodel and how your vision begins to take shape. In Part II of our New Beginnings series, we dive into what it takes to get your project from mere concept to construction reality. We provide practical insights and expert advice on ensuring a successful home renovation while keeping your budget and timeline in check.
Missed the first installment of our home renovation guide?
Where You’ve Been
At this point in the process, you've solidified your project team: an interior designer, a general contractor, and an architect (if there are significant structural changes). In the concept and design development phase, your designer created various options based on your vision and inspiration images. This stage may have included mood boards, 3D renderings, and material samples to illustrate layout, color schemes, materials, and fixtures. These concepts were refined through collaborative discussions and iterations until they reflected your dream space.
Where You're Going
Design Documentation:
Once the conceptual designs are finalized, the focus shifts towards creating comprehensive technical documentation. This includes detailed drawings, plans, specifications, and schedules that outline the renovation's structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing aspects. The drawing sets serve as the roadmap for your project team, ensuring precise implementation of design elements and compliance with building codes and regulations.
Pro Tip: Make sure to familiarize yourself with these plans. Double-check items like outlet and switch placement. Remember, If you've always wanted to plug your toothbrush charger in your vanity or have in-cabinet lighting for your sports memorabilia collection, now is your chance!
Design drawings like this for an Infinity kitchen renovation in Central Park ensure your vision turns out exactly as anticipated.
To Permit or Not to Permit, That is the Question:
Before construction begins, obtaining necessary permits and approvals from local authorities may be required. Permitting involves submitting your drawing sets for review and demonstrating compliance with building codes, zoning regulations, and other legal requirements. Engaging with design professionals familiar with the process can streamline this phase and help navigate potential challenges. This step may take some time, so be prepared to build that into your overall timeline.
Pro Tip: You should always permit if required. It records the changes made to the property, makes future renovations easier, and enhances your home's marketability and property value if you decide to sell at some point.
Construction Management: What to Expect
Once permits are secured, the design documentation is a reference point for construction teams to execute the renovation project. These plans should be given and made available to every tradesperson who comes in contact with your job. As interior designers, we collaborate closely with the homeowner, contractors, and subcontractors to ensure seamless coordination and adherence to the design intent.
Regular site visits and communication channels are established to address any issues or modifications that may arise during the construction phase. We love it when contractors use scheduling and communication apps like BuilderTrend so everyone has a clear picture of the construction timeline, knows when to expect subcontractors on the job site, and can anticipate delays.
Installing tiles is a multi-step process that results in a stunning Central Park fireplace surround.
The mess is worth it for this “after”!
Pro Tip #1: Be prepared for bumps in the road during the construction process. They always come up! Flexibility will be your friend during this phase of your journey. Open communication with your contractor and designer will be the key to success. We can help reduce the stress of unexpected events because, most likely, we have navigated something similar before.
Pro Tip #2: Spoiler Alert - construction can be a hassle. Often, it is disruptive and messy. We always do our best to help homeowners anticipate this challenging time, and there are things we can do to minimize its impact. Remember, it won't last forever! Keep the end game in mind and visualize yourself in your new, beautiful space.
What’s Next:
The Finish Line! In Part III of our home renovation guide, we will discuss installation, punch lists, and final walk-throughs.
