Know WHO You Need for Your Next Design Project

We get it, you’re ready to get started! You’ve watched the shows, pinned your dream space, read all the DIY books, googled the heck out of companies, and even asked your friends for their advice — so you’re ready to GO. Hold on, slow down. Please don’t do what I think you’re about to do. I’ve seen a lot of mishaps, mistakes and miscommunication based on lack of information and assumed responsibilities. Let our years of experience, knowledge and expertise guide you through your project before a a single sledge hammer is thrown (which they usually aren’t FYI). Take what you need, leave what you don’t and reach out if you have any other questions.

Let’s start at the beginning. You’ve decided to renovate your space. What now?

Right from the start, this is where the biggest mistakes happen. Not enough research is done. The right questions aren’t asked. Proper procedure is not followed. Then the overwhelm sets in. You can defend and blame all you want come the first sign of trouble, but why don’t we try to mitigate any source of frustration right from the start.

Every trade has it’s own unique skill-set, quality of work, expectations and attitude. Just like in a relationship, there are plenty of fish in the sea, but you need to find the right fit for you.

Let’s take it from the top, when to use each resource:

DO-IT-YOURSELF (DIY)

This is a bold strategy when you are taking on a renovation, but an extremely rewarding one if done properly. This category could be it’s own topic, but for now just think about the ways that it can save you money when working on your project with other trades. Do you enjoy painting? Do you have time to create your own floor plans? Do you want to be responsible for all materials? There are ways to save money as a DIYer and we will get more indepth a little later.

FAMILY AND FRIENDS

This one might seem obvious but we’ve seen (and been a part of) some real doozies. Family and friends who “have an eye for design” are great when you’re looking for someone to give you a second opinion or pull your look together aesthetically. However, they are not trained designers, architects, engineers or contractors — do not rely on them as such. They aren’t always inline with your budget, privy to your timeline or fully aware of all the design resources and solutions available to you.

Family and friends might also seem like a great idea as a trades person because you are supporting their business, you know them personally and you might even get a discount. However, don’t get completely comfortable because this is still a business transaction. They need to agree to compensation, timelines and be a team player with the other trades. If they do not comply to the project timeline, well, that adds a whole new layer to your relationship.

DECORATORS, STAGERS, STYLERS & ORGANIZERS

To keep things simple, regarding construction specifically, these trades deal with your stuff after the project is complete. They typically come in at the end, or near the end, to make sure all furniture flows, fabrics coordinate, accessories look stunning, decor reflects you and all the other fun stuff. They are responsible for creating an aesthetically pleasing and proportionately decorated room. While often synonymous with interior design these trades hold a very different standard for their skills.

Another type of person to consider in this category is a sales person or showroom associate. While yes, they may be doing it for many years and even have some training make sure you fully understand their level of expertise and skill set. Be cautious with your decision.

One example, would be a kitchen showroom designer. Some are trained, licensed and NKBA (National Kitchen and Bath Association) certified and have continued to educate themselves about their products and industry — some, on the other hand, are just trying to make a sale. A red flag would be someone that is pushing you to make quick decisions or someone who is insisting that their ideas are better without telling you the logic behind their thinking.

Another situation would be in a furniture showroom. If you want a simple, inexpensive and quick transaction there are people that can provide that for you. If you are going there expecting to have someone be able to layout a room, work with you on measurements, and customize fabric selections, I’d think again. Yes, I have met some wonderful sales people who have helped me research special order pieces, develop palettes and finalize all finishing touches, but they are few and far between and they take a specific type of person. A tip here, would be to let the sales person upfront know that you are looking for personalized service — if they can’t or aren’t willing to give you that ask for another associate who can. Again, you can get opinions all day long, but will they be willing to really work with you to make your dream room come to life?

CONTRACTORS, TRADES & HANDYMAN

If I’m being completely honest and giving you advice from my personal experience, do not let your contractor be your designer. Good contractors are skilled in their crafts and know their limits. Often times they are open to exploring ideas and working through finish selections, but it can be extremely time consuming (and costly) for them to go back-and-forth multiple times with designs and selections if they don’t have the staff or can’t visualize themselves. It also doesn’t give you the best experience. You don’t always want the simplest, cheapest solution you want the one that’s right for you and your space.

The only time I would recommend to hire a contractor to do your design work is when you are doing a straight tear-out, not changing layout and have an idea of material you want to use. They can give you quick, basic choices so they can get in, out and on to the next project.

It’s rare that I find another trade leading a job, but it does happen and the same rule applies. Direct hire trades when you have a single problem that you need troubleshooting with: plumbing, electrical, HVAC, flooring, paint, etc.

The overextended handyman also falls into this category. Handymen can often do a multitude of things at a reduced cost from a contractor because they typically charge by the day. Meaning if you give them a days worth of work, no matter what it is, it’s just one simple price. They often have a creative brain and will come up with unique solutions to design challenges that may arise, but I still stand by my statement of not letting them be your designers.

ARCHITECTS & ENGINEERS

Architects and designers have battled for many eons about who is the superior profession; and I’ll admit I’m a bit bias. First and foremost you want to look for an architect that focuses in residential projects, because by trade they can develop all types of buildings: from hospitals, to schools, to churches and more.

Architects are known for thinking in numbers, lines, angles and not so much for their creative brains, but you’d be mistaken. If you are planning on adding square footage during your project you have to use an architect and when it comes to exterior details they are top notch go-to resources. With that said, they don’t always think creatively about solutions for “must-have” interior structural features. They are great at creating a shell to work from, but not the most inventive with solutions inside that shell. The key take away to decide when to hire an architect is for any new construction or addition that requires an understanding of the spacial relationship between two built environments.

Now that we cleared that up, there is still the outstanding “third wheel,” engineers. Did you know there are over 40 types of engineers?! But, let’s just focus on the 6 main: mechanical, chemical, civil, electrical, management, and geo-technical. I find it very rare that someone would go to an engineer first, but if you do (or happen to know someone who says they’re an engineer) the first step is to make sure you’re working with a CIVIL engineer. Typically, engineers develop the structure according to the architect’s design, including electrical drawings, structural layout and plumbing. They are mostly for review and confirmation to ensure that the plans you want to have happen will be possible.

INTERIOR DESIGNERS

Why are designers critical to the construction process? Well, the biggest one is we can save you money! Seriously, it’s true. As long as you do your research and hire a trained, educated and experienced designer you will save time, money and stress during your project.

The most critical part of the designer’s job happens before you even think about selections, write a deposit check, or meet with your contractor… the space plan. Space planning, blueprint, CAD drawing, prototype, sketch, line drawing, whatever you want to call it having a scaled, accurately dimensioned drawing is key to your design project success. You can explore multiple scenarios before you commit to one, you can develop several concepts before you sign a contract, you can ensure your purpose is being met before you purchase materials. It all saves time and money upfront so when it comes time for execution you are able to make confident choices.

Once you have that plan in hand, you can then meet with several contractors to get accurate budgets and timelines so you aren’t wasting your time or their. “How?” you might ask. It provides an apples-to-apples comparison from existing structure to proposed new structure. You don’t have to worry about saying the exact same thing to each contractor, it’s written down. You don’t have to try and explain your vision, it’s written down. You don’t have to guess at material budgets, it’s written down. Having someone who can be that bridge from speaking contractor, yet fluent in home owner is the ideal partnership to have with your project; whether you’re doing it yourself or you need assistance in selecting reliable resources.

SIMPLE SOLUTIONS:

The best advice I can give when starting a project is have a plan. A space plan, a plan of who you are going to reach out to, a plan about what you will take on yourself, a plan around materials — a plan.

• You can do it yourself! Take measurements, create a sketch, or mark up photos. Whatever works for you to convey your idea. If you are really feeling fancy, you can watch a few YouTube videos on how to use an architectural scale and get your plan ready for review with accurate dimensions.
• Hire a drafter, designer or architect to help you. I put these trades at the bottom of the pyramid because they have a large knowledge base for visual applications, as well as, the physical construction process. There is a difference between thinking hypothetically and thinking tactically around a renovation.

A DELICATE “DO NOT”

If I could address my biggest complaint, as a designer, is that people do not treat us like we’re human. Respect any professional for their acquired skills. If you don’t need a service from us, just say so. If you are only interested in getting idea, just say so — but we willing to pay for that time. Do not start with, “If this goes well, I’ll have so much more work for you.” It’s as if you don’t trust us. This is a two way street, if it doesn’t go well it might be on you, the homeowner/ client, as well.

We hope that gives you some depth of knowledge on knowing WHO to help you with your next project. For more information, tools, tips and resources check out our web page with tons of FREE stuff: http://www.prbdesigns.com/free-stuff-.html