Most homeowners spent many hours thinking about their remodel before deciding to start the process of bringing their dreams into reality. Chances are that you have imagined the new space, that you have possibly spent some time window shopping for new appliances and even maybe, you already have started a collection of pictures of the design you are looking for. You have watched countless home remodeling shows and you feel that now you are ready. Here you are, full of enthusiasm and fire, and now.. Yes now what? How do you get started? First and foremost, let me take some of the wind out of your sails and install a bit of realistic expectations. A home remodel is neither fast nor cheap, nor is it a walk in the park; it will take your full attention, and considerable amount of your time and your patience to complete the project to your satisfaction.
Your first step is to work on assembling your team. A successful team makes the process of designing, permitting and building so much easier on all the participants. Teamwork is the key to a successful completion of the project.
Typically, you will have to choose a group of 5 team members that fill a niche in the designing/drafting/building process.
Homeowner
Now your first and very important team member on your team is you. It is important that you stay active, committed and educated throughout the process, so that all decisions that will be made along the way will be met with your understanding and approval. The house that is being built, the space that is created will be your happy space to live in, therefore it is essential to explore one’s habits, one’s likes, one’s dislikes and through this process an environment is created that is tailored to your needs, wants and joys. It is imperative that every subsequent team player is on the same page as far is helping you to create your dream.
Architect
The second team member needed for a home remodel is an architect, or a designer that has building know-how and solid drafting knowledge. An architect is familiar with the zoning codes, building codes and many other rules and regulations that may be particular to your area. Typically, planning restrictions and rules are plentiful, completely confusing and utterly frustrating to adhere to, so you need a savvy and knowledgeable person on your side to tackle all the issues. And then of course, the architect will work with you on establishing a style for your new home, or they will be adept on integrating the new addition with the existing house.
find out how to find and hire the best architect for you
Interior Designer
The third member on the team is a designer. In today’s digital world, homeowners have plenty of access to interior design elements, such as cabinets, tiles, flooring and paints, and many homeowners think that it is easy to just pick some tiles and cabinets and bam, the house looks good. I am here to say that a designer makes all the difference in the world. They are trained to assess your space, listen to your needs and use their resources and know how to pull the entire look together. You will be surprised in how many daily design decisions are made to create a polished and well-designed look.
read more about 5 great reasons to hire an interior designer
Builder/Contractor
The fourth member of your team is the contractor. Many people are very terrified of the prospect of hiring a contractor, but most builders I know have a lot of pride and joy working in their profession and they love seeing a project successfully completed. A good contractor takes the time to listen to you, and also takes the initiative to understand design intend. He is the bridge between client, designer and all the subcontractors, so his understanding of all aspects of the design elements is vital.
Landscape architect
Your fifth member of your team is the landscape architect, or garden designer. Many cities these days require a landscape plan showing drought resistant plantings, impervious material call outs, and a general hardscape plan as part of the submittal package. My experience has been that neither the architect, nor the designer are the most qualified people to do the job. Many architects do draw up a simple plan, but to create something amazing, it would be best to at least consult a landscape architect.
The best way to start assembling your team is to find one of the team members on the list that you like. This person, be it the designer, or the contractor, most likely have references of professionals they have worked with in the past, and you can get a head start of making a list of people to call. I included a spreadsheet to help you organize your team, because the better you are prepared, the smoother the process will be for you.
Happy building
