A Blissful Home Remodel with Expert Advice from MN Interior Designer
My eldest son recently purchased an SUV in Arizona. It was an amazing deal, and I couldn’t believe he scored it. Since he is paying for the car, I decided to pay for his one-way ticket to retrieve it. My husband & I had some flights we had canceled from Southwest Airlines previously. I wanted to use the reservation points from the canceled flights to pay for my eldest son & his girlfriend’s flights. Little did I know it would take 1.5hrs and I still didn’t get what I wanted because I DIDN’T ask the right question 🙄. I was beyond frustrated at this point because what the previous CSR’s (customer service representatives) told me would not work with according to CSR #4. This personal experience reminded me how important it is to ask the right questions. The problem is if you are not in the industry | business | service, how do we know what questions to ask?
I realized this is a struggle we all go through many times within our lives. I just don’t want you to go through this with your Home Remodel Project. So here are some questions to ask in the beginning of a project, in the middle, & the end. Remember if this is too overwhelming for you, I have your back. Let’s connect on a free Discovery Call to collaborate on your Home Remodel Project.
BEFORE THE PROJECT BEGINS:
Are you going to hire a Builder/Remodeler or a Design/Build Firm?
The difference between them is in-house vs outsource. I work with a lot of Builder/Remodelers that outsource the drawings, selections, concept boards, and overall management of the interior of the project to a Certified Interior Designer. The Design/Build firm has all their team members in-house. There is no right or wrong answer to this question. This is more an FYI for you to understand.
Ask yourself these questions?
Will you be removing non-load bearing interior walls?
If “YES,” you should hire a Certified Interior Designer for designing this space. I would make this space beautiful as well as functional for your living needs.
Are you staying within the same footprint of space as in a kitchen remodel or bathroom remodel?
If “YES,” I would recommend hiring a Certified Kitchen & Bath Designer like myself since we specialize in this area. We understand how to layout your kitchen and bathroom based on the questions we would be asking you when hired.
Do they have a website or an on-line presence?
I know many smaller companies that do not have their own website, but they have an amazing Facebook page or Houzz link. You just want to make sure they do have some on-line presence.
Research…
It doesn’t hurt to research your potential team. I don’t mind and expect it. I research my affiliates and work with them so I know how they will collaborate with my clients. Also, by researching your team, you can see if they have worked on similar projects. Most companies have a “Project” tab on their website or page for you to review their past work. This becomes their mobile portfolio for them.
DURING THE SELECTION PROCESS
How long have they been in business?
Do they have a contracting license or proper insurance?
Will they obtain permits & set up inspections?
What’s their timeline to start & end your project?
What is their payment schedule?
Is there a dedicated team working on your project?
Who is the main point of contact throughout the project?
What precautions do they take to protect your property?
How will additional charges be dealt?
How do they handle mistakes or disagreements?
How will their tools & materials be stored on your project?
Where will they go to use the bathroom? Can they use yours or do you want a porta-potty setup on your property?
Some of the questions above you will be able to find out yourself by researching. Most Builders | Remodelers | Design Build Firms, have the license number on their website and how long they have been in business. You can also review their team members too. It could be under the “About” tab or “Team” tab. Remember, not every home remodel project will require a permit or inspections. It all depends on your project. This information is detailed in the proposal.
YOUR PROJECT PHASE:
Design selection questions - Do you remember what I selected for the wall color? Or I can’t remember what my tile looks like, do you have that sample for me?
You will forget what you selected and that’s OK. It’s very overwhelming to select every detail. Some hire CW Design for the main selections (countertops, cabinetry door style, cabinetry wood species, cabinetry hardware, backsplash, etc.) while they let the Builder/Remodeler know they will be copying the trim and paint colors from the main floor or another room. Other clients hire CW Design for every selection possible, from flooring to lighting and everything in between. I love selecting everything because then I know nothing will be missed for the Builder/Remodeler to create your dream space. I provide the team with written documentation of the selected items as well as concept boards (pictures) of the selected items. So, everyone is on the same page.
We have processes in play for when we start your project. Most of us will have a pre-construction meeting to discuss some of the questions you asked in the previous sections above. Again, we understand this is an emotional process. Your home remodel project is a roller-coaster of emotions. Anyone who has been in the Construction/Design business for a while knows this and should relate this to you, our lovable client.
This blog has tons of information on to How to Ask the Right Questions for Your Home Remodel Project. I hope this provides you with an insight into what questions to ask for your next remodel. If you are still overwhelmed, let’s collaborate on a Discovery Call. I would love to learn more and ease your stress.
CW Design was created to bring beautiful, functional, accessible design to your lifestyle. My design services are based on empowering and collaboration with you. I am here to listen and give you permission to like what you like. Making your home beautiful and functional is my passion.
CW Design – Rising together with you
