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The Rush Job

It’s no surprise that we lead increasingly face paced lives. What I strive to do as a designer is to make it look like life hasn’t won the race over my clients. I relish the projects where there has been as much allocated to the ‘time budget’ as there has been to the ‘financial budget’. The renovations that really impact me do so because they are aesthetically pleasing and because they have evolved gradually over time, including thoughtful details of a life lived.

Several times in my career, I have been hired by someone who's in a rush to get a project started and completed. Getting the answer “Yesterday” when I ask about project timing is always a concern. I don't know of a tradesperson or contractor who hasn't experienced a client with an unreasonably short deadline. What I know for sure is that regardless of the investment, a rush job can in the end look just that, rushed.

When planning your next design project consider this stress-saving information:

1. Understanding the time factor can make the difference between a satisfying renovation experience and a miserable one. Done properly, a renovation should move at a reasonable pace. It should not be done hastily nor drag along endlessly. Your contractor should keep you apprised of his schedule.

2. Have an appreciation for the fact that it takes a GREAT deal of time for your contractor to pull pricing together. Unfortunately, the larger the job, the longer getting pricing can take. Good contractors and trades spend their days working on sites and often only have evenings in which to pull pricing together and see new clients. Requesting information from many different sources/trades and getting everyone to respond with quotes can be an arduous task. Be assured that during peak construction times it will take longer than you anticipate.

3. For major renovations, consider creating your design plan and budgets one year for implementation the next. Be on guard and ask for references from the trade who's available to start your renovation tomorrow.

4. As in life, Murphy's Law can apply to renovation work, so if you anticipate that there will be interruptions in the work, you won’t be shocked when they happen. Whether due to back-ordered products or trades delayed on other sites, delays do happen. Think about building a buffer into your deadline to allow for any extra time required to complete your project.

5. Like many of us, trades and their families take vacations. Often they've planned their time off the year before and can't change their schedules.

6. It might sound elementary, but ensure those working at your home have access to a washroom. If they have to go to the local coffee shop to use one, things are going to take longer than they should.

7. Renovating is a process. If one part of the process is delayed then a number of other elements of the project can be delayed. Letting the process run its course can make the difference between a quality job and a poor one.

8. Count on these timelines when ordering products: Natural stone counters will take 2 weeks from the date of template. Custom cabinetry generally requires 6 to 12 weeks depending on the manufacturer. Special order light fixtures require 4 weeks. Custom windows can take 6 to 8 weeks. Custom furnishings take 6 to12 weeks.

Look to your reliable contractor or designer to help you keep your project on track and help make your renovation project a satisfying one!

Cheers!  Janice

Design Magazine Hell

I love design magazine's, really I do.  That said, I get frustrated with the propensity to show homes that are for the most of us, not real.  When reading these magazines, know that they, like fashion magazines show ideas and homes that don't necessarily reflect reality nor do they reflect the way people live today.  Like trying to fit into a size two dress shown on the model in the fashion mags, owning a home with towering 11 foot ceilings and room to spare for libraries and book ladders, is just not what the average Joe or Jane lives in.
Unfortunately they will never show the real deal.  The mess that needs cleaning up after Sunday dinner, the hairs on those nice white bathroom floors or the dust bunnies that collect on the beautifully polished dark walnut hardwood. 
This article by John Hill gives some wonderfully creative ideas on ceiling solutions.  I have only a handful of clients for whom these strategies will work and even fewer clients who own homes like these.  I can't help looking at the images and thinking, "where's all their stuff?!"  Picture perfect for sure, but functional and budget friendly?  Not so much.  Doesn't hurt to enjoy the view though!

Cheers!

Janice
http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/2239846/list?utm_source=Houzz&utm_campaign=u98&utm_medium=email&utm_content=gallery0
 

Prepare for the future! Your TV and you.

Interesting article.  Hard to believe we've come so far.

Cheers!http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/2242148/list?utm_source=Houzz&utm_campaign=u94&utm_medium=email&utm_content=gallery0  Janice