Embark on Dream Living
Embarking on a renovation adventure for your dream home is thrilling, but it often sparks the question, "Where do I start?" We're here to guide you through every step, ensuring a successful renovation from when it is just a thought in your head to when the project is complete and you can enjoy the space with your family.
Defining Your Vision: Begin your journey by clearly defining your vision. What do you want to achieve with your renovation? Consider the aesthetic, functionality, and any specific needs or concerns you have. We always recommend to our clients that they make a list of things that are particularly bothersome about the space that they are considering renovating to ensure that these issues are addressed within the new design. Along with this list of existing problems should be a general goal or purpose for the project so that everyone involved is moving towards the same finish line.
Addressing Budget Concerns: Budget is a significant concern for many homeowners. Gain insights into managing costs by providing clear expectations early in the design phase. May times a new client has no idea what to expect with renovation costs -- that’s okay! Sometimes an easier way to think about it is "at what price do you think the cost of this project would be considered crazy or unreasonable?" or, "what do you have budgeted to spend?". This gives a starting point to work back from and you can start discussing different budget levels from there.
Streamlined Communication: Communication during a project can get confusing when ideas and questions are coming through via text, phone call, and email. It can be much simpler to work with a builder who utilizes a project management software where all communication can be centralized to one place. The expected hours of communication for everyone involved should also be discussed, so you can know when to expect a response.
Efficient Decision-Making: The decision-making process can be overwhelming. Streamline it by simplifying everything, from material selection to design approvals, ensuring efficiency and potentially speeding up your project's timeline. It can greatly benefit the project to make these selection decisions before the project ever kicks, so you are not forced into any last minute decision make during the project. An interior designer can be a great asset to ensure quicker decisions that match the overall design aesthetic.
Ensuring Quality Construction: Quality construction is a top concern. Explore ways to ensure accountability for the entire project, from accurate design implementation to ensuring construction meets the highest standards. The quality of construction materials and installation should be discussed at the beginning of the project to ensure satisfaction. For example, if you are looking for a level 5 drywall finish, that should be discussed during pre-construction to ensure that it budgeted for because it is not always a standard finish with all builders -- and not all homeowners desire that level of finish with the drywall. The goal is to discuss the areas that are highly important to you and review this with the builder. As the old saying goes -- clear is kind! So, if you want to be kind to your builder then give the gift of clarity in regards to your expectations.
Flexibility for Evolving Dreams: Dreams can evolve during the design phase. Seek flexibility in the process, allowing adjustments and tweaks to ensure your evolving vision is seamlessly incorporated. Be very familiar with the change order process, and how changes can affect the schedule and budget. We are always very happy to incorporate changes during the project, but the earlier we find out about the change the better we can lessen the impact to schedule and budget.
Patience, patience, patience: It is very exciting towards the end of the project as the finishes begin to come together and your original vision is realized in real time, but try not to rush the finish. As the project comes to a close, site protection will be installed and a punch list executed. This final stage is what sets the quality builders apart and it does take time. Massaging these final details into place is what will really make your renovation pop!
Embarking on your renovation journey is akin to having a personalized roadmap, helping your vision align with your budget and navigating common concerns. Stay tuned for more insights on making your dream home project a reality with Viking Construction!
