JV Home Designs
JV Home Designs
Who Will Help Build Your Vision ?
Who Will Help Build Your Vision ?
Before you meet with the professionals, know what you want to accomplish. Is your goal to tear out a kitchen and start anew? Are you looking for less costly upgrade like fixing a tired back-splash or replacing cabinet fronts? Do you want to remove walls or renovate the whole house?
Some homeowners know only that their current living space just isn't working for them, but don't know where to start. If this sounds like you, you will most likely want to work with a design and building professional. They will help you develop a plan for construction that fits your budget, Building code and city requirements and reflects who you are.
Selecting Your Team
When hiring you first team member, you can start with a builder, architect, designer or interior designer. Each of these professions has their own special skills, but there can be some overlap in services. In general terms:
Architects, Designers and Interior Designers create concepts and draw plans. By working with designers, they help to turn even the smallest idea into a big picture. When plans have been drawn, not only will contractors look at you as a bigger priority, but also they will know exactly what you are looking for and be able to give you a more accurate budget for your project.
General Contractor build the plans. They have the skills needed to execute the clients ideas from paper to reality. When selecting your contractor it is important to remember that cheaper is not always better. In most cases if you have bids from different contractors and only one is significantly less, it is most likely they haven't given you an accurate proposal and are just trying to win the bid.
Design - Build Firms offer both design and construction service. Some firms have in house designers, others contract the design work to other companies.
Rules for which the professionals can draft a plan vary. There are many different requirements that must be meet based on the size and type of project. The professionals you contact can explain the rules and guidelines in your area.
Narrowing the Search
Narrowing down the list of potential hires may seem daunting with hundreds of companies offering their services to you. Start by asking friends, neighbors or others who have hired their design work out. Narrow down your list to your favorite pro and then interview a few people.
The key is finding someone you feel comfortable working with and who is qualified for the work you want done. You should find out whether they are good listeners and good communicators. Their creativity is very important, but it's also a long term relationship.
Budget
It is helpful to be upfront and honest about your budget with whom you contact. Pro's typically work within the clients budget. Falling in love with a project that cost $50,000 when you have $5000 to spend can but a strain on the project. Communicating what you want with your designer is crucial. They can help guide you to money saving solutions, while still giving you the look you are after.
Even if you are not ready to hire a professional to design or build your new home, renovation or addition, you may want to consider hiring a pro on a per hour basis to help refine you ideas. A small upfront cost can really help clarify the scope of the project and the budget before getting to involved.