As summer comes to a close, many homeowners are ready to take the plunge and tackle those pesky home projects that have plagued them for the past several months or years. You’ve been dreaming of this renovation and have relished in the process of creating multiple Pinterest boards and have found your interior design soulmate on Instagram. You’re ready to rip out that old, mildewed carpet and start swinging hammers. You’re excited, feeling good, confident even, and nothing can stop you! Ready, set, wait! You meet with your contractor and afterwards feel like you’ve hit a brick wall. Do you have a design plan? Have you selected all of your materials? When will those materials be delivered? What size trim do I need? Do I want shoe molding around my cabinets? Your sparkle begins to fade and that familiar feeling of overwhelm begins to set in. HELP!

If the above has ever happened to you or you are anticipating a major renovation, keep reading for some helpful insights from a seasoned pro to make your renovation a lot less stressful and your life a little bit easier.

Let’s face it, renovations are a mixed bag of emotions. The anticipation leading up to the start of a renovation rivals that of any major life event but with more ups and downs than any ride at Six Flags Great Adventure. Elation at the beginning, which lasts anywhere from 3 minutes to 3 weeks. Then, something goes wrong because nothing in life is perfect. Gauging on the severity of said problem you’ve now entered into frustration and/or rage. Said problem is solved, signaling relief and gratitude. Weather, material delays, holidays, sick days, and a global pandemic, turn your 3 month job into a 6+ month project. You are now back to feelings of frustration, disbelief, and disappointment. But alas, the job gets back on track and is finally complete. Elation! As you can see, renovations are a test of emotional endurance. As a professional who has been in the renovation industry for over 15 years, I have yet to see a job go any other way. However, what we are really good at is preparing people for the pitfalls and delays, helping to flatten the emotional curve. It’s all about setting clear and realistic expectations up front and keeping the lines of communication open and flowing.

Step 1

The first step of any project is meeting with your designer and contractor to discuss the scope of work, define the budget and project parameters, and establish who is responsible for what, i.e. are you buying the flooring, tile, countertops, cabinetry, hardware, appliances, and plumbing fixtures? Or is the contractor? Or is your designer? This may sound like a conversation that can be worked out over time, but I assure you that it only makes life more confusing and complicated, and inevitably, delays the job. It also causes a whole lot of finger-pointing, which isn’t good for anyone. This can easily be avoided if you decide who is buying what in the very beginning.

Step 2

The second step is creating a design plan. Disclaimer, most contractors are not designers nor do they want to be! Don’t rely on your contractor to reconfigure your bathroom/kitchen/laundry room. They have a schedule to keep, and it most likely does not include the re-design of an intimate space of your home. Hire a designer, preferably one who is accredited by the National Kitchen and Bath Association and who will present you with a clear set of drawings. A good set of working drawings are an imperative tool, which will be used and referred back to on a daily basis. This is not the place to save money and do a quick hand sketch! Real, scaled and dimensioned drawings are worth their weight in gold.

Good contractors are mystical human beings who can make all of your renovation dreams come true. They are usually the most down-to-earth people and want the job to go as smoothly as you do. Disclaimer, not all contractors are created equal, but the guys we work with are salt of the earth craftsmen and women who put people first and quality first. Do your homework, talk to friends and family about contractors they have used in the past and have loved, or conversely contractors to avoid, and let the interviewing begin. To make the best use of everyone’s time and to ensure each contractor is bidding the job the same way, have a detailed scope of work and drawings ready.

Step 3

Selecting the right contractor is the most important decision in your renovation process. I cannot stress the importance of finding a contractor who is right for you and your needs. While it is helpful to talk to your neighbors about their past experiences, consider their personality and project in comparison to who you are, what your expectations are, and what your goals are. Like most things in life, trust your gut. Just because your neighbor loved their contractor does not mean you will too. Take time to speak with and interview several different contractors so you can make an informed decision.

Step 4

Once you’ve jumped that hurdle (what a relief!) and selected your contractor, you will secure a spot on their schedule. Today, any contractor worth working with has a waiting list of several months. Say what? Yes, many contractors are booked for the next 3-4 months or more but that doesn’t mean you just sit and wait. Use your time wisely by working with an interior designer to sort through any revisions to the floor plans and/or elevations. This is also an opportune time to make all your selections and place orders so that everything is on the jobsite ready to roll.

Below are some frequently asked questions.

Do I have to work with a designer for Renovations?

No, of course not. However, your designer will help keep the job on track, on budget, and within your design aesthetic. A design professional will help curb your project anxiety, and will be your advocate and voice. Your designer knows where to shop, who to talk to, and will order, track, schedule, and manage your product deliveries. He or she is also fluent in the foreign language of construction and can have educated conversations with your contractor about valve placements, electrical locations, trim, and so much more. If you choose not to work with a designer, expect a lot of phone calls and onsite troubleshooting to work through issues when they arise, and trust me, they will arise. At Liz Walton Home, we offer a Full Service design plan, (aka The Full Monty) where we help take care of the design and every detail from start to finish, leaving you to focus on your job and family.

Why order now?

Due to the pandemic, many supply chains are operating at limited capacity and have longer lead times. Pandemic aside, it’s a good idea to have all your materials onsite and ready to go when the job starts to help avoid hiccups and delays. Your contractor will thank you for your preparedness and forward thinking in helping keep the job moving according to plan and even more so, according to schedule. Cabinet lead times are approximately 6-8 weeks, and tile, if ordered from California or Europe or if it is handmade, can also incur 6-8 week lead times, if not longer. Bottom line? Making your selections early is worth the time early in the process.

How long does the average kitchen renovation take?

From start to finish, your kitchen renovation can take anywhere from 3-6 months. It depends on the size, scope, and level of detail involved.

What if I want to change something after construction has begun?

While a lot of time and planning is done upfront, nothing compares to seeing the space come to fruition in real time. Changes are not uncommon and can typically be accommodated but be prepared for a large price tag and project delays. In most circumstances, a change order is written detailing the modification along with the associated cost. You must approve and sometimes pay for the change order upfront. Keeping the lines of communication open during construction is key to ensure everyone involved is on the same page.

Can I purchase items on my own?

Of course you can; however, this can be a slippery slope. With a large scale renovation, it is oftentimes more cost effective and timely to have your contractor or designer purchase the materials. For starters, industry professionals usually get better pricing because of the volume in which they do business. Some items require a lot of follow-up on the backend in regards to delivery times, man power to unload said materials and transfer them safely into your home, and I’ve learned that not every manufacturer is a mind reader. Surprise! And by that I mean you need to know exactly what to ask for, otherwise it will not be offered, and in turn, you will not get it. For example, when ordering luxury hardwood flooring, you need to specify the quantity and sizing of every floor register, as well as the sizes and edge detailing for transition strips and stair nosing. My point? Your contractor or designer will know these things upfront so you don’t have to agonize over these fine details.

Bottom line: renovations are exciting, scary, expensive, and emotionally draining. But they can also be the most fun you’ve ever had and a really rewarding experience if you work with the right group of professionals. 9 times out of 10 we are sad to see a job end because we have spent months and sometimes years working with the most talented contractors and grateful client, and we will miss seeing them on a regular basis. As I write this, work on the Dormer Delight project is coming to completion. As much as I want our clients to move in and start enjoying their beautiful new home, selfishly I will miss the meetings and personal conversations. No, renovations are not all horror stories and bad news, nor do they happen almost overnight as shown on HGTV. So do your homework, pack your patience, and hire people you like, trust, and who have a good sense of humor. Because in the end you will have a beautiful new space, and if you’re lucky, you will have gained a few new friends.

 

The doorbell rings, and I go to answer the door, but alas, an extension cord running to my husband’s computer monitor is prohibiting the door from fully opening. Two large LEGO sets adorn the usually clean and tidy custom-designed buffet unit in the dining room. Every pillow, blanket, and end table is strewn about the formal living room, which now resembles a scene from Animal House. A pop-up tent occupies the basement, along with half-completed art projects, dirty socks, a makeshift salon, and a Nerf gun shooting range. If I find one more errant blue styrofoam bullet, mama’s going to lose it!

Unfortunately, this is the scene at my house every. Single. Day. I like to think of myself as a very organized person; however, my husband, two kids, and dog don’t feel nearly as strongly about tidiness as I do. If only I could hire someone to come in, assess our needs, and develop a strategic plan to help make sense of this madness and chaos. Where does one go to find such a unicorn?

If you are feeling overwhelmed by the rubble of toys, office supplies, school projects, and computer equipment that has entered your home, you are not alone! Statistics show that over 5 million Americans are currently working from home, and that number is on the rise. This does not take into account the millions of kids, teens, and young adults who will be learning virtually from home in 2020/2021. We have been forced to live, work, learn, and oh yeah, eat, drink, and be merry all in one place. As much as you are working from home, is your home working for you?

During the past few months, you may have noticed flaws in your home that were once a nuisance but are now nagging. Maybe your kitchen cabinets don’t open and close properly and have a tendency to fall off their hinges. Or your favorite spot on the sofa has cushions that have lost their spring and are visibly sagging and misshapen. And the slow but steady drip, drip, drip of your leaky shower head is driving you insane. In the past month, we have received dozens of phone calls from people saying the same thing, “We need our house to function for this new way of living.” As an interior designer, it is my job to understand the needs of our clients, learn about how they live, and create a solution to solve their biggest design problems. Today, interior design is just as much about functionality and practicality as it is about beauty. If any of the above statements ring true, it might be time to enlist professional help by hiring an interior designer.

It seems as though the once temporary work-from-home/learn-from-home situation is taking on a more permanent role. An interior designer will take the brunt of the work off your shoulders and will plan the space with meticulous care. They also have connections with trades and vendors and will help keep your job on track and within budget, steering you clear of making costly mistakes and bad decisions in the long run.

If you want to tackle some projects on your own, we’ve got you covered. To aid in solving some of the biggest design conundrums today, here are seven tips that will help make those rooms magically work for you and your family.

1. Open Shelves

A great way to utilize every square inch of usable space is by installing shelves. Shelves don’t have to be deep. Some of the most functional storage are shallow shelves, 6 inches – 9 inches deep, because you are able to see everything on them, and there is no room for items to get lost in the back. Oftentimes, we incorporate shallow storage in our kitchen renovations, because they provide the perfect storage for canned goods, cereal boxes, sippy cups, and so much more! Shelves make good homes for art supplies, office supplies, and file folders. Most books fit on units that are just 12 inches deep. Great spots for this type of storage include but are not limited to kitchens, the end of hallways, an upper level landing, and above windows and doors. Shelves are also a solution to help get clutter off the floor and tucked away.

2. Learning Lab

With more kids learning from home, dedicating space in their bedroom for school and homework is a must. A small desk with a whiteboard above listing daily tasks and weekly schedules will help keep you and your child on task and on track. It is important to involve your child in this process so they feel their needs are being taken into consideration. They also will be much more likely to use that little nook if they have a say in how it looks.

3. Twice as Nice

Make your guest room double as a hangout or office space so that it functions for you on a daily basis. To achieve this, think about incorporating a Murphy bed to free up floor space, and add furniture that has dual purposes. For example, a nightstand can store books or office supplies, and a comfortable side chair can double as an office chair. Lighting is key when trying to get work done, and an oscillating lamp with an arm is a great solution. In a living room, look for an ottoman that doubles as storage for toys and games, or have small ottomans tucked underneath the coffee table for additional seating.

4. Window Wonder

The space under a window is prime real estate when maximizing storage, so don’t waste it! A window seat with a built-in cubby or lift-up bench makes a cozy seating area, adds lots of charm to a room, and provides plenty of space for seasonal items not used on a daily basis.

5. Working Walls

To maximize counter- and tabletops, consider installing wall sconces rather than using lamps. Wall sconces add a lot of character and free up valuable space. Another trick: prop a display ladder vertically against the walls to creatively display blankets and throws.

6. Point of Entry

Clear your entryway or mudroom space by adding hooks to hang coats, hats, dog leashes, backpacks, keys, and more. Install a shelf and mirror above to help make the space feel larger and filled with light. A floating bench seat is helpful for putting on shoes and boots, and as a bonus, is the perfect place to store everyday items such as shoes, sandals, hats, and gloves. If you don’t have space for a mudroom area, try placing an attractive dresser at your front entry to hold the above mentioned items without sacrificing charm.

7. Creative Closets

Many of our closets serve as a catchall for all sorts of odds and ends. Think of your closet as your personal assistant. Take stock of what items should be in each closet and organize it accordingly. Items used on an occasional basis should be stored up top and heavier items down below. The more organized and pretty your closet it, the more apt you will be to use it and put things where they belong.

We’re all doing the best we can, and at this point, anything goes. If you have a really tricky space in your home that is driving you nuts, do yourself – and your marriage – a favor and hire an interior designer. Chances are, he or she will have a really creative solution and will take the guesswork and aggravation out of implementing those plans. Your designer can handle the hundreds of phone calls, construction and contractors (if necessary), paint, and rugs, as well as the logistical nightmares of ordering, tracking, and delivery. And if hiring an interior designer is not feasible, I hope the above tips give you the confidence to tackle some of your home projects to make your life a little more organized and a lot more functional.