Hello, all you beautiful and intelligent people. It’s a new month and a new week, and I have some brand new content for you wonderful lovies. I’m going to be real right here: as much as 2020 has the mass majority completely blown, there are a lot of people buying new homes, looking into soft renovations and taking this time to start full remodels. That means people are out here contacting designers and pulling on their DIY gloves all over the place. Seems really simple right? Well it would be if some of these people weren’t running into some really big problems along the way. From construction delays, to busted budgets, to getting lost in the sea of options, people are running into avoidable problems, and I have one thing to say to that: “not on my watch!”

Ok, so now that I’m done channeling Iyanla, here’s what we’re getting into today. Going through the design process takes commitment, but understanding how it works will help you avoid some common problems. So let’s start at the beginning: you need to do some planning before even thinking about starting a design project, and I don’t mean scouring the internet for furniture. Before you get your project started, you need to have settled these 5 things: Location, Scope, Inspiration, Budget, and Timeline. Each category is necessary to help lead your design and the ultimate construction of your project. When working with a designer, they’ll request you bring all this information with you prior to their first consultation. Along with some specific questions regarding the project and how the space will be used, these items will give the designer specific answers on how to lead your project. Here’s some specifics:

• Location: Understanding the location is a top priority. Before the consultation, the designer will get the address details and may also request images depending on what services the designer may be providing. That may seem simple enough, but here are some other things to consider about the location of the project. How is the space accessed by potential teams and delivery personnel? Do I have necessary permissions to perform the updates? How will a team access this space? Do I have open access to the space? Has the structure already been built?
• Scope: Simply put, the scope is what you’re looking to do in the space. If you’re looking to upgrade your kitchen, the scope might include changing the cabinets and/or the whole layout of the kitchen. If you’re looking at upgrading a salon on the other hand, your scope might include updating the flooring and lighting and adjusting space between stations. Here are some other considerations: Are you looking to update the finishes and materials or a full gut on the space? Are there any materials or elements you’d like to save? What materials or elements do you definitely want to get rid of? What isn’t working for me in the space right now? Do I expect to do some things on my own?
• Inspiration: This is probably where you’ll have the most fun. The inspiration is about the overall look and feel of the space. A designer may also request images of things that will inspire the full look of the space as well as asking about what types of colors and styles you gravitate toward the most. You might also ask what other materials and elements have you seen in other spaces that resonate with you? What colors are must haves or must not haves? What other things will help guide the look: fashion, art, movies?
• Budget: Every designer will ask you this question, and it’s so that we have an understanding of where to pull the resources for the project, and how to manage the services you requested for the entirety of the project. What we don’t want to do is present you with a $15,000 upgrade when you were only looking to spend $5,000, and that’s true for all projects. Even the most luxe clients have boundaries on costs, so this is one of the most crucial parts of any project. Here’re some things you can ask yourself about budget: How much am I willing to spend on furniture and materials? How much am I willing to spend on labor? What are the average costs of projects like mine in my area? How do I anticipate paying for services? Am I prepared for unexpected changes in my budget?
• Timeline: Well, I don’t know about you, but the amount of babies on that have dropped or are on their way has given a lot of people some huge things to consider when updating spaces. Namely, some have very specific schedules on when updates need to be completed. You may also have specifics on when a project needs to start, for instance, after the new year. It’s all dependent on the type of project you’re working, and the requirements behind it. Here are other things to consider: Are there specific dates I will be unavailable if there is a problem with the project? How long do projects like mine typically last? Do I have an ideal time that I may want to be able to use the space, even if it’s not completed?

A designer will review all of these items with you, as well as information about the users in the space and any other considerations that are specific to your project. Ready to start, but don’t have the answers to all of these questions? Don’t worry. Most designers out there are willing to guide you to determine the answers to those questions. Just always remember to be up front and honest about the parameters you want around your project. We are performing a service for you, so you are our priority.

Now for all you cool cats and kittens out there (HA! I couldn’t help it) looking to do the work yourself, I suggest fully answering these questions about your project up front and taking measurements to help you get an idea of space. Even a DIY job needs proper planning, and it’s much easier for the project to quickly go off the rails if you haven’t put in the pre-plan work. By the way, if you don’t know how to properly run electrical, relocate pipes, drywall, or anything that usually requires a trade to complete, please consider hiring someone to at least do those things for you so you’re not hit with a huge bill later for repairs.

Well, that’s all for today folks, but there’s more coming to you. You know what to do: like, comment, and follow to get notified on what’s next to drop. Chat with you again soon!