Phasing is a lot like a puzzle with the exception that there is more than one way to put the pieces together. I know what you are thinking.... great... tell me something I don't know! Here's how to do it successfully so you can break up what would normally be an unattainable goal into smaller manageable pieces.
Read MoreHow to nail down your priorities!
If you and your partner the type of people that work well together, or even don’t work well together but expect that you both will be participating in the decision making process during your construction project, then there are a few things you need to think about so you can get through the process and not kill each other.
Reading time: 5 minutes
Read MoreHow to stay within your construction budget
You must plan for the unknown as inevitably there are surprises in every construction project. One of the few things all home owners commiserate about, regardless of whether they have been through a construction project or not, is the idea that projects always go over budget. Want to avoid this? Pick one: Higher contingency or higher architectural fees.
Read time: 5 minutes
Read MoreThink outside the box
Sometimes strange and unexpected things can create an amazingly unique architectural feature for you to enjoy every single day! There is nothing more gratifying than listening to your gut about something that inspires you and doing something about it. Even if it might seem a bit strange at first, think outside the box and go for it!
Read MoreIt doesn't need to come from a magazine to make you happy!
It has become the social norm to poo-poo images of beautiful, skinny, perfect looking women in magazines and belabor the point that the photos are ‘Photo-shopped’ and manipulated to look amazingly perfect. Why is it then that so many people see images of perfect Living Rooms overflowing with cookie cutter pillows that match the vases, which match the rug, that match the light fixture, and believe THAT is supposed to be the perfection to strive for?
Read MoreWHO AM I & WHY AM I WRITING THIS?
- · How do I pick my architect?
- · Do I need an architect?
- · How do I pick my contractor?
- · Does this wall need to move?
- · CAN it move?
- · Do I need an engineer for that?
- · Is the engineer supposed make that determination before I have an architect out?
Sound familiar? Prep for your project before you call me and save yourself some dough!
Read MoreEmpower yourself! Give yourself permission to ask questions
You don’t know what a soffit is? You aren’t expected to have all of the answers or know the ‘lingo’ before you start your project, but you have to become familiar with it as your project progresses. Like anything, the more knowledgeable you are, the more successful your project will be.
Read time: 3 minutes
Read MoreJust because you can’t figure out how to make it work, doesn’t mean we can’t
Put your priorities together in order of importance, and don’t add unnecessary items to your scope just because you think that is the only way to make something work. Let US figure out how to cost effectively make your priorities work.
Read MoreWhat Should You Ask Your Architect To Draw?
Be aware that there is a difference between asking an architect to draw as much of your wish list that will fit within a given budget and drawing a wish list to see what the budget will be.
Read MoreWhy You Should Be Honest With Your Architect About Your Budget
I’m sure that you have heard horror stories about projects going over budget and have friends whispering in your ear about not telling the architect what your ACTUAL financial cap is, but let me explain why that doesn’t benefit you.
Read MoreLiving at home during your home improvement
Living at home during a home improvement? Think about the following things and talk to your contractor before making any decisions:
- It could cost more
- Is it safe?
- It can be emotionally taxing
- Set ground rules
- Setting up a pseudo living space
Challenge your architect to create something meaningful for you!
Create something unique that gives you joy! Even the smallest of details can end up being that one satisfying element which is your daily reminder that you nailed it!
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