
We have had our share of experiences dealing with the ups and downs of remodeling, after twelve years of participating on-site during renovations. That being said, we still learn something new that we apply to our process after every single project. We can confidently call ourselves experts in the field with a strong desire to grow and learn every day from new experiences.
We have developed a very clearly defined system over the years that we use in-house when undertaking our client’s renovation projects. These systems and processes help us bring a project from start to finish as smoothly as possible. Part of the process includes being open-minded to surprises and bumps in the road which naturally come up with every construction. After that positive mindset is made, we do everything in our power to detect and avoid foreseeable errors that can add to the overall cost and timeline.
Our service isn’t always Turn-Key since some of our clients have more time on their hands than others and the will to manage their renovation themselves. In those cases, we build the concepts and sometimes go as far as placing all of the orders for them before they take over. We then share our step-by-step process to set up our clients for success with their renovations. We call this our DIY Design Coordination Binder. The binder includes comprehensive checklists of items to verify during site visits at keys points throughout the construction.
Today we will be sharing our top general tips to follow to run your project like a boss!
Receive proper pricing.
Running your project like a boss starts in the planning phase. We normally suggest having three contractors bid on a project, unless you already know for sure who you’d like to work with. It is essential to request quotes for your project with as much detail as possible. Providing the contractors the same set of detailed documents means that they are quoting for the same product. It’s a way of limiting the number of financial surprises that you may face once the renovation starts.
We suggest submitting the following documents to the contractor;
You would have had to create some portion of the design prior to receiving any quotes in order for you to have these documents. This is where planning is key. If you know what you want your renovation to look and feel like, you will give your contractor a more precise mandate which will result in more accurate pricing.
Confirm the contractor.
Hire the contractor that is right for your project based on how you feel with them, punctuality, professionalism, and not their pricing. We’ve learned that if two contractors come in at a similar price and the third is a lot lower, you will most likely end up paying more if you go with the least expensive bid. Don’t get blinded by the awesome price tag and forget about the rest! Make sure that the contractor you hire is RBQ licensed and that they come referred by someone you can speak to. Most issues with contractors are not with the final product, but with how they managed the overall experience. Keywords to look for when speaking to a reference is; clean, punctual, trustworthy, communicative. We’re ultimately looking for someone who will keep their promises.
Conduct regular site visits.
We have identified which site visits are most important to the success of a renovation project. You can avoid a lot of mistakes by attending these site visits and asking the right questions. Here are the key site visits that you should be attending;
Before demolition
Confirm that everyone is on the same page in terms of the design. Review the installation schedule, and when they would require all products by.
After demolition
Confirm that all design plans can be executed as planned and that there are no surprises that may result in any changes.
Roughing installation
Confirm that all walls, electrical, and plumbing are as per design.
Tiles & Flooring
Confirm all tiles are on-site and identified with the rooms and orientations that they are to be installed in.
Cabinet Measurements
It’s practical to be present for this because the cabinet maker may have questions about details that you may want a say in.
Deficiency Walkthrough
This is where you complete a detailed walkthrough of the entire site and notes any deficiencies that need to be addressed before closing the project.
Always confirm changes in writing.
All contractor changes should be documented either on a change order or by email. One way of doing it is by sending a recap email to the contractor after any change is agreed upon. Any supplier or ordering changes should always be confirmed in writing. This always applies, even if you trust the trades fully. We avoid so many miscommunications or misunderstandings by simply confirming what was discussed in writing.
Renovating is far from simple. There is obviously lots more to know that can’t really be shared by a simple blog post. We can guarantee you that you will catch and avoid some common mistakes and/or miscommunications by following at least these simple tips.
If you need help putting together your concept or taking your project from start to finish, contact us today to schedule a free 20 minutes discovery call.
Hibou Design & Co. specializes in interior design & turn key servicing. Whether you’re looking for a one-room renovation or a complete makeover, we’re a full-service interior design company based in Montreal, Quebec. Our goal is to turn your house into a home.
Address | 1 Chabanel Ouest, Montreal, Qc H2N 1N3
Phone | +1 (514) 574 0015
General Inquiries | info@hiboudesignco.com
New Products | trades@hiboudesignco.com