5 things I want you to know....

Starting a new project!! Let's chat about my top 5 things I want everyone to know before starting a bigger scale project! Take it from me, I've made LOTS of mistakes.

1. Define your vision. Do not even start if you are still wishy washy on what you want for your space! Set your goals for the projects, the absolute NON-negotiables of the projects and the nice to haves. This way you know there is no accidental change of direction or style half way through a project. This also lets you know that everything you are going to bring into your project is going to work together in the space, no clashing or mashing allowed!

2. Build your budget realistically. Price our all your material (and labor if you are hiring out), designer fees and anything else you are planning to do. And I don't mean ballpark for every figure. Really sit down and price out your items, square footage and have a nice broken down spreadsheet with everything. Once you do tha add 10-15% more because something ALWAYS seems to come up during projects. You'd rather come out the end with leftovers to go back into savings rather than dipping into savings to cover unexpected costs.

3. Accurate Plans matter. Make sure you measurements are tight, correct and noted down properly. Outsource this if you need or are not confident in preparing floor plans. Correct measurements are the difference between things fitting in your design or pausing a project to re-work plans and just overall really slowing down the project and causing a massive headache.

   
   

4. If you are hiring out this one is big. VET YOUR CONTRACTORS. Use referrals, see past work, check google reviews etc... DO NOT go with your neighborhood buddy cause he cheaper. That normally does not end well. Contractors, trades, architechs, designers are all a big worthwhile investment. So interview, meet and review all your options and be picky. This is your space, give it the time and energy that it deserves.

   
   

5. Finally, while aesthetics are amazing and we want our spaces to look grand and brand new. Function Over Aesthetics All the time. Consider traffic flow, who uses the house, what you are completing the reno for, storage etc.. Don't remodel your bathroom and take out all the storage and then had to add random baskets around your bathroom to put things in. DO build a bathroom that is beautiful but also has lots of cabinetry and storage while maintaining a sleek new look. Have kids and dogs? Maybe the white couch from Pinterest is not the one for you at this period in time. Consider every aspect, the reconsider and replan one more time. Really work through all the scenarios in your head.

   
   

   AND FINALLY, if all the above feels super overwhelming and makes you want to stop working on your project, lets talk. I think about it all for you :)

   
   

Happy Project-ing!