My process, in short:
1) Initial phone call, we talk timelines and estimated costs
2) $300 design session on site, measuring and 3D modeling, Virtual Reality tour, emailing the design concepts
3) For simpler jobs (not additions) I present a hard bid with exact costs 1-3 weeks later
4) Usually we do a quick round of revisions in 1-2 days
5) You can commit and pay deposit, or we keep designing at hourly rate to refine scope\cost (usually not necessary)
6) Once committed, I get you on calendar 1-3 months out, and work out details and choices in the meantime
My process, with more detail:
Starts with a 10-20 minute phone call where we discuss what you’re looking for, and based on the scope and scale of what you want to do, I’ll provide rough timelines and estimated costs. Depending on the job\location\schedule, I may be able to visit briefly on site at no cost.
If it seems like we could be a good fit for each other, we can schedule a 2.5 hour design session for $300. Here we'll spend about an hour walking around the space and talking about what you want, what you love, and what you hate, then I'll measure and 3D model it for 30-45 minutes (you don’t have to be present during that time), and we'll end by reviewing the designs.
I'll email the images that we came up with after the meeting. They’ll look something like what’s below. I’m not trying to impress you with beautifully rendered images. My goal is to get the scope and scale figured out as quickly and efficiently as possible, at a modest cost to you, so I can get you a firm price to decide whether or not you want to either 1) keep refining the design at an hourly rate or 2) commit and get on the calendar, and keep tweaking the plan and costs in the months leading up to the project starting.
Example of some different layouts for the same basement, made and discussed on site at the initial 2 hour meeting
Example of a kitchen design done in the first 2 hour session, measured down to the 1/4”, so paying close attention to the details that are going to impact the build, and not worried about spending time (and your money) to make these images look any prettier than they need to bid
Here’s an 1920’s attic, trying to maximize the space and create a great bathroom with enough headroom without the expenses of a dormer.
The layout above was one of 6 different variants we looked at in the initial design meeting. It really helps me understand your wishes and priorities in a very short time.
In addition to the 3D renderings seen above, you can put on the Virtual Reality headset and “walk through” the space to really get a sense of the flow and proportions of the space.
For most basements and kitchens, the 2.5 hour session is enough to iron out the big decisions that drive cost (square feet finished, number of doors and radiators and such). Bigger projects like additions and sometimes kitchens require a few more hours of design work to figure out the scope and size enough to come up with a price. I try to get you those exact costs within 1-3 weeks. Sometimes people wait a bit until they’re a little clearer about the desired scope and timeline before getting a bid. I'm not worried about specific choices like tiles, vanities and such, since choosing something cheaper versus more expensive only impacts the total cost 1-3%. Usually there’s a quick round of revisions after the first bid to tweak it and get it right.
We don't like to schedule too far out, and if you're ready to commit, we're usually able to start in 1-3 months, typically with a $10,000 deposit.
Once the project starts, we typically collect and even $10,000 payments every time we hit a benchmark, usually every 1-2 weeks. The payments are set up to be proportional to the work that’s happening (i.e. $10,000 when framing starts, when electrical starts, plumbing, etc.) so that you’re not paying for much more than you’ve received.
To help with keeping track of the product choices, here is our project organizer, with suggested brands and products. Again, we don't have to make most of those decisions before the bid is finalized, but it's helpful to start thinking about some of these things now: NOY DESIGN BUILD PROJECT ORGANIZER. Even if you don’t hire me, I hope you can use this on your remodel to keep track of all the choices you’ll need to make.
The time it takes to complete a project is unique for each one, and we can discuss it over the first phone call. The order of the operation typically looks like this (there is some flexibility in this, but it’s close):
Design, bidding, permitting, engineering
Ordering windows, exterior doors
Demolition
Foundation work
Framing
Plumbing and floor patching in the basement
HVAC - Heating, Venting, Air Conditioning
Electrical
Framing and mechanical inspections
Insulation
Drywall
Priming and ceiling, wall painting
Tiling
Hardwood and Vinyl Plank flooring (if carpet, that happens last)
Finish work
If it’s a kitchen, cabinet installation, and measuring for countertops, to be installed 1-2 weeks later
Sink, faucet and appliances in after counters
Stair treads, railing
Doors, casing, baseboard
Install radiators, plumbing fixtures like toilets and faucets, and lights, outlets, and other electrical components
Trim painting, wall touch ups, and sometimes two coats of wall color at the end
Door knobs and the punch list: access panels, towel bars, and bringing in professional cleaners
Final inspections
Celebrating your new space as your project is complete!