We are back again with another Renovation Reality.

If your home renovation project involves tearing down walls, building new ones, or relocating and supplementing any plumbing and electrical systems…then you will definitely need to hire a general contractor.

Deciding on that perfect person is one of the most critical decisions you’ll make during the entire renovation process. While most contractors do fabulous work and come highly recommended, I’ve found there are still a lot of unscrupulous characters out there.  The last thing you want is to be totally let down by the very person you entrusted to deliver your ultimate dream home.

So do your best to find the right contractor for you, so all the time and money you spend planning, budgeting and designing your home will be placed in the right hands.

So when you are interviewing contractors here is one quick little tip that will go a long way!

Stay Inspired!

Please leave your questions or comments below this post, and fill out the form on the right hand side of this page to receive your free copy of my special report: “15 Money Saving Strategies When Planning Your Home Renovation”

Article by Lori Gilder, Architectural Interior Designer, Los Angeles, Ca. © 2011 Lori Gilder. Interior Makeovers Inc.

Brown Residence, Week 8

Having accumulated enough data to bring the Brown’s design concept into focus gives me the information I need to really begin developing a comprehensive and well-designed floor plan.  It’s my job to make sense of Liz and Mark’s wants and needs and implement them into the overall layout and floor plan.

Remember we are working with and existing home of approx. 3,800 square feet and potentially adding on another 2,000+ square feet to the existing structure.

Spatial relationships are extremely important when planning a successful layout.  As the floor plan begins to evolve, we must aim for consistency, uniformity, proportion and flow from one space to another.

The development of a solid floor plan is where you begin to see your dream take shape.  It’s a process that evolves over time between the designer and client, and is the first crucial step in providing you with a true reflection of how your family really lives.

Committing to a final floor plan takes time to develop.  From a sketch on tracing paper to completed CAD drawings – the ultimate goal is to create a fantastic layout that is perfect for you!

Here Are 5 Key Strategies For A Smooth Planning Process:

1. Work very closely with your designer or architect.
2. As questions – if you don’t understand the drawings, have them explained until you do.
3. Take your time and plan methodically to avoid costly errors.
4. Make sure your designer implements all of your desires and understands your priorities.
5. A fully detailed plan helps to avoid any miscommunications.

I encourage you leave questions or comments below this post, and fill out the form on the right hand side of this page to receive your free copy of my special report: “How to Avoid the 15 Most Common Decorating Mistakes”

Article by Lori Gilder, Architectural Interior Designer, Los Angeles, Ca.
© 2010 Lori Gilder. Interior Makeovers Inc