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By Linda Merrill
You don't have to know all about design to make your home pleasant and
inviting. But as always, planning, preparation and patience are the keys to
success.
Deciding how to reach the goal of creating a timeless classic involves doing
your homework, figuring out how much you can afford, and knowing yourself.
- Homework: What are you keeping and what do you plan on replacing? Cut out
photos from magazines that appeal to you, and assess why the photo appeals
to you. Is it the color? Furniture style? Comfort level?
- Budgeting: This word shouldn't cause fear and dread! This can be the fun
part. Visit stores and online shops to get an idea of prices in your area.
Are you hiring designers or contractors or doing some of the work yourself?
Do you have standard size windows or will you need custom window treatments?
These areas need lots of thought before you'll get a good idea of what your
project might cost. Only you can decide how much you can spend. Remember any
project can always be spread out over several months or even a couple of
years if need be. If that's the case, you'll still need to have a complete
picture of where you want to be in order to get there.
- Patience, patience, patience: Many, many homeowners seriously
underestimate just how long a complete room makeover can take. Schedules for
painters and installation contractors must be developed and managed. Delays
in their schedules or materials deliveries can and do set back entire
projects. The same goes for any work requiring local permits and inspections
throughout the project, such as plumbing or new wiring and installed
lighting. Furniture special orders can take 8 weeks to 12 weeks from order
to delivery, even from stores such as Jordan's Furniture or Crate and
Barrel. Keep a calendar handy in order to keep all the deadlines in order.
Remember, a total living room makeover can take up to 8 months to complete,
a whole house up to 12 months. Patience is key.
- Know yourself: Be clear what work you are capable of doing well -- and
interested in doing -- and what work should be handed off to a professional.
Stay focused on what you want and don't be afraid to ask for it! It's your
house, your decision! Be very clear with anyone you hire to work on your project. The client who
changes his or her mind often in midstream is the one who is more likely to
exceed their budget. Everything needs to be spelled out concisely in the
contract; changes beyond what's specified there will result in added costs.
- Keep everything in writing and expect to follow-up with your designer or
contractors. Even seemingly minor exchanges with them frequently should be
summed up with a letter or E-mail, using conditional language such as, "It
was my understanding that we agreed to ..." If what you've written isn't
what your contractor remembers about the conversation, they'll get back to you,
probably quickly. Communication like this prevents greater misunderstandings --
and even more potential delays.
- Most importantly, have fun! After all, this is about improving your
lifestyle, not adding to your stress.
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