sdg process detail
01
As you embark on an interior design project, you may feel a little nervous. Maybe you’re not sure what to expect or what questions to ask. That’s OK! Perhaps you know exactly what you want or maybe you feel overwhelmed by all the options you’ve seen online—either way, you have a team here to help.
After you fill out the project inquiry form, the next step is a phone call to discuss your project in more detail and to schedule an onsite consultation.
This is the time to let loose. Show us your space and share your pain points, ideas, likes, and dislikes. What are your must–haves and aspirational dreams for the space? This is also a perfect time for you to ask us questions. It’s important for each of us to determine if we’re a fit for one another.
After the onsite visit, an estimate of design fees is developed. This is an estimate of the time it should take to do the design work as discussed. This document is submitted for review along with the design agreement, which outlines the project’s scope and expectations. You are also given a general timeframe for when you can expect the design phase to begin.
After you agree to the estimate of design fees and design agreement, you pay a retainer to reserve a spot in our schedule. Your project manager will collaborate with you to develop a schedule for design meetings and specific deliverables.
02
During the first step of the design phase, you work with a designer to create a personalized space plan that considers functionality for your lifestyle and addresses any pain points you have with the current space. Taking the time to develop a well-thought-out plan ensures efficiency and saves you money in the long run.
DISCOVERY MEETING
The planning phase kicks off with a field measure and site survey meeting where the areas being renovated are measured and photographed. If you haven’t already, you meet your designer during this meeting.
This is the key step in the entire design process. Here, the limitations of your actual space are balanced with your ideas to create workable solutions which achieve your personal needs in how you live or work. Your designer’s purpose is to solve problems through excellent design.
The planning process includes one or more design reviews. These meetings take about an hour, depending on the size of your project. Each review ensures the design is exactly what you want, and your designer doesn’t advance too far into any portion of the project without your direct feedback.
ESTIMATED BUDGET
Throughout the design phase, your design team carefully monitors the budget. Using insights from the design meetings, an estimated budget is compiled to ensure the project stays aligned with your target budget.
Now it’s time to make things personal. This is when you tell us about that perfect countertop material or tile you saw when you were traveling. Cabinet finishes, flooring, countertops, plumbing, and lighting fixtures – it’s all a part of this phase.
Using approved design plans, a materials and finishes meeting is scheduled to discuss your preferences and look at samples. With so many options available, your designer helps keep things manageable by curating selections which are enduring and in concert with the rest of your home.
Once the particulars are specified, your drawings are updated to include all specifications. You meet with your designer to review the selections before moving on to the budgeting phase.
03
Once you approve the space plan and specifications, the final budgeting phase begins. Up to this point, the design has been fit within budget ranges. This phase is when the numbers are refined with actual bids from vendors and subcontractors.
BID DRAWINGS
Before our subcontractors provide project cost estimates, your design team prepares detailed bid drawings. These drawings provide precise specifications and requirements, ensuring subcontractors have all the necessary information to accurately price their services.
Your project manager writes a detailed scope of work for your project which outlines everything that will happen during the construction phase. This document ensures everyone involved has a clear understanding of what exactly is expected and included in the final labor pricing.
PROJECT COST DEVELOPMENT
Using the approved design plan, specifications, and scope of work as parameters, your project manager completes an onsite walk–through with the subcontractors to answer any questions they might have about the work to be completed. Afterward, they submit their costs for your project. Other vendors also provide their costs based on final specifications of materials and fixtures.
During this meeting, you receive a complete itemized proposal which includes the actual cost to complete your project per the approved design plans and specifications. Your design team answers any questions you might have and suggests potential cost-saving adjustments if necessary.
If modifications to material specifications or fixtures are needed due to the outcome of the draft proposal meeting, those are completed at this point.
Prior to this meeting, all requested revisions to the proposal are completed. Those changes are reviewed at this time for final approval.
APPROVAL
At the end of the final proposal meeting, your signature, along with the requested deposit, is needed to move into the construction phase. Congratulations! Things are about to get real.
PREPPING THE SPACE
Once you submit your deposit, a construction contract and schedule are created. You meet with your design team to review both the construction and payment schedules as well as any necessary permitting required for your project and to sign the contract.
FINAL CONSTRUCTION DRAWINGS
Once you give your approval to proceed to the construction phase, the construction drawings are completed. These detailed drawings outline the project’s execution plan, ensuring our subcontractors have a clear understanding of the work that needs to be done.
04
Working with contractors is often the most dreaded part of any project. That’s why you chose to collaborate with us. The management element many find stressful is eliminated.
Your project manager is your voice and advocate. They oversee all construction work to ensure the design intent is met and the quality of work meets SDG’s exacting standards. They also keep a close eye on the schedule and budget, so you don’t have to. Periodically, you have walk-throughs with your project manager (PM) and designer to keep you in the loop on everything that is happening.
During one of the last walk-throughs toward the end of construction, you and your PM compile a punch list of items to complete. At this point, your project is substantially finished.
Congratulations! Now is the time to relax, enjoy, and show off your new space. Your project is warrantied for a year and appliances and fixtures are covered under the manufactures’ warranties. Your design team may complete a photoshoot after the project is completed and follow-up with you throughout the year to ensure your satisfaction. This is also when we accept any hugs and high-fives.