sdg process detail
01
PREPARATIONS
INTRODUCTIONS
In the beginning, you might feel a little nervous. Maybe you’re not quite sure what to expect or what questions to ask and 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, we’re here to help.
PHONE CALL
Our first conversation is usually a phone call where we ask you a few basic questions about your project and set up a time for an onsite consultation.
ONSITE CONSULT
We’ll meet you onsite to take a look at your project in person. Let loose. We want to hear all your ideas and needs. 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.
ESTIMATE OF HOURS
After our onsite visit, we develop an estimate of hours, which is how many hours we think it will take us to design your space. This estimate will be submitted in a document along with the design agreement, which outlines what to expect as we work together, for your review. At this time, we will also let you know when you can expect our designers to be able to begin work on your project.
AGREEMENT
After you agree to the estimate of hours, we’ll ask for a retainer to hold a spot in our schedule. Once this is finalized, you’ll be introduced to your designer who will work with you to develop a schedule for design meetings and specific deliverables.
02
DESIGN
PLANNING – Functionality
During the first step of our Design Phase, we work with you to create a space plan that considers functionality for your lifestyle and addresses any pain points you have with the current space. By taking the time to develop a well-thought-out plan, we ensure efficiency and save you money in the long-run.
MEASURE AND MEET
We kick off the planning phase with a field measure and site survey meeting where we’ll measure and photograph the areas in which we’re working. If you haven’t already, you’ll meet your designer this day.
SPACE PLANNING
This is probably the most important step in the entire design process. Here, we consider the limitations of your actual space and balance them with your ideas to create workable solutions which achieve your personal needs in how you live or work. Our purpose is to solve problems through excellent design.
DESIGN REVIEW MEETINGS
Our planning process incorporates three 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 we don’t advance too far into any portion of the project without your direct feedback.
SIGN-OFF
Plans for your customized space are complete. You’ll receive printed and digital copies of your interior design plans which include dimensioned floorplans and elevations. A sign-off will be required before moving on to the specification phase.
SPECIFICATION – Aesthetics
Now it’s time to make things pretty. Finally, we discuss that perfect countertop material or tile you saw when you were in Spain. Cabinet finishes, flooring, countertops, plumbing, and lighting fixtures – it’s all a part of this phase.
MATERIALS & FINISHES SELECTION
Using approved design plans, we meet to discuss materials and finishes and look at samples. With so many options available, we’ll help keep things manageable by narrowing down selections which are appropriate and in concert with the architectural style of your home.
FINAL DELIVERABLE MEETING
Once the particulars are specified, we update your drawings to include all specifications and meet to review everything before moving on to the budgeting phase.
SIGN-OFF
When we reach this point, you’ll be in love with your renovation plans and will receive final printed and digital copies. A sign-off will be required before moving on to the budgeting phase or for design-only contracts, the process ends here.
03
PRE-CONSTRUCTION
BUDGETING – Investment
Once we receive your approval of the space plan and specifications, we begin the final budgeting phase. 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.
SCOPE OF WORK
We write 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.
CONTRACTOR BIDS & PRICING
This is probably the most important step in the entire design process. Here, we consider the limitations of your actual space and balance them with your ideas to create workable solutions which achieve your personal needs in how you live or work. Our purpose is to solve problems through excellent design.
DRAFT PROPOSAL MEETING
At this meeting we will present you with a complete itemized proposal which includes the actual cost to complete your project per the approved design plans and specifications. We’ll answer any questions you might have and suggest potential cost saving adjustments if necessary.
VALUE ENGINEERING
If any adjustments to material specifications or fixtures need to be made as a result of the draft proposal meeting, we will take care of these during this time.
FINAL PROPOSAL MEETING
Any updates or revisions to your proposal have been completed and we meet to review everything one last time.
SIGN-OFF
At the end of our final proposal meeting, your signature, along with the requested deposit, will be required to move into the construction phase. Congratulations! Things are about to get real!
04
CONSTRUCTION
CONSTRUCTION – Making it Real
We understand working with contractors is often the most dreaded part of any project. That’s why you chose to work with us. We eliminate that element many find stressful.
PRE-CONSTRUCTION MEETING
Once we have your deposit for the final proposal, we’ll start ordering materials and assemble a construction contract and schedule. We’ll meet to have you sign the contract, review both the construction and payment schedules as well as any necessary permitting required for your project.
CONSTRUCTION BEGINS
We are your voice and advocate. We oversee all construction work to ensure the design intent is met and the quality of work meets our high standards. We also keep a close eye on the schedule and budget. Periodically, throughout the build, we will schedule walk-throughs with you which keep you in the loop on everything that is happening.
PROJECT COMPLETION
When things begin wrapping up on the job site, we will conduct final walk-throughs and compile a punch list of items to be completed. At this point, your project is substantially complete.
POST CONSTRUCTION
Congratulations! Now is the time to relax, enjoy, and show off your new space. We warranty our work for a year and appliances and fixtures are covered under the manufactures’ warranties. We complete a photoshoot after the project is finalized and follow-up with you throughout the year to ensure your satisfaction. This is also when we accept any hugs and high-fives.