At Sara Lynn Brennan Interiors, we’ve seen it time and again – good people with good intentions hire contractors with the expectation that their dream home will become a reality. However, what often happens is a series of unexpected challenges, budgetary issues, and compromises that could have been avoided with proper planning. It’s time to shed some light on the frequently overlooked details when hiring a contractor, and explain the crucial role of interior designers in the planning stages.
The Contractor Challenge: Lack of Transparency
Contractors play a vital role in turning architectural plans into a tangible reality. However, transparency regarding allowances and realistic estimates are often lacking. Smart clients, who are successful professionals in their own right, conduct due diligence by seeking referrals and asking the right questions. However, the stumbling block arises when contractors provide estimates that are not aligned with the realistic cost of the desired project.
The issue lies in the contractors not asking the two critical questions: Do you have a designer? And, what is your desired look? This oversight leads to budgets built with inappropriate allowances, causing a mismatch between the client’s expectations, the complexity of the job, and the actual costs involved.
Good People, Bad Contractors: A Recipe for Disaster
When good people hire contractors who provide estimates with allowances, the problems start to unfold during the execution phase. Clients, believing they can source materials on their own, realize that their allowances and desired look don’t align. This revelation often occurs after the demolition has begun, putting the entire project in jeopardy.
In a construction industry flooded with Pinterest-perfect images, clients may struggle to reconcile their desired aesthetic with a budget that doesn’t realistically cover the cost of quality materials. Panic sets in when they realize they’ve overlooked critical details, and the project is already underway.
Avoiding the Pitfalls: The Role of Interior Designers in Budgeting
Our recommendation is simple but crucial: involve an interior designer from the very beginning of the project. As soon as architectural plans are near completion, enlist the services of a builder and an interior designer simultaneously. While builders focus on labor, time, and execution costs, interior designers bring expertise in material costs for elements like flooring, backsplash, countertops, lighting, and plumbing fixtures.
Our process at Sara Lynn Brennan Interiors involves about three months of planning, including concept development, design planning, pricing, budgeting, and securing all materials before construction begins. This meticulous planning ensures that every detail is accounted for, eliminating surprises, compromises, and unnecessary expenses.
Knowledge is Power
In the construction and design journey, knowledge is power. Understanding the true cost of your dream home before construction begins allows you to make informed decisions and ensures that your vision aligns with your budget. So, before you embark on your home-building or renovation project, remember – sometimes good people hire bad contractors, but with the right interior designer on board from the start, you can ensure a successful, stress-free, and truly beautiful outcome for your home.
Let’s talk soon about your construction project!
