Last week I was a guest on Boston’s Real Estate Radio where I was joined by owner/principal architect Graham Ruggie of Janez Design and Jodi Swartz owner and kitchen/bathroom designer of KitchenVisions. On the show we discussed how working with a team of experts is the key to a successful project.

Most people don’t do a major remodel very often. For some, remodels are inspired by buying a “fixer-upper.”  Or perhaps your family has expanded and, because you love your neighborhood and don’t want to move, your home now needs to adjust to meet your needs. For others remodeling projects may spring from ice, water, or fire damage as a result of a fire or a harsh winter. Whatever the reason, choosing the right team to accomplish your goals is critical to saving you time and money.

TIME

Additions and major renovations aren’t always as simple as calling your local contractor and describing what you’d like done.  Often you need an architect who can ensure that structural requirements are being met and that, aesthetically, an addition blends seamlessly with the existing home. Kitchen and bathroom renovations, the most popular remodeling projects, often benefit from including a specialized designer from the beginning who can reimagine your space, maximize storage, and find the best materials for your budget.

When you are considering your project, start with a trusted professional and ask them who else should be included to make it a successful. For example, if you start with an architect and include a contractor in the discussions early on in the design phase, the architect is more likely to design a home that you can actually afford to build. Architects don’t necessarily know what it will cost for a contractor to build their designs, nor will they know what finishes you’ll choose, so including a contractor before the design goes too far is critical.

If your project doesn’t require an architect, a designer may shorten the project timeline considerably because you won’t be searching for materials.  More importantly, they’ll have ideas that you won’t have thought of that will result in a more functional kitchen, bathroom or addition.

MONEY

The right combination of experts also save you money. How? First and foremost, they can often foresee problems before they arise. Contractors often know generally what they’ll find behind walls and under floors. If water damage or worse, mold, is found behind the walls, a reputable contractor will know how to handle the problem with the least impact on your budget. If a granite counter breaks during the installation your kitchen designer will have the resources to fix the problem and keep the project moving.

Landmark was once hired by a woman who thought she had started in the right place – with a local architect. Designs went back and forth and, after nine months, she invited me to look at the job. It turns out that the designs that had taken so long to develop weren’t anywhere near complete enough for construction to begin. The homeowner was back at square one. Listen in to see how we handled the project and how having the right team on your side are the key to a successful project.