Part 1... The Process
Let's talk about what it takes to execute an efficient project, and minimize those pesky surprises that seemed to catch homeowners off guard. We're going to take this outdated tired kitchen, and plus it up over the coming weeks. Our goal is for our client to not only love their project but eliminate the stress that goes into a renovation of this magnitude.
Project Management
Working with a project manager, allowed our client to have one person as the main point of contact. This eliminates miscommunication, trying to keep track of every moving part, and knowing when bills and invoices are due, etc.
A project manager can free up a lot of time for the client when hunting down materials, coordinating trades to do walk-throughs, making sure materials actually got ordered by the GC, reviewing contracts to make sure no hidden charges, etc.
A quality project manager is good at communication, can translate construction lingo into everyday terms for homeowners, and stay's on top of every detail to help projects go from chaos to calm.
Designer
Working with a designer allowed our clients to see all their ideas come together in a presentable clean format.
Space plans provided by the designer, let our GC know exactly what to expect on this project, where electrical should be placed, what items will require a permit, etc.
A good designer will be able to provide space plans, renderings, measurements, and source materials for the project.
General Contractor
A lot of General Contractors will actually take project plans and use them to get a quicker turnaround when pricing out with their subcontractors.
Space Plans allow contractors to review and note any changes that should be made prior to work beginning, this is important as it eliminates so many construction surprises from the beginning. Plans become the bible of the project.
Make sure your GC is licensed, and that their insurance covers their subs. Don't be afraid to ask if their insurance covers subs, or if they require their subs to have insurance if it doesn't.
We're including a list of items we will be plusing up:
Lighting | We eliminated the fluorescent tube light and a very outdated chandelier for recessed lighting and pendants over the peninsula. |
Appliances | Don't underestimate the statement that matte black appliances can make. This contributes to a sleek minimalistic design. It also eliminates the smudges and fingerprints that are apt to show up on stainless steel appliances |
Cabinets | In order to gain height and add under-cabinet lighting, our client decided to replace all the cabinets in her kitchen and remove the over-cabinet soffit. |
Counter Tops | The countertops in this kitchen, are your typical early 2000s builder-grade laminate counters. You gain a lot more prep space by eliminating the 1/4 raised wall behind the sink and making the counters all on one level. We're also installing a waterfall feature with the counters to create a sleek modern look to the kitchen that will still be timeless down the road. |
Sink | Since we are removing all the cabinets and updating the appliances, it only seemed fitting to update the sink. Our client chose a matte black undermount sink. |
Paint | By painting the cabinets that will serve as the new pantry for this kitchen, we've created a wow factor, and eliminated having to have a featured wall painted a different color. |
Storage | The original kitchen had very minimal storage. By reconfiguring the pantry area into more cabinets, and eliminating the soffits above we're able to almost double the amount of storage. |
Examples of quality Space Plans that can help your contractor bid on a project and eliminate scope creep. (Slide through).
Stay tuned for our next blog post where we'll be sharing some progress photos, and breaking down the workflow step by step.
Project management services provided by: Sonder Luxe Solutions
All renderings & space plans courtesy of: Linen and Orchid
General Contractor, labor, and permitting: PA Home Renovation
