Design Process

Lake Country Remodel of a Rambler Illustration

Hart’s Design works with individual homeowners to create the remodel or new home that meets their needs and satisfies their wishes, while at all times, following their intended budget. We’ll meet, gather information, take pictures of the current site and develop a list of needs and wants for the client. With this in mind we’ll walk through the space and discuss the feasibility of the project. When working with the do-it-yourselfer we spend time in determining what services will most help you in accomplishing your goals.

This Lake Minnetonka remodel was created based on the desires of the homeowner/businesswoman/contractor that wanted a dream home in a English-Country style. See the before and after plan of the rambler below!

In addition, Hart’s Design works with individual builders and their clients to develop new homes or create a remodel design for their existing space. In doing this, we respect the relationship between the builder and their clients/homeowners and work closely to support that relationship. It is always helpful to meet with both the homeowner and builder at each meeting to ensure their desired budget is maintained throughout the design process.

Many of our do-it-yourselfers may request a list of the builders or trades people with which we have a proven relationship. We are happy to recommend from our network when a client wishes to request bids as their projects progress towards construction drawings and permits. For the do-it-yourselfer, we offer on-going consultations throughout the construction process, on an hourly fee basis. In addition, we have referrals available to those seeking specific help in color coordination help and interior design/decorating assistance.

Ultimately, we strive to provide you drawings and permit ready documents that allow you and or your builder to achieve the remodel of your dreams. In doing this throughout the process, we can generate 3D views or illustrated perspectives which better allow the client to visualize their before and after options. These illustrations are available, in addition to or separate from, conceptual designs or permit-ready documents. See the Hart’s Design Before & After Rambler Makeover blog posting for further details.

Before and After Remodel of a Rambler

Working with a Builder/Contractor

Keep the design elements (brackets, corbels, barrel vaults, etc.)!

I’ve had twenty years experience working with both builders and homeowners. More often than not, things progress smoothly; but when that occasional bump in the road occurs, expectations and promises may be clouded, and agitation or anger may arise. Here are some suggestions to lessen any possible disappointment and improve builder-homeowner communication.

Don’t allow the contractor to remove the design elements at the last minute. If it’s in your contract, you should receive it. If they bid off the plans you’ve given them, make certain that includes all the architectural elements like corbels, aesthetic brackets, beams, trim details, barrel vaults above the entry, etc.. Make certain the aesthetics are not removed at the end of the project to save the builder some money or increase his/her profit. If he/she bids it and its listed in the contract you should receive it.

Verify what’s included, all the way down to the toilet, shower door, towel bars, fixtures, and hardware. Get a breakdown of the allowances or this will become a weighty topic when it comes time to make your selections. Will it be a basic toilet or an energy-efficient, mid-priced model? If you don’t get a list of what’s included, then request a list of what’s NOT included, such as electrical upgrades.

Request price breakdowns, especially if the bid amount appears out in left field. Get an agreement from the builder or contractor that you won’t be charged for cost overruns, without prior signing of an additional work authorization (AWA’s). A contractor may underbid the job to get the contract; but during final walk-through, you may be given a bill for the cost overruns they incurred or left out of the initial bid.

Expect what was listed. If it’s Hardie siding, make certain that you’re not given the cheaper vinyl. If you desired honed granite, a spiral staircase or that copper sink you fell in love with at the showroom, make certain it’s in the contract!

Kitchen remodel w/ spiral staircase and copper sink upgrades.

Ask for timetable/schedule of the construction project. You’ll be able to plan around the delays and obstacles, especially, during holidays and around family birthdays and gatherings. If the contractor promised your new deck would be done by the end of June and you have family coming in for the Fourth of July, you better adjust your plans accordingly. Get a printout—a calendar of what will happen and when—of you project’s timetable.

Inquire about practical solutions and cost-to-savings ratios, such as home weatherization and energy conservation upgrades. Your builder should have the statistics and estimates, especially when an up-charge comes into play.

And in the end, demand lien waivers from all the sub-contractors that worked on your project. Remember: Most contractors want your future business and referrals, so they shouldn’t hesitate to keep you informed on costs, allowances, and schedules.

Verify the aesthetic upgrades (trim style, siding grade, posts, etc.) promised are put into the finished project.

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