The old saying that goes “Anything is possible provided you throw enough money at it” is perhaps nowhere more appropriate than during a renovation. Given that one is able to get building permits, it is possible to design and construct virtually anything one dreams of if the budget is large enough. However since most of us do not have endless pocketbooks it’s vital to maintain a disciplined approach to the design process. 

In the Jan. 30 Arch-i-text we talked about the importance of developing solid design criteria upon which to base the renovation design. While this document provides a framework, its primary purpose is to ensure the completed renovation will meet your practical needs and requirements. It will not, however, manage the creative exercise of actual design. That’s up to you.

Context and flow must be the watch-words you employ while working with a designer. In other words, how will each design decision contribute to the overall look, feel and function you wish to achieve, and further, how will the overall renovation integrate within the existing house without extending the scope-of-work and budget.

To illustrate the latter point, let’s say that during the design of a kitchen reno, your designer suggests removing a wall in order to create an open-concept kitchen/living room. Aside from the additional cost to demo the wall and seamlessly repair floor and ceiling, this suggestion presents a series of potential ramifications to your design/decorating choices. For example, will those clean modern cabinets you prefer ‘work’ with the living room’s traditional mantelpiece and mouldings? You may have to choose a different cabinet style or replace the mantelpiece and mouldings. Flooring, lighting, colours, and other items all must be considered in the context of the single large space and may require work (and dollars) beyond your original intent.

That said, if you take the time to work systematically through each step with your designer, the result will be a set of plans that not only fulfill the design criteria but actually exceed your original expectation.

With the plans in-hand, there’s only one more thing to decide before it’s time to circle back on your short-listed contractors for quotations. Namely, what will the contractor be providing and what (if anything) do you plan on sourcing and buying yourself. Make that decision and you’re good to go to quote.

Next week… the contract.