Category Archives: Home Renovation

When the Fine Print is Missing

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Please pull up a chair and get comfortable. I think that the following real-life story is worth a few minutes of your time. My hope is that, by sharing it with you, you will sidestep some major design and renovation disappointments.

Sometimes, as a design professional, the Universe leaves information on your doorstep that bothers you. It really bothers you. It is the kind of “bothers you” that nips at your heels all day, interrupts your thoughts at dinner and wakes you up at 5:00 am, knowing that you cannot keep it to yourself. This is one of those times!

Recently, a colleague forwarded me a blog post, written by a leading online home design site. The piece, a case study of a kitchen renovation featuring before and after photos, focused on the limitations of working with a 100 square foot space. She thought that it would be of particular interest, because we specialize in the design and renovation of small spaces.

The renovated kitchen was very attractive and incorporated some creative solutions for maximizing a small space. The piece detailed the design features and also revealed elements of the original space that had been altered to accomplish this. The list of alterations included the moving and replacement of walls, plumbing and electrical, which are not inexpensive cosmetic changes. Most New York City buildings also require that work like this be reviewed by their building architect and filed with the Building Department, involving drawings and an expeditor. Again, not minimal expenses.

Reading along, impressed that the information provided in this piece seemed so transparent, I was pleasantly surprised to see the inclusion of following “Cost Breakdown” for the project.

Cost Breakdown:

Kitchen Cabinets and Installation: $28,000

Countertop material: $3,800

Countertop Installation: $2,500

Backsplash Material: $4,000

Backsplash Installation: $1,800

Appliances: $13,000

Total: $53,100

Unfortunately, as I reviewed the breakdown, I quickly became much less pleasantly surprised!

Based on my experience, the “Total” pricing seemed pretty low and, looking closer, I realized why. The breakdown did not include any construction costs, design fees or building department filing costs! For those of you who have been through a renovation, you know that these costs represent a substantial portion of a project budget.

Why were these costs not included? I don’t know. Maybe it was an oversight? Hopefully!

Whatever happened here, it was extremely unsettling that a well-known resource, would provide information in such a seemingly professional, polished manner, which could be so easily misunderstood.

Unfortunately, the fine print was missing from this renovation story, which seems to happen a lot, since the advent of reality TV and online sites promoting design.

When making a large financial investment, like a renovation, most people know to read the fine print. However, it is also important to know when the fine print is actually missing! This is value that an experienced design professional can provide.

Whether a renovation is in your future or not, we hope that you will find something useful in this real-life tale from our doorstep. Who knows? I think this may be just one story, in on-going series, as we will continue to make you aware of potential pitfalls!

As always, if you need assistance, we are here to help! In addition to full-project design, we also offer design consultations, when you just need a few hours of professional support.

 

Also posted in Small Spaces, Uncategorized

When is it Time?

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For most of us, our kitchen is the heart of our home… the glue that holds our home life together.

However, as our lives and kitchen evolve, we aren’t always conscious of their effect in shaping our world. Has the space become dysfunctional, uninspiring or just plain depressing? Is it a barrier for realsale or rental? Often, it is difficult to be objective.

Recently, in an article with Realtor.com, I had the opportunity to explore signs that a kitchen may be crying out for a renovation:

“7 Signs Your Kitchen is Way Overdue for a Remodel”

If your space is on it’s last leg or just looking tired, we hope that you will find some value in this for yourself.

As always, we are here to help. A simple design consultation can help get it moving in the right direction!

 

Also posted in Blog, Change, Uncategorized

Condo Makeovers / Schiffer Publishing

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We are thrilled to share that two of our projects are featured in Condo Makeovers, a wonderful new book hot off the presses from Schiffer Publishing and available online at Amazon.com and  Barnes & Noble. Focused on the design and renovation of homes in high-rise condos and apartments, it provides a peek into thirty beautifully photographed, one-of-a-kind living spaces.

Thank you to our clients, friends and colleagues for your support, encouragement and inspiration!

Also posted in Change, Custom Furninshings, Small Spaces