The other day when I was on the phone with my client scheduling our first preliminary plan review meeting she asked, “Does Mark need to be there for this one?” With so many meetings on the agenda, we really need to hand select which meetings are best for him to attend. But first we need to assess what type of client he is.
More to the point, the answer to this question really depends on your husband’s level of interest in renovation process, his personality type and his schedule of availability – and that in turn will provide you with your answer.
In all my years of designing homes for singles – couples and families, I’ve learned that when it comes to men – there are typically three categories they fall under.
The Enforcer.
He is the boss, chief, or micromanager who insists on controlling every aspect of the home renovation project from beginning to end. He is “Master of his Domain” and has an insatiable need to control with excessive attention to minor detail. By nature, he tends to distrust the very professionals he’s hired to do the job.
The Endorser.
Has a minimal interest in the design process, supports his wife’s decisions and trusts her implicitly to work hand in hand with their design professionals – knowing without hesitation that they will deliver the best product.
The Contributor.
Provides his thoughts and opinions when necessary, but speaks out loudly when it comes to specific details that are important to him. He sees his home as a sanctuary and wants it to reflect his personality as well as his wife’s. He has a certain design criteria and really enjoys participating in the decision making process – particularly when it involves media rooms, master baths and outdoor kitchens.
Ok. Now be honest
. Which type are you?
I encourage you leave questions or comments below this post, and fill out the form on the right hand side of this page to receive your free copy of my special report:
“How to Avoid the 15 Most Common Decorating Mistakes”
Article by Lori Gilder, Architectural Interior Designer, Los Angeles, Ca.
© 2009 Lori Gilder. Interior Makeovers Inc
The perfect design concept – whether developing an extensive floor plan for your remodel, developing the exterior elevations of your home renovation or designing fine cabinetry details – all require the same process to get started.
When it comes to putting pencil to paper, I love the idea of free hand sketching. For me it’s the most creative and fluid way to fit the puzzle pieces together. With my roll of tracing paper in hand, I can feel a concept flow from my fingers right onto the page.
Developing a solid floor plan is not an exact science – yet requires experimenting with multiple concepts until you get it right.
In the Brown’s case the process starts with laying tracing paper over the
“as-builts” – and sketching some preliminary ideas, concepts and room layouts over the existing plans. I begin with bubble diagrams, sketches and scribbles (it’s very scientific). I 
assess, evaluate and revise the layout over and over, until I feel it’s good enough to present to Liz and Mark for round one.
During this meeting, we review the layout together dissecting every nuance possible – walking through the space virtually in our mind’ eye and laying sheets of tracing paper over one another. I call this the “Mr. Potato Head” theory. I did mention that this phase is not an exact science, and since the floor plan evolves in a variety of ways, this is the best time to experiment with certain elements that may be re-sized, shifted or relocated entirely.
At the conclusion of that meeting with notes in hand I head back to the drawing board and the process begins all over again refining and revising – until a solid design concept and floor plan is established.
I encourage you leave questions or comments below this post, and fill out the form on the right hand side of this page to receive your free copy of my special report: “How to Avoid the 15 Most Common Decorating Mistakes”
Article by Lori Gilder, Architectural Interior Designer, Los Angeles, Ca.
© 2010 Lori Gilder. Interior Makeovers Inc 
As we begin to work on the schematics and design development phase of the Brown’s home renovation project, we also need to have a relatively firm grasp on the direction the remodel is heading and start to determine the cost of achieving their wish and needs list.
How much should your home renovation cost?
When trying to figure out a realistic number of how much you should spend on your home renovation without over-valuing your property, generally 25-30% of the current market value of your home is an acceptable amount to invest. For example: if your house is appraised at $400,000 then it’s not outrageous to invest another $120,000 in home improvements.
To be realistic, set a contingency plan and pad your budget by at least 25%! No matter how perfect your planning may be – when it comes to home renovation projects, always expect the unexpected. Material costs could increase, you could find hidden secrets hiding between the walls, or you may simply decide to make some changes during construction.
Finally spend your money wisely and don’t over design or over build for your neighborhood. The type of home improvements you design for you and your family may not necessarily be what others want in theirs. So if you’re planning on staying only a few years plan accordingly. To compare national and regional averages for the most popular home renovation projects, visit Remodeling Magazine’s 2009 – 2010 Cost vs. Value Report at 
After hours of boring, drilling and digging, the geologists are finally able to gather the soil samples extracted from the front and rear of the Brown’s property, and conduct their experiments.
This Geotechnical Engineering Liquefaction and Foundation Investigation is a written evaluation and assessment for the proposed One Story and Second Story Additions for the Brown’s home renovation and addition project.
It will document the findings of all soil sampling, testing, engineering liquefaction analysis, seismic hazard findings, and seismic design factors. It will also include grading and foundation design recommendations for the proposed construction. This is very valuable information for the Structural Engineer as it relates directly to the design of the new foundation plans. The contractor will also need to be aware of what will be required of them to build that foundation.
So what are we looking for?
Knowing how critical the soil conditions are when it comes to designing this renovation and addition project – and the direct relationship between the foundation and the soil, we now wait for the results.
The engineers are looking for soil classification type, the cohesiveness of the soils and its density (or blows per inch).
A test is conducted where a 140 lb. weight is dropped, and they count the number of blows it takes to advance one foot. The more blows it takes to compact the soil, the more dense the earth – and that’s a good thing.
We should have a preliminary opinion within 3 weeks, with the full report concluded within 5 weeks.
I encourage you leave questions or comments below this post, and fill out the form on the right hand side of this page to receive your free copy of my special report: “How to Avoid the 15 Most Common Decorating Mistakes”
Article by Lori Gilder, Architectural Interior Designer, Los Angeles, Ca.
© 2009 Lori Gilder. Interior Makeovers Inc
