In what order? (2024)

In what order should I appoint architect,builder and interior designers?

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Just to pick up from where North Coast Construction left off; great comment by the way, I agree with most of it. The problem with design+build is that it might be possible to agree a build cost at the start of the project; on the other hand of course you will have a single point of contact (architect, builder, interior designer) for the whole project. Please note though that the architect's and designer's commitment will not be solely to you but shared with the builder who will (practically) employ them for you. By appointing an architect initially (with an interior designer closely second when this is necessary) you can develop a design proposal, obtain the relevant local authority permissions (planning and building regulations in most cases) and then ask a number of builder to tender for the building works, which might lead to more competitive tenders. This is called traditional procurement. Advantage: You appoint the design team separately to the builder (it means they are directly liable to you if you appoint professionals). Disadvantage: You appoint the design team separately to the builder (it means you will not have a single point of contact). But as North Coast Construction said, find a good architect and they will guide you through the whole process; ask them if they are registered (ARB) or even better if they are registered and members of RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects); if they are registered they are also legally obliged to carry professional indemnity insurance for your benefit (you can basically sue them if they are liable for something!)

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Need to remodel bathroom a step at a time. What order?

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What order does Remodeling work go in? Can I be my own contractor?

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The following is copied from our Blog "Remodeling University". There are more articles there relevant to your question, so please feel free to visit and do further reading (http://www.megabuilders.com/blog/): With all the discussion (see previous posts) about the best way to hire a general contractor, Los Angeles residents might ask themselves a legitimate questions: “do I really need a general contractor on my project?” Well, in my opinion, the answer depends on your particular circ*mstances. Generally speaking, the more complex your project is and the larger it is, the more a competent general contractor is needed. Many homeowners might not be aware of it, but being an owner-builder is a viable option for many remodeling projects. That category (owner-builder) is also recognized by the city for the purpose of securing permits. As an owner-builder, you act as the GC (general contractor). So let’s say that you live in Los Angeles and Kitchen remodeling is what you are considering. You might decide to do the demolition yourself, have an electrician take care of the electrical work, a handyman patch the walls, you'll do the painting, the Home Depot would supply and install the cabinets and a friend of yours would install the tile counters. Is that a legitimate approach? It sure is…providing; Here are some of the challenges you should be aware of: 1. Like for anything else, for this too there is a learning curve. Even if you are a very fast learner, chances are that you'll have a few missteps the ‘first time out’. 2. Design knowhow: the more complex the project, the more critical the design would be. Unless there is a design professional on your team, yours would be a hit-n-miss experience. 3. Code and construction knowhow: Someone on your team needs to be knowledgeable in the various codes pertaining to your project and in the best sequencing for your particular work. 4. Competent supervision: while a layperson can review finish work and judge it satisfactory (or not), the same does not hold true for ‘rough’ work. As a layperson, can you tell if the plumbing is run correctly, the wires properly sized, the drywall legally nailed, etc? 5. Availability: will you be able to be on site to see that things are done as agreed to or as needed? Was the gravel base placed before the driveway was poured? Was the second coat of paint applied? Were the old pipes abandoned and new ones ran in the wall? Unless you are – A. On site to supervise and note all these things, shortcuts are certain to take place and B. Even if you are at home to supervise, do you know enough about construction’s ‘best practices’ to be able to effectively supervise? None of it is ‘rocket science’. Truly. But there is enough complexity in today’s homes that you need to consider your options; if you have a basic project that does not involve multiple trades, is not too complex and the overall scope and budget are small, I think you can take it on yourself, should you be so inclined. Just take the time needed to educate yourself (endless resources are available online) and stay on top of everyone. If, on the other hand, the home remodeling you are considering is complex, involves structural work, requires design and/or is broad in scope and budget, I strongly recommend that you team with a competent, professional and experienced general contractor. Without a doubt, that would be in your best bet. Happy remodeling!

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What order would you attack projects?

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We bought a fixer-upper almost 6 years ago. Since it was in such bad shape, we waited 6 weeks after purchase to move in to get the work started. We had to prioritize due to $- couldn't spend the needed $100k right away to get the work done at once. So we started with the non-sexy stuff: insulation (roof, walls, basem*nt ceiling, garage ceiling), electrical (upgraded from 60 amps to 100 amps, put outlets in every room, ran new lines in much of the house), plumbing (oh god, what a mess!). Part of our plan did mean getting a new kitchen (the old one barely qualified as a kitchen). We also refinished the wood floors downstairs. I painted the inside of the house myself. I do a great job & it was a way to save some serious money. Year 2, the roof went. Awesome. Hadn't planned on that, so other projects were put off another year & more. Had to take out some bad trees. Had some emergency plumbing (boiler repair, sewer line back up, replace hot water heater). More awesome. Year 3, redid the half bath ourselves to save $$, had the front steps re-made. Now our house no longer looked like it was about to fall down! Year 4, the fun stuff!!!! We re-did our back deck, ripping off the falling down old porch & putting in a beautiful deck. Replaced the broken & cracked windows with new wood windows (alum clad on the exterior). Repainted the exterior trim to a better color. Finally looks like a good house! Year 5, huge landscaping! Totally fun & installed by me. Hubby & a couple of friends helped to dig holes for new trees & we planted those 600 lb beasts. I did all the other work- moved shrubs, added new plants. I spent several thousand on new plants, but doing the work myself saved about $15k. now if this winter ever ends, I'll get to see the plants again! Year 6- this year...... I really want to renovate the ugly full bath upstairs. Not gonna happen this year. Need to save more money before we can do that. The decorating has taken place over time. Lighting is tough b/c I love fixtures that are extremely expensive (hello, Lindsey Adelman for $15-20k!). And dealing with an old home & old ceiling junctions isn't easy. I prefer a grown into look anyway, instead of everything brand new. Good thing!

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