Before & After

When planning a design and construction project, timeline is a major part of the conversation. What impacts that overall timeline are custom made elements like cabinetry. Efficiency, organization and attention to detail will play a major role in the ability to execute in a timely manner while providing quality materials that align with the project expectations.

When the job is complete, you should expect that all work areas have been professionally cleaned prior to you occupying the space. Any product or system manuals should be left with you for information regarding operation and maintenance of new equipment. Warranties on workmanship and materials should be provided.

The past 6-12 months (or more) were just spent designing and planning your project. Construction will begin shortly, what do you, as the owner, do now? Depending on the size and types of work areas, it may be (and often is) advantageous to temporarily relocate during the construction.

Whichever you choose, prior to project start, a final walk through of the space with the contractor and architect will give everyone an opportunity to review any crucial details. After all, working within existing homes requires an added layer of attention and care. Are there architectural elements within the space that you want to save? This is the time to reiterate that! Having these items marked on the construction documents and tagged during your walkthrough, will aid the team as they begin demolition.

When working with homes and buildings from the 1800s and early 1900s, there is opportunity for surprises. Let's state the obvious - that can be scary. Through collaborative conversation with your architect and contractor, some elements can be anticipated and contingency can be set aside during the planning phase for if and when these things are encountered.

Rehabilitating these spaces is a labor of love that requires active problem solving. We see this as part of the beauty and the challenge within the work. Site visits during this phase will allow the architect and contractor to discuss any findings and make adjustments as necessary to keep the larger vision intact.

Following demolition, a clear plan should be put in place to address any additional framing that may be required. This could include replacing/shoring up existing beams, furring out walls to accommodate new systems and/or sistering floor joists to resolve settling that has occurred over time.

Once the structure has been addressed, interior partitions, windows and doors can be framed. The room's proportions will take shape. It is during this phase that finish components, like cabinetry, will get measured for and ordered. Shop drawings for these items will be produced and should be carefully reviewed by your contractor and architect.

Ideally fixtures and finishes are selected and designed for prior to the start of construction. In this phase, electrical, mechanical and plumbing contractors should be referencing the architectural drawings in conjunction with the specifications to locate these components according to the design intent. Ask your contractor where a printed copy of these items are kept for easy access on site.

Regular site visits and meetings will support successful coordination of the trades in a manner that will achieve the intended final product. Working as a team can alleviate miscommunications and set expectations based upon actual conditions.

Before the walls get insulated and boarded, the contractor should do a final walkthrough with the drawings and any revisions that have been made thus far to confirm all power, water, drainage and ductwork is present and in the correct locations. Changes are inevitable during construction, but ideally once the walls are closed the project parameters are known and it's now all in executing the finish details

At this point, materials like hardwood, tile, vanities, plumbing and electrical fixtures should be making their way to site if they aren't already there. Shortly after boarding, the tile contractor can prep the work areas with their substrate and waterproof in preparation for tile installation. Walls and ceilings can be prepped with a first coat of paint. Hardwood floor can get installed once acclimation period is complete.

The overall vision becomes much clearer in this phase and the project is nearing the finish line. Painting, tiling, cabinetry, stone, plumbing and electrical fixtures will get installed. Your architect and contractor should be in communication and regular group site visits should be made to review the work against the intended design. As tasks are completed, surfaces should then be protected from damage.

The details matter. You'll likely hear many conversations regarding alignments, terminations and spacing in the final stage of your project. Considering how materials are installed and their relationship to one another, will elevate the final product.