Time To Plan!

The journey of planning your future remodeling project begins a lot sooner than you think. Most major remodeling projects require four to six months of project development and another three to four months to actually do the work. That means if you hire someone next week to begin a design, you’ll be enjoying your new space next spring! That may be a little hard to believe, but it’s the cold hard truth. The key ingredient to a successful project is a well-planned project. What does that planning look like? Here are the main components of custom remodeling:

• The Right Fit:Remodeling is like a marriage. You need to be compatible with the contractor you hire. Is it the right project? Do you have the right budget? Are you going to enjoy working together?
• Design: What are the possibilities? How do we get your vision from a concept in your head to a detailed set of construction drawings?
• Selections: What are all the aesthetic components of your projects? What is your style? What needs to be selected, and how do we bring them all together into a cohesive plan?
• Engineering: What are the structural implications of removing a wall? Is your existing home built to today’s code? How do we build something that is safe and will stand the test of time?
• Pricing: What are all the costs involved in your project? Do we have accurate pricing from trusted trades and vendors? What are the hidden costs that could rear their ugly head after the project starts?
• Scheduling: How long will this project take? When do we need to place key orders? Does everyone involved in the project have advanced notice for when they will be needed? What are we doing to minimize delays?
• Permitting: Are we able to provide everything the county requires? How long is the approval process? What happens if something is not approved?
• Execution: How do we minimize the disruption caused by tearing apart your home? How will we maintain a safe and secure job site? What are all the ways we can provide the best possible outcome?

Whew, that’s a lot of planning, and there are many more things to consider that aren’t included in this list! This may seem overwhelming, but for an experienced remodeler with a proven track record, this is just part of the remodeling experience. For more information on how to plan properly, check out the DR Process.

DR Summer Vacations

It’s not all work all the time at the DiFabion Remodeling headquarters. Just like most families, members of the DR family use the summer months to get away for family vacations. Here are some of the highlights:

Mike W. completed his quest to visit every MLB stadium in the country, with #30 in Toronto to see the Blue Jays!

DJ and his family were magically whisked away to Disney, returning with great memories and a thinner wallet!

Hannah and her family enjoyed the picturesque views in Sonoma, minus the indulgence of wine for Hannah…

Stay tuned for DR Summer Vacation Part II. You won’t want to miss the next round of pictures…

Design Distinctions – Calm Wellness

When you think of summer, leisure and relaxation typically come to mind. In the design world, these same themes represent an emerging trend. According to Houzz.com, a recent survey of designers, home professionals, and homeowners reveals the need for a “sense of calm” and wellness in the home. This includes designated rooms with a specific purpose, as well as popular new styles that set the mood. For instance, reading and listening rooms are the perfect places to unwind at the end of the day. After an intense workout, a room with a sauna or “cold plunge” helps with recovery.

With each of these wellness spaces comes an accompanying style that reinforces the desired outcome. Organic modern balances a mix of sleek lines with organic color materials. Dark and moody helps make a reading or listening space feel cozy and intimate. Japanese-influenced design embraces simplicity, harmony, and the use of natural elements. With all that’s going on in the world, the need to unplug and unwind is more important than ever. Why not treat yourself and explore what wellness options might be available for your home?