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Gwen Canfield, Interior Designer/Decorator | Serving the Greater Nashville, TN Area including Mt. Juliet, Lebanon, Hendersonville, Gallatin - Davidson County, Sumner County & Wilson County
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ About Our Services
Interior design is a luxury service that brings ease, beauty, and intention to the way you live every day. But the answer this question largely depends on the Designer, (or the firm). So it's important to ask the Designer what their services include and do not include.
Interior Decorating
Some Interior Designers choose to focus only on the aesthetics of an existing space. Services may include selection of paint, furniture, wall art, light fixtures, window treatments and accessories. They may also help you choose higher-ticket items such as flooring, tile and countertops. These services may be referred to as interior decorating.
Interior Design
In addition to the aesthetic services listed above, some Designers may also provide more specialized offerings such as floor plans (CAD), cabinetry planning, and 3D renderings in their list of services. Since these services often involve architectural changes/elements and thus construction work, they are considered to be interior design.
Contractor/Construction Management
It is usually necessary for an Interior Designer to communicate with their clients' builder/contractor at certain times during a project. But project management to oversee the construction process and coordinate the tasks may or may not be in the Designer's wheelhouse. So it's important to ask the Designer whether or not their services include construction project management.
At 615interiors, we do both interior decorating and interior design. We do not provide construction management, or management of contractors such as painters, carpenters, and cabinetry installers. We have a basic knowledge of construction - it's needed for floor planning. But we are not builders, architects or engineers. We advise our clients to secure a good General Contractor to oversee the renovation process, and we are happy to make recommendations for quality contractors upon request.
A Note About Construction Management
A new build or renovation has MANY moving parts and requires a small army of subcontractors and skillsets. Those skills include demolition, framing, electrical, plumbing, drywall, window/door installation, tile/floor installation, cabinet building, finishing work, just to name a few. To manage all these moving parts, a General Contractor may charge at least 20% of the total project cost. They will source, schedule, manage and pay all the subcontractors. It's tempting to try and be your own general contractor to save money. And if you have construction experience and a lot of time on your hands, you may be able to do it successfully. But keep in mind, it's a full-time job. We've seen clients become overwhelmed and burned out trying to manage it all themselves, and the likelihood of errors and shoddy work is high. Please proceed with caution, as these problems can cost a lot more money to fix down the road.
We can recommend reputable builders and contractors to contact for your project. Just ask!
Learn more about our process & rates here »
Questions? Book a free Consult Call with Gwen today »
We design complete* interior spaces that are beautiful and functional for residential and commercial clients. These include living rooms, kitchens, dining rooms, bedrooms, bathrooms, basements, recreational spaces, office spaces, lobbies, meeting/conference rooms, and reception areas.
*We focus on designing each space as a complete, cohesive whole—rather than sourcing just 1-2 pieces on their own. Meaning, we generally don’t offer standalone selections for furniture, art, window treatments, or smaller décor items unless they’re part of a full room design where most or all elements are being updated. This is because it can be challenging to ensure that a single new piece will blend well in both size and style with a lot of existing furnishings, often resulting in a disjointed look. Instead, we love to approach the entire space as a whole and restyle everything to create a fresh, cohesive look that’s tailored to your vision and needs. This way, we can craft a truly personalized experience that ties everything together beautifully. If you have a sentimental or investment piece(s) you'd like to keep, we're happy to incorporate it into your design plan.
See what clients say about 615interiors »
Learn more about our process & rates here »
Questions? Book a free Consult Call with Gwen today »
Step 1. Phone Consult: Complimentary (30 min.)
The first step to kick off your beautiful redesign project is a free consult call with Gwen via Zoom. During this call, we’ll get acquainted and discuss the overall goals and needs of your project. I’ll provide clarity and guidance to help you feel confident about the next steps in bringing your dream space to life. If we agree we're a great fit, we’ll move forward by scheduling your in-person Design Session. (See description below.)
Step 2. In-Home Design Consultation: $300 Get “fresh eyes,” clarity, and expert advice during this 2 hour working session in your space. After reviewing your design questionnaire and inspiration photos, I’ll arrive prepared to address your specific design challenges. A tour of your home or office will help me assess the space, lighting, and other key elements. I’ll offer feedback based on my experience, guide you through sample options, and provide tailored suggestions. By the end of our session, you’ll have a much clearer vision of how to bring your new space to life! During the session, we'll review my design process and determine which approach best suits your unique project. You will then receive a detailed proposal for your consideration.
Step 3: Interior Design Planning: Price varies
Whether you're planning a remodel or a simple refresh, my interior design planning service is the perfect starting point. I'll guide you through a step-by-step approach to plan every detail of your redesign, ensuring it aligns with your wish list. Your personalized design plan will reflect your unique style and needs, featuring a to-scale floor plan and 3D renderings of your fully reimagined space. Together, we'll make layout and design decisions, helping you visualize your new space every step of the way. No guesswork, no trial and error, no stress - gorgeous results!
Design Fee
Our fee process is extremely transparent and varies per project. We charge a flat fee for design, which is calculated based on size of the space(s) and level of detail & complexity of the design, (your project scope, which is discovered during the in-person consult.) After your paid in-home consult, we will present you with a detailed design proposal so you’ll know exactly what your design fee will be and can plan accordingly.
Step 4: Implementation: Price varies
In addition to interior design planning, we offer implementation services to assist with purchasing, delivery logistics, storage and white glove delivery of your furnishings. Once the design phase is complete and the implementation scope is clearly defined, we will present a proposal tailored to the specific implementation services you desire. Typically our procurement fee is 20-25% of the total furnishing investment.
Questions? I'd love to chat with you! Book a free Consult Call with me today »
Whether you're planning a remodel or a simple refresh, my interior design planning service is the perfect starting point. I'll guide you through a step-by-step approach to plan every detail of your redesign, ensuring it aligns with your wish list. The conceptual design plan will reflect your unique style and needs, featuring a to-scale floor plan and 3D renderings of your fully reimagined space. Together, we'll make layout and design decisions, helping you visualize your new space every step of the way. No guesswork, no trial and error, no stress - gorgeous results!
Our floor plans are to scale and ideal for remodeling or refurnishing existing spaces. They are not architectural-grade construction blueprints. For new builds or additions, please note that your contractor may require more detailed plans prepared by a licensed architect.
Design Plan Phase includes:
1. Floor Plan & 3D Renderings
2. Color & Materials Selections
Concepts will be included in your plan for approval. Then we’ll organize a shopping trip at our preferred showroom to select materials with you.
3. Furnishing Selections
Concepts will be included in your plan for approval. Then we’ll organize a shopping trip at our preferred showroom for items that require a "sit test," like sofas.
See examples in our Portfolio here »
Learn more about our process & rates here »
Questions? I'd love to chat with you! Book a free Consult Call with me today.
In addition to custom Interior Design Plan, we also offer several ways to help bring your design plan to life with our implementation services. Just sit back, relax, and watch your beautiful space come together. You deserve it!
Furnishing Procurement & Delivery Options
Once your design is finalized, choose professional/full-service implementation or self-implementation to bring it to life!
Option 1: PROFESSIONAL IMPLEMENTATION
Experience a seamless, stress-free transformation with our comprehensive service.
Exclusive Trade Pricing Benefits: We share the a portion of our exclusive trade pricing with our clients—you enjoy pricing below retail. These savings help offset the cost of our professional services, providing both value and convenience.*
End-to-End Management: We handle every detail—from ordering and tracking to coordinating deliveries and addressing any issues that arise, (procurement)
Secure Warehousing: Your items are received, unboxed and inspected for damage, logged, and stored in our climate controlled warehouse until every piece is ready for a consolidated delivery.**
White-Glove Installation: On Installation Day, our team ensures each item is delivered, assembled, and impeccably styled, bringing your design vision to life without you lifting a finger.
Option 2: SELF IMPLEMENTATION
You handle the purchasing and logistics.
We provide a curated shopping cart with all the approved furnishings and decor. You purchase items at retail pricing and manage delivery details on your own timeline.
You’ll be responsible for:
Purchasing all items directly at full retail pricing based on the curated list we provide
Selecting your preferred delivery option at checkout
Coordinating, receiving and inspecting deliveries
Handling any damage claims or returns with vendors directly
_______________
Why Choose Professional Implementation?
In our experience, clients who opt for Professional Implementation not only enjoy a hassle-free process but also benefit financially. Handling the professional implementation enables us to provide the best furniture pricing for our clients, creating a win-win scenario: you receive premium service and savings, ensuring your space is furnished beautifully and efficiently.
_______________
Estimated Pricing for Professional Implementation
Procurement Fee: 20-25% of total furnishing investment
Warehouse Receiving, Inspection, & White Glove Delivery: 10%-15% of total furnishing investment
Storage Fee: Varies based on volume and duration
Custom estimate can be provided upon request once your final design is approved
*Because of the wholesale relationships I have with vendors, my clients usually pay BELOW retail price for furnishings (5-10% less than MSRP, the suggested manufacturer's retail price). Typically, my profit margin for purchasing of furnishings falls around 20%-35%, depending on the manufacturer.
**As an option, we can order items for you and have them shipped directly to your home, rather than the warehouse. You’ll need to inspect them upon arrival and report any damage immediately for a vendor claim. Returns are only permitted for damaged items.
_______________
NEED A CONTRACTOR?
We work with several reputable contractors who specialize in home remodeling services. We're happy to make a recommendation for you!
QUESTIONS? LET'S CHAT!
Book a free consult call with Gwen »
No, materials and contractor fees are not included in my design service pricing. While I collaborate closely with contractors and architects to make sure your vision is carried out seamlessly, they are independent professionals hired and paid directly by you as the homeowner.
For materials and finishes—such as cabinetry, tile, countertops, and more—my design phase includes guided showroom visits where I accompany you to select the perfect options for your project. Once chosen, either you or your contractor will handle the purchase of those items.
This way, you get my expertise in curating high-quality, cohesive selections, while maintaining full transparency over material costs and contractor expenses.
By "refurnish" we mean replacing all furniture, rug, wall art, decor, and lamp lighting. The answer to this question depends on the size of the space, and the brands and quality of furnishings you prefer. These are things we discover with you during our design process.
We tailor our services & furnishing selections to our clients' specific needs and desired investment level. But here is a guideline on cost to refurnish a room:
Lower-to-mid quality - $10,000-$20,000
Mid-to-higher quality - $20,000-$30,000
High quality / luxury - $30,000+
Starting with a full Design Plan offers major benefits, saving you both time and stress throughout the project. The plan allows you to see how all the elements in a space will work together, giving you a clear understanding of what needs to be purchased. You don’t have to buy everything at once—orders can be placed at your own pace.* Most importantly, our process outlines every detail of your space and the associated costs, so you can stay within your budget and feel confident about your investment every step of the way.
*If you decide to wait and order some items later, please be aware there’s a possibility they may be out of stock or the manufacturer could change the pricing. For the best result, we recommend ordering all items at once, and/or allowing us to handle procurement, delivery and staging for you.
Design Planning Saves Money in the Long Run, and Stress!
Having a knowledgeable professional to help you navigate the design process will save you tons of time and stress, and will often save money in the long run. If you find that you are particularly indecisive, don't have much time on your hands or are looking to undertake a large project, an Interior Designer can be well worth the added cost. Builders tell us that it makes their process much smoother as well, which translates into savings for you!
Learn more about our process & rates here »
Questions? Book a free Consult Call with Gwen today »
For the best result, we will always suggest replacing most of the furnishings and decor in a space. However, if you have a sentimental piece(s), or have already invested in a beautiful piece that you love, we'll work it into the design plan so that everything in the space harmonizes. Rest assured, you won't have to give up anything that you love or that's working for you.
Let's chat about your project and furniture pieces. Book a free Consult Call with Gwen today »
Learn more about our process & rates here »
I know saving money is important, even when investing in something as important as your home. My clients work with me for my expertise, resources, and ability to deliver a beautiful, cohesive space—while also saving them time, money, and stress along the way.
When I handle the procurement of furnishings, I’m often able to pass along below-retail pricing through my trade accounts, giving you access to items and pricing not available to the public.
If you’d rather shop on your own, your custom Design Plan will serve as a detailed guide, and I can also provide a curated shopping list to make the process easier.
Questions? Book a free Consult Call with Gwen today »
Contractors have a valued skillset - we need their expertise! However, builders usually want to focus on what they do best - BUILDING. Their focus is getting paid for the labor they provide, and many of them don't provide design services. If they do agree to select materials for your job, their selections may not necessarily work well for your space, taste, and lifestyle. Contractors may not take into consideration how paint, finishes and fabrics will work together. (And they certainly don't care how your furniture will fit.)
Construction is expensive. Protect your investment and ensure the outcome you want! Hire 615interiors beforehand to design and space-plan your room. Then you can be 100% confident in every decision and enjoy a smoother more efficient build-out process.
Learn more about our process & rates here »
Questions? Book a free Consult Call with Gwen today »
It depends on project scope. Room planning and design work generally takes 2-3 weeks. Sourcing of materials and/or furnishings can take another 2-3 weeks. Purchasing and installation of furnishings can take 4-6 weeks depending on the manufacturer, (and if any items are custom). If construction/remodeling is required in your project, plan on an additional 6 months, or longer, depending on project scope and availability of your Contractor.
These are simply guidelines. Let's chat about timelines specific to your project. Book a free Consult Call with Gwen today »
We're here for you! Interior Designer Gwen Canfield's unique approach guides you through the entire design process—complete with a floor plan and 3D rendering of your actual space. This approach eliminates guesswork, helps you visualize the space, and feel confident in every design decision she suggests. It also facilitates a smoother, faster installation process.
Let's chat about your project and brainstorm on some ideas! Book a free Consult Call with Gwen today »
The first step is to book a free consult call with Gwen via Zoom. If we both agree that it's a good fit, Gwen will send you a design questionnaire and proceed with scheduling your Design Consult. The Design Consult is $300 for a 1-2 hour in-person "working design session" during which you'll get design ideas and the guidance you need for your space(s). If you'd like further help with space planning, selecting finishes, and furnishing the space, Gwen will discuss those services with you and how to proceed.
Learn more about our process & rates here »
Questions? Book a free Consult Call with Gwen today »
Our Process & Rates
Consult Video Call: Complimentary (30 min.)
The first step to kick off your beautiful redesign project is a free consult call with Gwen via Zoom. During this call, we’ll get acquainted and discuss the overall goals and needs of your project. I’ll provide clarity and guidance to help you feel confident about the next steps in bringing your dream space to life. If we agree we're a great fit, we’ll move forward by scheduling your in-person Design Session. (See description below.)
In-Person Design Session: $300 Get fresh eyes, clarity, and expert guidance in a 1–2 hour working session in your space. We’ll tour your home or office to assess layout, lighting, and key elements. Together, we’ll review your design questionnaire and inspiration photos, and I’ll provide tailored feedback and suggestions based on my experience. By the end of our session, you’ll have a clear vision for bringing your space to life!
Design Proposal A few days after your in-home consultation, I’ll return to present your Style Mood Board and a detailed Design Fee Proposal, outlining our flat fee per space. We’ll review any questions and confirm that the scope of work meets your needs. Once the proposal is approved, I’ll collect signatures and a 50% deposit—then we’re ready to begin designing your space!
About Design Fees
Our fee process is extremely transparent and varies per project. We charge a flat fee for design, which is calculated based on size of the space(s) and level of detail/complexity of the design — your "project scope" which is discovered during the in-person consult. So you’ll know exactly what you’re paying us and can plan accordingly. We are happy to do your home in phases to compliment the pace at which you’re comfortable investing in your home.
Questions? I'd love to chat with you! Book a free Consult Call with me today.
Included in the Design Phase:
1. Interior Design Plan Whether you're planning a remodel or a simple refresh, my interior design planning service is the perfect starting point. I'll guide you through a step-by-step approach to plan every detail of your redesign, ensuring it aligns with your wish list. The conceptual design plan will reflect your unique style and needs, featuring a to-scale floor plan and 3D renderings of your fully reimagined space. Together, we'll make layout and design decisions, helping you visualize your new space every step of the way. No guesswork, no trial and error, no stress - gorgeous results!
Floor Plan Example
3D Rendering Example
2. Color & Materials Selections
Concepts will be included in your design plan for review. Then we’ll organize a shopping trip at our preferred showrooms to select materials, finishes, and fixtures with you.
3. Furnishing Selections
Concepts will be included in your design plan for review. Then I’ll organize specific options into a selections board for your approval. Most furnishings will be sourced and ordered online, and for key pieces like sofas, we’ll schedule a visit to my preferred showroom for a “sit test.”
Questions? I'd love to chat with you! Book a free Consult Call with me today.
Furnishing Procurement & Delivery Options
Once your design is finalized, choose professional/full-service implementation or self-implementation to bring it to life!
Option 1: PROFESSIONAL IMPLEMENTATION
Experience a seamless, stress-free transformation with our comprehensive service.
Exclusive Trade Pricing Benefits: We share the a portion of our exclusive trade pricing with our clients—you enjoy pricing below retail. These savings help offset the cost of our professional services, providing both value and convenience.*
End-to-End Management: We handle every detail—from ordering and tracking to coordinating deliveries and addressing any issues that arise, (procurement)
Secure Warehousing: Your items are received, unboxed and inspected for damage, logged, and stored in our climate controlled warehouse until every piece is ready for a consolidated delivery.**
White-Glove Installation: On Installation Day, our team ensures each item is delivered, assembled, and impeccably styled, bringing your design vision to life without you lifting a finger.
Option 2: SELF IMPLEMENTATION
You handle the purchasing and logistics.
We provide a curated shopping cart with all the approved furnishings and decor. You purchase items at retail pricing and manage delivery details on your own timeline.
You’ll be responsible for:
Purchasing all items directly at full retail pricing based on the curated list we provide
Selecting your preferred delivery option at checkout
Coordinating, receiving and inspecting deliveries
Handling any damage claims or returns with vendors directly
_______________
Why Choose Professional Implementation?
In our experience, clients who opt for Professional Implementation not only enjoy a hassle-free process but also benefit financially. Handling the professional implementation enables us to provide the best furniture pricing for our clients, creating a win-win scenario: you receive premium service and savings, ensuring your space is furnished beautifully and efficiently.
_______________
Estimated Pricing for Professional Implementation
Procurement Fee: 20-25% of total furnishing investment
Warehouse Receiving, Inspection, & White Glove Delivery: 10%-15% of total furnishing investment
Storage Fee: Varies based on volume and duration
Custom estimate can be provided upon request once your final design is approved
*Because of the wholesale relationships I have with vendors, my clients usually pay BELOW retail price for furnishings (5-10% less than MSRP, the suggested manufacturer's retail price). Typically, my profit margin for purchasing of furnishings falls around 20%-35%, depending on the manufacturer.
**As an option, we can order items for you and have them shipped directly to your home, rather than the warehouse. You’ll need to inspect them upon arrival and report any damage immediately for a vendor claim. Returns are only permitted for damaged items.
_______________
NEED A CONTRACTOR?
We work with several reputable contractors who specialize in home remodeling services. We're happy to make a recommendation for you!
QUESTIONS? LET'S CHAT!
Book a free consult call with Gwen »
FAQ About Renovation
The answer depends on the quality of finishes and fixtures you select, and if you're doing the work yourself or hiring a General Contractor (GC), which will add at least 20% for labor. Hiring a skilled general contractor for a full remodel of a mid-to-high-end kitchen typically costs $65K or more.
Please don't believe what you see on HGTV.
HGTV's remodeling prices are often unrealistically low because the shows don't provide all the information about the costs involved. Also, producers use discounted goods and services, which isn't clear to viewers.
Be Wary of Google
You can find remodeling price guidelines on Google, BUT keep in mind that pricing listed there is often MUCH TOO LOW and does not include cost for labor. Always consult a reputable builder who specializes in quality renovations. We can make recommendations for you.
Design Planning Saves Money in the Long Run, and Stress!
Having a knowledgeable professional to help you navigate the design process will save you tons of time and stress, and will often save money in the long run. If you find that you are particularly indecisive, don't have much time on your hands or are looking to undertake a large project, an Interior Designer can be well worth the added cost. Builders tell us that it makes their process much smoother as well, which translates into savings for you!
Learn more about our process & rates here. Questions? Book a free Consult Call with Gwen today »
Is hiring an Interior Designer worth the expense?
Your home is your largest investment! Ensure it's designed properly. Learn more on our Frequently Asked Questions »
The answer depends on the quality of finishes and fixtures you select, and if you're doing the work yourself or hiring a General Contractor (GC), which will add at least 20% for labor. Hiring a skilled general contractor for a full remodel of a mid-to-high-end bathroom typically costs $50K or more.
Please don't believe what you see on HGTV.
HGTV's remodeling prices are often unrealistically low because the shows don't provide all the information about the costs involved. Also, producers use discounted goods and services, which isn't clear to viewers.
Be Wary of Google
You can find remodeling price guidelines on Google, BUT keep in mind that pricing listed there is often MUCH TOO LOW and does not include cost for labor. Always consult a reputable builder who specializes in quality renovations. We can make recommendations for you.
Design Planning Saves Money in the Long Run, and Stress!
Having a knowledgeable professional to help you navigate the design process will save you tons of time and stress, and will often save money in the long run. If you find that you are particularly indecisive, don't have much time on your hands or are looking to undertake a large project, an Interior Designer can be well worth the added cost. Builders tell us that it makes their process much smoother as well, which translates into savings for you!
Learn more about our process & rates here. Questions? Book a free Consult Call with Gwen today »
Is hiring an Interior Designer worth the expense?
Your home is your largest investment! Ensure it's designed properly. Learn more on our Frequently Asked Questions »
The answer depends on the project scope, quality of finishes and fixtures you desire, and if you're doing the work yourself, or hiring a general contractor (which will add at least 20% for labor). Always consult a reputable general contractor for a ballpark estimate on your project. We can make recommendations.
Please don't believe what you see on HGTV.
HGTV's remodeling prices are often unrealistically low because the shows don't provide all the information about the costs involved. Also, producers use discounted goods and services, which isn't clear to viewers.
Be Wary of Google
You can find remodeling price guidelines on Google, BUT keep in mind that pricing listed there is often MUCH TOO LOW and does not include cost for labor. Always consult a reputable builder who specializes in quality renovations. We can make recommendations for you.
Design Planning Saves Money in the Long Run, and Stress!
Having a knowledgeable professional to help you navigate the design process will save you tons of time and stress, and will often save money in the long run. If you find that you are particularly indecisive, don't have much time on your hands or are looking to undertake a large project, an Interior Designer can be well worth the added cost. Builders tell us that it makes their process much smoother as well, which translates into savings for you!
Learn more about our process & rates here. Questions? Book a free Consult Call with Gwen today »
Is hiring an Interior Designer worth the expense?
Your home is your largest investment! Ensure it's designed properly. Learn more on our Frequently Asked Questions »
Remodeling may cost more than a new car. But the bright side is that, depending on the project, investing in your home will actually help increase its value. Remodeling your home is an investment that will see a return.
While paying with cash for home improvement projects would be ideal, it’s not always possible. You do have options when it comes to financing, though, including home equity, refinancing, an FHA home improvement loan, a credit card, or a personal loan.
Many of the remodeling contractors we partner with offer payment options to homeowners. For interior design work, 615interiors offers the option to divide design fees into manageable payments, and we accept payments via check or electronically using card or bank transfer. Additionally, a convenient HELOC application link is embedded in our invoices as an option for financing. Our clients can be approved in as little as 5 minutes and initiate funding in as little as 5 days.
There are many types of home improvement loans, including:
HELOC (home equity line of credit) A HELOC offers homeowners a way to tap into their home equity for cash. You can borrow as you go, only pay interest on what you use. A HELOC gives you the flexibility to use the funds for almost anything you need. This is a major benefit of a HELOC as compared to loans that may only be used for a narrow range of purposes and charge higher interest rates.
Home equity loans A secured loan that uses your property as collateral. This can be a good way to fund home improvements if you can afford the payments.
Cash-out refinance A good option if you can lower your mortgage rate while taking cash out. This only works if current market rates are lower than your existing rate.
Personal loans Some lenders offer no-fee personal loans with competitive rates, high loan amounts, and long loan terms.
Upstart A good option for people with a low credit score or no credit history. Upstart considers factors like education and employment.
LightStream Offers no fees, low rates, and terms up to 12 years. Borrowers can apply for a joint loan to get a lower rate or higher loan amount.
Fannie Mae HomeStyle Renovation Loan A conventional loan program that covers various renovation projects, but has stricter eligibility requirements than government-backed loans.
The best home improvement financing option depends on your situation.
Questions about what your remodeling or redecorating project might cost? Book a free Consult Call with Gwen today »
Anything worth doing needs time. Renovating a single small room can easily take 3 months from initial design research to finished construction, whereas a fuller renovation can take much longer. We always say, "renovation always takes longer and costs more than you think." But there are things you can do to plan ahead and mitigate the unexpected.
Give yourself time to design A thorough design process should be given two to six months. Projects usually involve more decisions than people expect, so plan to spend several months defining your vision, and some time working with a professional to give it the clarity it deserves.
Allow time for permitting If you're adding onto your home, permit(s) will be needed. Larger cities generally have more stringent permitting processes, so depending on where you live, the approval process can range from several weeks to several months. Once you've cleared this hurdle you can start building.
Don't believe what you see on TV TV shows might lead you to believe that you can complete a dramatic makeover in three days, but the reality is that it takes much longer. Between demolition, delivery of materials, building time, and allowing some buffer time, expect at least a month for any renovation that is more than cosmetic. Even a month can be optimistic.
Anticipate scheduling conflicts People tend to overlook the availability of professionals and materials. Depending on what products you’ve ordered and what trades you require (tilers, plumbers, painters, glass fitters), you may not be able to begin construction on a moment’s notice.
A note on seasonality It is wise to begin your project in the off-seasons, rather than during the spring and early summer, when people are trying to ready their homes for entertaining. November and December are packed with holidays, so it can be tough finding tradespeople to schedule time with! All of this can be avoided by starting early and booking in advance.
Most Importantly
Always consult a reputable General Contractor who specializes in renovation. We can make recommendations.
Check out our blog post What Is a Reasonable Renovation Timeline?
Another excellent resource is Houzz.com's "Beginner's Guide to Home Remodeling", check it out here » https://www.houzz.com/education Questions? Book a free Consult Call with Gwen today »
Contractors have a valued skillset - we need their expertise! However, builders usually want to focus on what they do best - BUILDING. Their focus is getting paid for the labor they provide. So when it comes to selecting materials & products for your job, they will usually recommend what is easy and cost-effective for them to install. Their selections may not necessarily work well for your space, taste, and lifestyle. Contractors may not take into consideration how paint, finishes and fabrics will work together. (And they certainly don't care how your furniture will fit.)
Construction is expensive. Protect your investment and ensure the outcome you want! Hire 615interiors beforehand to design and space-plan your room. Then you can be 100% confident in every decision and enjoy a smoother more efficient build-out process.
Let's chat about your project! Book a free Consult Call with Gwen today »
Help ensure a beautiful, successful remodel by avoiding these five common mistakes.
Starting without a plan The most regrettable renovations are invariably the ones that don't have a plan. Without one, all sorts of things can go awry, and most homeowners find out too late — a vanity that’s too big for your bathroom, a fridge door that hits into the dishwasher, a bed that won’t fit up the stairs. Planning is paramount to success.
Straying from the designs Change orders are sometimes necessary, but they can cost serious time and money. Work closely with your team upfront and think carefully about the designs before work begins; then stick to them to minimize delays and budget increases.
Investing in the wrong places Don’t skimp on the fundamental elements of your home — the foundation, structure, insulation, etc. In fact, you might be dealing with this because the last owner didn't. If you need to cut costs, do so on things that are fairly easy to upgrade later, such as appliances and finishes. Having shoddy plumbing is worse than waiting on a luxury backsplash.
Underestimating costs Those who don’t budget properly can run out of money and be left with an unfinished project. Be meticulous about crafting your budget, and always include a 10% to 20% buffer for unexpected costs — you can bet there will be a few.
Holding back Do as much as possible during your first remodel to avoid expensive rework, renovation regret, and future higher prices. If you’re gutting your kitchen now, it’ll cost much less to install that island you really want versus waiting to do it in 10 years when it becomes its own project — plus you’ll get to enjoy it longer.
An excellent resource is Houzz.com's "Beginner's Guide to Home Remodeling", check it out here » https://www.houzz.com/education
Questions? Book a free Consult Call with Gwen today »
At 615interiors, we do both interior decorating and interior design. We do not provide construction management/coordination, or management of subcontractors such as painters, carpenters, and cabinetry installers. We have a basic knowledge of construction - it's needed for floor planning. But we are not builders, architects or engineers. We advise our clients to secure a good General Contractor to oversee the renovation process, and we are happy to make recommendations for quality contractors upon request. Thinking of Managing Construction Yourself? A new build or remodel has MANY moving parts and requires a small army of subcontractors and skillsets. Those skills may include demolition, framing, electrical, plumbing, drywall, window/door installation, tile/floor installation, cabinet building, finishing work, just to name a few. To manage all these moving parts, a General Contractor may charge at least 20% of the total project cost. They will source, schedule, manage and pay all the subcontractors. It's tempting to try and be your own general contractor to save money. And if you have construction experience and a lot of time on your hands, you may be able to do it successfully. But keep in mind, it's a full-time job. We've seen clients become overwhelmed and burned out trying to manage it all themselves, and the likelihood of errors and shoddy work is high. Please proceed with caution, as these problems can cost a lot more money to fix down the road. We can recommend reputable builders and contractors to contact for your project. Just ask! Learn more about our process & rates here » Questions? Book a free Consult Call with Gwen today »
