Online/Catalog Retailers - who's good, who to avoid?
kamereone
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
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WoodsTea 6a MO
6 years agoRelated Discussions
Interiors of New House
Comments (12)Raj - What you say is true that a lot of interior design's margin is in furniture. I will not sugar coat it. And many designers may seem to be more interested in that when you bring them in. But I have had several clients call me over the years saying they are building a new home and would like to consult primarily on layout. When you speak to someone is tell them you are not ready to order furnishings or window treatments, but that you would like a contract that focuses on layout, planning, and interior detailing (i.e. doors, trims, floors) - i.e. the bones of the house. What I would suggest is when you call for a designer, you be prepared to pay a good consultation fee. A good rule of thumb is that you can expect to pay between $3-$10 per square foot of your home depending on the area of your country and the expertise/experience of the designer. If you are not averse to paying this type of fee, and communicate to the designer that your interest is in getting the best solutions, not in purchasing furniture at this time, I'm sure you will be able to get the level of service you desire. If someone you talk to doesn't seem thrilled to provide this kind of service, move on to the next person. Don't rely on "fame" or how well known someone is. They may be well known for doing show houses or just because they've been in the field the longest in your area. Not because they're the right fit for you. You could also check the Houzz directory for good designers in your area. The difficulty is that there are often decorators whose expertise and focus is really just on furnishings not so much on construction - and they serve a purpose for their clients. But there are other designers who provide more of a wholistic approach and have more familiarity with building a new home. These are the people you should seek out. Houzz is a fantastic community - and as I said you may get good advice here but there's really no replacement for someone to work with you in person. Sorry for the super long post but I feel passionately about this and I think this advice will best suit your needs....See MorePlanning for disability
Comments (228)Tsilanko, I would always recommend professional installation where needed. But what I am doing here is suggesting that WHEN you are planning to build or renovate, to consider how your plans will affect you in 20 or 30 years time. Split levels are very hep when you are young. A kitchen 3 steps down at 30 is rarely a problem, but might be a hazard at 60, or, as Marjie1059 suggested, if you break a leg. ... All my parents' homes were terrible for old people. They were forced to move to a bungalow in extreme old sge because the location and design of their home was more suitable for an active young couple with a large family than for an elderly couple with stroke disabilities. I would not want to move again, so my present home has features built in that make ageing in place simpler. Mostly small changes, like grab rails, and lever handles on doors and faucets. A major disability suddenly suffered requires major changes if permanent. I did look at this because it came up in the discussion, but if you look at the heading, Planning for Disability, it means just that. Plan ahead so you don't have to make expensive changes later on. But thank you for your advice, yes, major changes are not in the DIY domain....See Morelooking for Architect in Nagpur
Comments (4)Ankur, 2 designers - RnD Atelier and Rupal here are from Nagpur you may try reaching out to them . There are many others whom you can search on professionals page in Houzz. 1- Project Size: Yes and No, usually any architect will like to contemplate on the project size before committing. You may have to ask from few of your chosen architects. 2- Creativeness: If anyone has taken up a project they are expected to be putting in their professional creativeness. 3- Fees: Really varies a lot approx 50-500 per sqft. There are few students and part timers who would do a project for lesser.It's better you engage in a discussion with few architects and ask for their prices rather than guessing. 4- Iterations : Yes and No, usually designers will keep in mind a few iterations before providing an estimate. But if the numbers of iterations are way too many they may have to discuss the fee again with you. 5- Precautions: Do not consider an Architect /Designer fee as a one time fee only. They provide a service that stays with you and family for a life time. A small mistake in the plan will stay with the home for ages. Be as transparent as possible. Don't fall for online marketing gimmicks. Anyone who is cheap is for a reason. Word of mouth or personal recommendations are a good way to select any service provider. Be thoroughly prepared with what you need in terms of layout . See around, take pictures of what you like and present it to them in your discussions. Get involved - but that doesn't mean that you should interfere too much with their expertise. Its a creative art and any professional worth his salt should do a better job if they are given creative freedom . 6- If your entire focus is on the price you will push the professional to look in the project as cost project rather than a design project. Please avoid that mistake. And finally you have this great forum where you can always take a second opinion . Thanks, Nitin Cornerstone Designs, Bangalore....See MoreRenovation:: Do you really need to dump all old things?
Comments (12)Thanks for both of your responses CUBSpaces team and Shweta from Shades studio. It really gives a clarity about possible consequences. I am now doubt free about changing whole things in Bathroom as it will be interconnected. However will appreciate your opinion on few things: 1. Kitchen wall tiles: I have those from countertop height to roof(almost area of 6X15 feet) which are good and not hollow. I changed countertop 5 years back without any damage to these tiles. It might cost me another 10-15 K, but I feel the whole process and quantity of wasting old good tiles makes me little sad. 2. kitchen countertop: Made new around 5 years back. I don't expect to get it all intact. But large pieces can be cut and can be used as top for other freestanding structures like dishwasher, front load washer, heighten base cabinets, etc. 3. Plywood: I don't mind giving enough labour charges for old sheets recycle. I am planning to use doors, loose sheets(like kept on bed frame of settee frame.) or parts of big frames like settee. I am keen on reducing waste than to save money. You can see various DIY ideas by western people, who remove or sand laminates and re-paint furniture, or carefully remove hollow tiles and re-attach them. Some are also re-painting ceramic tiles. I am just asking myself: Are we creating more and more waste by use and throw approach every 10-15 years, just because we can afford it?...See Morealbert_135 39.17°N 119.76°W 4695ft.
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