Thinking about taking the leap and starting your home renovation project? First it is important for you to know the project timeline and everything necessary to guarantee your project is completed flawlessly and in a timely manner.

Below are 5 crucial steps of the timeline you don’t want to miss.

Step 1: Hire a Builder and Architect

After making the final decision to move forward with your project, the most important thing to do is hire a builder and architect to determine the plans, budget and construction schedule. Do you have a strict budget or are you more flexible? Your builder and architect will be able to break down and tell you the cost of each section of your project and walk you through everything you need to know regarding the length of your project timeline. Another great resource is to read through a previous post of ours, 3 Tips On How To Budget For Your Home Remodel Project.

Step 2: Hire a Designer

Once you have found your builder and architect, move on to finding the right designer for you and your project. Your designer will help select the materials such as plumbing fixtures, tile, countertops, cabinets, paint finishes and lighting. In case you missed it, my recent article on Top 4 Things To Look For In An Interior Designer, can help you think through how to approach finding a designer to work with. Here, you can learn more about this process and find the best and most qualified designer that will be a good fit for you.

Step 3: Determine your Finish Out

This is a critical step in working with a designer because the items that you select (tile, countertops, cabinetry and architectural details) are the decisions that will make your design goals come to life. Working closely with your designer at this point of the project is crucial if you want the finished result to live up to your expectations. Plus, they can guide you throughout the entire process. Check out the below before and after shots of the living room in a recent home remodel project we completed. As you can see, the materials selection and design details make all the difference.

Step 4: Schedule Walk Throughs

Some people are shocked to find out that often times during a construction project, many decisions will be made on-site. It is important to schedule regular meetings and walkthroughs with your designer and builder, so you stay up to date with the progress and feel confident that your renovation is running smoothly. During these walkthroughs you will have the opportunity to ask questions, so it is important to come prepared.

Step 5: Finalized Design Details

Lastly, you get to see your vision come to life! Finishing touches such as the carpet and rug selection, hardwood stain colors and hardware placement are some of the last but most important steps in your renovation project. Making the decision to remodel is a big one and it can be a long process. While it can be exciting to reach the end point, don’t rush this part! You will find that the options are endless, and you want to feel confident about your end result and the pieces you selected. The below before and after shots are of the breakfast table in the same home we showed above. As you can see, these projects are completely transformative!

Determining a budget for your home renovation project is one of the most important pieces of a successful remodel. So how much should you budget for your renovation project? This is everyone’s burning question, and unfortunately, there is no easy answer. As you know, there are many factors to take into consideration for establishing a budget for your project, many of which depend largely on taste and personal preference. However, below are a few tips that can help anyone when it comes to budgeting for a home renovation project.

3 Tips On How To Budget For Your Home Remodel Project

Make a list of everything you want included, and understand the costs associated with each

As mentioned in my article on the 3 Phases of a Home Renovation Project, you will spend ample time in the initial planning stages talking with your builder to determine the scope of work and consulting with your designer to select materials and finishes. It is in both of these steps combined that you will gain a better understanding of the costs associated with each item on your list. The builder or contractor will likely have a set fee for implementing the work, but the selections you make on materials and finishes can drastically impact the cost. Higher end, more durable materials will naturally cost more than lower end, less durable materials. Similarly, selecting products and materials from local and/or ethical and sustainable suppliers can also drive up your costs. This is where you will need to spend a little time figuring out which items on your wish list are most important to you, and where your value lies. This leads us to the next tip on the list, defining what is “non-negotiable”.

Review your complete wish-list for the project and determine which items on this list are considered “non-negotiable”

After creating your wish list and going through each item with your designer, you will want to highlight which items on the list are most important to you and therefore deemed as “non-negotiable”. These are the items you are less likely to budge and compromise on when making your selections. For example, when it comes to prioritizing, focus on the luxury items first such as tile and countertops. You can then work with your designer to value engineer other items, such as lighting and hardware, which can easily be upgraded over time. All of your home details are important, but only you can decide which ones take priority over others. Establishing your list of non-negotiables will help you down the road in the event costs become too high and you need to cut items off the list or downgrade to a more affordable option.

Add a buffer to plan for the unexpected

Lastly, it is a good rule of thumb to build in a buffer to your overall project budget in the event that unexpected items come up. Although you are working with a team of qualified experts from the builder to the designer, it is inevitable that unexpected issues may arise during the execution phase. Even in cases of meticulous planning and thoughtfulness, unexpected costs can occur and just in case this happens, it will help soften the blow if you lead with appropriate expectations and plan for a few hiccups from the beginning.

Similar to our previous discussion on researching and evaluating builders and contractors in my article on 3 Things to do Before Beginning a Home Renovation or Home Remodel Project, you will also want to complete the same level of due diligence when it comes to selecting an interior designer.

So how do you choose an interior designer to work with on your home renovation or remodel project? Below is a short list of the top 4 things to consider when reviewing interior designers.

Top 4 Things To Look For In An Interior Designer

Qualifications

A coveted interior designer will have a long list of qualifications and accolades you can turn to for validation purposes. A good place to begin is simply by reading the prospective designer’s bio or about page on their website. This is where you will gain all of the basic information you need to know such as how they began their career, where they went to design school, any unique qualifications or specializations the designer has obtained, awards received and other pertinent information that will help highlight their style and approach to design as a whole. Take a look at my about page for a good example of how this information is presented. Many designers will also have more in-depth information on their qualifications if you look a little further. For example, to read more about me and my experience beyond what is provided on the about page of my website, read more about how I landed on a career in interior design.

My Journey to a Career in Interior Design

Experience

You may also be interested in learning about the experience level of the designer. This could include not only how long the designer has been in business, but also what types of projects the designer typically undertakes. When it comes to home remodel projects specifically, be sure to ask any prospective designer about their experience in this area. It’s also appropriate (and common) to ask for a few referrals. This will help you gain a well-rounded understanding of the designer’s capabilities and previous clients’ satisfaction. You can also check out any reviews or testimonials on the designer’s website.

Style-fit

What is your preferred design style? Are you looking for traditional interiors or a more modern approach? Do you lean towards bright and bold colors or prefer a more subdued pallet? These are all questions to consider when looking for an interior designer that has a strong style-fit for what you’re looking to accomplish in your home design. For example, some designers have a very specific design style, while others boast the ability and aptitude for creating and implementing designs that follow any set of desired styles and preferences. Either way, a great resource for reviewing the style and work of an interior designer is by reviewing their project portfolio on their website or even better, heading over to their Instagram. Many designers will also share photos and videos to their Instagram stories and highlight buttons which will help you get to know them a little bit better and perhaps contribute to the last and final thing to consider, the personality-fit between you and your designer.

Follow me on Instagram @rozmurphydesign

Personality-fit

Lastly, you want to make sure you move forward with an interior designer that maintains a strong level of personality-fit. To put it in laymen’s terms, you want to see how well you will gel with your designer as you will be working closely with them throughout the entire home remodel project. A strong personality fit can also ensure your designer is well equipped for working on the renovation project on your behalf and collaborating with the builder, contractor and vendors. Plus, by building a strong relationship with your interior designer, you will have someone in your corner for years to come who can help with seasonal updates, refreshing interiors after a move, designing and furnishing your vacation home and any other home design needs that arise in the future.

Although many details are involved in implementing a successful home remodel project, there are three primary phases every home owner looking to pursue a renovation should be aware of. In this article, we discuss the three phases of a home renovation or remodel project and provide some basic information on each.

3 Phases of a Home Renovation Project

Phase 1: Work with your builder to figure out the scope of your project

Chances are, if you read my previous article on 3 Things to do Before Beginning a Home Renovation or Home Remodel Project, you are already well prepared for this phase. In phase 1, you will spend a lot of time and energy on defining the scope of your project. This is where you will work with your builder or contractor to create a detailed outline of the work to be completed in the renovation project. Once each detail is outlined, your builder will help allocate their costs to each, as well as tie it to an approximate timeline for completion.

Once the scope of work is determined and you begin to move forward with the project, you will notice that there are many decisions you will need to make along the way. This is where your interior designer comes into play and precisely where they will provide the greatest value to you and your family. One thing to remember is that although you may love your builder and the contracting team, they are not professional interior designers! Make sure you consult your designer on every design element and decision required during the design phase of your home remodel to ensure a result you will love for years to come.

Phase 2: Work with your interior designer to make design decisions and select materials

This is the fun part – creating the design! Again, your interior designer will help educate you on the options available for each decision you need to make, and every single decision is important. From color selections to hardware choices, organic paint options, functional design of the layout, which materials to use for each component in the design and so forth, your interior designer will be your best friend, greatest resource and your biggest advocate for ensuring a quality final result. Designers have the keen ability to approach this process with thoughtfulness, and to help you think about things that might otherwise be overlooked. Working with an experienced and qualified interior designer means you end up with a design that is beautiful and comfortable, while also comprising the practical and functional elements required to properly serve the unique needs of you and your family.

Phase 3: Execution

Once you have determined the scope of work with your builder and made all of the material selections with your interior designer, your project is ready to enter the execution phase. This is when the construction and installation begin. In terms of estimating how long it will take to complete the construction of your home renovation project, consult with your builder and designer. Many variables will impact the speed at which your project can be completed, from the availability of material selections, shipping and receiving time of all components, existing workload of your builder and of course, the overall size and scope of the project. While larger projects generally take more time to complete than smaller scale endeavors, an efficient team and solid plan can yield a turnaround time that is realistic, feasible and comfortable for you.

Are you interested in remodeling your home or making either minor or major renovations, but not sure where to begin? Does the idea of remodeling your home seem overwhelming and intimidating? Unsure of how to plan for the unexpected? This article is for you! In my current video series on home remodels, I am covering all of the basic information you need to know for a successful renovation project. This series will discuss everything from the initial planning to the design phase to the full execution of the project. To tune into the video series, follow me on Instagram, @rozmurphydesign. You can also find a host of other useful information on a successful home remodel project right here on my blog. Be sure to subscribe in order to stay updated on all the new information being released! Now, let’s dive into the very basic things you need to know before beginning your home renovation or remodeling project with this short list of 3 things to do before you begin.

3 Things to do Before Beginning a Home Renovation or Home Remodel Project

1) Determine exactly what it is you want to do

If you are considering a home remodel project, the first thing you need to do is clearly define what exactly it is you want to do. For example, do you want to completely remodel an outdated bathroom starting with a fully clean slate? Do you want to update your kitchen or implement a simple refresh? Or perhaps you are looking to renovate multiple rooms within your home, or even the entire house. This step is helpful for clearly outlining and articulating your goals for the remodel project. This step will prepare you to speak with builders, contractors and your interior designer, who will help you plan and implement the entire project.

In the case of a bathroom remodel, it may require a full tear-out of existing bathroom appliances and finishes such as the cabinets, bathtub, shower and sink, and starting over with the bathroom design from scratch. When updating your kitchen, you may be happy with the overall layout and its functionality for everyday living, and only interested in updating the paint, finishes and backsplash for an elevated look. However, you may want an entirely new structure to your kitchen, increasing functionality of the space. This type of project will be much more involved than a refresh of your existing design. There are even some situations in which you’re looking for a full home remodel to bring a more modernized and elevated look to the entire home. Regardless of the size and scope of your project, having a clear understanding of everything you want to do in each room of the house will help you effectively communicate with builders, contractors and your interior designer during the planning phases of your project. This step is also critical for prioritizing and understanding the budget required for your project.

2) Research information on builders and contractors in your area and look for reviews and rates

For anyone considering a home remodel project, it is imperative to conduct due diligence by researching and reviewing information on local builders and contractors. If you are someone who already has an interior designer you are working with, chances are your designer will have a list of preferred contractors he or she has worked with in the past and has an existing basis of trust and reliability with. If not, it’s possible you already have a trustworthy builder or contractor you’re familiar with and in this case, lucky you! Carry on and proceed to the next item on this checklist. For those of you who do not already have a trusted resource for builders and contractors, and also do not already have an interior designer, you have a few options available to you when it comes to making a decision on who you will work with.

3) Find a professional interior designer to work with

This step is arguably one of the most important steps in the pre-planning phases of a potential home renovation project. If conducting a home remodel is new to you, you may be unaware of the significant level of value a qualified interior designer can provide. Not only are interior designers on the cutting edge of the latest styles and trends available for the home, but they also have access to the most coveted information in the industry with their intimate connections to furniture manufacturers, art suppliers and other vendors of home appliances, finishes and products. Lastly, designers have the expertise required to pull all of these elements together and match them with your individual taste and needs within the home to produce a design that is both beautiful and supportive to the needs of you and your family.

Childhood days

My pathway to a career in design was heavily influenced and shaped by the experiences I had during childhood and early adolescence. I was born and raised on the East Coast between Florida and New Hampshire and spent my time in the early 80’s surrounded by bold wall paper, layered and formal furnishings, chintz and saturated color. This led me to develop a love for many different design elements. Between the fashions and trends of the 80’s and the fact that my mother also loved design and had a knack for creating beautiful spaces, it was a natural fit for me to follow in these footsteps. I learned a lot from her and have carried these memories and experiences with me ever since.

I originally came to Dallas, Texas, to attend SMU and completely fell in love with the city. I found the people here to be warm and welcoming, and there was a level of sophistication exuding from the individuals and families living in Dallas that I became enamored with. From personal style to home interiors to social settings, the people of Dallas are very well put together. The culture is ripe with entertaining and gathering with friends and family which is also something I love. Furthermore, the fact that entertaining and hosting social gatherings is such a deep part of the Dallas culture, means that you have to get everything together in your home in order to host a fabulous party. Dallas also has a variety of styles, so everything isn’t the same. There is always an element of excitement.

How my education influenced my career

I ended up graduating from SMU with a degree in English and a minor in Art History. My love for art is another factor that helped propel me into a career in interior design, as it encompasses disciplines of architecture and modern art, giving me a more thorough and well-rounded understanding of design as a whole.

During undergrad, I spent a semester in Spain learning a tremendous amount about Spanish art. It just so happens that SMU has a large collection of Spanish art in their museum, so I was able to continue nurturing this knowledge and interest and all the ways it overlapped with home interiors even after my return. Shortly after completing my degree, I attended design school at El Centro. Although my time here was valuable, I gained the most knowledge and greatest amount of expertise through the experiences working with other designers in Dallas. Design school gave me the technical basis I needed but didn’t necessarily influence the way I began to pull things together.

During the early stages of design school and my career, I interned at Wilson and Associates hospitality firm and then had the opportunity to work for Emily Summers. I established a true niche by working for Lisa Barfield who specialized in couture drapery design and fabrication. By gaining the detailed knowledge about window treatments, I was able to start with a project designing windows, and then ended up designing the client’s entire home.

Forming Roz Murphy Design

In 2001 I went out on my own and have continued to work hard to develop my business at a steady pace. My business, Roz Murphy Design, is multifaceted. I specialize in high end residential design and new construction. I will also work on my client’s executive offices, vacation homes and have worked on hospitality projects such as a country club restaurant and golf shop. Developing strong relationships with my clients is crucial and something I prioritize. My objective is to listen to the design goals of my clients, and ultimately create a space that they love and reflects their style and personality.

I am honored to work in such a dynamic community of designers in Dallas and beyond, and excited about what the future holds. In addition to continuing my work in Dallas, I am also expanding to do more vacation homes and homes outside of Dallas. This will be a fun, new and exciting challenge for me and I am enjoying every minute of the journey.