Reach for the moon – and over it

There’s good, better, superb -- and over the moon.

By Herb Lagois

Spring! It’s almost here! What a wonderful time to start thinking about and planning for a successful renovation, an addition – even a custom home.

But how on earth do you begin? Where do you start? Who do you hire? And then, once you’ve gotten that far, what should you expect?

It’s a big overall question with many questions behind it.

Many firms do good work using the design-built concept. But that’s the thing about renovation. There’s good, better, superb. And then there’s over the moon.

How do you get over the moon, the right company with the right process that not only suits you and your project -- but takes your breath away? A renovation that blows all the others out of the water, one that leaves your visitors speechless?

Before and After in Manotick: Tranquility on the River, a Lagois project and GOHBA Design Award winner. A rear wall of glass optimizes river views and introduces an abundance of natural light. The contemporary kitchen features cherry and high gloss white cabinets, quartz counters and quartz backsplash.

Perfect for YOU

The first step is getting the right renovator, the one that is perfect for you. This is the big question you will likely be asking yourself, and it’s one that deserves a serious answer.

It helps when you understand the process.

What my experience has taught me is that integrating design and construction is the most efficient way to do things and provides the best value. With a design-build concept, everyone – you, architects/designers, sub-consultants, trade partners and constructors – are on the same team sharing the same goals.

Ideally you will have references from friends or colleagues. But even then, who do you call? What questions do you ask? How do you know your dreams are affordable? You don’t want to go through the entire design process to find your project is not affordable. Who is truly working on your behalf?

Let’s say you think you have found the right company and they have taken the first step in creating a design you like. It’s just what you were hoping; it meets your needs and your vision.

Renovation horror stories

For the next step we have been conditioned to get three or four estimates. From my experience, this is the number one reason we hear so many renovation horror stories in our industry. In a bid scenario companies figure out how to find the cheapest solution which in turn means they are no longer acting in your best interest.

And, according to Wikipedia, there are thousands of different varieties of apples. The same analogy applies to bidding. It is literally impossible to compare apples to apples.

For instance, if you’re thinking about a hardwood floor, will it be stained? How wide will the boards be? Will it be oak? Maple? Bamboo? Imagine multiplying this by hundreds of choices to be made.

This is why design-build firms like Lagois have become so popular and valuable. Our initial phase in your renovation is to insure the project is feasible through design. We act on your behalf. We are all on the same team working towards the same goal. This ensures you get what you expect along with an investment that makes sense for you and your family. So when it is time to choose flooring, cabinetry fixtures, and interior/exterior finishes, you make your selections in advance – with your renovator’s guidance and assistance – in order to have a guaranteed completion date.

At Lagois, we include a site analysis with all relevant trade partners to ensure the assumptions made during the design phase are accurate. For instance, what if the electrician discovers that the electrical panel needs upgrading? Naturally, it’s important to find out before construction starts.

Function, beauty and longevity

Our last phase is the actual construction: On time. On budget! That’s just basic good service, and it’s critical.

There’s more, however. There is the integrity of the company you choose. And there is its main focus, too. Is it a company that mostly specializes in kitchens but not additions, for example? Is it a company that will create spaces that are unlike any others in scope, function, beauty and longevity?

Take your time. Do your research.

Above all, take your time. Ask questions. Demand accurate answers.

Over the moon doesn’t happen overnight. Choose carefully.

P.S. If you don’t already have it, sign up to receive a copy of “The Right Fit: How to Choose a Renovator”.