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How To Start Planning A Remodel

How To Start Planning A Remodel

by | Aug 2, 2024 | Budget, Remodel, Remodel Consulting

How To Start Planning A Remodel

My Top 7 Tips

Planning a remodel can be both exciting and frustrating. If you’re struggling with how to start planning a remodel there’s simple steps you can take before you spend a dime. The key to a successful project lies in the planning stage, where making the right decisions early can save you both time and money.  

Here in Northern Virginia material and labor costs are amongst the highest in the country, in this post, we’ll guide you through the steps to begin to plan your remodel without breaking the bank.

1. Take Advantage of Professional Consultations

Schedule Free Virtual Consultations

Many design and remodeling firms offer free or low-cost initial consultations. These can provide valuable insights on who you need to help with your remodeling and how much to budget for that assistance. While having someone to bounce your ideas off is helpful, you’ll gain the most insight by seeking to understand the many remodeling professionals and their roles.  Focus on who will be the best fit; a Design Build Firm, Designer, or Remodeling Consultant in making your plans, the cost of your remodel will be greatly impacted based on that decision.

To do this, start by asking questions about their planning process.

Here’s my Top 5 Questions to ask before deciding on who to hire to help you plan your remodel:

  • Ask them: How do they charge? Hourly? Bundled Services?
  • Ask them: What commitment, if any, do they expect with their service
  • Ask them: What deliverables are included? What will you have when finished?
  • Ask them: How long does it take and what’s your time investment?
  • Ask them: Do you get a copy of the plans to use even if you don’t have them build or manage the project?

Attend Workshops and Seminars

Participating in workshops and seminars can be a great way to start identifying the quality of materials you will use. There are many online opportunities to become introduced to the many products on the market.  These programs will educate you on what’s available, the cost variables and provide tips to make your project more efficient and cost-effective. Things like Kitchen Appliances, Bathroom Waterproofing, Tile Materials, Countertop Options, flooring types, are all information and will provide you with invaluable insight. 

 

1. Set Clear Goals and a Realistic Budget

Define Your Needs and Wants

Start by making a list of your must-haves and nice-to-haves. This will help you prioritize your spending on what truly matters to you.  A must-have starts with repairs and replacements that are essential to your financial and emotional return on investment.  Nice-to-haves could be brand specific or items that could easily be added later.  By having a clear idea of where you stand on the elements of your remodel you will be able to evaluate the cost of the item against the value to your day to day life.

Establish a Budget

If you are struggling to start your remodel because you are on a tight budget then be realistic about what you want.  Having a budget at this early stage does not mean you can’t do what you want if it is more than you thought. It means you can have much better discussions during your planning on what things cost and employ cost cutting strategies.  Don’t start planning a remodel that takes you so far out of your budget you can’t move forward, instead employ professionals willing to work with you on finding solutions that are best for your budget without sacrificing long term quality.

2. Do Your Research

Gather Inspiration

Look for inspiration on websites like Pinterest, Houzz, and design magazines. Create a digital vision board to help you visualize your dream space and then share with professionals when the time comes.

Understand the Costs

Research the average costs of materials and labor in your area. Be wary of sites that answer the cost question without having a detailed conversation about your home with you. Average costs to remodel a Kitchen or Bathroom can be wildly different based on size, scope and materials to be used.  This information can be manipulated to act as click-bait.  To avoid, get specific on the cost such as hardwood flooring install, wood flooring materials, rather than general flooring. This will give you a better understanding of where your money will go and help you make informed decisions.

Be ready to have meaningful conversations with the professionals you reach out to about costs and more specifically what in your project may be driving up the costs of your remodel. 

3. Choose the Right Professionals

Hire a Professional Designer or Consultant

A Consultant can help you maximize your space and avoid costly mistakes. Many designers offer consultations or package deals that can fit various budgets. Find consultants that are experienced in your project type and offer stand alone services not tied to your ultimate purchase or labor or materials.  This will ensure an unbiased approach to the information they provide.  

5. Be Smart About DIY

Know Your Limits

While DIY can save money, it’s important to know which tasks you can handle and which should be left to professionals. Tackling projects beyond your skill level can end up costing more in the long run.  The biggest factor in choosing not to DIY any of your projects:  TIME.  If you are busy working full time and prioritize friends and hobbies on the weekends DIY might not be for you. 

This is another area that working with a Consultant during your planning can help.  They can recommend qualified trades where you need the help allowing you more flexibility in the work scope and cost.

Take Advantage of Workshops

Many home improvement stores offer free or low-cost workshops on various DIY projects. These can provide you with the skills needed to tackle simpler tasks.

6. Source Materials Wisely

Shop Sales and Clearance

Look for sales, clearance items, and overstock deals. You can often find high-quality materials at a fraction of the cost.

Consider Reclaimed and Recycled Materials

Using reclaimed or recycled materials can add character to your space and save money. Check out local salvage yards, online marketplaces, and recycling centers.

7. Stay Flexible

Be Open to Compromise

Sometimes, the perfect item is out of budget or unavailable. Being flexible with your choices can help you stay within budget without sacrificing style.

Adjust as Needed

Unexpected issues may arise during the remodel. Stay flexible and adjust your plans as needed to accommodate these changes without stressing over the budget.

By following these steps, you can embark on your remodeling journey with confidence, knowing that you’ve made informed decisions and secured the best help without overspending. 

Ready to get started?  Schedule your FREE CONSULT HERE. 

Want more of this topic?  Read: What is a Remodeling Consultant here.

About The Author 

Cynthia Murphy, CKBR

Cynthia Murphy is a Northern Virginia Top Designer and Remodeler has been helping homeowners design, plan and build their home remodel projects since 2004.  As a Certified Kitchen and Bath Remodeler she offers Design-Build Remodeling and stand alone Design and Consulting services.  You can reach Cynthia to schedule a Free Consultation at www.murphysdesignllc.com

What is a Remodeling Consultant?

What is a Remodeling Consultant?

by | Aug 2, 2024 | Budget, Remodel Consulting

What is a Remodeling Consultant?

How can you cut costs on Your Remodel? 

Consider a Remodel Consultant instead of Design/Build

Do you think you know what or who a remodeling consultant is? Last week on one of my consults I was discussing with homeowner Christie about kick starting her home remodel plans.  Christie asked me a question that stopped me in my tracks!  It made me think of all the conversations that I have had over the years of owners just like Christie who were struggling with the exact same thought.  

Christie asked:

‘How can I hire someone for our remodel project if we don’t know what we want to do or if we can afford it?  All the contractors and designers we talk with want us to confirm a large budget, pay a deposit and then they’ll help us plan or they want us to do all the planning and call them back once we’re done.”

That’s when it hit me…Christie was confused with the difference between hiring a Consultant versus hiring a Contractor.  She thought Contractors were Consultants.

In today’s post I’ll be covering three things;

  • What is a Remodeling Consultant
  • The Advantage of hiring a Remodeling Consultant
  • How to find a Remodeling Consultant in Northern Virginia 

What is a Remodeling Consultant

First it’s important to understand how a remodeling consultant differs from hiring a Contractor or Interior Design Professional.  A Remodeling Consultant is a specialist who guides homeowners through the process of home renovations, particularly focusing on kitchens and bathrooms. These experts bring years of remodeling experience to help homeowners with every step of the renovation process, including:

  • Understanding your needs: Identifying your goals and preferences for the renovation.
  • Designing your project: Creating a plan and layout that fits your vision.
  • Planning and scheduling: Organizing the timeline and logistics to ensure the project runs smoothly.
  • Managing your budget: Keeping track of costs and ensuring the project stays within your financial limits.
  • Coordinating the project: Overseeing all the work and making sure everything is done correctly.
  • Ensuring quality: Checking that all work meets high standards.
  • Providing post-project support: Offering assistance and addressing any issues after the renovation is complete.

  • Someone Who Puts Your Interest Above Their Own

    If you are looking for who you can hire to show you cost savings strategies for a kitchen remodel then a Remodeling Consultant is your solution. Remodeling Consultants aim to provide unbiased guidance, leveraging their expertise to assist you without the pressure of selling projects or products. This holistic approach focuses on informing options so that the decisions throughout your renovation journey are always in your best interests.  This role, acting as a fiduciary, can save thousands of dollars off the cost of a major kitchen or bathroom remodel project.

    Advantages of Hiring a Remodeling Consultant

    Hiring a Remodeling Consultant has several advantages.  Three of the most impactful are  flexibility of services, working with tight budgets, and convenience.

    Unlocking Convenience Because of Today’s Technology

    By leveraging modern technology, Remodeling Consultants can offer their expertise both virtually and in-home. This flexibility allows homeowners to choose the most convenient option for them, whether they prefer in-person consultations or the convenience of video conferencing. It also enables them to work with clients from afar, providing the same high-quality guidance and support regardless of location.  Virtual Services often come with additional cost savings.

    The Big Advantage of Remodeling Consultants

    If how to plan your kitchen or bathroom remodel on a tight budget is front of mind for you then working with a Remodeling Consultant is a great choice. 

    Similar to Contractors and Designers they help you through the design and planning process, but Remodeling Consultants focus on your specific needs.  That means if you are on a tight budget they will spend more time discussing with you cost savings strategies in a transparent manner.  But if figuring out a functional layout is your challenge you can hire them to focus on that. As a bonus this flexibility keeps your design and planning costs much lower than other design and planning services.  

     

    Faster Answers Save You Time and Money

    If looking to save both time and money a Remodeling Consultant should be the first person you hire for your Kitchen or Bathroom remodel. That way you can quickly focus your energy on the needs of your project by customizing assistance, obtaining expert guidance, and providing the added advantage of speed to get to the solutions that fit your budget. 

    If you’re struggling with starting your remodel the services of a Remodeling Consultant might just be the solution you’ve been struggling to find.

    How to Find a Remodeling Consultant in Northern Virginia

    Finding a trustworthy Remodeling Consultant in Northern Virginia is easier than you might think. 

    Here are easy steps to help you get started on how to find who you can hire for your remodel planning:

    1. Online Research: 

    You can start by searching for Remodeling Consultants in Northern Virginia. Scroll Past the Sponsored Ads and Look for consultants with positive reviews and a strong online presence. 

    • Check out the Services Page: 

    To get the full advantage of Remodeling Consulting look for Remodeling Contractors and Interior Designers that offer their consulting as a stand alone service option.  In other words, you are not required or expected to purchase labor or materials from them.  This is important because you want a consultant focused on unbiased advice not on selling you services.  

    1. Professional Associations: 

    Check professional associations such as the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI), Professional Remodeling Organization (PRO) or the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA). 

    1. Local Recommendations: 

    Ask friends, family, or neighbors who have recently completed remodeling projects for recommendations. Personal referrals can lead you to trusted consultants who have already proven their expertise.

    1. Consultation Services: 

    Many remodeling consultants offer free initial consultations done virtually. Take advantage of these to discuss your project, gauge their expertise, and confirm their services are a good fit for your needs without having to disrupt your day to day schedule.

    1. Portfolio Review: 

    Once you’ve shortlisted potential consultants, review their portfolios to ensure their experience aligns with your project goals.

    1. Check Credentials and References: 

    Verify the credentials of any consultant you’re considering and ask for references. Speaking with past clients can provide valuable insights into their work ethic and reliability.

    By following these steps, you can find a knowledgeable and experienced Remodeling Consultant who will guide you through every step of your renovation project, ensuring a smooth and successful transformation of your home.  

    There is No Better Way to Take Back Control of Your Home Improvement Plans

    Working with a consultant puts you back in the driver’s seat on your projects. If your focus is on how to find the best floor plan for your kitchen, selections for your bathroom and learning about cost savings strategies, there is no better way than by working with a consultant. 

    Check out our Remodeling Consultant Services Here.

 

 

About The Author 

Cynthia Murphy, CKBR

Cynthia Murphy is a Northern Virginia Top Designer and Remodeler has been helping homeowners design, plan and build their home remodel projects since 2004.  As a Certified Kitchen and Bath Remodeler she offers Design-Build Remodeling and stand alone Design and Consulting services.  You can reach Cynthia to schedule a Free Consultation at www.murphysdesignllc.com

The Hidden Traps of Kitchen and Bathroom Remodeling: How to Avoid These 5 Costly Mistakes

The Hidden Traps of Kitchen and Bathroom Remodeling: How to Avoid These 5 Costly Mistakes

by | May 24, 2024 | Bathroom, Budget, kitchen

The Hidden Traps of Kitchen and Bathroom Remodeling: How to Avoid These 5 Costly Mistakes

There’s no secret that remodeling projects are an investment in your future. The last thing you want is costly mistakes that with thoughtful planning could easily be avoided. 

In fact, almost all unwanted cost overruns can be eliminated by avoiding these (5) Costly Mistakes during your design and planning phase.

Costly Mistake #1.  Getting cost proposals based on ideas and what ifs. 

Don’t fall into the trap of contacting a remodeling contractor for an estimate before you have flushed out your design details.  Signing a contract based on Material Allowances puts all the stress on you to stay within their predetermined costs, costs that are often based on nothing more than guesswork and their own agendas.  Accepting any Contract created from Material Allowances is a sure way to end up regretting all your decisions.  

 

The best remodeler’s understand that the happiest homeowners take the time to design and plan before they sign a contract to build.

Costly Mistake #2.  Skipping the plans and drawings.

When it comes time to sign a Remodeling Contract make sure to reference and include all the documents as part of your agreement. That includes cabinet plans, drawings and renderings of all materials to be installed. Visual representation of the work to be completed is often the only thing you have that communicates what you expect.  Nothing adds more unexpected costs than having to redo work that ends up not looking like you thought.  Visual communication is meant to confirm what your detailed Scope of Work describes.  

 

A detailed set of plans and renderings is critically important to getting what you want.

Costly Mistake #3.  Vague Scopes of Work.  

Certainly one of the most epidemic problems in the home improvement industry is poorly written work scopes.  Vague scopes of work are at the center of almost all homeowner contractor disputes.  A properly written scope of work should state who, what, when and how the tasks of your project will be completed.  It provides you, as the homeowner, the opportunity to ask questions and clarify that the best practices within the current residential construction guidelines are being followed. 

 

Don’t be caught off guard with unexpected change orders for things you thought were included in the cost.

 

Costly Mistake #4 Navigating without an Experienced Guide.

DIY-ing your design, plan and hiring decisions can cost you thousands of dollars in regretful mistakes. 

There’s absolutely no reason to go it alone when help that fits any budget is readily available. The old saying “you don’t know what you don’t know” becomes painfully obvious once your project mistakes start to creep in. Getting experienced professionals to guide you; provide answers to your questions, context, feedback, and cost effective solutions is not just for wealthy homeowners; virtual and group services provide an amazing value for a smaller investment than Design Build Remodeling.

Remember this; fixing mistakes will always be more expensive than the cost of getting feedback from a pro before they happen in the first place.

Costly Mistake #5 Ignoring Best Practices for Hiring.  

Hiring for your Home Remodel is time consuming and frustrating but doing it well is critical to protecting your financial investment.  It takes researching, verifying, and being aware of the proper contract attachments with terms and conditions that are recommended by your State or Local Government.  All too often this comes to light once problems start popping up, leading to uncomfortable conversations. The projects we hear about that are associated with abandoned or poorly constructed work have one thing in common; the warning signs were in plain sight. A hiring system illuminates the blind spots that we as homeowners would naturally miss.  

Following a system for hiring makes sure you don’t miss red flags, all while saving your time and frustration.

Smart homeowners realize that by completing their design and planning first, before hiring, everything becomes easier. By following a system, guided by experienced professionals,  that walks you through each step you can design and plan your project so that it  impacts your life emotionally and financially for many years to come.

That’s why we make our project development services available to you in 1-1 In Person and Virtual, plus Small Group Collectives.  If you want to learn more about how we can help you check out our design and planning services here.  

About The Author 

Lauren Murphy is Murphy’s Designs Selection Specialist and has been working for the company since 2010. She has a background in photography, and a certificate in Home Staging and Redesign. She loves to spend time researching new products and materials and staying up to date on all the Kitchen and Bath design trends. 

Kitchen Hardware and Faucet Combinations

Kitchen Hardware and Faucet Combinations

by | Jan 5, 2023 | kitchen

Kitchen Hardware and Faucet Combinations

Arguably my favorite part of my job is making selections. And two of my favorite selections to make are kitchen faucets and cabinet hardware. I think they’re capable of changing the entire vibe of a space and I love to coordinate them in subtle ways. Below you’ll find my 4 favorite faucet and hardware combos as well as a little insight into how I’ve gone about pairing them together. 

Hansgrohe Allegro+Top Knobs Riverside Pull in Honey Bronze

 I love the smooth curves of the Hansgrohe Allegro faucet. It’s a high end affordable fixture that truly shines on a countertop. The riverside pull from Top Knobs is one of my favorites because of how simple it is. Straight on the pull simply looks like a bar but from the sides and below it has the same smooth curvature as the faucet handle of the Allegro making the two an obvious pair for me. 

Hansgrohe Lacarno + Top Knobs Serene

The Hansgrohe Lacarno is an absolute jewel in the kitchen. This faucet is glamorous and modern yet it’s simple and clean enough for just about any taste. Its octogan shaped base is a subtle detail that dresses it up just enough for it to be more than your basic modern faucet. The Serene knob from Top Knobs is an obvious choice for the Lacarno. With its similar base and simple clean lines the Serene compliments it perfectly, it’s a detail some people may never notice but the complimentary designs are something that will be pleasing to the eye for years to come. 

Hansgrohe Joleena + Top Knobs Barrington

The Joleena by Hansgrohe is a popular faucet with our clients. Its a fantastic transitional faucet or for those interested in the ‘modern farmhouse’ vibe. It isn’t too fussy but still has some low key details that make it more eyecatching than your basic modern faucet. The tapered handle on the Joleena pairs wonderfully with Top Knobs Barrington pull. This pull is tapers down towards the middle and has a smooth continual shape. If finding something that isn’t fussy, is slightly transitional and feels amazing in your hands is what you’re after than this combo is definetely for you. 

Brizo Artesso + Top Knobs Kara Pull & Knob

Last but certainly not least we have the Brizo Artesso. Another faucet that has a way with commanding the kitchen. This faucet is large, it has an excelent sprayer and has beautiful details like the ridges around it and the ball on the end of the handle. I always suggest pairing this faucet with the Top Knobs Kara Pull & Knob. I love how both the Artesso and Kara have a ball on the end and the ridges around them. We put them in our kitchen and it’s a detail that not many people notice but there’s just something about the way they work together in the space that looks classic and beautiful. 

So when you’re working on your kitchen design some things to note when pairing your faucet and hardware that go beyond simply matching finishes, because surprise the finishes don’t have to match on the two! (But we’ll talk about that another day.)

Remember these tips:

  1. Similar base shapes, are the base of the cabinet hardware and the base of the faucet similar. Note how the base of the Lacarno and the base of the Serene are the same shape. 
  2. If the bases aren’t similar what other features are? If you cut a Barrington pull in half the taper of the pull would look almost identical to the tapered handle of the Joleena Faucet. 
  3. Details, details, details. The Artesso and the Kara knob and pull have th same details. From the ball on the end of each knob to the ridges around it. 

About The Author 

Lauren Murphy is Murphy’s Designs Selection Specialist and has been working for the company since 2010. She has a background in photography, and a certificate in Home Staging and Redesign. She loves to spend time researching new products and materials and staying up to date on all the Kitchen and Bath design trends. 

2023 Color Of the Year, Viva Magenta

2023 Color Of the Year, Viva Magenta

by | Jan 4, 2023 | Uncategorized

2023 Color Of the Year, Viva Magenta

Well here we are in 2023 and as sure as a new year always comes around so do the new colors of the year. Since we work in the design industry we follow it rather closely because as much as I sometimes dislike the colors chosen they seem to always insert themselves into my life and I like to be prepared! 

The most prominent of all the colors is usually Pantones selection. It finds its way into graphic, interior, and fashion design without fail every year. This year I have to admit I am not a fan of their chosen color, viva magenta.

It’s bright, its obnoxious and it wouldn’t find its way onto any of my clothes, websites, or to be honest, my house. However as much as I dislike it it usually does have some kind of influence and if you find yourself growing fond of the vibrant hue this year I’ve come up with a few ways to subtly incorporate it into your home without making any real permanent changes. As far as fashion goes though, you’re on your own!

Practical Ways Of Using Viva Magenta

Vintage china, designing with nostalgia in mind is at the forefront this year, from “Old Money Design” to “Hipstoric” and decorating with vintage china collections is a great way to incorporate all three design trends. There are tons of gorgeous hues of magenta in vintage transferware patterns available on etsy and most are even available in pre curated collections!

Vintage Mismatched Pink Red White Transferware

English Abbey Red Transferware Plate

Mismatched Pink Transferware Saucers Set 

Antique Royal Doulton Plate Set

Throw pillows are always a great way to add in a color you might be feeling a pull to, they’re easily purchased and easily stored when the seasons change or you’re ready for a new hue. 

Embroidered Dorsey Pillow

Pippa Pillow

Luxe Linen Blend Pillow

Accents and decor, these magenta candles and this nesting tray can add a beautiful pop of color into any space during the cold months of January and February and they’ll carry you through spring and well into summer. You don’t have to look far for another way to incorporate the color, simply search your book collection for it! Gathering all of your pink and magenta toned books together is an excellent and free way to welcome the color of the year.

18″ Classic Taper Candles, Set of 4

Abi Decorative Nesting Tray

Wall art, whether you’re going full magenta or picking something that has just a splash or hint, wall art is a fantastic way to incorporate bright colors without being overpowering.

L’Amour de L’Art Wall Art

Melted Wall Art

Sgraffito 327 Wall Art

(Header Image) Sunset Wall Art

Area rugs are another way to incorporate the color of the year into your, whether you decide to go with an all over saturation or just a hint or accent there are tons of fun options to liven up any space.

Hand-Knotted Amore Rug

Scalloped Jute Hartley Rug

District Loom Mini Rug No. 286

Like throw pillows throws themselves are an excellent way to add the color of the year to your space.

Woven Silk Throw Blanket

Woven Wool Dorsey Throw Blanket

The Tartan Blanket Co. Buchanan Throw Blanket

 

For those of you feeling in the mood to commit to viva magenta or for those that have always had a passion for the dark rich pink check out this gorgeous tile from Cle` tile. Outer Sunset from the watermark collection features a faded pink hue, “inspired by the rows of houses that border San Francisco’s ocean beach.”

Outer Sunset 4×8 tile by Cle` tile

About The Author 

Lauren Murphy is Murphy’s Designs Selection Specialist and has been working for the company since 2010. She has a background in photography, and a certificate in Home Staging and Redesign. She loves to spend time researching new products and materials and staying up to date on all the Kitchen and Bath design trends. 

The Biggest Expense In A Custom Kitchen

The Biggest Expense In A Custom Kitchen

by | Oct 19, 2021 | Budget, kitchen, Learning Center, Uncategorized

The Biggest Expense In A Custom Kitchen

The biggest expense is the Cabinetry.  Custom kitchens usually include features in the cabinets for storage, organization and furniture details.  You can expect the cabinets could be 30-40% of your material allowance.  The lower your Material Allowance the greater the % that will go to cabinets because there is no way to cut cabinet cost without cutting quality or features.  Appliances come in second highest at 20-40%.  Countertops 10-20%.

image via our custom cabinetry supplier Dura Supreme

Contact Cynthia Murphy Now

The difference between a Kitchen Remodel and a Custom Kitchen Remodel

The difference between a Kitchen Remodel and a Custom Kitchen Remodel

by | Oct 18, 2021 | Budget, kitchen, Learning Center, Uncategorized

The difference between a Kitchen Remodel and a Custom Kitchen Remodel

 Custom kitchens differ from general kitchen remodeling in (3) distinct ways;

1)  The material selected is higher quality; particularly cabinets and appliances

2) We Incorporate unique design details specific to you and your life+style. 

3) Personalized attention taking your ideas to a finished project that wows!

image 2 & 3 via our custom cabinetry supplier Dura Supreme

Contact Cynthia Murphy Now

Design & Planning First, Labor Estimates, Second.

Design & Planning First, Labor Estimates, Second.

by | Oct 15, 2021 | Budget, kitchen, Learning Center, Remodel, Uncategorized

Design & Planning First, Labor Estimates, Second.

We figured out long ago that working with our homeowners on developing their budget and then focusing on design and planning the remodel they want made for happier homeowners. 

We find it’s so much easier to see where the costs are escalating and then work together providing smart solutions to bring them back into alignment when we are coordinating all the decisions.  And that’s how I know for sure that:

A detailed design and planning process can save you some serious money.

Here’s how;

  •  It’s easy to spot where your dollars are going when the product selections are removed from the labor quote.  Understanding the big price tag items can help you make better decisions on items that “might be nice to have” but aren’t worth the added expense.
  • It’s the only way to compare Contractor-Contractor labor costs.  Then you can decide if  Contractor A’s installation, communication, project management, and coordination team is worth the extra cost compared to a “one man band” contractor B.
  • The biggest cost you can avoid is the cost of mistakes.  Finding out your contractor has allocated stock cabinetry, fixtures and/or finishes after the remodel is finished is much more expensive to fix.
  • Working with one person who is coordinating all the design and planning decisions, prevents misunderstandings that happen between vendors.  
    1. Your cabinet designer has to work with your appliance salesperson, 
    2. your Countertop supplier needs to coordinate with your tile selections.  
    3. And all the other fixtures and finishes will either pull everything together or cause missed opportunities that are the final look of your project.
  • Kitchen Designers can refer you to qualified Contracting firms that they trust to install your project the way you designed and planned.  Most of these are not big companies but small expert craftspeople that work quickly and efficiently by repeat referral.  
  • Most Kitchen Designers offer the same oversight, reviewing proposals, communicating, and managing the project, that hiring a Design Build firm would have provided.

The one thing that will make it easier.

No matter how you decide to research your kitchen remodel, the one thing that will make it easier is having a good understanding of your Product Cost before you start getting estimates. 

For that reason I invite you to  complete our 5 Minute Kitchen Product Budget Calculator.    

This worksheet will quickly calculate the impact of your product decisions on your budget.  I use it during every Kitchen Consult I do and it helps our homeowners put context to the remodeling dollars they will spend.

Download Here
Contact Cynthia Murphy Now

Breaking Down Estimates into Categories

Breaking Down Estimates into Categories

by | Oct 15, 2021 | Budget, kitchen, Learning Center, Remodel, Uncategorized

Breaking Down Estimates into Categories

Making sure you’re getting estimates that separate the Product Selections, those items you will have to go and pick out, from the Labor Cost, cost to build and install, will make it easy to spot estimates that aren’t considering the actual cost of Products for your project.  

You’ll benefit in multiple ways;

  • Most Contractors can easily estimate the cost to build your new kitchen after having a simple discussion on what you want.  But they struggle with understanding how much the fixtures and finishes contribute to making you happy.  Isolating the Labor Estimates separately when deciding who to hire can be an effective way to weed out estimates that are low because they didn’t include the same level of materials as their counterpart.  
  • Having this  knowledge provides clarity.  When you see large differences caused by General Overhead costs you get to decide on the importance of working with a team that handles the communication, coordination, supervision versus working with a contractor who handles everything on his own.  
  • Differences in Product Budgets become obvious.  To determine if it  is in the right ballpark you can get more specific on the (3) items that make up most of the Product cost; Cabinets, Appliances and Countertops.  That’s why we created our 5 minute Product Budget.  I can get very specific when discussing what’s been included in any estimate 

Don’t get me wrong as a Kitchen and Bath Designer I fully support working through the options and opportunities when remodeling your kitchen.  Actually, I believe that’s how you get exactly what you want.   But it presents a problem for you when you are basing your hiring decision on who aligns with your cost without any context as to where the dollars will be going before you even begin the process.

A simple solution to understanding your project costs is doing the Design and Planning first. 

 

Contact Cynthia Murphy Now

 The first step, getting more from your research with better estimates

 The first step, getting more from your research with better estimates

by | Oct 12, 2021 | Budget, kitchen, Learning Center, Remodel, Uncategorized

 The first step, getting more from your research with better estimates

When I do my Free Zoom consults in order to get better estimates, we review priorities; new cabinets, appliances, countertops, re-allocating square footage from underused rooms, better storage, all these things are typically on the list.  We also review expectations on the quality of materials.

It’s no surprise that we want the materials we choose to be better than the materials we have.  

Our cabinets should have soft close features,  storage accessories, trash pull-outs, pantry roll-outs,  moldings, and more. Unfortunately, all too often, the material allowances used when getting estimates for our projects are simply whatever was leftover once the labor cost was subtracted from the budget we guessed at.  

One way to bridge the gap is to have a better understanding of the quality of materials you expect to use with your remodel and their cost.  Would you be shocked to find out that your decisions regarding Cabinets, Countertops and Appliances can make up a staggering 70% of your product cost and 50% of the overall project cost.

That’s why we created the 5 minute Product Budget Calculator.  

Just download our calculator and it will be no surprise why so many homeowners end up spending more than they planned because of  upgrades to their material allowances.  They didn’t know that the allowances in the original estimate were woefully insufficient.

About The Author 

Lauren Murphy is Murphy’s Designs Selection Specialist and has been working for the company since 2010. She has a background in photography, and a certificate in Home Staging and Redesign. She loves to spend time researching new products and materials and staying up to date on all the Kitchen and Bath design trends.

Three Ways To Get Better Kitchen Remodel Estimates

Three Ways To Get Better Kitchen Remodel Estimates

by | Oct 11, 2021 | Learning Center, Remodel, Uncategorized

Three Ways To Get Better Kitchen Remodel Estimates

Why can’t it be easier?  

That’s what I hear from the many homeowners I speak with every month as they are researching their Kitchen remodeling. Trust me, it’s not that you don’t understand, of course you do. you understand that no two custom kitchens are exactly the same.  But how do we figure out how much work we can do if we don’t have any information? The typical remodel process has made it impossible for you to figure out your priorities and what you can afford and so you end up;

  • Frustrated
  • Confused
  • Exhausted

Well, I say Enough!  In this next series of posts I’m going to share with you the top three tips for you to take control of your kitchen remodel budgets!

About The Author 

Lauren Murphy is Murphy’s Designs Selection Specialist and has been working for the company since 2010. She has a background in photography, and a certificate in Home Staging and Redesign. She loves to spend time researching new products and materials and staying up to date on all the Kitchen and Bath design trends.

What to do when furniture lead times are long

What to do when furniture lead times are long

by | Aug 2, 2021 | Learning Center, Uncategorized

What to do when furniture lead times are long

Earlier this year we posted about the supply chain disruptions brought on by the pandemic and well just… 2020… 

In recent months however things in the home furnishings industry have taken a turn for the worse with furniture lead times as far out as 25-35 weeks or even.. 2022 as a delivery date. 

This is happening for several reasons ranging from material shortages (foam and lumber) to issues with shipping and transportation. 

This post isn’t going to break all of that down for you, this post is going to tell you how you can get furniture without having to wait 35 weeks for it!   

In Stock Items

There’s hope. If you REALLY need a new sofa then check sites like pottery barn, west elm, and the like for their ‘quick ship upholstery’ category. Here you’ll find a pretty good selection of furniture available in 1-3 weeks. You may not be able to be too picky about the upholstery though because they don’t offer a wide variety of colors in quick ship. You can also go to any category and select the ‘in stock and ready to ship option’ in the filters. 

Antique & Thrift Stores

Good News! Blending new and old, and contemporary and antique items together in one space is very much in right now. 

Shopping for antique and thrifted items is great for a number of reasons. One, it’s great for the environment since you’re repurposing items and keeping them out of landfills. And two, it adds depth to a space when something is worn and aged well. Adding these items to your decor will go a long way in making sure your house doesn’t resemble and IKEA display room or a target advertisement. 

As far as shortages go there is no shortage of antiques out there so hop on craigslist or facebook marketplace or plan a day trip and go hunting at your local antique and thrift stores! In doing so chances are you’ll get to take the furniture you need home with you and avoid hefty lead times. 

Keep your chin up

As frustrating as spending tons of time at home might be, combined with the fact that you feel incapable of finding items to make your house feel comfortable it’s important to remember that this too shall pass! We will eventually come out on the other side of all that 2020 did to this industry, we just have to be resourceful and stay positive.

About The Author 

Lauren Murphy is Murphy’s Designs Selection Specialist and has been working for the company since 2010. She has a background in photography, and a certificate in Home Staging and Redesign. She loves to spend time researching new products and materials and staying up to date on all the Kitchen and Bath design trends. 

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