Residential Design and Remodeling
Remodeling your home can be a big project. It involves money, lots of planning and often more than a little stress.
Residential design includes any structure that serves as a private family home and can include cottages, cabins, condos, townhomes and apartment buildings. It also covers single-family dwellings like ranches, bungalows and mansions.
Pre-Design
Pre-Design is a planning phase that helps establish clear project goals, encourages collaboration and critical thinking, and reduces the risk of costly missteps once intensive design begins. It’s a fertile ground for exploring different design concepts that align with the goals of the project and allows for flexibility and originality. It also provides a framework for determining financial feasibility and adherence to regulations. During this phase, we conduct analysis and research such as site analysis reports (e.g. soils tests, septic system designs), zoning ordinance analysis and reports, and a pro forma which assesses the project’s financial assessment and projections.
During this time, we learn everything we can about the project. The more we know about the client’s personality, lifestyle and needs, the better we can design a space that is uniquely their own. This information is organized and compiled into a document called the program, which defines all the rooms and spaces and their approximate sizes in the new building. It is at this stage that we also determine construction costs and a timeline for the project to avoid budget surprises down the road. It’s at this point that we also create a professional services agreement and establish a project portal for our clients to access daily production updates, selections and other critical project information. It is recommended to have a contractor on board during this phase as well.
Design Development
During the design development phase, the architects work closely with you to translate your dreams into reality. This includes the interview process that allows you to fully express your needs, as well as studying your home site to gain a comprehensive understanding of its potential. It is only at this residential design and remodeling point that Srote & Co can begin to design your new home, addition or remodel.
Residential building designs require a great deal of detail that goes beyond a basic 2D floor plan. This is where the design begins to come alive and your project team starts working on layouts for plumbing, electrical and similar systems; finishes and materials are selected; specialized structural systems are developed; and presentation drawings like computer renderings and color boards are created.
This phase also includes a thorough review of your existing property, including the home’s structure and a comparison against comparable remodeling projects. It’s at this point that a Comparative Remodeling Analysis is often conducted to set realistic expectations for your project’s budget.
Depending on your project delivery method, the architect may work with your contractor or a third-party cost estimator during this phase to ensure you understand construction costs. For example, if you’re using the Design-Build approach to your project, this means the designer and contractor are working together from the very beginning to determine prices for products, materials, labor and equipment.
Building Permits
A building permit is a written authorization that allows a homeowner to start construction on a remodeling or new construction project. The process of obtaining one depends on the location, size and scope of the project and local zoning laws and codes. Not all projects need a permit, but those that do typically require inspections to ensure the work complies with standards and laws.
While many do-it-yourselfers may think they can save money by not obtaining a permit, it is generally in your best interest to follow all applicable rules and regulations. Building without a permit can result in steep fines, up to and including the cost of demolition. It can also negatively impact your property’s resale value.
For renovations, a licensed design professional is required to submit plans and apply for a permit prior to the start of construction. The plan review process consists of three stages: Plan Review, Zoning Check and Professional Certification. The process requires the Applicant of Record, a registered design professional, to professionally certify that the renovation project’s design complies with NYC Code, Zoning Resolution and all applicable Rules and Laws.
Having a contractor handle the permit application and inspections can be an effective way to minimize costs, as they are often familiar with the city’s process and inspectors. However, if you are comfortable with the details of your project and have the time and resources to devote to it, you can complete all aspects of the permit application, submission and inspections yourself.
Construction
Residential renovation and construction is an ever-evolving field that breathes life into houses, reflecting the unique personalities of those who live there. The process involves careful planning and skilled craftsmanship, creating spaces that will stand the test of time.
The planning phase of a home remodel includes collaborating with homeowners to outline their vision for the space, taking into consideration functionality and aesthetics. During this stage, architects help adjust the project scope and budget to match the homeowner’s expectations and needs.
After the design is finalized, the remodeling company will begin gathering permits and preparing for construction. The hotel renovation consultant design-build firm will also order materials and schedule the project timeline. The project manager will be responsible for ensuring that all construction and design line items are tracked to avoid cost overruns.
The design-build method offers a number of advantages over the traditional owner – architect – general contractor arrangement. By bringing design and construction services under one contract, the firm is able to streamline the project and prevent delays. This also eliminates disputes between the designer and builder, who may disagree on specific aspects of the design. The firm will be able to provide cost estimates for design and construction elements before the construction phase begins, eliminating costly changes down the road. This allows the design-build team to focus on delivering a quality product while meeting the client’s remodeling and budget goals.
