Sunday, February 20, 2011

2. Think about your preliminary design

Think about preliminary design

You’ve listed your wants and needs. You’ve collected files of pictures and articles with ideas and products you like.
What’s next?
Preliminary designs are basic drawings that will aid in the final construction documents;
They can help you visualize how the project will look, identify early spatial problems, help refine design details and determine your project requirements. Putting together a basic sketch of the rooms and spaces you need along with architectural features you desire becomes the foundation for your final plans.

Where do we start?


You can start the process yourself or work with your contractor or designer of choice.
  1. Measure and photograph existing area you are considering renovating, not just the room or rooms directly affected but all surrounding areas.
  2. Make a list of the rooms and list their sizes. Ask yourself some questions; Are any of the rooms too small? What rooms feel right? Where do I have space that I don't use? Where could I use more space?
  3. Now you can start to develop a project scope based on your needs and tastes. What architectural themes do you like? In the first step you have already collected examples of designs that you are drawn to and pictures of details that catch your eye. Now you can begin to define your needs for remodeling as well as your taste in designs. Here you find out if your design tastes are compatible with your needs. Don’t limit yourself at this stage
  4. Next you need to consider budget while keeping in mind your needs for remodeling and your desires

Armed with this knowledge you are almost ready to begin construction documents and find out where the estimates will land in your budget range.

Next step:  Deciding how the job will be managed





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