Page 24 - Giv'er Miramichi magazine - Spring 2017

Spring is in the Air …

Renovations are around the corner!

As soon as the snow melts, we start to think about that Kitchens take at least 6-8 weeks not including demolition,
list of “must do” home projects that we started over the electrical, flooring, space preparation or the tiles and counter-
winter. And sometimes small things turn into a partial or full- tops. Talk to your suppliers, cabinet makers and all the trades
scale renovation. Here is my process for a peaceful, organized involved to start with the general lead times and work times
renovation: needed. From there create the
schedule and fill in the blanks for
PLAN! Think of this as the map more specific details. You cannot
with directions for your project. get good, cheap and fast. You are
The plan is much more than a list better off doing it right the first time.
and a quick phone call to a
contractor. If you work with a PROCEED! Think of this like
designer or decorator at this stage, putting your car in drive, it’s time
before meeting with a contractor, to put the wheels in motion for
you will end up with a better result. your project. It's time to execute
This is not to say your contractor but that doesn’t mean you won’t still
doesn't know what he is doing, he have paperwork to do. The first
does! But a design professional will steps will include awarding your
spend time on the fine detail contractor the job, obtaining permits
decisions and selections. They will and having initial meetings with
take your hopes and goals, transfer your designer and contractor
them to paper and ultimately bring together. If you need materials,
them to life. If you choose to go on your own, be sure to have furniture or lighting, ordering that will be the next step. Allow
a single, unified plan to present to the contractor. The easier for order times in your work-back schedule. It is better to
and the more detailed this is, the more accurate quote a have all the “order” items waiting in the schedule queue
contractor will be able to give you, saving you time and rather than holding up the project trying to find it.
money. Clients ask, how did you do it on TV? How did it come
together smoothly and look beautiful? Truthfully the
PREPARE! Think of this as your daytimer or calendar preparation took months, but it was worth it. Remember, be
for your project. Preparation is more than just cleaning out reasonable, be firm, but be friendly! Happy Renovation
the space. Create a “work-back schedule”, which is a Season.
schedule you create starting with the date you would like to
Jamie Alexander is an award-winning designer, home decor writer
be done and working backwards. This is a detailed schedule and TV personality that has been named one of the "Top 10
of order dates, contractor dates, arrival dates, basically every designers in Canada”. Hailing originally from Moncton, Jamie
major and minor benchmark of the project. Start with a vague maintains clients across the country and can be found from time to
calendar to ensure what you want is possible. For example, time working in the design studio with Julie & Joanne at Decor
say it’s a kitchen you want to be complete by July 1st, yet Haute Look in the scenic town of Neguac. For more information
please visit: www.decorhautelook.com | 506.776.0200 | Twitter
when you create your work-back schedule it is May 1st. @JamieLAlexander | Instagram: @JamieAlexanderDesign

24 www.GiverMiramichi.com Spring 2017