n every project, homeowners have an idea in their minds of what they want for their space. The remodeling team then has the responsibility of transferring the homeowners’ vision into the finished product. It is critical that the team, which includes the architect/designer, builder/ contractor and interior designer, have the common goal of fulfilling the homeowners’ ultimate dream. Additionally, strong chemistry between the team members is essential in order to understand the clients’ needs and guide them through the process. The team members all play different, yet equally important, roles in the project.

Communication between the homeowners and the rest of the team is largely the role of the architect/designer. At this stage the project budget should be discussed with the homeowners in order for the architect/designer to produce plans within the budget. The architect/designer takes the homeowners’ desires and needs and transforms them into construction plans. These detailed plans, which may be edited and changed several times in order to achieve the perfect project, give the vision of the overall project to the entire team.

Once the plans fit the homeowners’ approval, they are then turned over to the builder/contractor to begin the actual building process. Maintaining communication with the homeowners during the construction process is vital to instilling confidence and ensuring that their desires are being met.

Final plans are reviewed and signed off on by all members of the team and the homeowners, in order to avoid any confusion. Once that is complete, meetings with the different trades/vendors will be scheduled to discuss the responsibilities of all involved in the construction of the project. After consulting with the trades, the builder/contractor will give an estimated completion date for the project. This date is generally flexible and may be changed as the project is under way. However, with constant communication, the team will be able to move forward to complete the project in a timely manner.

It is the designer/decorator’s main function to read the personality and style of the homeowners in order to transform the house into the home of their dreams. The designer/decorator’s knowledge and experience will assist in making decisions on the finishing touches, bringing all the elements together and making the overall project a success.

Building the “dream team” requires gathering individuals who possess integrity, great communication skills, teamwork and trust. Choosing team members that you have worked well with in the past, or who come highly recommended by those you respect, will result in a team that is able to not only accomplish the homeowners’ desires, but to exceed them. l

By Gil Boyles, CGR, CAPS

GB General Contractors Inc.