Remodel or Renovate
Thinking through the home remodeling or renovating process is the hallmark of an H.G. McCullough designer. Altering or updating your existing residence, vacation home or office building presents its own unique set of challenges. Knowing where to begin – and when to end – reinforces the need for a good home improvement design and a detailed plan.
Thinking through the home remodeling or renovating process is the hallmark of an H.G. McCullough designer.
Remodel or Renovate?
There is a difference.
Remodeling and renovating have different definitions. It is important to know the difference because the costs can be measurably diverse. “Remodel” means to alter the shape or change the structure of an existing residence or building. The meaning of “renovate” is to refresh or make “like-new” again.
For example, if you want to “remodel” your kitchen, you may decide to tear out existing walls to make a large “gathering room” for entertaining. Or, perhaps you would like to convert your basement into a family entertainment retreat or “man cave”. Your remodeled home should blend with the existing structure - as though it belongs.
“Renovating” your kitchen involves updating existing appliances, laying new flooring, installing new cabinets, or changing counter-tops from Formica to granite. Replacing old windows and doors with new energy-efficient ones is an example of renovation.
The McCullough Remodel or Renovation Design Process
Phase One
Establishing Objectives - Laying the Foundation
If a working set of plans of the existing structure is available, it is important to bring them to your initial meeting with your McCullough designer. It is also important to do your “homework” prior to our initial meeting by reading and filling out the Project Packet.
In Phase One, your H.G. McCullough designer will discuss your completed checklist provided in the Remodel/Renovate project packet. Most clients also come prepared with pictures torn from magazines, online pin boards, and photos of exterior home facades and interior room designs. Our extensive H.G. McCullough Design Library is also a resource for inspiration.
Your H.G. McCullough designer will take detailed notes as you describe your objectives. We will summarize these objectives in a letter for your review and approval. Phase One is the most important step of the home design process - it lays the foundation for a successful project. The fee for this phase is listed in the Project Packet.
Phase Two
As-Built Drawings – Your Vision Comes Alive
In Phase Two, a field crew will measure your existing home and as-built drawings will be prepared by a H.G. McCullough designer to ensure that the remodel is properly incorporated into the existing structure. The fee for this phase is listed in the Project Packet.
Phase Three
Conceptual Sketch – Your Vision Comes Alive
After the objectives and the as-built drawings are completed, your principal designer will create a conceptual sketch. The conceptual sketch is useful for ensuring that the style and layout of the design meet your expectations. Ultimately, the goal of Phase Three is to finalize the major details of the remodel or renovation design to minimize the number and magnitude of revisions in the next phase.
The conceptual sketch is another comfort level checkpoint for financial planning and budgeting.
Phase Four
Construction Drawings – Preparing to build
Construction drawings specify all of the structural details necessary to ensure sound support engineering as well as to illustrate the intricate and unique architectural features of the project. The construction drawings establish a basis of quality that will guide your contractor and subcontractors as they perform the remodel or renovation. The fee for this phase is listed in the Project Packet.