Elyssa Estrada is co-founder of Studio EE, a design service firm specializing in high-end custom residential homes and interior design. She sat down with me to answer five of the questions I hear most often from my clients about home renovations!
Everyone has heard horror stories of a project going longer than expected, over budget, and often both! What are things homeowners can do to reduce the likelihood of this happening?
It is very common to have a project run longer than expected and over the initial budget. Sometimes this is because of changes and indecisiveness throughout the design and construction process, and other times it is due to hiring the cheaper, inexperienced contractor or designer. Spending a little more time, energy and money to research and hire the right team can go a long way in the long run. Do your research, ask for references and visit their previous projects to get a better idea about how they work and how their previous clients liked working with them. Good design and quality construction (when done efficiently) take time and it is best not to rush things if possible. If a client goes into a project with a realistic time expectation, I have found they are less disappointed and frustrated throughout the project.
There is a lot of confusion among homeowners about the permitting process. Can you talk about the difference between “within” and “outside” the envelope changes and how these impact the permit process?
Depending on the city you live in, each jurisdiction will have specific guidelines in order to obtain entitlements and building permits to renovate your home. In general, changes to the exterior of the building tend to result in a more complicated and time consuming approval process. If changes are kept within the existing envelope of the building, it can sometimes lead to quicker and hassle-free permitting and approvals. Over the counter permits in San Francisco can be obtained if minimal to no changes are done to the exterior envelope. With the proper documentation, some permits can be obtained in as little as a day at the city’s building department. Renovation upgrades for existing bathrooms, kitchens, and window replacements that do not alter the floor plans often do not require a building permit. In summary, if you plan to add windows, increase square footage or greatly change the appearance of the exterior of your building, be prepared to endure a much longer process than a renovation that is strictly confined to the interior of the building.
What is the role of an architect, interior designer, and a general contract? Do all projects need this large of a team?
The architect/designer is responsible for creating a set of plans to assist the owner in bringing their ideas into reality. In addition, they are experienced in handling the proper documentation, getting approvals, and coordinating different consultants and the contractor. Interior designers, if brought on early in the design process, may help aid in material selections such as tile, plumbing fixtures and/or lighting selections. Furniture selection, fabrics, textiles and paint are additional services offered by interior designers as well. General contractors help execute all services necessary for construction of the project. They coordinate sub-contractors and ideally help ensure the project is completed as efficiently as possible. With that said, not every project will need this large of a team. Key factors such as client budget, project size and desired level of quality help to indicate what team is right for you and your project. Any tips for how homeowners can save money?
Be confidently decisive. Do your due diligence ahead of time so that changes during the design process are minimized. If you are unsure about something, spend the extra time you need to find reassurance. Go to showrooms or spend that extra weekend mulling over proposed floor plan layouts with your partner and/or family. Reflect on your daily routine and determine whether the proposed designs will enhance your lifestyle. It is best to spend a little more time making the right decision, rather than living in a house that is full of rash decisions made for expediency. Homeowners will save hundreds to thousands of dollars if changes are not redundantly made.