OUR PROCESS
Our Bullet-Proof Process
Almost 20 years in business has proven that a tried and tested, bullet-proof process is the key element in ensuring a joyful, easy and rewarding home renovation that meets your tastes AND your budget. This collaborate approach where we employ our design & construction experience to guide you through the process is why our clients choose us, and why they’re happy they did.
IN HOME CONSULTATION:
LivingScape’s Designer and Project Manager meet all clients in their home to discuss broad level project goals and priorities. We call this our “getting to know you” meeting.
We will Listen intently. Some questions we’ll ask you are:
What are the main objectives you are hoping to accomplish?
What design problems need to be resolved?
In what ways does your home not function well?
Storage concerns?
How long do you intend to live in the home?
Short term goals vs long term goals?
Use of space - do you have space to cook and gather as a family in your kitchen?
Will interior walls need to be moved?
Has your family lifestyle changed significantly, and is it a factor for the project?
During this meeting, we’ll provide knowledgeable insight and ideas gained from over 25 years experience in the industry, and determine whether we’re good fit for each other.
2. PROPOSAL
We’ll have a follow-up meeting with you where we’ll provide a proposal including a high-level pre-design budget for the project. We’ll also reconfirm the general scope items, determine if there have been any changes since our first meeting, and provide further details on how LivingScape will provide the guidance and experience necessary to make your renovation project a success.
3. AGREEMENT
Assuming all parties feel there is a good fit, and are comfortable with the budget and working arrangement, we provide you with a written Project Management Agreement. It outlines the budgetary goals, payment terms, each parties responsibilities, standards of work, warranties and other important details of the project.
One of the most critical details is this: we give you a firm start date and a firm completion date. Our projects run on schedule. Period.
4. DESIGN
At the commencement of the Design phase, we interview all of our clients to clearly define their vision for their ideal home. LivingScape believes an investment in your home is an investment in yourself, your family, and those that you love. It’s about spending time and making memories, and it’s an expression of your individual style. We believe every home should be reflective of the individuals and the things that bring them joy. Getting to know your sense of style is an important contributing element to the success of your project – we will delve into what you like and what you don’t like. We COLLABORATE with you using an online app to discover what reflects your style and understand your vision.
Our team will then assess your home and begin to explore creative design solutions to meet your functional and aesthetic needs. If necessary, we’ll consult with our draftsperson and/or engineer to explore how the structure could be modified to provide optimal utilization of your space.
We’ll engage the expertise of our industry partners who provide access to a wide range of products & material selections that are not always available through standard retail channels. We consider budget, durability, lifestyle, aesthetics, and return on investment into every home renovation design plan.
5. SCOPE OF WORK
Now that Design is completed, we’ll take all your input, ideas and specifications from the above phases and transfer them into a detailed Scope of Work.
6. BUDGET REVIEW
A written and detailed job budget is then prepared. We’ll provide a spreadsheet detailing costs for each line item of the overall scope, and we’ll compare it to the budgetary goal determined in the early phases. Our expert trades & suppliers will visit your home, where we’ll walk them through to determine any challenges, review materials, strategize installations, and confirm pricing.
If necessary, we’ll make any final design revisions, either to better meet the budgetary goals, or perhaps to add in any exciting optional design splashes that the budget may allow. We employ a full-disclosure policy where we share our preferred builder pricing with our clients, offering you savings that offset project management costs.
7. CONSTRUCTION
From site protection and demolition, through permits, inspections & approvals, product & material procurement and everything in between, we schedule, supervise and manage every aspect of your project from start to completion. Our talented team of trades and suppliers ensure your project is completed to the highest standards available, and RIGHT ON SCHEDULE.