The redesigning of the Du Tour residence is a residential renovation project entirely realized by Frédric Clairoux and Julie Fontaine, interior designers for Clairoux, the high-end residential interior design service of the studio. A mid-20th-century bungalow design The residence has been owned by the family for decades. There are many memories in the house and […]
Renovation
The first thing we tell our clients is that residential renovation is not an exact science. Renovation is also one of the greatest causes of stress, but the end result is worth the effort. Our challenge is to transpose your personality into your immediate surroundings. The relationship between you and the designer is forged over several meetings, and it is important to voice your needs and your style, and it is important that the designer be aware of your daily habits in order to develop an environment suitable to your family's daily lifestyle and requirements.
Good advice: Take the time to discuss any issues with your interior designer. The first meeting is often complimentary, and you can determine who you want to work with; it is a short-term romance that must result in satisfactory performance!
Ménage à trois: you, the contractor and us
Good communication is the key to success at a worksite, as everything can be perceived differently, and executing a task, no matter how detailed, is left in the hands of the workers and their methods and ideas. It is a good idea to avoid pitfalls and changing project contacts at every step. The same applies for stakeholders: don't go from the contractor to their project manager, or bounce from the designer to their technician.
Good advice: decide beforehand who will be the contact on your end and who you will communicate with on the design and contractor teams. Example: Marie (client) with Asya (designer) and Marc-André (contractor). There are trials and errors, and 'but what if we...', designs in the middle of the worksite, orders to schedule and teams to coordinate. Are you renovating to live there or as an investment? What materials best meet your needs and objectives?
A concept adapted to a realistic budget
Consumers often suggest reducing your actual budget when you discuss with the team or the contractor (set aside at least 10-15%). This might be a good idea for your pocketbook, but it is not always the best service you can offer your designer. The guideline for an interior layout must be tailored to your budget, and it is easy to go crazy with 'must have's' or luxury products... it is our task to oversee the whole project and set priorities according to our expertise and how we listen to your wishes. It is easy to invest $20/sq.ft. for ceramic tile or pay $1500.00 for a faucet, but is this in line with the overall project?
We can help you make the right choices
The cost for professional services can also be budgeted, after all, yours is not our first project, and we can base the time it will take on similar past projects in order to provide you with an accurate cost estimate. Our experience stands both for individual interior design projects and apartments and condominiums.
Good advice: Before beginning the design stage, draw up an overall budget for the work, and we can help guide you (future reference to an article). We bring our solid worksite experience that includes new construction, plex to cottage transformations, kitchen and bathroom renovations, etc. We share our experience in order to assist clients with their renovation projects. This category contains advice, challenges and our references.