This article shares what came of the 3D model. I am proud of how it turned out.

Let me know what you think of the renderings!

Recently, a client came to us and asked to see the possibilities of a unique stair system that is clear, slim, and chic for their home. This is not a typical home either. Split level entrance with a foyer that is open from basement to 2nd floor. It is also tricky because the stair is going to be supported by nothing between first and second floors, while walking out over the foyer.

So, we got looking for ideas of glass stairs……and found this company that provides frameless glass stairways that created this amazing stairway.

So, being that Design Build Solutions, LLC is about making people happy, I get to create something like this in a 3D model to share with the homeowner what their possibilities are.

Keep watching…I’ll show you the rendering when it’s finished!

Here is a list of products Made In America. Please feel free to use this list and pass this on!

Just one quick internet search yielded this website that has some great looking murphy bed designs and options. http://www.morespaceplace.com/murphy-beds/.

Maybe you too will want to save some space in your room.

This last weekend, I completed installing the boys bedroom flooring. Then we sanded and finished with polyurethane. The last coat went on last night.

I would encourage anyone to try projects out, but if you’re not confident about it, hire a professional.

We used Lumber Liquidator’s utility flooring. To use this, you either need to increase your waste calculations, or have a woodshop nearby. We were able to re-work quite a bit of the wood, and for us it was worth the extra work.

We don’t mind the look that some of the boards give. A few places have blemishes and isn’t just perfect. Some holes I filled with a two-part wood filler.

We are completely happy with the end result.

Recently, Leah Thayer, of Daily5Remodel.com ran  a story explaining how it all worked. Read Leah’s article, Remodelers Give Back … in Elizabethton, Tenn.

I’ll also point you to the camp’s Facebook page with more photos. http://www.facebook.com/doerivergorge

Happy Fall!

But what would you say if I told you remodeling could be fun? Crazy? Wait! Please hear me out.

Besides the fun I had this morning with a bath remodeling client, their contractor, the contractors client specialist, another designer, and myself, I have fun with the team of business associates and contractors and homeowners almost every day.

The good news is that working with the professional contractors, whom we are privileged to know, the fun continues throughout the building process.

I hear reports like this for small bathroom remodeling projects, kitchen additions and new home construction. Because this system is adaptable it can work on your project as well.

This is a sneak peak on a project we’re working on in Winchester, MA.  The contractor is going to have video cameras posted around the property as the remodel work is completed, but in the meantime, we’re making a movie of what will happen to this house.  This is only a sneak peak at the movie we’re creating.

With smartphone in hand; earbuds well planted in my ear, and streaming radio playing, I stepped out with a purpose in my step; paradoxically, to take a walk with no purpose at all, but to take in and enjoy. Below, I share with you the sights, beauty, and thoughts that I was able to take in while having no purpose.

I was noticing the variations of shape; changes in hues of color; alterations of size; and similarities between all. The fullness of beauty is present in the similarities and differences. I also observed that the Designer of this beauty didn’t use straight lines much, nor did He make one pattern constantly repeat itself; but used mostly curving and eye-pleasing lines to draw the viewer to enjoy new and different perspectives of the same objects.

I enjoyed the view, and had to realize that this concept of design is similar to what viewers appreciate in the beauty of their homes as well. A past project to make conceptual changes to the facade of a home brought this to light. The lines were long, straight, and un-interesting. Whole facades were flat and boring. Making small changes of texture, color, and movement of surfaces made for a much more interesting view, and welcoming presence in the homeowner’s eyes. You can see the current conditions of straight lines, and the results of this conceptual change in this home.

So my challenge is this: enjoy the fullness of beauty all around you. Life is full of downers, and we need to allow beauty to lift us up. It doesn’t take much to add color, texture, shape and movement in our lives; but we do need to do it. Allow it in the architecture of your home, the fullness of both interior and exterior. Allow it to permeate and be full in your complete life. You will eventually thank yourself.

For reasons I won’t go into here, they removed the fireplace, and exposed this.

For some reason, the roof repair person (I only hope it wasn’t a contractor) didn’t flash the chimney properly, nor build a cricket behind it to move water away from the chimney.

Had proper details and procedures been observed, someone could have been saved a lot of headache. In this situation, the mistakes did bite someone. Watching out for small details, mitigates small mistakes, and assures that larger issues like this don’t arise.  Is someone watching out for you?

Hence, we reviewed the needs and created a 3D model of the concept of how it could work.  Then, I created this video.  There may be other concepts coming.  We’ll see how it turns out!  Watch the video and let me know what do you think of this concept?

I like to turn this saying into a positive, pro-active tool during our projects as a reminder that details do matter.  How do they matter?  When do they matter?  Why do they matter?  Can we keep the devil away?

Yes, we can keep the devil away.  One of our major goals during  the complete design and documentation process is to communicate with everyone openly and frankly about the details of the project.

The details matter from the very beginning of planning.  A contractor needs details to properly affix a dollar value to the project. The homeowner needs details to approve the design and financial investment.  Even the designer needs details to ensure proper design.

Ultimately, these details are for the benefit of the homeowner, for the project is going to be used, and lived in by the homeowner.  Consider this picture.  What “little” detail was missed during the process (not our design), and how will it affect the homeowner until someone pays even more money to fix it.

By the way, I can tell you a professional would not have designed it this way.

In the world of fast paced, 140 character updates, personal space and lines being misunderstood, etc., it would be easy to get frustrated with someone who takes their time.  “But I want to update my blog…I need more content!” Hold on just one moment-this is the very purpose of this series!  In our business model, our personal needs must take back seat to our clients’ needs – no, not even 2nd place.  We call it the “ego-ectomy”.  This is a very painful and gory procedure, but not a story for now.  These clients’ “buy-cycle” is slower than others.  That’s not wrong or bad, it’s just the way it is.  And since we’re talking about “remodeling with ease“ then we need to make this easy for the clients, not us.

Just this week, our affiliate and the contractor met with the clients and they decided, based upon their desires and the financial impact this would take, that they are going to mix and match some of the designs we’ve presented.

Important on their list is the garage.  Check.
They like the exterior view of dormers over garage.  Check.
They can live with the existing kitchen.  Ok.
The rest of the first floor remodeling can be done later.  Great.
Result: they like their project-for it is their project.  Our goal is been met, and they are ready to move forward!

We have shown them 5 different variations on a theme in a controlled feedback system (in other words, we didn’t throw 5 options on the wall and tell them to pick one).  Our system is to listen, record, measure, transfer, and repeat.   Since we patiently listened, they’re happy, the contractor is happy, and we’re happy.

Yes, we’ve completed other projects while waiting for this project, but the goal isn’t speed (we need to be alert on our responsiveness, certainly) but our goal is clients comfortable with their project.

Ultimately, homeowners are purchasing the project, and thus, it is my belief, that the clients should be the ones making the choices and decisions.  How many times, though, do we see homeowners that have a difficult time making decisions?  I’ve heard the stories from both homeowners and contractors that decisions about such a large project in their lives can be very difficult to conclude!

We work with many different contractors, and those who are willing to work with the client in the client’s comfort zone, usually have the simplest and nicest projects to work on.  I have seen some contractors and designers interject their opinions on the project, instead of proposing options for thought and discussion.

By taking a calm approach with clients, and communicating in a format everyone understands, we have found that our clients are at ease during the whole process.  Just because we use 3D tools, doesn’t mean everyone who can operate 3D software knows how to best use them.  Look at the difference between a professional stunt driver and a 16 year old still-wet-behind-the-ears driver.

One way to make clients feel comfortable is to use realistic and proportional items in the 3D model.  Recently, we presented this to our client. By using a reasonable furniture layout, adding human touches such as flowers, paintings, entertainment systems, and lighting, it takes an inanimate object on the screen, and makes it realistic.

But this picture also has a deeper story.  To start the project, we interviewed the clients on their needs and functional use of the space.  After we presented the new addition to them-the one that met all of their needs-they commented that they were expecting the addition to be 6-8 feet LARGER than what we presented.  By listening to their needs, adding interesting design touches, and presenting in a realistic communication format, they very comfortable  proceeding to their job.

To all the nay-sayers out there, no, it wasn’t as perfect as that.  We presented a two-story project because that’s what they wanted.  They ended up with a one-story project because that’s what they could afford.  We did have some back-and-forth about different items, but I am telling the truth that they were comfortable in the process, and presentation took just under two hours.

This project also took about two hours, and the client was very pleased with the results of their design. They were comfortable in sharing some of their concerns, and we were able to allay their fears, and present and make changes live during the meeting.  This client actually wanted us to add features (trim work details) after we presented to them.

So, moving forward, contractors, I have found that if homeowners have difficulty in making decisions, it is most often because they are not being served correctly.  Yes, that is the contractor’s responsibility.  Don’t forget, I’m not just pointing fingers, that responsibility lands on me during the design phase.  But, I’ve also found that I can work together with contractors who have the same goals and practices, and we, together, can help homeowners feel very good about their home and project.

That’s what this is all about!

Why is a business model important to me?

The answer depends on whether you are a business person or a customer, but it is important to both.This blog reaches to both contractors and property owners alike, so I will address the importance to both.  Design Build Solutions, LLC serves both in differing relationships, but one capacity – improving project communication; thereby reducing headaches, making happy clients.

Homeowners

I speak to homeowners generally because they are our largest client base, by project numbers, but this applies to all property owners.  The model is important to homeowners because the model will affect how they are treated by their service providers (designers, architects, and contractors).  Remember what was stated before:  some business models are not fully intentional.  The business model of your chosen service provider will affect how you are treated by said provider before, during, and after your project.

How many times have we heard of homeowners getting the short end of the stick during their remodeling project?  But what about those projects in which the contractor or designer didn’t get fired?  Is the contractor pushing too fast to move on the project without complete review?  Is the project drawn as a 3D model and used to give a better perspective of the building process?  Does the designer or contractor leave his or her ego at the office?

Answering any one of those questions in the wrong way will negatively impact your project, and most often adds time and money to the project.  (Click here to see a short video of remodeling business model I espouse.)  Their business model will also affect how they perceive themselves in relation to you, the client (see the example business model below).

Service professionals

I speak as a service professional in the trenches with you.  Your business model is extremely important.  It is easy to start a business and assume that a business model either 1) isn’t needed, or 2) will come naturally.  Both assumptions can be fatal.  Your business model will affect your marketing, sales, communication, financial, and production.   If the business model isn’t firm and clear, the marketing and sales teams will make everything look peachy to potential clients, but production and return trips will kill everything that you’ve worked for, and ultimately ruin the financial outlook.

This is often the reason why business owners can’t move forward in their business; they cannot articulate a clear model for the whole team to follow, and thus they feel they have to do everything themselves. Having clear direction, coupled with clear communication, will make any business almost self-sustaining.  Both internal and external teams to the company will be happy to work, and ready with “the message” for everyone who asks – and sometimes those who don’t.

Example model

My video The Beauty of Design/Build was featured recently on a popular remodeling business blog (click here to see the video).  Some commenters believed that the diagram should be a triangle between homeowner, designer/architect, and contractor, instead of the circle I created in the video.  They felt that a triangle would better represent the symbiosis of Design/Build.  I understand that Design/Build is trying to improve the TEAM approach to remodeling, and I’m all for that, but let’s look at the triangle.

Consider the triangle TEAM approach.  Remember that the Design team and contractor team are delivering a service, not a commodity.  The Homeowner is the client.

Looking at this triangle, there isn’t much that defines which person is the client.  Each party in this relationship is equal to the other two.  It looks to me like the homeowner will have to manage both designer and contractor, the designer will have to manage both homeowner and contractor, and the contractor will have to…you get the point.  Let me ask you this…Do you want to be managed?

Compare this triangle with the circle I drew in the video.  The homeowner is in the center of the circle.  No, this doesn’t put the homeowner in-between the designer and contractor, and it doesn’t stop communication with the homeowner.  In fact, a circle model will force the designer and contractor to work with each other, not at odds.  As I stated in the video, “Now we’ve got a loop, or feedback system, that manages what the project looks like and how much it costs at the same time.  [This system] shows that both the designer and contractor are listening to the homeowner, and proving that both are working in the homeowner’s best interest.”

It makes a difference in the project no matter the size.  I’ve seen large and small projects benefit from this business model, and I’ve seen large and small projects fall using other models.

So, how’s your model?

Contractors need to find out what is unique about their clients

Most importantly, we ask this question of our clients since we are working to design something that fits them, and meets them in their taste.  This makes it hard, since each project is unique, to share a portfolio of projects.  Experience has taught us that what fit the last client most likely will not fit you.  It hasn’t happened yet!  So our goal is to learn about our client, in their home habits, circumstance, and needs.

Exterior view of dormers

Clients are a unique set of people.  Don’t believe me?  Just look in the mirror – I know I am.  My wife reminds me almost every day how different I am, and I am glad of it, for she may not have married me if I were like the other guys!  The great part of this business is that clients are multi-dimensional.  There are so many facets to a person’s life that affect their decision making, we don’t have the time or expertise to cover all that here.

So, with each unique client, I get to please each one, and my goal is to do just that.  See a live Design/Build testimonial here.

Clients need to find what is unique about the contractors they interview

The second role that this question of uniqueness plays for Design Build Solutions, is that it drives us to be unique and provide a service that is not paralleled by our competitors.  Our uniqueness comes from the importance we place upon the team, and more so, the homeowner.

As a team member, I know that we can serve the homeowner best when the team operates at peak performance.  We consistently push the envelope to produce peak performance.

Recently, we have been working on a public-works project.  Previous systems place the design team and contractor at odds with each other.  There is a fear that if the design team doesn’t specify everything (which is impossible to do), the contractor will take advantage of you.  The contractor works on the premise that the design team is communicating what they want done, and is afraid of missed, inadequate, or wrong details.

The board – our client – wants something better than a team at odds with each other.  They want to cover themselves by eliminating those typical change-orders.  What do we bring that is unique?  We encourage, and even thrive, in a team atmosphere that promotes communication.  Each member of the team (from every trade and professional group) can shine in his or her current field.  Such communication leads to a better project, and a happier client.

Knowing how each party is unique helps the system!

Which is another unique thing about clients – each one is pleased in a different way.  How can I serve you today?  (I can make it painless and fun for you, too.)  It’s a great cycle!

To see a part of this cycle, check out this video: www.designbuildsolutionsllc.com/articles/the-beauty-of-designbuild

So, I read about business and entrepreneurialism.  And I come across a hard truth.  The title of this article says it all…”It’s Not the Receission, You Just Suck!”

OUCH!

The author’s realm is in online marketing, but it can be applied to remodeling, restauranturing, chiropractic, or other businesses as well.

I’ll let you read the entire article at her website, but just repeat her 6 main points:

• Learn something new
• Work harder than everyone else
• Do the leg work
• Surround yourself with fighters
• Take risks
• Shut up!

Yes, I realize that there is almost 10% unemployment, and foreclosures are skyrocketing, and the future doesn’t look great.  I, too, have been party to complaining and whining about what has happened to me – and it is scary.  But, lately I’ve been thinking that this circumstance is an opportunity for me.

I’m a technical guy, and I love the service sector.  I’ve got some ideas up my sleeve to leverage my abilities and grow my income.  What can you do?  Remember, surround yourself with fighters!

Share your thoughts (no proprietary info though) and be counted as a business fighter!

However, to state empirically that the designer/architect should always take the lead on projects doesn’t add up to me.  My experience shows that clients do benefit greatly when the builder takes the lead.

Am I slamming architects/designers?No!  I am a designer – it’s hard to slam oneself.  But I do have reasons for saying that the the builder is a valid choice.

First, the builder is the one that is actually producing the physical product.  Whether the client is building a new custom home, or has commissioned a home improvement project, the contractor will be onsite and working with the client for the much larger majority of the time over the architect.

My next reason for stating this is the financial piece…the contractor will be invoicing the client for much more than the architect/designer.

This third reason may be seen as controversial, but I hope you will hear me out.  Relegating the design team to play second fiddle isn’t always a bad thing.  I can hear the hollering now; but I ask you to hear me out.  Since the contractor will be constructing the project, it makes sense that he/she have some serious input on the design phase.  An underlying point here is that the design phase affects the final investment cost, and since the contractor (not the designer) provides the financial piece of the puzzle, it would seem to make sense the the contractor has serious input.

Another reason that the design team should play second fiddle is that the design team – no matter how good they are; or how many awards have been won – will most likely never live in that project.  I agree that good design is great.  I can see that it might be important.  But it might not be as important to our client(s); who, by the way, is paying for our service, not our ego.  In reality, they are paying us for their ego!  And, that’s not bad.

I have presented many times, in many ways, that the Design/Build model should be a 3-way relationship:  Client/Design team/Production.  Having two of those parties (Design team and Contractors) argue over who should be in the lead – most often it happens because neither wants to play “second fiddle” – puts the most important player (client) out of the ring, and builds animosity between two important disciplines.

So, all of this aside, who should the homeowner call first – a design team, or a contractor?  Call someone whom you trust.  Call someone who has a reasonable system to handle your needs, dreams, and desires.  Potential clients, pay attention to how much the salesman talks.  He or she should listen 70-80% of the time, to you!  A professional salesperson will have insightful questions about you and your goals, not just your project.  Ask your salesperson about their team – do they work well with the other discipline?

Any project is a delicate dance of leading, following, speaking, and doing.  Which of those one is to do, depends upon many things.  Ultimately, final decisions are in the lap of the client.

Design Build Solutions works with homeowners and contractors; willing to lead, and willing to pass the baton when necessary.  Our team will make reasonable suggestions and passionate statements when necessary.

What do you think?  Do you have a different perspective?  I lean toward the builder taking the lead.  When we do start a project, and take the lead, we work quickly to getting the contractor involved, and allow the right person to “take the lead.”

This is the latest as a part of their marketing movie.  (Other parts of the movie to be added by others, including photos of existing conditions, and music – for continuity)

Contractors, are you using 3D to communicate with potential clients?

However, they liked what they saw.  So, we’re back to the boards, to bring the project within the financial investment that they wish.  They did state that they might be willing to push the envelope a little to get just a little more.  We may build the garage, and just shell it out so that they can finish the upstairs master suite at a later time.

The question regarding design and financial investment often appears when discussing the design-build process with someone new to the concept.  Most people recognize that most people want more than they can afford in a remodeling project.  Then, we have to ask, does the design come first, or the financial investment?  Or, can we have both?

This series is to contend that with design/build, the homeowner can have both design and investment protected.  As this specific project shows, the design is maleable – a piece of clay – to mold and manipulate into the financial range that the client is willing to invest.  By having a good 3d design before them, together with the financial range, the homeowner has complete control of the project.  This does not have any coercion or strong-arming by the designer or contractor.

A designer’s heart is going to push the envelope – it’s part of design – but with the team of contractor giving real dollar values, and homeowner making real decisions with real data, the project will be a success!

While reading this ongoing story, I hope that it sheds new light on the video: The Beauty of Design/Build.

What’s the problem?

I find this to be similar to the mode of operation for most businesses – we like to talk about ourselves!  However, as a client, I know that I don’t like to be pushed or “sold” into anything, even when I really want the service or product.  As a designer, when I talk about myself, my designs, my business – which I do like very much – I don’t get a chance to hear my client, what they like, and their needs.

What should be changed?

A contractor or designer that listens all the time doesn’t quite fit the bill either.  Before continuing, clarification is appropriate.  A service provider should listen 80% of the time during the first meeting, but un-guided listening doesn’t help either.  Simply asking a client, or prospective client, what they want doesn’t always yield the answer.  Some times that only creates a box about which everyone on the team thinks of, and nobody can come up with any alternative solutions.

A perspective that the first meeting needs to be about how much we are different from our competitors should be ruled out.  I say, as Nike does, “Just do it!”  Don’t talk so much about being different, just go about being different!  Be better!  Start that difference from the first phone call.

How should the meeting start?

A professional salesperson or designer will know how to draw out the information needed from a client regarding their current situation and what needs to change.  We remind ourselves to two important rules: 1) LISTEN 80% of the time, and 2) We don’t live there, nor will we afterwards.  The project is for our clients, why should it be about us?  Having so many different styles and types of remodeling projects in our archives – everything from kitchen remodeling, bath remodeling, additions, and whole house remodeling projects – we are confident that we can find a solution to our clients’ needs within the canvas of their current home.

How can the industry move forward?

I do understand that clients like to see design ideas-and that isn’t all bad.  I also understand that, generally, people like to talk about themselves.  I envision an industry where professional salespeople and designers expertly maneuver the terrain of clients, contracting, remodeling, and yes, personalities, to bring about quality projects that fit the homeowners’ functional and financial needs and goals.  That starts with the homeowner.  (Ultimate grasp of the obvious, you say?  And, redundant, too!)  If we can professionally hold our clients’ hands, and carefully draw out the important information needed for a project, we can raise the bar, and the industry’s reputation.

Where do homeowners turn?

As mentioned before, homeowners can select a professional contractor based upon something other than price.  I am not saying that they shouldn’t worry about price, but that comes at a different stage.  Begin by looking for a contractor that is different.  How does that contractor hold their clients?  Is your first phone call to one contractor similar to all the rest?  Does that contractor propose a practice unique from the competitors?  Is communication quick and accurate?  Is the communication recorded for all to see, in one common location, or on sticky notes all over the desk, folder, or computer monitor?