You are vital to the success of you home renovation project!
It is your home that we are designing, and you should never feel like you are at the mercy of your home designer.
So, what are 7 ways you can add valuable input when reviewing the first Sketch Plan with your designer?
Sketch Plans
The Sketch Plans are the first interpretation by your designer of your renovation project brief.
The brief outlines your needs and wants. We always establish these at the outset, so I can give you an idea of likely budget and feasibility.
Your current home’s condition, floor plan and council regulations are some of the factors affecting feasibility and potential construction costs.
Your designer will assist you with this review of the Sketch Plans and provide guidance.
How Can You Influence Your Home Design?
- YOU CAN ask your designer to describe how the plan “flows”.
For example, from the entry, where do you go next – kitchen, living room or bedrooms?
This flow will impact how well the house suits your lifestyle.
- YOU CAN look at whether the house has enough windows for good cross- ventilation and light penetration. Windows on adjacent or opposing walls are the best for cross-ventilation. Is there any natural light in the centre of the house?
- YOU CAN decide on where your furniture will be placed. If doors and windows are well-placed you will have multiple furniture layout options. This is especially important in family rooms and all bedrooms.
- YOU CAN consider how you use the proposed rooms now, and in the future. For example, a baby’s nursery can one day become a home office, a playroom for young children can become a guest room.
- YOU CAN compare the total length of the bench tops in your current home with the proposed kitchen.
Will the new kitchen be large enough for you?
- YOU CAN give direction about the colours you want.
For example: do you prefer dark or light colours, monochromatic or focal point colour?
Look at images of other homes and see what combinations of light/dark and simple/complex colours you like.
- YOU CAN prioritise your needs for outdoor areas. Which areas, such as, pool, play area, outdoor entertaining, are the most important to you?
Moving Forward in the Design Process
This is just the first review of the Sketch Plans so don’t panic if it is not quite what you were hoping for.
The more you get involved by critically assessing the Sketch Plans and clarifying the more your designer will be able to best match your dreams with their fine tuning of the Sketch Plan or a different plan in preparation for your next meeting.
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