your wants and desires is a fantastic idea. You get the designer’s undivided attention, and they get an understanding of your lifestyle, which helps them shape an idea of how to make this renovation work best for you and your existing space. Understanding the purpose of the renovation is as important as the renovation itself. With that baseline established, the next step is creating a design that embodies your style and vision by combining your must-haves and biggest dreams. The client and designer collaborate by gathering inspiration photos, samples from suppliers, or whatever helps you best. After meeting with the client, the designer can begin to work their magic and start developing the design, using design software to allow the picture in the client’s head to become visual on paper or the computer screen. An independent designer or one who works with a contractor can assist you with anything from a basic floor plan to many additional design services such as lighting and electrical location, flooring, wall colours, furniture selection, cabinet design, and appliance selections. Important to note: if you pay for the design service, it is my advice that you ensure the
product becomes your property once complete, to do with as you wish. Engineering The structural integrity of your home is important to the long-term value of your home and your personal safety. As a Professional Engineer, I’m always looking at the building structure and how the building systems work together to make a safe and efficient home. Many lead carpenters have the highly valued skill of understanding building science and structure as it relates to the National Building Code and may make suggestions as the project progresses. Unfortunately, you must look out for the DIY’ers (I would call them carpenter imposters…) in our busy industry who do not have the same level of understanding of buildings science or carpentry. Hiring these people can pose a serious threat to the structural integrity of your home and the living environment. Buyer beware! A key indicator of a professional is their sense of resourcefulness – I will often consult with my engineering colleagues, subtrades and suppliers
your existing space. Understanding the purpose of the renovation is as important as the renovation itself. A key
SPOTLIGHT MAGAZINE ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE • VOL 23 ISSUE 5 19
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