Construction Administration - How This Interior Designer Stays Involved In A Remodeling Project Once The Design Is Done

Have you ever wondered how your interior designer will stay involved with your project once it starts construction? Especially if you have a large project that will go on for months with a General Contractor handling the build?

Well, today I’m sharing how I stay involved on my projects and how it all works.

I know what’s happening here, the shower drain is being moved. I don’t want to manage this part of the remodel project.

While some designers might be design/build or cover the whole or part of the construction package with a team that has various specialties, it is not something I choose to do.

I don’t schedule every sub-contractor, order all the materials, coordinate the work flow, handle all the insurance needed, etc., because I’m handing over the reins to someone else for that part of the job.

I’m handing it over to someone, like this GC, who has those sub-contractor relationships in place, someone who is qualified and experienced, someone who is properly insured. It’s someone that will warranty their work, be your go-to for call backs and issues down the road, someone who is responsible for this end of the project.

Demo on one of my remodeling projects

Demo done on a remodeling project

I’m handing it over to someone who does not want to do design.

I actually don’t know many interior designers who do their own contracting around here. They may hire a painter or wallpaper installer for a job, but most I know of locally, don’t tackle the bigger parts of construction.

Am I competent at construction details and processes and can I trouble shoot and problem solve on the job site?

You bet.

And that’s why I want to be around all the way through.

I am the one person that has the best handle on the overall design goals for the job and how seemingly small details can affect that outcome.

Here’s how I stay involved in the construction part of your project.

When I am doing a project as a flat design fee, that fee does not include Construction Administration (site visits and further Q&A) once the job has moved into construction. Once we have the initial kick off meeting with the contractor on the job site, that flat fee is used up and hourly billing begins.

The reason I handle it this way is because each project is so different and sometimes my clients hire contractors I don’t know or haven’t worked with before. If that’s the case, then it is just too unpredictable how much input or monitoring the job site will need.

I could definitely end up losing all my profit here if I estimate low or really seem like I’m gouging my client if I go too high.

Typically I suggest a once-a-week, unscheduled, site visit.

That helps me keep an eye on things and bring up any issues I see happening. There are also specific times in the job when I want to make sure I’m there.

1. Electrical review - This is good to review before sheetrock is applied (or patched in the case of a more minimal remodel), just to check placement of fixtures more than anything. I really like wires to stay in the walls on sconces or wires-only pulled, so that there is a little wiggle room for the j-box locations once cabinetry and counters are in. Particularly with kitchens and baths, the locations might need to be adjusted once those are in.

2. Cabinetry review - We usually use locally built cabinets in this area, there are plenty of good shops that produce both finished and unfinished cabinets. I like going over details with the cabinet fabricator on the job, when he is getting his measurements.

3. Decorative lighting installation - I like to make sure heights on chandeliers and pendants are just right and doing that on the job is sometimes best.

4. Cabinet pull installation - I want to make sure and get that just right on the job. I have a typical location I like to use, but I prefer to indicate that on the job site myself.

5. Tile installation - This checking is done in my typical weekly visits, I like to see the natural stone dry lay, like with marble tile, to look for a nice mix of veining and coloration. I like to make sure they know exactly what the transitions will be, how the tile will end or turn corners, etc.

6. Last weeks of project - When things get really busy finishing up at the end, I like to come in often, as a lot is happening fast and I want to stay on top of what is going on.

This tile installation was caught on the job site before grouting. The tile should wrap the corner horizontally, not with a vertical band, like this was done. #jobsitevisit #remodeling

Dry layout of marble tile going in on a project’s master bath shower walls. #tilelayout #jobsitevisit

Marble tile is looking pretty in the shower now! #marbletile #showertile #bathroomdesign

Uh oh!!! This vanity’s backsplash curve is off-center from the faucet and will need a redo. Luckily that was caught before the wallpaper went up. ;-) #vanity #bathroomdesign

Verifying pendant heights over a kitchen island on the job site. #lighting #pendants

These touch point times vary some, depending on the contractor and client, but this is a basic overview of what is to be expected.

I want to make sure my clients are getting the project I designed for them. :-)

For more info on my full service projects and how things work, see this link about my Full Service Design offering.

I’m currently seeking projects where we can do one full room top to bottom, and use some fabulous wallpaper. If you are local to me and want to go bold, contact me here.

Are you designing your own remodeling projects?

These handy, affordable guides I’ve created will help you navigate the design of your project. :-)

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Bathroom Design Guide - Project Checklist