Remodel Design Process
OVERVIEW || THE REMODEL DESIGN PROCESS
PHASE ONE: PLAN
Our initial meeting is the most important throughout this process, as we ask a number of relevant questions to help us understand your primary goals for the project and determine your desired aesthetic. It is vital at this point for the client to provide any inspiration images to ensure the Etch team has the client’s vision and goals at the forefront of their design. At this point, the house is also measured to create AutoCAD plans to work from.
PHASE TWO: DESIGN
Our second meeting kicks off with our initial design presentation. The client may see floor plans, concept boards and even finish samples. This is conceptual, and details will come later in the process. Based on your feedback, the design is refined and additional meetings will continue as needed. Feedback is crucial for the design team to move forward in the process. We collaborate with you, the architect, and the builder to ensure clear communication and direction of all design details.
PHASE THREE: DEVELOP
As design details are meticulously considered, customized specification documents are created at this phase for implementation in the field. Drawings are also finalized for submission to the city for approval.
PHASE FOUR: DELIVER
The design now starts to become a reality! We oversee design implementation and address any concerns in the field. We are in direct communication with the builder, assisting wherever needed. This phase always has exciting moments as progress takes place at the job site.
PHASE ONE || MEASURING THE HOUSE
For remodels, Etch will need a floor plan in AutoCAD format to work with. If existing and new remodel plans are not already in this format provided by an architect or otherwise, then typically the client hires “Floor Plan Graphics” to come to the house, measure, and convert the details to an AutoCAD plan.
Etch and client will receive:
a. CAD file with dimensions in DXF format
b. CAD file without dimensions in DXF format
c. Invoice for your records (Received by separate email)
In some cases, the Etch designer will guide the client through measuring the home themselves or the Etch team can measure the house if time permits.
PHASE TWO || DESIGN CONCEPTS
Our online collaboration tool provides a way for us to gather inspiration, sources, and selections. Etch shares their vision and ideas, and the client is able to quickly and efficiently provide feedback to finalize the design. In between meetings, the client is notified of comments made to the concept board so that communication continues throughout the entire process.
Finish samples and color palettes are presented in-person, and these meetings are typically held at the Etch Design Group office. The client may see samples of tile, paint, flooring, plumbing, decorative lighting, hardware, etc. For plumbing, decorative lighting, and appliances, our design team typically hosts a meeting at one of our local trade showrooms.
3D computer-generated models are available upon request, and are an additional cost outside of our typical scope of work. 3D models can bring a project to life, and this is even an option for only one space in lieu of modeling the entire scope of work.
phase three || details are REFINED
Specification sheets and detailed plans will be given to the contractor to minimize questions from the field. The client reviews them to approve design details and materials selections.
Detailed drawings show tile location and patterning, along with references to our excel specification sheets. From the supplier and size to the cost and cut, we aim to provide as much detail as we can about any product we are specifying.
Etch recommends moving out of the house, if possible, during the renovations.
DETAILS || WHAT TO KNOW
Etch believes that the greatest value for their clients is achieved when they work on projects from the very beginning, starting with architectural concepts and finish palettes through furnishings selections and accessories.
After selections and specifications are complete, the contractor orders all materials. The client needs to be in direct communication with the builder to approve final costs and proceed with vendor orders. However, there are exceptions when Etch will procure decorative lighting, wallpaper, and cabinet hardware if specified by the client.
Builders contract directly with the client, and the construction team manages every detail of work from demo to the final punch list walk-through. Renovations can be stressful, so it’s essential for the client and builder to be in constant communication and have clear expectations. The builder typically provides an itemized budget for the design team to review.
PHASE FOUR || INSTALLATION
At this phase, all of the elements have come together and Etch is continually in communication with the renovation team, as directed by the client.
Etch is in direct communication with the builder throughout the process to alleviate stress on the client and assist in design decisions. We have been through this process countless times and can guide each client through the process. It’s imperative for the client to communicate with the design team when unexpected changes happen at the site, when timeline has shifted, or when there are frustrations. Remodels always have unexpected alterations, and the Etch team is here to ease the burden.
Furnishings and accessories are part of our turn-key offerings, and we are happy to provide you with a Scope of Services to assist you in that area as well.
We are passionate about our work and the people we work with. We strive to design beautiful, comfortable, functional, well-crafted spaces that lean toward the lasting over the trendy.
