Schematic Design

Schematic Design is the foundation for a well-designed kitchen or bathroom. You have invited us into your home for a member of our team to measure and photograph your current space and adjacent rooms for reference. We often hear comments from homeowners that they “don’t need before and after photos of their home”, but this is more than that. Photographing your space helps us to document existing conditions so that we can be more accurate in the drawings and can effectively communicate with your general contractor and the rest of the team.

If you haven’t had an opportunity to select your general contractor yet, we will introduce you to a couple of trusted professionals, as we work on your drawings. We will invite those of your choosing to review the drawings together to help you decide if they should join your remodeling team.

Why do we begin design by drawing your home as it is now? This may seem counter-intuitive to the average home remodeling show TV viewer, but it allows us to “remodel” your home in our computer before construction begins. Helping to work through any possible complications which could be costly and add to construction delays. We typically create 2-3 possible layout options which reference your inspiration images as a starter design, or 2-3 possible material looks when the room isn’t changing how the space is arranged.

Our next appointment is when the schematic designs are complete. We invite your contractor to join us as we review the existing drawings and compare them to a couple of simplified/schematic layout options. Schematic drawings are not to be confused with permit drawings. They will not include dimensions, notes, and details which are required by the building departments. Schematic Design drawings will include floor plan views and computer rendered perspectives of your existing and proposed room. Even if you’re not “moving walls” or big items like plumbing fixtures and appliances, the photo-realistic perspectives help our clients imagine and understand their new space. Schematic Drawings help the Design Development process be less overwhelming and more productive as you can see where an item is needed. By inviting your general contractor to this review meeting, we can discuss the possible cost impacts based on their recent projects, their ballpark timing assumptions and other questions you have to make an informed decision regarding your remodel.

At the end of the Schematic Design review, we will decide if it’s sensible to take the plunge and complete the design by signing a letter of agreement for the remaining design services or we can cordially say “goodbye” and you walk away with a few pages of design possibilities for your home.

With the onset of COVID-19 and shelter-in-place restrictions, we have modified our in-person meetings to zoom calls. For Schematic Design, we will be requesting clients to sign a simple authorization form so that one member of our team may enter your home to measure. This will take a few hours and we will wear a mask and gloves in addition to washing our hands or using sanitizers before entering your home.

Client Time Commitment: 3-5 Hours to Measure

1-1.5 Hours to Review

Approximate Timeline: 3-4 Business Weeks