When embarking on a home decorating project, it is natural to feel eager for the finished result. However, with over 20 years of experience, I can assure you that the journey is just as important as the destination. Decorating and furnishing your home should be a thoughtful process that requires time, patience, and meticulous planning.
Our process, consistent across both decorating and renovating projects, involves careful coordination and attention to detail. Perhaps surprisingly, the timelines for decorating projects are not that different from those of renovations.
01. Discovery
Our journey begins with an on-site Design Discovery Session. This initial meeting allows us to understand your project and its scope thoroughly. Afterward, we refine our notes and outline your project details. If we determine we are a good fit for your needs, we will provide these notes along with a detailed proposal for our design services within 5 business days.
Effective timeline management starts from the very beginning. We carefully schedule each project to ensure it receives the dedicated attention it deserves, avoiding any overlapping stages with other projects. While this approach may result in a longer wait time to begin, it allows us to maintain steady progress and momentum, ensuring a smooth and continuous process.
02. Design
Within 1-2 weeks of our initial Discovery Session, we schedule a call to review the proposal and contract. Once you accept, we set up your Trade Day. Ideally, this occurs within a month, but it may extend up to three months depending on our availability.
During this phase, open communication is key. We set clear expectations from the beginning and address any differing opinions or new ideas to keep the process efficient and on track. The design process itself spans 8 to 16 weeks, during which we develop concepts, plan layouts, source materials, and obtain pricing from our trades. This phase culminates in a design presentation, followed by a two-week period for any revisions.
Once you approve the design, we finalise the investment plan, collect your deposit, and begin placing orders.
03. Procurement
In the Procurement phase, the timeline can vary significantly depending on the scope of your project, especially the number of rooms and the overall scale. Unlike renovations, decorating projects do not require permits, but the lead times for furniture and decor items are often longer than those for construction materials. Typically, the wait time ranges from 12 to 16 weeks from the order date.
Effective management of trade and supplier timelines is crucial during this phase. We diligently follow up at least weekly on all orders and stay updated on the delivery schedules for goods (tedious work that you don’t have to do!). This involves carefully inspecting each item upon arrival and promptly addressing any issues to minimize delays.
Please Note: While we aim to provide accurate timelines, we often find ourselves at the mercy of external factors such as trade and supplier timelines, which can affect everything from initial quotes to final delivery.
04. Installation
Once at least 90% of your items have arrived, we will schedule the installation. If additional work such as painting or custom millwork is needed, it will be completed before any new furniture is brought into your home.
Despite our thorough planning, challenges can still arise during this phase. Unlike renovation issues, which can often be quickly resolved with a return visit from a trade professional, decorating project resolutions can be more time-consuming. For decorating projects, replacing a deficient product often involves going through the entire ordering process again, which resets the lead time.
We do everything in our power to avoid such delays (like inspecting as early as possible to resolve any deficiencies), but if they occur, we address them promptly to keep your project moving forward.
West Vancouver Home Renovation
Ensuring a Successful Decorating Project
A successful decorating timeline relies on two critical elements: clear expectations and a proven process. We adhere strictly to both, ensuring each project phase is executed with precision and care.
If you are ready to begin this transformative journey, we are here to support you every step of the way.
Yours,
Lori
