Space and Design posted Feb 2, 2020 @ 08:00am by Courtney Ungaro

Starting a Successful Renovation

Starting a renovation can seem daunting and stressful, I know first hand!

Even though I’ve been in the industry for 15 years there can still be so many decisions to be made, questions to be asked, options, ideas, thoughts, contractors, timelines, etc. etc. The most important thing I have learned is that you can never start planning too soon.

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A post shared by Courtney Ungaro (@courtneyungaro_spaceanddesign) on Jan 5, 2020 at 9:12pm PST

My first piece of advice is working with professionals that have the same design aesthetic you want to achieve. Second, don’t go with a company because they are the cheapest or most available - that may not be a good thing! You may want to meet with a couple of designers and contractors to see which one will be the best fit.

When I meet with potential new clients, I am interviewing them just as much as they interviewing me. You will be spending a lot of time together and you want to enjoy their company. Working with a designer and contractor can make the process more seamless and run on a tighter schedule.

Designers should have the contractor's answers before they even have to ask!

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A post shared by Light and Dwell (@lightanddwell) on Jan 15, 2019 at 6:24am PST

Before you even meet with a designer or contractor, make a list of everything you dislike and like about your space. Then make a wish list of everything you could possibly want- even if you don’t think your budget will allow for it.

You can always work backward with your contractor according to your budget. Your designer or contractor may have budget-friendly alternatives to your expensive desires.

Although you may think you’re explaining how you’d like your space to look, everyone has their own interpretation of what “clean lines” and “warm modern” looks like.

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A post shared by Megan Schlachtenhaufen (@undecorated_home) on Feb 12, 2019 at 6:56am PST

Pin away on Pinterest, save Instagram photos from your favorite design accounts, pull pages from magazines to show your designer and contractor so you’re both on the same page.

I’ve started doing that with my own space; these are some of the photos I’ve starting saving to incorporate the design elements into my own renovation.

Railing detail:

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A post shared by Kelsey (@mysimplysimple) on Jul 7, 2019 at 7:04am PDT

Hardwood colour:

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A post shared by Pure Salt Interiors (@puresaltinteriors) on Jan 22, 2020 at 7:50am PST

Reading nook or window seat:

This is an example of a wish list item. I don’t really have space for a reading nook, but hopefully between myself and my contractor we’ll be able to carve out a little area once the plans are finalized).