We strive everyday to create a stress free experience.
Contact
Reach out to us through our website, phone at 613-265-4232, email at tim@designtruth.ca, Linked-In, Instagram, Facebook. Let's have a conversation about your renovation and your wish list. Once we have some details about the space and your expectations, we should be able to give you a ballpark price right there.
The In-Home Consultation
In your home, we continue the conversation about your renovation and your wish list. We will take measurements and photographs and look at every aspect. Detailed measurements are required for a accurate quoting process. We will consider structure, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, ergonomic design, how this room and its renovation fit into the greater context of the entire house. This meeting in your home is usually about 3 hours in duration, after which, we go away and create the first design proposal. (Sometimes, part way through the design process there is a new idea and a return visit, before the design meeting, is warranted.
The Design Meeting
Back in your home, we'll meet and go over the first design proposal with a quote to the penny. It may seem optimistic to be able to create a quote to the penny but with certain assumptions and budgets applied, we can do this. Our goal is to be able to say, "This is what we can do and this is what it is going to cost." Also, this meeting is full of feedback and back and forth of how we get closer to the perfect result for you. Our goal is to find out what you like and dislike about the first proposal. This is the point where we say, "Where do we go from here?"
The "Go Ahead"
After the design meeting in your home, the ball is in your court. The next step is for you to give go ahead to the renovation. We require a deposit of 10% of the proposed renovation cost. After this deposit is received, all presentation materials, such as drawings and plans will be furnished to the client. The whole process speeds up because new drawings and plans can be sent by email to facilitate discussion that gets us closer to that perfect plan for you. We then go into a stage of revisions. The conversation will centre on moving toward the perfect solution. We then set a date and book what we call "the material run."
The Material Run
Your choice, whether it is one car or two, we plan a day where we will visit our select showrooms to finalize the material choices for your renovation. Most rooms, whether it's kitchen or bathroom, are often complete in less than a day. We are trying to fit this activity in between the two rush-hour as we will be in both the west and east ends of the city. I always ask clients that they should feel free to express their weariness. I tend not to get tired of doing this because it's what I do everyday, but there are many decisions to be made, and even though we are striving to make it stress-free, many clients feel we need to do this in at least two days. And that is no problem. If it's ski season, ending early is great. Always be positive.
Sometimes, a second go
Some of our most memorable and significant renovations have resulted from what we would call a second go. The material run can generate new ideas and a re-looking at the design is not just warranted but exciting. Cues to me are found in the twinkle of the clients' eye. We often find a material that excites the client, but it means that the design needs to be pushed further. There is no resistance on the part of the designer to do this because experience has shown that the most rewarding and significant renovations have come from this second (and more) go round. (My very first design award in 2015, the design file on the computer was "Client'sName_KitchenDesign22" It was tough, I think almost killed me, but it was a kitchen like no other. When we meet I'll shown you which one it was)
The Contact Signing
When all the details have been finalized, we create a contract with plans and 3-D drawings and detailed notes as to how every material is going to be installed and arranged right down to the very finest detail. This becomes apparent when the client sees that contract, for what they think is a simple bathroom renovation, can be 15 to 20 pages. At the contract signing, we require 25% of the total renovation cost.
The "Behind the Scenes" Magic
Product Orders
Probably the the most under appreciated phase of the renovation process. Many hours go into getting it just right. We pride ourselves in getting right during this phase and having and extremely high accuracy rate . One part missing, one item with one digit off in the model number can cause weeks of delay. This is the true "check, check, double-check" phase.
Scheduling
When all the products and materials are ordered and delivery dates are confirmed, we work with our contractors, sub-contractors and suppliers to establish an estimated start date for your renovation. As we move through the schedual wwe wiol do our best to, as quickly as possible get to you with and changes in the schedule and thuis adjustemnt sin our estimate for your start date.
The Job Starts
On the first day of your renovation, the demo crew arrives and removes all things required by the contract. They haul away all materials at that time. Depending on the size of the renovation will dictate whether a dumpster we be required. Construction, electrical, plumbing and mechanical roughing will start immediately after the demo and remove stage.
During Your Job
The designer and crew are in constant and continuous contract through out your renoavtion. We have established a habit of full and open communication. Whenever some issue is not absolutely clear, our crew members are encouraged to never assume but to call the designer for clarification. Often, the issue is resolved with a 3D hand drawn picture texted and it clears the whole thing up. Another thing to consider is that we do not know what we are goping to find during the tear out or as the job goes on. Don't worry. If we find something that we didn't expect, we take responsibility for the unexpected surprise. You will not be charged any more for your renovation and we will fix the problem to get it back to where it should be. Sadly, this policy cannot extend to asbestos abatement service. All houses built before 1991 will be tested and asbestos removed by the proper technicians. All testing is included in our renovation price. Something that can ease the stress is for us to do all testing before we sign a contract so that the contract reflects the exact cost of this service. If you live in such a house, let's talk.
Extra Fine Cleaning
Something that we don't normally include in our renovations, but can, is duct cleaning and FPF (Fine Particle Filter) cleaning of the entire house. These are recommended but come at cost usually over $5000.00. Most clients opt out of this service and choose to stay with the crew's clean up at the end of the job. Let's talk about this and see if this is for you.
After Renovation Service and Guarantees
After your renovation is complete, take it easy, move in and enjoy. Once you are all moved in, we want to come and see how you are using your new layout and we want to take pictures of your beautiful new space. We are limited to 3 entries per year but if we choose your project, we would love to enter your project in the NKBA Design Excellence Awards or the same for GOHBA.
Life is stress free with our full 5 year labour guarantee and our administration of all product and service warrantees. If you ever have any problem or issue with your renovation, call us and we will rectify the problem as quickly as possible. It's all about showing you that we are the company for your next renovation.