If you own a home you undoubtedly have projects that need doing around the house. Large or small, home improvement projects vary from simple and straightforward to daunting and complex. Some may be as routine as maintenance and repairs. Conversely, larger projects can have a ripple effect of implications that impact your lifestyle, potential resale value and the future design options for your home. All projects, especially those involving interior or exterior construction, should be approached with careful planning and research to bring your ideas to fruition in an effective and timely manner.

There are several ways to get your project done:
1. Do it yourself. Consider potential pitfalls and challenges.
2. Call in a professional for basic ideas, design and construction consulting and advice, and then do it yourself. Be prepared to pay a consultation fee.
3. Hire a designer or architect to provide basic project assessment, conceptual design and a simple floor plan.
4. Hire a designer or architect to provide full design services, construction drawings, details and project management.
5. Hire a contractor to provide design/ build services to handle the entire project from start to finish.
6. Utilize some combination of the above.

The Project Process
No matter what type of project you are contemplating, the basic process is the same. It generally starts with creating a wish list, and within that list establishing priorities of “must haves,” “like to haves” and “if budget allows…” I frequently suggest creating an idea file by culling magazines, books and the internet for similar projects. Researching basic costs of the components that make up your project can give you a rough idea of where the project budget is heading.

If you decide you need help, where and how do you find the right professionals? Sorting through the requirements of a project and matching those to the right team can be challenging. Every project has a design component, ranging from choosing materials to a more elaborate design process required by a construction project. There are frequently overlapping aspects to many service professions, further blurring the choices that need to be made when hiring a pro or team. I’ll describe some of the differences in services and approaches.

Interior Design & Decorating
It’s common to think of interior design as synonymous with interior decorating. The terms are used almost interchangeably, but there are significant differences between the two. Interior design, unlike architecture or engineering, is not a licensed profession. That means that anyone can use the title “interior designer,” regardless of training or credentials. Many states, including Virginia, have a legal certification act for interior designers. In Virginia, a “certified interior designer” may use the appellation “CID.” This designation identifies individuals who meet rigorous educational and practice standards, and who have passed a thorough professional exam. Professional level membership in industry organizations such as the American Society of Interior Designers (appellation “ASID”) requires the same exacting standards.

Although there is much in common between the many tasks of an interior designer and a decorator, an interior decorator primarily works with color, materials, furnishings, window coverings, art and accessories. Many interior designers perform these services, but they may also prepare designs, floor plans, elevations, lighting layouts and myriad details from concept through permit drawings for additions, renovations, outdoor living and more complex construction projects. Some projects may benefit from, or require, a team approach, which might include an architect or engineer.

Exterior & Landscaping
Landscape design and landscape architecture also vary in terms of work tasks and credentials. Landscape architecture is a licensed profession, and no one without a license may use the title “landscape architect” (appellation “LA”). Landscape designers may be certified by the Virginia Society of Landscape Designers, using the appellation “VSLD.” Some landscape professionals may carry other credentials, such as certified horticulturist, arborist, naturalist, etc. Complex outdoor living spaces or very challenging site designs may require either a landscape designer or a landscape architect, depending on the intricacy of the project and the site conditions.

Many landscape companies offer turnkey planting installations. As a rule of thumb, a good planting design should be sensitive to the site, include plants selected for their placement and ultimate mature size, be selected and located based on their needed conditions (sun vs. shade, etc.) and provide year-round seasonal interest. Any landscape design should be planned, planted and maintained in a sustainable manner with responsibility to the environment.

Contracting & Contractors
If your project involves several different trades such as masonry, hardscape, framing, electrical, plumbing, etc., it is frequently a good idea to hire a general contractor. The job of a general contractor is to be responsible for the entire scope of work. The contractor, his project manager or job foreman should be the one go-to person as the construction progresses. A general contractor also coordinates all trades and work and holds the ultimate responsibility for the entire project. Always attempt to think through your project completely to avoid potentially costly change orders.

When hiring a professional, no matter what type, always interview at least two. More than three muddies the water and wastes time for both parties. You should feel a comfortable chemistry with the potential service professional. However, no matter how comfortable you feel, always ask for credentials, experience, references, licenses, insurance and documentation. Check on-line reviews, ratings and listings with organizations such as the Better Business Bureau or the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation. Contracts should be clear, specific and, ideally, itemized. Detailed warranty or guarantee information should be provided. A down payment or service retainer is customary in the industry; however, final payment should not be made before project inspection and punch list completion.

Each type of service has a place depending on the complexity of your project. Successful project completion is the result of good communication among all parties. The customer, designer and contractor each plays a vital role and should be responsive to each other through good listening and teamwork. Outstanding results will be the direct outcome of the careful thought, planning and design efforts spent creating your specific project. The time and dollars invested will more than pay off in the end.

Vicki O’Neal, owner of FORM & FUNCTION, provides commercial and residential interior and landscape design. She is a professional member of ASID, VA Certified Interior Designer (CID), Master Gardener, and a VA Certified Landscape Designer and Horticulturist. The material contained in articles written by Vicki O’Neal is intended for general information only. 804.897.8558. www.form-and-function.us.