Managing expectations
“I’m hoping to have it completed by Christmas” or “well how quickly can this happen?”; I understand. Before my clients even reach out to me for their initial consultation, they have been imagining how their home will eventually look for some time.
If they’ve recently purchased a home, sometimes they have been considering how it could look after renovating since the first open home they attended. Or if they are designing their home completely from the foundation upwards, they often have a clear vision in their mind that they hold onto, that they want to see brought to life. Naturally, life can also get in the way, and sometimes you put off those changes that you have longed to make in a space, for a more convenient time.
Although each interior design project is unique, most clients present a need to get the project underway as soon as possible, often thinking that if they just say it out loud that they need it by a certain time I will be able to wave a magic wand and make it happen in an unrealistic time frame (as they have been planning it in their own heads for quite a while). What clients often overlook is that designing takes time and rushing it is counterproductive, not being able to achieve a timeless, high-end result. That being said, I’m confident that with the years of experience that I have had, I can design in a reasonably short time, all things being considered.
But how long will my project take?
A general rule of thumb is that it is usually longer than you think. How long something will take is always unique to the project itself. Let’s have a look at some (approximate) examples:
Small house or apartment – renovation can take typically around 7 – 12 months (if all goes according to plan). Once all designs are complete and a builder has been chosen and is ready to begin. Material delays can also delay a project.
Larger home – a multi-story home would typically take at least 18 months plus, from start to finish, to ensure a cohesive design outcome from the project.
Building a home – depending on building approvals, structural design and other elements, this type of project could take over two to three years from initial discussions to completion.
The examples I have provided above are only to be used as guidelines, every project is entirely different. At MSID over the years we have worked hard on streamlining our design process, which contributes significantly to a project’s progress.
When we are designing a home or space for a client, it can take up to 3 months for us to create the necessary designs, sourcing and planning to present for approval, before we even begin the manufacturing and installation phase. This is why we place such emphasis on the importance of a good client brief; this ensures that when we do present the design to our client, there are often only minor adjustments needed before we can progress to the next phase.
Things that can hold up your interior design project
At the moment there are significant delays from products procured overseas, an issue that everybody is experiencing worldwide. For items such as hard finishes, furniture, fabrics, and lighting (the list goes on), that are sourced overseas you may have to wait that little bit longer. We will often advise our clients to go with items (tiles, for example), that are in stock, otherwise, that can delay the overall progress of a project if time is an issue. I have a philosophy that it’s always better to wait for the right thing, than to compromise, as once you have received it you forget the wait time.
Some things are simply beyond our control. If you’re building a new home, planning applications and permissions can create delays, but are necessary. When renovating an older home or building, during the demolition phase, our tradesmen may find hidden issues relating to electrics or plumbing for example, that can potentially delay your project or run into additional cost. Fortunately, when working with an interior designer this is all handled by our expert team, making sure progress is continually being made.
If you would like to work with Marylou Sobel Interior Design for your next home or project and would like to get an idea of how long it may take, you can submit an enquiry online or contact our studio on (02) 9360 5881 to book a consultation.
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