Fair warning: if you don’t have a deep and abiding love for spreadsheets (like I do), the images in this section might not thrill you. However, if you are keen to know how a design project moves forward, read on.
Every project is different, but each successful project is the result of organization, communication, and skill. Even smaller projects like our Bungalow Bath Remodel required a handful of project schedules. For instance: in addition to Room Finish and Lighting Schedules, we submitted a concise Plumbing Schedule to the owner, builder and plumber (see below). We created a package of related product cut-sheets as part of this submittal. Although we selected items within the approved budget, we were hands off for pricing and purchasing. Often, it is best to leave these tasks to the builder/sub-contractor, as they know the additional components they require to complete a job and they take ownership and responsibility for the purchases.
If you are working with an architect on a larger project, you may have already seen some of the critical schedules essential to a successful project. Your architect, and better builders, will rely upon a schedule, not only for the timeline of your project, but also for your Door and Window types, the Interior and Exterior Door Hardware, Shop Drawing Records, etc.
In addition to your project drawings and the schedules listed above, your project team will need to develop a Room Finish Schedule (see below). This is one of your first tools in identifying, and thus better controlling, your project cost. The more selections you make and the clearer your schedules read, the narrower the margin between estimated and actual project costs.
Moving on from Room Finish Schedules, we reflect back upon the Fixture and Finish Storyboards we created with you. These become the springboard for room by room selections. We consider how each room surface is to be treated, the layout of any tile on floor or wall planes, and how the room works with its adjacent rooms. Interior elevations become critical with tile layouts. Even with a gifted tile installer, you’ll want to see and signoff on both layout and tile transitions. Net pricing, installation cost not included, is shown in the sample Stone & Tile Schedule below. We included this cost to ensure we were meeting the material allowance figures set between the client and the builder. When setting your project estimate figures, be sure to retain separate allowances for materials and installation. If combined, the square footage allowance may appear to be generous, but you’ll be unhappy to find that your budget really only provides for low cost selections.
By this point in the process, you know the finishes for your floors, walls, trim and ceiling. You’ve committed to hard surface materials throughput your project. You will have already had initial discussions with your project team about plumbing fixtures but will now need to make selections. You may have a preferred cabinet aesthetic, hardware finish or fixture function. You may hate bathtubs. Perhaps you would like a dressier master bath (see schedule, below right) and a simpler guest bath (see schedule, below left). Once selected and confirmed, these choices will be placed in your Plumbing and Accessory Schedules. Cut-sheets will be pulled and compiled by room. Pricing may, once again, need to be verified to ensure you are on track with plumbing fixture allowances.
Your project allowances are significant again when light fixtures are proposed. The schedule below shows a handful of light fixtures for a finished garage. This schedule does not reflect any recessed ceiling, stair light, security or emergency lighting; it manages the more decorative selections. Clients should pay attention to the overall allowance given for lighting as it can multiply quickly. Double-check that you have separate allowances for fixtures and installation, otherwise you may be sitting in a rather darkened room. As with other schedules, cut-sheets for each product are compiled and issued to the builder and/or electrician. In our experience, Clients may choose to purchase a small number of the more expensive decorative light fixtures. This generally occurs when the cost to purchase it through the designer may be less than through the sub-contactor. As with your plumbing, strongly consider having your builder or electrician take responsibility for the ordering process.
You’ve made it! You have read about most of the important project schedules you need to complete for your project! Why is this important?
Projects cost money and you are keen to maximize your budget. We touched briefly upon narrowing the margin between estimated and actual project costs at the beginning of this page. Spending the time to work with the professionals on your team, including interior designers, means you can commit to specific choices throughout your project.
A successful and satisfying project might look like this: you are not relying upon allowances. You are consistently being given credible information that respects your project budget. You make informed selections which leads to increased project comfort. You have clear and complete project schedules which are shared between team members. You have a handle on product pricing and feel confident that your choices are in line financially. Change orders are few and far between because there are fewer surprises arising on site. The project schedule is ticking along comfortably for the same reason.
This scenario is entirely possible and is at the core of our professional beliefs. We want to work with you on your next project. And your next. We hope by providing you with the level of service outlined above, we will win your business, your loyalty, and, most importantly, your respect.
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