How much leg must I hump to get good service?

[look 171]

Originally Posted by turbo6bar

I concur with your thoughts, but I will readily admit my goal is resale potential. That said, I want to push the envelope WRT energy efficiency and designed efficiency. Basically, I seek quality space that's energy efficient, while withstanding the test of time--thoughtful combination of durability and aesthetics. There is so much crap being produced today. It can be done better.

problem it that we accept that crap.

[turbo6bar]

Originally Posted by look 171

We do work for designers all the time. I think if you are in the middle of a project, you should keep her and finish it up and never call her again. new designers just means you have re-learn each other and she has to deal with the subs. How much time do you have? I have not read through all the post, how far along are you and what is it that you need the interior designer to do for you that others in the design field can't do for you?

Yeah, that's a tough choice now: retain vs bail now.

The house lacks cabinets, countertops, plumbing fixtures, and trimwork. The only subcontractor left is the plumber. Everything else is done in house by yours truly and partner little brother. Time really isn't a factor. It is being sacrificed for quality and budget.

I feel an interior designer would be helpful selecting the master bath cabinet finish (vanities and numerous built-ins), granite, and window coverings. It's straightforward now, but I figure this is as good a time to test a new designer before starting a new project from scratch. I stubbornly realize you can't control everything, so you need to be surrounded with quality advisers.

Originally Posted by look 171

problem it that we accept that crap.

problem is my flaw is that of a typical engineer: build the best and it will sell itself. I must find a niche where my work is valued, and more importantly, valued by those who are willing to part with their money. If that takes a little marketing, so be it.

[look 171]

Originally Posted by turbo6bar

Yeah, that's a tough choice now: retain vs bail now.

The house lacks cabinets, countertops, plumbing fixtures, and trimwork. The only subcontractor left is the plumber. Everything else is done in house by yours truly and partner little brother. Time really isn't a factor. It is being sacrificed for quality and budget.

I feel an interior designer would be helpful selecting the master bath cabinet finish (vanities and numerous built-ins), granite, and window coverings. It's straightforward now, but I figure this is as good a time to test a new designer before starting a new project from scratch. I stubbornly realize you can't control everything, so you need to be surrounded with quality advisers.


Oh man, you are so close that you can taste the finish line. That sort of kitchen and bath design stuff we do for our non high dollor clients all the time. It sound like you really need someone's help with space plannning for that master bath and that big kitchen layout.




problem is my flaw is that of a typical engineer: build the best and it will sell itself. I must find a niche where my work is valued, and more importantly, valued by those who are willing to part with their money. If that takes a little marketing, so be it.

A client (buy and flip guy) was having us remodel these tired older homes in West Hollywood (very hip part of LA) and he would turn around and sell them for over $1.5 -2 million. They would be sold within 1-2 weeks max once they would get on the market. Very very molden homes. My example is that the designer wanted to install all high end appliances like Wolf and big Sub Zero ref. I suggest that he save some $$ and buy a Professional grade GE appliances and sell the house and ahta if the buyer doesn't like them, they can change them later. We build the nexr 2 homes with GE and they sold for full pop and just as fast. You an make inexpensive look damn good. People willl part with money if they think its a good product. going back to my example, Viking appliance would be my first choice if I was building high end spec home. Not the best, but everyone thinks they are. Good luck

Jeff

[T77911S]

Originally Posted by turbo6bar

Been wrapping up things on a residential new construction project. I've been in contact with numerous vendors sourcing the last supplies to get the job finished. Some are really great: helpful employees, competitive pricing, and good product inventory. Others companies are terrible. You'd think with home construction and remodeling in the tank right now, these companies would be eager to get a live one coming through the door.

The other day, I sent an aggressive email to the interior designer protesting the fact she doesn't address all issues handed to her. In essence, she will answer/cover select topics and totally ignore other issues. I suspect she may have gotten in over her head (Interior Design major in college). She was not impressed and decided to hit the road. The search for a new designer begins. Such is life.

Am I too damn picky, or are some folks just clueless? Probably a bit of both. I've found being assertive (not my personality type) gets results sometimes and a kick in the teeth other times.
jurgen

i get a laugh from this title every time i see, had to pop in and see what it was about.
sounds like she was looking for easy money. get in, do the job have way and get out........you know, she is a woman perhaps sh has had a few too many men do that to her.
i had to laugh at that one.

[turbo6bar]

Originally Posted by look 171

A client (buy and flip guy) was having us remodel these tired older homes in West Hollywood (very hip part of LA) and he would turn around and sell them for over $1.5 -2 million. They would be sold within 1-2 weeks max once they would get on the market. Very very molden homes. My example is that the designer wanted to install all high end appliances like Wolf and big Sub Zero ref. I suggest that he save some $$ and buy a Professional grade GE appliances and sell the house and ahta if the buyer doesn't like them, they can change them later. We build the nexr 2 homes with GE and they sold for full pop and just as fast. You an make inexpensive look damn good. People willl part with money if they think its a good product. going back to my example, Viking appliance would be my first choice if I was building high end spec home. Not the best, but everyone thinks they are. Good luck

I was able to buy Viking and Wolf appliances at a good discount off retail (less than GE Monogram and like), but I had to hunt for them (classifieds and eBay).

The last designer selected a nice sapele engineered floor for this house. I really like the color and grain of the wood, but the exotic species of wood is a major headache as far as budget is concerned. Exotic stair treads are stupid expensive. I learned my lesson there: stick with the domestic woods or more common exotics and do not forget the designer's intent is not always aligned with mine.

Otherwise, the finish line is OH, so close.

77911S, live and learn. If I must choose between a pretty face and my way, I'll take my way. Sounds easy to say, but hard to actually do, ya know.

[nut11]

It's a pleasure reading this thread. You guys sure know your stuff. I concur: design and energy efficiency plus build and material quality. No more mcmansions!

87 blk coupe