Frequently Asked Quesitons
Commonly asked questions for those looking to begin the remodeling process.
How is Habitar different?
Habitar Design’s major advantage over most design companies is that we have an in-house construction team, which helps us be more precise on pricing and ensure a smoother, quicker process from design through construction. Different than most design build companies our designers are full-fledge, design school graduates and can create anything you want. Additionally, our design contract is not for design and construction, but rather for design services only. This gives our clients the opportunity to work with any construction company, including our own.
Our design documents are complete to the last detail, meaning final decisions have been made and are included, even the hardware or paint colors. This guards against delays and allows contractors to create a complete bid. Our process is very systematic and transparent. In the event of construction, we’ll create a spreadhseet of every material and labor cost so clients know exactly what will happen and has happened at their job site, including all extras and credits.
Our founder, a physician, built the company along a medical model, meaning we’re here to look after our clients’ interests. During the entire process of design and construction everyone you’ll work with will be dedicated to making you happy. If, for any reason, something is not to your expectations, one of the principals will work with you to solve it. Our goal is your complete satisfaction and to win your recommendation.
Can Habitar Design provide both design work and construction?
Yes. Habitar Design is a full-service design company, and we can provide all construction work through our sister construction company. We are different from design build companies in two ways. First, you can have design or construction without the other. Second, when designing with Habitar, the world is your oyster. There are no limitations to your design or preferred materials. Your design is tailored to your preferences.
How much will the design work cost?
Design work costs between $150 and $175/hour. The number of hours is estimated up front, and the actual cost depends on the number of hours of design work provided. A guest bathroom can run anywhere from 14 to 24 hours on average, a kitchen 16 to 35 hours. A good guide is that design costs between 7 to 10% of the cost of construction.
How long does a design take?
It depends on many factors including the projects complexity, size and the time a client needs to consider their choices. We encourage our clients not to rush and let things incubate. This lengthens design time, but gets the best results.
On average, a small bathroom takes 3 to 6 weeks, while a whole house might take 3 to 6 months or longer. There are no hard or fast rules. Once our designer begins, they will have plenty of room in their schedule to move your project forward expeditiously.
How long will I have to give feedback during the design process?
You’ll have time. There is no right amount of time excep the amount of time that works for you. Sometimes it’s just best to sleep on it. Taking your time will give you the best chance to be happy with your decisions.
Can we work within a budget?
We can, and we do. With that said, it can be tricky. Clients and designers often focus on the perfect design while ignoring its impact on cost. That’s just how it is. To bring budgetary concerns back into the decision-making process, we create rough estimates up front and along the way. This allows our clients to make informed choices.
We encourage clients to ask about cost whenever they wish, and our in-house construction team lets designers create estimated costs quickly whenever needed. The goal is to avoid any surprises for our clients. We want the final cost estimate to be where it’s expected. If it’s not, we’ll work with clients suggesting alternatives to get their project back to where they’d like it to be.
How much say will I have in the design?
Our approach is to be your guide. We’ll explore with you what you like, really try to understand what you’re after, and then we’ll present designs to you for your feedback. Each time, we’ll make updates and get closer to what you’re after. Our goal is to take your vision, whether it’s very specific or just a feeling, and adapt it to your space.
Will I have to buy materials or do anything else during construction?
During construction, you won’t have to do anything except give us your opinion in case of unexpected situations. Your designer will be there to help with any design issues and your foreman will update you regarding construction issues and schedules. Should additional work be needed because of unknown conditions that are discovered, we’ll discuss them with you.
All extras and credits are tracked in real-time and added to the spreadsheet. You’ll be updated regularly if you’d like. At the end of construction, your house will be left perfectly clean.