How long will it take to design my new space?

Although it can be done in less time, we believe that allowing a minimum of two to three months to plan your new project is optimal.  Some clients take up to a year.  The important thing is to give yourself the time you need to reflect on your choices as they evolve. The process of designing is exciting.  It gets your thoughts flowing (and that of your neighbors, too). Great new ideas can pop up a lot in the early stages.  Allowing yourself time to explore them up front keeps you from coming home with a new magazine half-way though demo and deciding you want a whole new look... causing you to spend more than you meant to and to live longer under construction.

What if I have different taste than my designer? 

At Maughan Design, we don't have a "look" that we design by, and we aren't designing our own homes. We design for you, in materials that you find appealing and colors that you relate to. That's why you'll see such a variety of styles in our gallery. Each space has been designed for its owners to enjoy.

How much will my design cost?

Every project has unique time requirements, depending on how many options you ask us to develop, how many areas of your home are to be in the scope, how challenging your space is, how much of the legwork you do vs having us do it, how much structural planning is involved, and many other factors.  However, as a frame of reference our clients appreciate knowing that a simple space plan starts at about $1,500. From there, services are available menu -style, so you can ask us to help as much or as little as you may need.  Please see our services page for details.

I am planning to move a wall. Don't I need to work with an architect? 

We work with our team of plan developers and engineers to create permit-ready, buildable remodeling plans for bump-outs, dormers, changes in bearing walls, foundation cuts, decks and small additions.  For projects requiring more extensive planning, we have a standing collaborative relationship with a local architect.

They say a remodel project will cost twice as much and take twice as long as you think.  Is that true? 

Well, while it can happen, most remodels go pretty smoothly and have happy endings. In our opinion, the two biggest concerns a homeowner has, cost overruns and schedule extensions, can be significantly managed with proper pre-planning.  Old fashioned methods of remodeling often use benchmark price allowances and call for choices to be finalized as the project progresses.  This method makes it harder to track how overall choices will add up.  And backordered materials and labor shuffling can put a schedule significantly behind. 

A much better way to manage your process is to finalize your design and all of its details up front.  Contracts can be based on specific products and firm labor bids for your scope of work, so you know your costs up front.  And we order your materials at the start of your job and hold them until needed, so we minimize scheduling surprises.

What is Design/ Build or Design/ Remodel? 

It's the process of having one source create your plans and then build them.  For complex and custom projects, the benefits are obvious: One person has the project details in mind from start to finish, eliminating miscommunication at the most basic level and ensuring you get what you envision.  There are cost-savings in having your designer oversee your installations as part of your remodel contract without billing additional design hours.  And the time necessary to bring a contractor up to speed is eliminated as well, often saving several weeks when time is a factor.

I am interviewing several designers. What sets you apart?

We are thorough and systematic.  We have established methods for every step in your design and remodel process.  Contractors consistently praise the level of detail we include in our complete document and specification package.  You can look forward to a smoother experience from start to finish.

We invest in monthly education.  Our design staff engages in continual market-based learning, with monthly in house knowledge exchanges.  With so much excellent information to be had, we put a priority on keeping up with the latest product and "best practice" wisdom in construction and installation.

We are a team, with members available to work together on your project.  We are equipped to handle the special project timeframes required for disaster restoration planning and home buyers who want to remodel at move in.