I have been doing the sow’s ear/silk purse magic on client’s homes for over thirty years. I didn’t know I was a “residential planner” until I recently discovered the following information. But I am, and always have been, a residential planner it turns out because the role and functions outlined below perfectly describe the effort I invest in all my clients’ projects . . .

Residential planners can best be described as a cross between an architect and an interior designer. They spend time with each client to determine their specific needs, lifestyles, priorities and budgets to design a custom room, addition or upgrade existing spaces. Design is more than aesthetics. Design is the planning that lays the basis for the creation of every element or intention of a renovation project.

Residential planners are specialists who know how to use space most efficiently and are informed about the current trends and products available. Many homeowners don’t have a plan for the kitchen, bath or addition renovation project they envision. Creating a successful project is much more than pounding nails. Thorough up-front planning will get you to the end you want. Tychon has provided this comprehensive design/build service to clients through thirty-plus years of experience in all aspects of residential renovation.

The residential planner’s whole purpose is to sit down with you and work out your design puzzle in its entirety, with the emphasis on finding the best solution rather than the most obvious. Helping you understand the complexities of the project fully before it gets built prevents misunderstandings and possible regrets about your choices.

Not necessarily. In addition to saving time and effort, it often saves you money. Contractors recognize that detailed plans with full specifications and interpretive drawings result in a smooth running project. A client who understands exactly what he is getting saves the contractor from the potential barrage of change-orders, time and money over-runs, and bad feelings on both sides that can easily result from misunderstandings and/or ambiguities. You remain a vital part of the design team throughout all project phases.

Ideally, you’d meet fairly early in the planning process to determine the feasibility of the project’s design and cost. You need to have a basic idea of what you’d like to accomplish, but skilled questioning by the designer to help determine even your hidden wants and needs is a very important part of the process. Questions about your lifestyle, creative solutions, or suggestions for new/specialized products may even trigger your looking at your project in a whole different light. A residential designer takes everyday usage practicalities, future growth potential and multi-use possibilities into consideration when creating your final design. After determining that the project is on the right track with the feasibility study, you move to project development where all the project’s detail decisions are cataloged.

It varies, but generally includes development of design options, color consultation, space planning. working out the final floor plan with notes and specifications, a custom electrical, plumbing or HVAC plan, cabinet elevations, and door/window/appliance/finish schedules are available as needed. Full working plans, or permit-ready plans, are also a part of the package.