We all love to start projects, but how do they turn out? The enthusiasm and energy are there, we plug into HGTV and Flip or Flop series of home projects. We pick our rooms and jump in with glee!! This is it, we are on our way…uhm...how do I start? Who do I call first? How much is this going to cost? I want it done, “now”!!
Two options: (1) you do it yourself, (2) you get a professional to help
Depending on the complexity of the project, I can guarantee that you will need someone that is experienced to make this project be completed with as little snags as possible.
Kirstin DiMarco had an opportunity to sit down and talk to a couple that retained Carol Guest for their Master Bedroom and Master Bath project. Let’s see what they had to say:
Interview questions & answer
Q1: Tell me how you decided to work with CGI?
Laura: Every time I came into the studio I loved all the pieces. I love everything she does- Her look, her style, ability to pull things together- everything always looks perfect!
Q2: Which rooms were you working on?
Laura & Ed: Master bedroom and bath.
Q3: Tell me about how you started the design process with Carol? How you shared your ideas or how you envisioned the room?
Laura: I came to one of the workshops and saw a beautiful bedroom picture with soft colors, which is what stirred this project. However, I had been meaning to have the master bedroom/bath redone for a while but this really brought it to light.
Q4: Tell me about your first meeting or meetings.
Laura & Ed: First we asked about the fee /cost for this project. Carol explained hourly vs. retainer fee and we decided the retainer fee made the most sense.
Laura & Ed: Carol came to our house and made an organized list of things to do. We discussed cool, calm colors, bedding, drapery, framing of picture in bath, etc.
Q5: Did you have any concerns working with Carol?
Laura & Ed: No not at all, because everything she does we love!
Q6: Did the project move smoothly for you and allow you to keep your normal activities without many interruptions?
Ed: Yes. Very well organized, planned and executed.
Q7: Do you feel that the experience of this project was helpful for you both to see the complexity of coordinating a remodeling project?
Laura: I knew I wouldn’t have the time, expertise and contacts to get it all accomplished on my own. The coordination of everything would not have been as smooth and would have been a lot longer process.
Laura & Ed: One thing we really appreciated was that Carol got at least two estimates for all painters, flooring, electricians, plumbers, etc. so we could have options and make the best decision for our needs.
Q8: If you do, can you tell me what are some of the points in which made you feel very happy that Carol was helping?
Laura & Ed: The Sheer beauty of the room.
Q9: Have you ever taken on remodeling projects without a designer? If so, how did they go? The process, coordinating, time etc?
Laura & Ed: Yes. They were not as professional looking, took longer to get done, and the process was stressful and not as easy as working with Carol.
Q10: Knowing that the project is starting to wind down with a smaller list that still has to be done, how would you rate this projects time line and the overall appearance of all that had been accomplished? 1 to10 (10 meaning loving it!)
Laura & Ed: 10! Of course.
Q11: Describe how you both felt about the rooms before and after??
Ed:
Before: I really didn’t think much about the room, I was just used to the colors and everything about it.
After: I was blown away by how different it looked, the room had so much more light, it was an overall great experience! I love the room so much now, I won’t even go into the room with shoes on!
Laura:
Before: I knew it was dated and needed a face lift and I was ready to go with new colors.
After: I feel like a princess, very regal and feminine!
Q12: Describe how you feel now when walking into the room.
Laura & Ed: Love it, we don’t want to leave the room ever!
Q13: If you should have any other remodeling done to your home, would you ask CGI once again to help you?
Laura & Ed: Of course! Love her taste!
Q14: Would you share with others your experience?
Laura & Ed: Yes!
Q15: Would you recommend CGI to others?
Laura & Ed: Yes!
Q16: What did you love most about working with Carol?
Ed: Her communication was excellent. She said something would happen and it would get done within a day. Her follow through was excellent. All the experts she brought in for painting, faux painting, flooring, etc were all excellent too.
Laura: Love that she acknowledges our lifestyle in the design process. We have dogs and before the remodel we had an ottoman infront of the bed that they would climb on to get to the bed. One cannot jump on bed without something to step up on, so we wanted to keep this in the remodel. Carol suggested reupholstering the bench with durable fabric so that the dogs will not ruin it but still have something that looks lovely. It works perfectly!
Q17: Did you find paying a retainer fee instead of an hourly fee was helpful? Which would you prefer if to do the project again?
Laura & Ed: Yes, absolutely.
Q18: Anything else you would like to add?
Laura & Ed: Great experience! Made something that could have been trying and difficult to do, very easy and stress free for us.
Ed: We like the room so much, we kicked the tv out of room!
It was a delight to have Laura & Ed sit down and share their experience. I truly enjoyed the experience in working with them and hope to help them in any future projects
- Carol Guest