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Dear Clients, Business Associates, Friends & Family,

The Calm After the Storm 

At times it seems we just can't win. The new year has already gotten off to the races, but just as things were settling into a rhythm, we got hit by a massive and destructive winter storm! As things have thawed I hope you are all safe and warm again, and I remain optimistic we are approaching the light at the end of these long, strange times.

As a design professional, one of the things that have become increasingly clear to me is that many people are thinking seriously about renovating their existing home or maybe buying a new home and remodeling it to make the home perfect. In case you fall into one of these categories, the following tips will be helpful in ensuring your project’s success. Most of all, they will help ensure you are in charge at every step and know what to expect from the professionals you hire and the ones you should have hired! The fact is, whether you are building from scratch or doing a big remodel, the last thing you want to have happen is a Big Surprise!
Nina Handelman
Nina's Tips:

One of the biggest challenges I commonly see clients experience is being unable to move past an idea or ideal budget despite input from hired professionals. Recently a client told me, "If we can't complete the project to your design, with our budget, we will just sell the house." Now this frustration was understandable, as it was after multiple rounds of design-bid-revise-repeat. We have been able to find more flexible solutions both for the design and budget, and are now on our way into construction! This process has not been unique to me as a designer, but a home renovation is not the time for surprises. You may have experienced yourself or heard similar stories. Either way the following tips can help you confidently proceed with your design project:

  1. Be honest and upfront about yourselves, your timeline and your budget. Understandably people are protective of their finances. And trust takes time. However, the sooner you are upfront with the professionals you engage, the more we can use our experience to help you and the more efficient and smooth your project will be. Things change, but withholding information can lead a project astray from the beginning.
  2. Engage professionals and consultants as soon as possible. Many offer initial consults, which if nothing else, is a good way for you to learn if this is a person you can work with. Beyond that, any information you can get early on can only help.
  3. Be clear with your goals and priorities. During the design process these can change, but if you know your sticking points, it only helps those you've hired successfully find solutions that will work for you, and clear "the noise."

To be clear -- a lot of a project's success is my responsibility. This list of tips can only enhance the abilities of those involved to help your project succeed. In other words -- help me help you.
Questions or have stories? I’d love to talk or schedule a complimentary consultation to explore how your house can become the perfect home!
Designing YOU into Your Home
Handelman Studio
Nina@HandelmanStudio.com
503.319.0568