What is in this scene for you?  Beauty, serenity, mystery, reality, dependability, truth, intricacy, harmony, resilience, coordination,  function, life... ?   The work my company does is above all in concert with natural world.  This includes honoring the humanity of each person- customer, friend, worker, supplier, inspector, even in-laws.  We make every attempt to tread lightly on the earth.

First, we must know you:  who lives here,? your lifestyle and your preferences,concerns, plans, health-related issues, limitations if applicable, interests, social habits, spending preferences, to name a few.   After this let's allow our imaginations to roam as if there were no limits.  I will often propose several designs that address the opportunity or the problem in several new ways.  I encourage customers to engage their creative selves also.  This usually creates a synergy that is useful in narrowing-in on the ultimate design solution.  I often enlist the ideas of the people who work for me because many are extremely creative.  And since they need to put it all together in reality, this can result in construction savings.  I also make use of supplier's and manufacturer's product knowledge and connections to bring out useful or new technology.  Be sure to see the Before and Afters of Kinsdale Project.

70-95% of our lives is spent indoors.  Around 50% inside our homes.  It makes sense to pay attention to the indoor environment.  I am qualitied to help my customers assess potential threats to their health and safety.  Building materials, contruction techniques, site conditions, what we bring into the home affects the environment and how we feel.  Air quality issues involve temperature, humidity, particulates, Volitle Organic Chemicals (VOCs), carbon dioxide (CO2), carbon monoxide (CO), formaldahyde, asbestos, lead, radon, other unknowns, are important to our health and safety and comfort.  Occupant age and circumstances can make this even more vital.

This Flagstone Patio area is the side entrance. It employs largeTennessee Flagsonte and giant river rock steps. The 'Old Europe' parged block wall with Deco portals quites and protects the space. Adjacent organic herb garden also hosts Japanese boxwoods, Indian Hawthorn, Arborvite, and a Waits Pine. There is a Banana Bush and Daphani for fragrance, Bloodgrass, Sky Pencil, Horsetail, etc., to temp interest.  Materials were obtained from within 200 miles.  Aimed at mostly indiginous plantings to avoid need for maintenance & artifical watering.

This is a great question and I'm glad it comes up.  I'm trying to find a picture that can represent this.

Let's take a leap into Remodeling (and Repair) reality for a moment.  Undesireable Stuff Happens--  more-so without planning, research, experience or foresight.  But, even with good preparation there are still surprises, unknowns.

Secondly, projects that last a while will likely wear on the good nature of the occupant, and maybe on the contractor too.  Having someone from outside the family becomes imposing and aggravating due to privacy.  It also imposes because of noise, dust, debris, interruptions of normal patterns, delays, undpendability of people.  There can be disagreements about the work, the color, the imperfections, the style or design, the time, the cost, etc..  And all this assumes that the contractor is Business, Management, Technically Competent, Honorable, Responsible, & a Communicator.

Is it becoming apparant how the contractor-owner relationship might affect someone's ability to "live with" what's going on in their home?  And do you see how it can affect your ability to keep some control, and help avoid a catastrophe?  And perhaps how without that foundation a project is doomed.  Doomed to stress, illness, harmful work that needs correction, higher costs, consequences of stress in other relationships, at work, etc..

So, even with a good match, a solid open relationship with good communications contractor-to-homeowners, there will still be problems that need solving.   It is only rational that with such a relationship  comes a much higher probability for success... and a long term friendship (so there can be a next time).

This is important as it will usually have an affect on how much can be accomplished within your budget and time constraints.  And there are always constraints.  The process is facilitated by having a solid relationship between General Contractor and Homeowner because a vision will need to be built together.  Homeowner requirements and dreams and creativity coupled with GC knowledge and creativity usually yields most practical and positive results.  Creative energy and capability are key.