Perhaps you have decided not to move, but to add a second story master bedroom and bath, or a new kitchen and family room to your house. A remodeling project, large or small, can be rough going - a few thoughts from us.

Your architect can often recommend a contractor that he or she trusts and has worked with before. If not, make certain your contractor is licensed, has adequate liability insurance, workman’s comp, and at least 3 solid referrals from satisfied clients. Also, best if your contractor can handle the permit process and be on top of the latest codes. It is not a good thing when inspection day comes and work must be ripped out and redone due to a code violation.

No matter how professional and honest your contractor is, there will be delays. Count on it. A few common spoilers; rain, parts and supplies that do not arrive on time, one sub-contractor waiting for another to finish before he can begin. Then there are the underground surprises; bad drainage, a broken pipe, termites, and dry rot, all definite possibilities. Time and money should be budgeted in for these delays. Also, if possible, put money in the budget for an offsite place to stay. If your remodel is extensive, it will be worth it. Send the kids to camp and find someplace to escape the dust and noise.

The last time and money saver is one that has only recently been possible: 3D modeling of the finished design. You can walk through your virtually remodeled house before a sledgehammer has crushed a single wall. Whipple Russell Architects has found the use of these detailed computer images extremely helpful for clients, giving them get a sense of size, proportion, and how the finished space will work for them.

Here can be seen a remodel we did on Cordell Drive in the Hollywood Hills.

Interior design by Franco Vecchio.