REMODELING IS NOT AN EXACT SCIENCE

IT’S QUITE THE EMOTIONAL ROLLERCOASTER
Remodeling is not an exact science! Now, that might sound contradictory because you may think of the architectural world as one of precise measurements down to the fraction, or of mechanical products like plumbing, electrical systems, and appliances as being flawless. But even within these, you’ll find differences between marketed sizes and exact sizes. For instance, a 2x4 board does NOT actually measure 2 inches by 4 inches! Its actual dimensions are closer to 1.5 inches by 3.5 inches due to drying and planning processes. The same applies to architectural plans, which are often drawn with dimensions as precise as 1/16th of an inch, even though construction standards typically work within 1/8th of an inch.

Believe it or not, a 2x4 board does NOT measure 2" x 4"! Why? A 2x4's actual dimensions are approximately 1.5" x 3.5". Although initially cut as a true 2x4 during rough sawing, the board shrinks to its finished size through drying and planning processes.

TIP:  Wiggle room is the key in remodeling.

​No home is perfectly square—whether it’s brand new or decades old. Wood expands and contracts, and land can settle over time. These are the natural imperfections we start with, but that’s only one piece of the puzzle. Hundreds of people are involved in making your project a reality, from manufacturing and shipping your products to installing them alongside other materials. It’s a wonder more errors don’t occur!
What we need from you is trust. We’re all working toward the same goal: creating a space you love. My favorite moments are when my installer and I catch and correct an error before you even know about it. Or when my team collaborates to find solutions before presenting them to you. Mistakes may happen—it’s part of the process—but you have my promise to fix them to the best of our ability. The greatest client reviews often come not from perfect projects, but from how well we handle the unexpected.

The Technical Side
Architectural plans are drawn from stud to stud, focusing on the raw framing and openings of doors and windows. In contrast, interior kitchen drawings show finished dimensions, measuring from drywall to drywall, with doors and windows including millwork trim. These nuances are important for ensuring accuracy and harmony across all aspects of your project.
You’ll receive a mechanical plan for your project, detailing lighting, outlets, switches, plumbing, HVAC, electrical, and appliances. However, the phrase “best-laid plans” often applies. For example, while I can recommend ideal lighting placement, we may need to adjust once we open the walls and discover joists or other obstructions. That’s why I always schedule an in-person walkthrough with the electrician and builder to finalize these details.

TIP: Architectural plans are drawn from stud to stud, to the actual raw framing and opening of doors and windows. VS, interior kitchen drawings are finished dimensions, from drywall to drywall, and doors and windows are dimensioned to include millwork trim.

The Emotional Rollercoaster
Remodeling is as much an emotional journey as it is a physical transformation. After the excitement of design and selections, you might experience buyer’s remorse when signing the contract and paying the first deposits. But once demolition begins, there’s a thrill in seeing the old space stripped away.

Then comes the rhythm of construction:
Highs: Watching new framing, electrical rough-ins, and plumbing come together.
Lows: The drywall phase can feel slow as progress seems to stall. Cabinet delivery might still be weeks away, and patience is key during this stage.

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Once cabinets are installed, another high sets in as the space takes shape. Then comes another pause for countertop templating and installation, which can take two weeks. After that, a flurry of activity resumes with backsplashes, faucets, appliances, lighting, and hardware bringing the vision to life.
Finally, we tackle the punch list—those minor details that need adjustment before the final walkthrough. My goal is always to minimize the punch list so that everything is as close to perfect as possible by project completion.

TIP: Semi custom cabinets can take 4-8 weeks to get.  Full custom can take longer.

Trust and Collaboration
This entire process is built on trust. You trust us to deliver a beautiful and functional space, and we trust you to communicate openly and trust our expertise. We all want the same outcome: for you to feel confident that your investment was worth it. My ultimate goal is to see you glow with joy—whether it’s through a Thanksgiving text about how much you love your new kitchen, or a glowing review shared with your community.
Remodeling is imperfect by nature, but when done right, it ends on a high note. Yes, you may grow tired of having people in your home and living amidst chaos, but when you prepare your first meal in your new kitchen and feel the satisfaction of a space that supports your family, it will all be worth it.

My Mission
My mission is to create spaces that support a better quality of life for you and your family, today and tomorrow. This purpose drives me through every phase of this emotional, imperfect, and deeply rewarding process.
Thank you for trusting me to guide you on this journey!

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