03 June, 2020

Construction Documents Up Close and Personal: Peek at Project with LiLu Interiors

Up Close and Personal with our Construction Documents Package

A couple of weeks ago, we shared a Master Suite Transformation from beginning of design to end. Today, we want to take an up close and personal look at our construction documents package.
At LiLu, we always have a plan. A plan for how we do our Monday’s Staff Meetings, a plan for how we celebrate each other’s birthdays, a plan for how we are going to execute a design meeting or begin a design project.  From the moment the project begins, we already have our template which is formed from the Letter of Agreement or proposed scope we have laid out with our clients.  From there, we begin to take bite size portions out of the scope and set in the focus.
The first thing we do, as you have heard many times is the concept.  We don’t know how to begin any other way.  We review the notes, the words they have said to us, we collaborate and talk through the process…once these steps have been taken we begin to gather materials and pull them together into concept themes.
As we begin for our first design meeting, we write up a meeting agenda.  This helps us know what to have prepared, how we are going to divide out our meetings and also so our clients know what to expect and when.   One of the most important things on our agenda is what our next steps are.  They can view this right on the agenda so if they are anxious about say selecting plumbing fixtures they can see where this falls in the timeline.
As we move forward in the design phase, we ultimately get to a place where we are done designing.  All selections have been made, the floor plan is complete, and we are ready to begin the construction document phase.
Our construction documents are broken out into a few items to help communicate our design intent.  This is the most important and critical thing to remember as we move through our drawings…is what we want designed being communicated correctly and is there enough information given for them to build?
Every project, we remember someone is going to build from these.
What's Included in our construction documents:
First item is specifications.  In this document are all the selections we have made from paint colors to cabinet hardware each detail is laid out.  We also list how to order with each item: finish, size, down to the light bulb.  We make sure there are no questions when it comes time for the builder to place their order.
Next up we write construction notes.  This means that for each item we want designed we have a note for it.  From remove this wall, to paint this ceiling, install this tile, hang this hook here…you can be sure there is a note.
Finally, we draw out the demolition plan, proposed floor plan, lighting & electrical plan, each wall elevation and then any details or sections that help communicate our design intent.
When we say we are different by design, our construction document process is exactly how we are different.  With LiLu, you know that you will get a design package from beginning to end and that we try and be as organized as possible. Be sure to check out Instagram @lilumpls for following along on the process of this master suite.
Below we have images and examples of each part of our design phase.  We hope you enjoy!
Up Close and Personal Construction Documents
Construction Documents Up Close and Personal Look into our Meeting Agendas
We list the following:

  • Date, Location, Who's in Attendance
  • Overall Plan for today
  • List of Action Items and Decisions
  • Next Steps

Up Close and Personal Construction Documents

Construction Documents Up Close and Personal with our Demolition Plan

What's Included:

  • Everything that is to be removed
  • Walls, fixtures, toilets and lights
  • What is to be saved

Up Close and Personal Construction Documents

Construction Documents Up Close and Personal Proposed Floor Plan

What's included:

  • Overall design intent with new walls
  • Locations of each fixture, window, door, countertops etc
  • Dimensions of critical spaces
  • Any extra special notes or details

Up Close and Personal Construction Documents

Construction Documents Up Close and Personal with our Electrical, Lighting and Switching Plan

What's Included:

  • Location of electrical outlets
  • Location of light fixtures on ceiling and walls
  • Critical dimensions
  • Location of switches
  • How to switch each light

Up Close and Personal Construction Documents

Construction Documents Up Close and Personal Cabinet and Bath Hardware Placement

What's Included:

  • Location of each towel bar, towel ring, and hook

Up Close and Personal Construction Documents

Construction Documents Up Close and Personal with our Elevations

What's Included:

  • Overall heights
  • Placement of tile
  • Light fixture heights
  • Cabinet designs
  • Critical heights and designs

Up Close and Personal Construction Documents

Construction Documents Up Close and Personal with our sections and details

What's Included:

  • enhanced details of critical information we want to communicate

Up Close and Personal Construction Documents

Comments on Construction Documents Up Close and Personal: Peek at Project with LiLu Interiors
  1. doreen amico-sorell says:

    Love this. So informative.

  2. Linda Merrill says:

    Great processes Lisa!

  3. Janet R Lorusso says:

    Amazing process – and I’m sure it relieves so much anxiety for your clients to understand how organized and thorough you are!

  4. Christie Adams Design says:

    So fun to see the process of other creatives!

  5. Mary Ann Benoit says:

    Great process,,,,it always starts with the most important thing…a plan!

  6. Leslie Carothers says:

    Just looking at this would make, I think, any client feel safer entrusting their budget to you, Lisa. Your construction documents are so thorough and detailed. This is what helps homeowners save money in the long run..everything has been thought through and planned for up front, so mistakes are non existent or minimized to the highest possible degree.

  7. Sheri Bruneau says:

    As a list maker and a planner, I LOVE seeing this! I call the documents a recipe for success! Without a plan, there are so many things that can go wrong. This post alone, would make any potential client feel confident in their project with you at the helm!

  8. Carla Bast says:

    I love this post, great details!

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