DIY Library Design - How to make your project happen

In the coming weeks, I will start putting out announcements for the release of my free Webinar.  This will be the official kickoff for my next course launch which will take place late September.  In the webinar, you will learn all the things I've covered in my last two blog posts, DIY Library Design - Why it works found HERE and DIY Library Design - Is it right for your project found HERE.  So be on the lookout.  But one thing I want to cover today is a quick and free lesson I teach in my webinar that might help you get started on a project you're either currently working on or thinking about working on in the near future.  This might even encourage you to take on a project you've been timid about.  It's not as difficult as you might think.

YOU HAVE CHOICES

When executing your design, you have one of three choices.  You can either hire the subcontractors yourself, hire a contractor or work with your architect.  The choice you make relies mostly on the type of project you're working on and even how much experience you might have in the design and construction world.  But whatever your decision, make sure you've been thoroughly educated on your options first.

DIY CONTRACTING

This option is fine if you're working on a small project and/or you've done this before.  Even if you've been through a renovation or new build, you can handle the necessary steps to put together a simple renovation yourself.  And I'll tell you how.  But first, let me define "simple renovation".  If you need to remove old carpet and want to install new carpet while adding paint to your public spaces, this is considered a simple renovation.  You can even add in some furniture purchases and a restroom overhaul to still make the cut.  

If this is you, then the more cost effective choice will most likely be handling the subcontractors yourself.  This consists of scheduling at least 3 subs for each area of work, meeting with them to discuss your needs, reviewing their pricing quotes, selecting your favorite and implementing the work schedule according to their install availability.

FINDING YOUR SUBS

The two things I recommend when looking for subs is A) Call your local experts and B) Get proof of insurance from the companies you may want to work with.  If you're looking for a good painter, reach out to your local paint stores (i.e. Benjamin Moore, Sherwin Williams, or Porter Paints) and ask them who they recommend.  They are highly unlikely to recommend anyone who is not reputable because that will make them look bad.  So it's a great start.  Plus they are all things paint, so it's pretty much a no brainer.  If you're looking to install new flooring, you'll handle this the same way.  Call your local flooring installers (3 at least) and have them come out to give you a price.

GETTING YOUR QOUTES

I cannot emphasize this enough.  GET AT LEAST 3 QUOTES!  You'll thank me for this later.  The reason is pretty simple, it creates a sort of checks and balances system for everyone involved.  They're going to give you their best number and you can make sure no one missed anything by reviewing how close their numbers are.  If two are pretty close in cost and one is way out of the loop, then they've missed something.  You can either have them re-quote or go over each line item individually.  Which leads me to line items.  Make sure they break everything down for you.  This should include material cost, shipping, floor prep, demolition, adhesives, clean up, labor, etc.  

The other thing I would recommend when getting your quotes is that you leave the material estimates to the installer.  If they ask you to tell them how much material they you need, cross them off the list.  There is too much liability involved there and you should NEVER have to tell them how much product to order.  They will come out and measure and give you their takeoffs.  This is also another great place for comparisons.  All three installers should have the same takeoff number or be really close.

OVERSEEING THE WORK

The only other thing I would tell you about doing the work yourself is to stay on top of your install dates.  Once you've worked out the schedule with your installer, don't lose sight of those dates.  Check in with them to make sure everything is running according to schedule.

HIRING A CONTRACTOR

If your project is going to be more labor intensive than a quick and simple renovation, then hiring a contractor to do the work for you is probably your best bet.  This would involve any changes to sheetrock, complete new flooring and all new paint, and new bathroom, breakroom, workroom and administration finishes. Really any complete building finishes renovations.  Hiring a contractor will save you huge headaches and money in the long run.  

Reach out to other Libraries you're familiar with that have done similar projects and find out who they've worked with.  Word of mouth is very helpful here.  Otherwise, you can work with your county to see who they recommend if that's an option for you, or you can always look up local commercial contractors online.  Make sure they have excellent references and most importantly, make sure you feel comfortable working with whoever you select.  You need to feel confident that they will listen to you and work with you every step of the way without leaving you out of the decision-making process.

WORKING WITH YOUR ARCHITECT

If you're doing a new build or you are moving interior walls around, you're going to need an architect.  They will either recommend contractors you can interview and hire, or they will come as a design/build package that you can work with as well.  You may even have the option to recommend contractors to them that you would like to interview for the project.  Either way, having an architect on board for a much more labor-intensive project is a very wise investment.  This will also give you the chance to really collaborate on the work you've put together using my Off the Shelf Online Library Design Course.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Putting together a project is a lot of work!  It just is.  But it can be done if you choose the right person or people to get the job done.  Evaluate your project size and needs.  Decide which option is right for you, (DIY, Contractor or Architect) and then begin taking action.  You've gotta start somewhere.  And with these helpful tips, you can absolutely get your project completed to meet your vision!