We don’t like being the bearers of bad news. I’ve always said “Clients love the designer and hate the builder”. Now we are both, and our goal is to maintain the love (as difficult as it can be when living amidst construction) through implementation. This means setting realistic expectations and understanding the reality of the impact of COVID on the design & build industry.

Have you ever said, “Let’s get an estimate to figure out how much it would be to do that project, and then we’ll determine if we want to take it on.”? If so, please continue reading.

Check out our growth timeline from 2013 to today.

2013- Waldron Designs is launched in an unconditioned garage. Rachel Waldron is the sole operator and is able to work about two hours a week, with the help of this adorable sidekick (then four years old), and an infant in tow.

In this first year, we completed the project that would earn us the 2014 ASID Design Award!

If you are looking for a building permit (not an “over the counter” permit), you may be wondering how long this will take. There are several factors involved, which means that unfortunately, the answer is: it varies. However, this article should be able to give you a bit of insight as to what to expect.

Waldron Designs owner and designer, Rachel Waldron, recently became certified as a Living in Place Professional. It is important to note that this is not an “Aging in Place” certification, but LIVING in Place.

When we interview potential staff, we tell them about the importance of sustainable design and construction. Not only is it good for the environment, but it is also healthy for our staff (who we love and want to live long lives) and for the occupants! Check out the conversation we had in a recent interview:

One of the most challenging parts of my job is helping homeowners decide which items to splurge on and which should be skimped on. The suggestions below are only suggestions and based on a very generic plan or specific scenarios. Different designs and needs will always call for case-specific adjustments.

This phase is a little bit of getting to know you, and a lot of research. We will work to gather all the information for your project, which may include questionnaires, a site visit to measure and photograph, correspondence with any professionals who may have further information about the structure, and research as to whether the project can truly be built. This portion, included in the Owner’s Criteria can also be referred to as a feasibility study.

Waldron Designs is very fortunate to have a talented paint crew. We have three members of our paint crew, as well as three professional painters who do carpentry as well. Basically, the majority of our crew is skilled at painting.

Here are a few key things to keep in mind when hiring Waldron Designs for a paint project.

I have to admit, the first time I walked through this home, I saw the potential, but also was a little intimidated by the amount of work that was needed to get this space where it deserved to be. Thank goodness we all hung in there, despite it taking MUCH longer than initially anticipated. The homeowners were such troopers, and we’re thrilled to say that we made some amazing friends through this process.

I’ve seen a disconnect for years between the designer and the general contractor. Most homeowners would get a partial design, then run off with the general contractor and I would never see how things came together. I would hear stories about how things were changed on-site and sometimes return later to see changes that destroyed the integrity of the design. These changes had been made in haste or misunderstanding.

I am learning what expectations homeowners should have when working with a general contractor, and often learning the hard way. As I learn more, this post will be updated, so I highly recommend bookmarking this one now!