Planning Your Project: Demystifying Great Home Design John Kelsey and Sally Wilson have recently written a book about great home design, and how to demystify the process for achieving it. They offer this book, free, via this website. Click above for your free copy. Download> You will need Acrobat Reader

Please feel free to copy this page to help you with your upcoming project.

Ten Tips for Remodeling Success
from Wilson Kelsey Design, Salem, MA

1. Look through books and magazines and save pictures of things you like and/or spaces that appeal to you.

2. Write down what your needs and dreams are. This becomes your “program”.

3. Set aside the money you are willing to spend on your project, or arrange for financing. This becomes your budget.

4. Add a contingency figure (10%-15%) to your budget to take care of surprises. There are always surprises in construction.

5. Look for a team of talented, qualified professionals to help you through this process – interior designer – architect – builder. Ask around and interview 2-3. Follow up on their references.

6. In selecting your team, remember that interpersonal chemistry should feel right to you. You will be working closely together. You should like them and feel comfortable with them.

7. Ask the professionals you have chosen to give you a written agreement stipulating what work they will do, how they will charge, and their projected completion dates.

8. Be realistic. Be sure you are not seeking a Mercedes on a Toyota budget.

9. Stay in close communication with your team. Remember they are not the enemy – they are on your side.

10. Treat good workers like gold.