6 Important Design Decisions to Make Prior to Framing

“At what point do we bring a designer into the process?” is a question I’m asked often. The answer: the sooner the better. There are many factors to consider early on in the project that create a domino effect of ensuring a thoughtful approach to your design, and well considered decisions.

Rather than make decisions on an “as needed” basis, creating a plan with intentionality will set the stage for a successful project. While the design process is never a straight line, making solid decisions in the following areas will help streamline the process and inform design selections from here.

There’s more heavy lifting in the design process upfront than many often think. Here are the areas we feel are important to consider as early as possible, most of which work in tandem from one to the next.

1. PLUMBING

While plumbing fixtures are one of the last items to be installed in a project, they’re one of the first to be roughed in. Once framing is complete, the process of getting the guts of the home in place is next on the agenda. Not only is the location of the plumbing important, but also the type and brand, as not all are created equal. Wall mount vs. floor mount, rain head or wall bar, and a water dispenser within the fridge are simply a few examples of decisions to make as early as possible.

2. ELECTRICAL

Much like plumbing, light fixtures are one of the last to be installed, however the selection process is best to be done as early as possible. Wires are run after framing is complete, so having a lighting plan in place, and selections made is important at this stage. Depending on the weight of a fixture, extra backing and support may be required at the framing stage. Where the backplate is positioned on a wall sconce will often dictate the height in which it’s best hung.

3. FIREPLACES

Considering the location, type and size of a fireplace is essential early on in a project. Fireplaces have specific requirements when it comes to their depths, heights and placement in a room. This can also affect window placement, furniture layout, and subsequently millwork. The insert of a fireplace is installed at the framing stage instilling the importance of an early selection.

4. WINDOWS

A window order is confirmed early in the project so that they arrive in time to install once framing is complete. The window package will be determined by many things, most importantly the exterior views, and architecture of the home, however, considering the windows alongside fireplaces, furniture layouts and millwork will help finalise all the details prior to ordering.

5. FURNITURE

Furniture planning is something we do early in order to inform other decisions. With so many aspects of the selection process influencing one to the next, it’s important to gain an understanding of how the rooms will function from a furniture perspective. This not only confirms the rooms are large enough to accommodate the amount of furniture, and desired layout, but also where electrical may need to be installed and millwork positioned. An early understanding of furniture is ideal to move forward with the design with confidence.

6. APPLIANCES

Having an understanding of your appliance preferences is beneficial, not only for electrical and plumbing locations and requirements, but also to move forward with the design and layout for millwork. Kitchen, pantry, bar, media, coffee maker in a closet!, and any other area in the home where an appliance may be located.

Planning ahead is an asset in moving through a project successfully. While there are many decisions to be made, these are the key areas.. There’s no shortage of decisions to be made in a project, whether renovation or new home build, and you’ll find that one decision affects the next, and affects the next… and so on.

The reason these decisions are important prior to construction is that they take time. Not only time in confirming the selection, but also the time to order.

Backtracking during a project is never fun, so having a well planned home from the beginning ensures you’ll be one step ahead, rather than three steps behind. Making decisions in a time crunch is never fun and will often lead to compromise.

This is an area where a designer brings great value. The intentionality of decision making and confirming the finer details through the selection process, makes a huge difference in the final outcome and overall aesthetic and feeling in a space.

Putting your team in place early on is never a bad idea!

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