5 Big Changes Pros Want to See in the Industry
What’s one thing you’d like to see done differently? We asked design and remodeling pros, and here’s what they said
Change can be uncomfortable, but it’s essential for growth and innovation. We spoke to design and remodeling professionals to find out how they’d like to see things done differently in the industry, not just for the benefit of their own business but for the industry as a whole. Do you agree with their suggestions or have one of your own? Tell us in the Comments.
2. More Focus on Sustainability
“Sustainability has come a long way [in recent years], from the sourcing and manufacturing of products and the increased use of green technology like LED lighting to smart appliances. I hope the sustainability trend continues and expands,” says Kentucky-based interior designer Patricia Butler of Patricia Butler Interiors.
“Sustainability has come a long way [in recent years], from the sourcing and manufacturing of products and the increased use of green technology like LED lighting to smart appliances. I hope the sustainability trend continues and expands,” says Kentucky-based interior designer Patricia Butler of Patricia Butler Interiors.
“I’m always looking for ways to repurpose [home fixtures and furnishings] rather than throw them out and start over,” Butler says. “For example, a kitchen client of mine recently gave their cabinets, granite countertops and some working appliances to a family member. So this lucky family member effectively got a ‘new’ kitchen, and the client saved sending good cabinetry to the landfill — a win for everyone.”
Learn how Houzz Pro helps interior designers and construction pros reduce their ecological footprint.
Learn how Houzz Pro helps interior designers and construction pros reduce their ecological footprint.
3. Going Digital
“I’d like to see a greater adoption of 3D digital modeling by engineers and the construction community,” says Eugene Sakai, CEO and partner at Studio S Squared Architecture in San Jose, California. “We switched to 3D digital modeling software in 2009, having previously created 3D perspectives by hand or by hiring a rendering company to do an artistic drawing.
“If all structural and MEP — mechanical, electrical and plumbing — engineers used 3D modeling to the extent we do today, it would facilitate the making of well-coordinated designs with fewer inconsistencies between architecture and engineering.
“If general contractors were fully adept at using 3D modeling, a detailed and accurately built model would allow for more accurate bidding and material takeoffs and fewer questions,” Sakai says. “Schedules are also contained within the model’s database, which reduces the possibility of user error.”
“I’d like to see a greater adoption of 3D digital modeling by engineers and the construction community,” says Eugene Sakai, CEO and partner at Studio S Squared Architecture in San Jose, California. “We switched to 3D digital modeling software in 2009, having previously created 3D perspectives by hand or by hiring a rendering company to do an artistic drawing.
“If all structural and MEP — mechanical, electrical and plumbing — engineers used 3D modeling to the extent we do today, it would facilitate the making of well-coordinated designs with fewer inconsistencies between architecture and engineering.
“If general contractors were fully adept at using 3D modeling, a detailed and accurately built model would allow for more accurate bidding and material takeoffs and fewer questions,” Sakai says. “Schedules are also contained within the model’s database, which reduces the possibility of user error.”
“Architects and interior designers are trained to create three-dimensional spaces,” Sakai says. “The act of ‘flattening’ that space into two dimensions for permitting and construction inevitably leads to a heavy loss in translation. If the entire industry used a common three-dimensional file format throughout the lifespan of a project, those responsible for design, permitting and construction could all work off the same digital model.
“Today, 3D models are commonly used for ‘clash detection,’ where the software helps detect conflicts between utilities and structure,” he says. “Artificial intelligence could be used as an additional overlay to further refine and streamline this process, to help with engineering calculations and to study multiple design and engineering options.
“AI could also be used by permitting bodies to expedite the review of a building design against applicable building codes,” Sakai says. “During construction, the digital model could be used to prefabricate components of the building offsite, especially when combined with 3D printing and robotics. This would reduce construction time while improving fit and finish.”
“Today, 3D models are commonly used for ‘clash detection,’ where the software helps detect conflicts between utilities and structure,” he says. “Artificial intelligence could be used as an additional overlay to further refine and streamline this process, to help with engineering calculations and to study multiple design and engineering options.
“AI could also be used by permitting bodies to expedite the review of a building design against applicable building codes,” Sakai says. “During construction, the digital model could be used to prefabricate components of the building offsite, especially when combined with 3D printing and robotics. This would reduce construction time while improving fit and finish.”
“Digital models are being increasingly adopted in commercial construction, but in the residential market they are mainly used in design offices, less frequently in engineering firms and very rarely on construction sites,” Sakai says.
“At the high end of the residential market, homes often approach the scale and complexity of a small commercial building,” he says. “This is where we see the filter-down effect from the commercial sector now starting to take place. Hopefully over time the use of digital models will become pervasive, even for small-scale projects.”
With the Houzz Pro 3D Floor Planner, pros can create detailed 2D floor plans and 3D models for clients that include kitchen cabinetry, appliances, sinks, faucets and more.
“At the high end of the residential market, homes often approach the scale and complexity of a small commercial building,” he says. “This is where we see the filter-down effect from the commercial sector now starting to take place. Hopefully over time the use of digital models will become pervasive, even for small-scale projects.”
With the Houzz Pro 3D Floor Planner, pros can create detailed 2D floor plans and 3D models for clients that include kitchen cabinetry, appliances, sinks, faucets and more.
4. Thinking Beyond Cost
“I’m hoping to see clients prioritize more than just cost when evaluating contractors and to recognize the value that contractors bring to the table,” says Machi Medrzycki, general contractor at MLM in New Orleans.
“Home improvements are a significant investment for most homeowners, so I believe it’s essential to move away from the notion that cheaper equals better,” he says. “Quality and expertise should be valued over mere affordability. As the adage goes, ‘The cheap is not good, and the good is not cheap.’”
“I’m hoping to see clients prioritize more than just cost when evaluating contractors and to recognize the value that contractors bring to the table,” says Machi Medrzycki, general contractor at MLM in New Orleans.
“Home improvements are a significant investment for most homeowners, so I believe it’s essential to move away from the notion that cheaper equals better,” he says. “Quality and expertise should be valued over mere affordability. As the adage goes, ‘The cheap is not good, and the good is not cheap.’”
“[As general contractors] we have a large spectrum of competitors, from small one-man shows to large, eight-digit-revenue companies,” Medrzycki says. “These are not the same playing fields. It would be great to see the entry criteria leveled somewhat.
“Many smaller operations will underbid on projects and change-order their way to profits,” he says. “At this point, it is too late for the client to do anything about it. Larger players will simply complete the work at a loss to honor the contract.
“But it’s hard and will take a lot of education and understanding of the construction industry for clients, which is why we push so much free online content about how to screen and choose contractors,” Medrzycki says.
5 Ways to Attract the Clients and Projects You Want
“Many smaller operations will underbid on projects and change-order their way to profits,” he says. “At this point, it is too late for the client to do anything about it. Larger players will simply complete the work at a loss to honor the contract.
“But it’s hard and will take a lot of education and understanding of the construction industry for clients, which is why we push so much free online content about how to screen and choose contractors,” Medrzycki says.
5 Ways to Attract the Clients and Projects You Want
5. Faster Deliveries
Conlan Segerson at Connecticut building firm Segerson Builders wants improved lead times on critical materials like windows and external doors. “These are typically ordered when a client signs a contract and are still not delivered in time for their install,” he says.
“When faced with long product lead times, the builder must carefully plan the project schedule months in advance to ensure the client has enough time to make educated design decisions and the builder has ample time to implement those decisions without delaying the project timeline,” Segerson says.
“Builders must also think critically through the order of operations for the project and come up with creative solutions to move a project forward despite being stuck with product delays.”
Conlan Segerson at Connecticut building firm Segerson Builders wants improved lead times on critical materials like windows and external doors. “These are typically ordered when a client signs a contract and are still not delivered in time for their install,” he says.
“When faced with long product lead times, the builder must carefully plan the project schedule months in advance to ensure the client has enough time to make educated design decisions and the builder has ample time to implement those decisions without delaying the project timeline,” Segerson says.
“Builders must also think critically through the order of operations for the project and come up with creative solutions to move a project forward despite being stuck with product delays.”
“Some manufacturers have reasonable lead times of six to 10 weeks, but specialty manufacturers of high-end windows and doors can be 20 weeks-plus,” Segerson says.
“While most organized builders have adapted to the long product lead times facing the industry, resolving these issues would allow each project to be built in the correct order of operations, ultimately shortening the project timeline and eliminating costly workarounds,” he says.
“The producers of many of these long-lead-time products need to drill down into their supply chain and find ways of manufacturing and delivering their products more quickly, or they risk losing market share to producers who deliver,” he says.
10 Ways Pros Manage Supply Chain Delays With Clients
“While most organized builders have adapted to the long product lead times facing the industry, resolving these issues would allow each project to be built in the correct order of operations, ultimately shortening the project timeline and eliminating costly workarounds,” he says.
“The producers of many of these long-lead-time products need to drill down into their supply chain and find ways of manufacturing and delivering their products more quickly, or they risk losing market share to producers who deliver,” he says.
10 Ways Pros Manage Supply Chain Delays With Clients
“Many clients are reconsidering products with extreme lead times that risk costly workarounds or construction delays that jeopardize their move-in date,” Segerson says. “We find clients are reconsidering some name brands with exorbitant lead times, like refrigeration units with multimonth lead times, for less prominent names that are readily available.
“Even if the products are purchased at the start of the project and may be delivered in time for the move-in, clients are concerned that receiving a defective unit could leave them stuck without a critical appliance in their new home for months,” he says.
“Even if the products are purchased at the start of the project and may be delivered in time for the move-in, clients are concerned that receiving a defective unit could leave them stuck without a critical appliance in their new home for months,” he says.
Tell us: What’s one industry change you’d like to see? Please tell us in the Comments.
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More for Pros on Houzz
Read more stories for pros
Learn about Houzz Pro software
Talk with your peers in pro-to-pro discussions
Join the Houzz Trade Program
“Looking ahead, I would like to see more standardization and transparency in industry pricing in order to create a fair and competitive landscape,” says Amy Leferink, founder and principal designer at Minnesota firm Interior Impressions.