I had two walk throughs recenlty, one for my Southbank project and one for my Glen Iris project. The walk through is a big milestone in the project. It’s where you get to see your dream home realised. This is why a walk through your property is critical for a successful renovation
Recap of the interior design project
On a large project the walk through may happen months after the first meeting. For example, for my Glen Iris project, the client first approached me in April 2022. We didn’t start working together until June 2022.
The builder started his work in July 2023 and the walk through happened late November 2023. That’s why a key aspect of the walk through is a recap.
A recap of some of the key functional problems and the style goal and colour scheme and how it was applied.
Key features of the interior design and build
Some spaces will have a key features, it could be a finish, fixtures or fitting. In my Glen Iris project a key feature in the kitchen was a new appliance counter.
During the walk through and going to each space that was part of the scope of the project allows my builder and I to point out the key features.
These features are special elements, that bring wow factor, so they’re highly anticipated and worth pointing out to demonstrate to the client how this special feature was realised.
Reviewing the workmanship
During the walk through there is an opportunity for the client to review the workmanship, special features and in general how the specifications came together cohesively.
But it’s also important for myself and the builder to discuss the project implementation. To talk about any sticking points and demonstrate to the client how these were overcome with a seamless quality finish.
Question time for clients
During the walk through it’s also important for clients to review the space, touch the surfaces, look closely at everything and ask questions.
After all it’s their home and this walk through has been a long time coming. Most clients are excited, but some are also nervous.
So, the opportunity to ask questions for clients is very important. This way they get to understand the journey of the build, and why certain things have worked out the way they have.
Touch ups, scratches etc
While we work hard to deliver a successful outcome, I think that a perfect space doesn’t exist.
Buildings have quirks, trades people make mistakes, miscommunications happen, so it’s important for clients to review their home carefully to advise the builder of any issues.
Issues can be small or big. For example, paint touch ups or scratches on the cabinetry. If there is a scratch on the cabinetry then this will be replaced. Any paint touch up means the painter needs to come back on site.
The walk through is an important part of the interior design process and while it signifies the end of a big part of the construction process there might be fiddly little things that need to be addressed. Sometimes this means a delay in moving in and sometimes it doesn’t.
Why a walk through your property is critical for a successful renovation is clear. After this step is taken all you need is time to appreciate all the new features that your interior designer and builder have worked had to deliver so that you can live in your version of an aspirational space.
