By Clyde Noel

Photo by Joe Hu, Town Crier

Town Crier Correspondent

The keys to smooth and successful home remodeling are careful planning and good communication. The easiest way to achieve that success is working with an end-to-end design-build-interior (DBI) firm that uses a team approach.

“We want to tell people more about our design service for the home and the team approach we utilize,” said Ilona Lindauer, founder and owner of IKB. “Our DBI firm is responsible for every aspect of a remodel from the idea-stage to the finishing touches of the project.”

Using these keys, you can get through the rebuilding process without worry or delay. You can also avoid the predicament of a $50,000 bid turning into a $150,000 bill.

During the architectural design phase, clients need to put on paper exactly what they are expecting to accomplish. Lindauer said most projects begin with an idea. The client envisions the colors they want, the tiles they fancy or even a couch they like to use after a hard day’s work.

“Quite often details are left out or skimmed over initially and fixtures are left for a later date.” Lindauer said. “Fast forward a few months and you have problems because the plumbing wasn’t configured for the faucets the client desired.”

A DBI team, or a firm like IKB, tackles the design step with accuracy in mind. End-to-end specifications are laid out to ensure the rest of the job runs smoothly. Styles are defined, budgets are discussed and plans are drafted to include each aspect of the project. Everything is chosen up front, according to Lindauer.

“Our first concerns are the client’s desires,” Lindauer said. “Our goal is to extract the unique needs and personalities of our clients. To achieve that goal, we demand superior workmanship from all who participate in the remodel.”

Since the builders work closely with the designers from project inception, there is no guesswork or misinterpretation about what the designer intended in the plans. Design integrity is as close to performance as possible at IKB. The design/build team is in constant communication to make sure the required parts are ordered, schedules are clear and the project timeline is met.

Good planning monitors details so that the interior furnishings arrive when scheduled and the electric plugs are where they should be. In a DBI team, the interior furnishings coordinator is often part of the design team.

“For us, it’s fun to come to work every day and share common core values such as compassion, generosity and fairness to our clients and subcontractors,” Lindauer said. “Our association together is a special and positive thing.”

IKB is located at 345 Main Street, Los Altos. For more information, call 941-4384.