One Room Challenge Week 3: Pantry Paradise - Construction Documents, Contractors & Prep Work

October 16, 2024

Welcome back to Pantry Paradise and Week 3 of my pantry upgrade for the One Room Challenge! If you followed along last week, we kicked things off with planning, and now it’s time to dive deeper into the nitty-gritty details. This week, I’m tackling the construction documents, meeting with contractors, getting estimates, and laying the groundwork for demo day! Ready to see how it's done? Let's dive in.

Step 1: Creating the Construction Documents 

Before any hammer swings, it's essential to have a clear set of construction documents. These documents are like the blueprint of your project – they outline everything from measurements to materials and provide the contractors with the necessary details to make the project a success.

I’ve outlined where the new shelving for small appliances will go, the placement of bulk storage shelves, and space for a countertop and vegetable drawers. Having these documents in place ensures that everything goes smoothly and keeps everyone on the same page.

Want to see the progress? Here’s a space where I’ll be updating my construction documents as the project moves forward.

Step 2: Meeting with Contractors & Getting Estimates ‍

This week, I’ve been meeting with contractors to go over the scope of the project. It’s so important to get multiple estimates to make sure you're getting the best value for your money.

We walked through the pantry space, discussed the new layout, and went over the construction documents. The key is communication – making sure the contractors fully understand the vision is crucial. I also reached out to sponsors to help support the project (fingers crossed I hear back from a few soon!).

Pro Tip: When getting estimates, always ask for a breakdown of labor, materials, and any additional fees so you can make an informed decision.

If you're looking to learn how to hire the right contractor, I’ve got you covered! You can find a free download on my website – just head to www.interiorsbyria.com and wait for the pop-up to access it.

Step 3: Meeting the Cabinet Guys & Finalizing Storage Solutions

One of the most exciting parts of this week is meeting with the cabinet team! The new custom cabinets will be the star of the pantry, adding both function and style. I’m going for sleek, modern cabinetry with lots of clever storage solutions – including pull-out drawers for vegetables, and floating shelves for organized storage.

We’ve gone over the measurements, materials, and finishes to make sure everything matches the look I’m going for. I’m particularly excited about the built-in shelving for my smaller appliances. This will free up countertop space and keep everything organized and out of sight. Stay tuned for more updates on the cabinet install!

Step 4: Scheduling the Demo – Let the Fun Begin!

Now that I’ve got my construction documents in hand, estimates on the table, and the cabinets in progress, it’s time to schedule the demo day! This is where we’ll start tearing down the old pantry and preparing it for the new design.

Demo can be messy, but it’s the first big step toward bringing my vision to life. I’ve made sure to schedule the demo with enough time for any potential surprises – it’s always better to give yourself a little extra breathing room in case things don’t go according to plan.

Step 5: Reaching Out to Sponsors

In addition to meeting contractors and finalizing designs, I’ve been reaching out to potential sponsors to see if they’d like to support the project. Whether it's lighting, wallpaper, or storage solutions, having sponsors onboard can make a huge difference in the final outcome of the project. I’m thrilled to announce that Kuzco and Alora Lighting have generously sponsored the lighting for our pantry makeover! Their stunning fixtures are going to bring the perfect blend of style and functionality to the space, and I can’t wait to show you how they transform the room. Thank you so much, Kuzco and Alora Lighting, for being a part of this exciting journey!

I’m also excited to announce that we’ve partnered with a WallSnobs for this project. I had the opportunity to meet with the owner to discuss the process of creating a custom wallpaper design that reflects the unique style of this pantry makeover. We collaborated to develop a one-of-a-kind pattern that will add a fun and personalized touch to the space. The wallpaper will truly bring the design to life, and I can’t wait for you to see the final product!

Thank you to our sponsors for making this part of the project possible. Hopefully, I’ll have more great news to share as we continue working with sponsors. Stay tuned for the reveal of the gorgeous lighting, custom wallpaper, and more updates next week!

Alora Mood
WallSnobs

Conclusion

Week 3 of Pantry Paradise has been all about preparation – from creating construction documents to meeting contractors and finalizing storage solutions. Things are moving quickly, and I’m so excited to keep you updated as we head into demo and beyond! I’ll continue to share the progress as we bring this pantry to life, so stay tuned for more updates, tips, and tricks as we go through each stage.

Feel free to follow along as I share my weekly progress and, as always, if you’re looking for design help on your own projects, don’t hesitate to reach out for a discovery call. I’d love to help you create your dream space!

Building Lasting Relationships

Ria's interior design expertise truly made the process an absolute pleasure. Her keen attention to detail is evident in every aspect of her work, ensuring that every element aligns perfectly with the overall vision. What impressed me the most was her unwavering commitment to communication and follow-up. No question went unanswered, and she was always readily available to address any concerns or queries I had along the way.

One of Ria's greatest strengths is her ability to listen attentively to her clients. She took the time to understand my preferences and needs, offering insightful suggestions that elevated the design to new heights. Her recommendations weren't just about aesthetics; they were tailored to optimize functionality and enhance the overall ambiance of the space.

Working with Ria was a collaborative and enriching experience. Her passion for design shines through in every decision she makes, and her dedication to client satisfaction is unparalleled. I couldn't be happier with the results, and I wholeheartedly recommend Ria to anyone seeking a truly transformative interior design journey.

Allison W.

Ria did a wonderful job on designing my space. She really took the time to discuss with me my ideas to get a sense of my needs and style. Her communication throughout the process has been phenomenal so I’ve always known when to expect things from her. She’s been responsive to my feedback and to exploring options that fit my design preference. I look forward to working with Ria on more design projects!

DEG Videos

I really enjoyed working with Ria, she was great at taking direction and finding the look you had in mind, but any time you weren't quite sure what to do with a space she was quick to offer guidance.  I think she went above and beyond to make the whole process enjoyable and as easy as possible.

Josh T.

I was looking for something more polished for my main bedroom. Ria created a beautiful, custom design plan for me based on my preferences and how we use the room. Would highly recommend.

Trina P.

I needed a rental space decorated after my divorce and I was on a budget. Ria came in and understood what I wanted to accomplish and listened to my feedback throughout the process. Although we went slightly over budget, in the end my home now feels like "me" and is soooooo comfortable and cozy when I need to relax and decompress in the evenings after work.

I debated only giving 4 stars instead of 5 due to being slightly over budget (I wish there was a 4.99 rating), but this was a near-ideal outcome in terms of how much I enjoy the spaces she decorated - so 5 stars it is!!!

Thanks Ria for an incredible job!

Aaron P.

ria’s positive qualities in this experience

1. Outcome great. That is bottom line
2. Professional
3. Funny pleasant
4. Very organized
5. On top of things
6. Very reachable

David B.

I truly enjoyed working with Ria as my designer. Our house looks beautiful. I would highly recommend her as an interior designer for your home.

Maria

Ria did a great job with my project. She was patient and took the time to get to know everything I was looking for. Throughout the whole process she was in constant communication with me about how work was going, what issues came up, and how she was helping to take care of them. She was very frank about prices and timelines, but also worked really hard to help me find the right style and stay within budget.  At first I wasn't sure I wanted to spend money on a designer, but I'll definitely be reaching out to her for future projects.

DS

Ria was awesome to work with!!!! She has great taste for design and worked with the ideas i had. She is also very honest and professional. I would definitely recommend her if you are needing a designer!!

Lauren D.
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