Yes, We're General Contractors
I recently received an inquiry that stated
“I know you specialize in soft furnishings. Would you know of anyone who would approach a kitchen remodel with the same respect for the original architecture? Many thanks!”
I was puzzled by this, the only answer circling around in my head seemed to be “yeah...me”. I founded Leslie Tyler Design precisely to guide clients through the remodeling and design of their period home. While I clearly have a passion for the decor part of design I’ve understood that to make the most impact of retaining these historic beauties, is through detailed education and support as remodels are executed.
Our firm regularly serves as the General Contractor on residential and commercial projects throughout central Illinois. Just last week we booked not one but two kitchen remodels for later this year (stay tuned)! While I was perplexed at this assumption of the extent of our expertise I quickly understood this was an opportunity to level up the messaging (which is only as good as what our audience hears).
Our process will look different and we’re proud of that. We are as much a contracting firm as the next, but our approach is unique. We’re in the business of supporting what is already there, not replacing it with something new. You won’t hear us demanding to rip out the walls or windows, and you’ll find us obsessed with selecting a cabinet front that will perfectly marry the existing uppers you’d like to retain. Our curated network of trades understand and value the art of preservation and historically sympathetic remodels. This is what sets us apart from the masses and this network is precisely why an experience working with Leslie Tyler Design is unlike any other.
What a ‘renovation’ in a historic home should look like
I have seen time and time again again homeowners approach a renovation by hopping on the nearest directory of available contractors, requesting a few bids and voila...booked! It is after this vital step that we get a call and we walk into a severely depreciated (yes folks, if you rip out irreplaceable artifacts of your home you’ve decreased the value plain and simple) interiors and we’re expected to make everything better with a few window treatments and pillows. While we will always be happy to help clients at whatever phase they are at, I will continue to stress the importance of calling our firm sooner rather than later.
Look for your advocate first!
Whether with Leslie Tyler Design or someone else, if there is one thing I ask of homeowners of historic and period homes, find a professional who will advocate for your best interest as well as that of the home. You are in a unique position and it is imperative that you take that fact into consideration at every juncture. Although well meaning and qualified, the majority of contractors working in the market today are taught the art of replacing what exists and not how to consciously preserve.
What first comes to mind is the replacement of original windows. I was working with a client who had already hired a contractor to take on a quarter of a million dollar remodel before I was brought on board. Despite my best efforts this particular client decided to go with the contractor's recommendation to replace every single original window (because yes, every single one was intact) in a home that was built around 1905. For over 100 years these windows had served the caretakers of the home well and in an instant they were gone. THIS WAS INSANE! Both as it pertains to the budget and also in what was lost.
Had this homeowner understood the importance of beginning with an advocate understanding of the unique genre I sincerely believe the outcome would have been different. But unfortunately when a client begins with a professional who’s goal is to do as much work as possible. Unnecessary replacement, ripping out, painting over, and tearing down occurs. Look for your advocate first!