How to Avoid the Building or Remodeling Nightmare! A Boston Design Week Panel by FBN

It’s easy to tell how people feel about General Contractors. Whether it’s because of funny TV commercials, horror stories from friends, or a personal experience, their reputation persists. Is this experience a necessary evil? Can you minimize your chances of falling victim to it?

Bob Ernst of FBN will share insights from his 30 years of experience along with those from the distinguished panel of architects and design professionals. This discussion will highlight some team-building techniques for creating an exceptional home renovation and will answer many key questions from homeowners. 

Venue: Vanegas and Company at Boston Design Center, 477 Harrison Ave #2a, Boston, MA 

Date: March 29th, 2017

Time: 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm

RSVP here. 

 Sample questions answered:

What are the common reasons for delays and how they can be avoided? 

What are the most common reasons for cost over runs and how they can be avoided? 

What can a homeowner do to ensure architects, design professionals, and builders start collaborating and working in their best interest?

What is the best way for a homeowner to manage the budget during a remodeling process?

What are some simple techniques for design professionals to improve their communication and succeed?

What are the most common issues in the renovation process and how can they be avoided?

And any other questions from the audience

This industry expert panel is organized by  FBN Construction and is a part of Boston Design Week, a 12-day Citywide Design Festival. 

Meet the Panelists:

Bob Ernst, Builder and Moderator:

Having been a builder for over 30 years, Bob has built FBN's reputation through collaboration, customer service, and transparency. Through his leadership, FBN Construction has grown from 750k to 10M annually and has become recognized as a market leader both locally and nationally. As an active member of NAHB, IFDA, BAGB,ASID, BSA, and NKBA, he frequently contributes to industry panels and events on how designers, architects, and clients can work together to give customers a positive, empowering experience during their home projects.  

Leslie Fine, Designer:

Leslie Fine is the president of Leslie Fine Interiors, Inc., an award-winning, full service residential interior design firm located in Boston, Massachusetts. Leslie is known for her personalized service and hands-on approach with her clients in creating functional and beautiful homes. Leslie’s Blog has a large national and international following, and she enjoys sharing her experiences with interior design and luxury living with her readers.

Andrew Sidford, Architect:

A licensed Architect with 30 years of experience, Andrew Sidford is one of the top architects in the Boston area. His expertise ranges from historic renovations, to contemporary design, and from single-family homes to large-scale commercial and institutional projects. His unique designs have garnered accolades and awards, and have been featured in Boston Globe Magazine, Design New England, Northshore Magazine, and numerous others. In 2006, Andrew Sidford Architects became the first architectural firm to join 1% For the Planet, an international environmental group whose members pledge one percent of their profits to environmental causes.  

Duncan Hughes, Designer:

Based in Boston, Duncan Hughes Interiors is an award-winning interior design firm that is synonymous with timeless but forward-thinking designs that cater to the unique aesthetic and functional needs of each client, whether traditional, modern, or commercial.  From the recent refurbishment of a historic Richard Morris Hunt mansion, to contemporary properties for actress Katherine Heigl, and illustrious private clients throughout the United States, Hughes is renowned for his elegant, sophisticated, yet always comfortable interiors.  Trained in architecture, he spent years collaborating with other designers before launching his own interior design firm in Boston in 2003.