Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Well because we’re awesome! Is that a good enough reason? Ha

But really it is because we listen. We design for you, we adapt to your schedule, and we flex to your budget. One partner to take care of your design and project needs from beginning to end.

The sooner the better! Metric’s ideal approach is to be your project liaison from start to finish. For any major projects, working with a designer is going to be the easiest way to develop an elevated space that suits your needs.

Designers are so often contacted as an afterthought. The concern here is that a designer plans each detail from the inception phase, so having that foresight so early on, not only gives you a beautiful space, but also an environment that functions so well.

Time to get the ball rolling? Give us a shout HERE.

At Metric, we focus on simplifying the design and renovation process, resulting in projects that are less stressful for clients.

Metric is a one-stop shop. One project partner to design, supply, and build.

Our umbrella system means that the client only ever needs to communicate with their project leader and the leader talks to everyone else. (Administration, accounting, permitting, city reps, suppliers, abatement reps, contractors, trades, architects, and engineers).

We understand that your time is valuable; we’ll do the grunt work and provide you with updates.

As a Design team, we provide a collaborative approach from beginning to end. Multiple skill sets allow us to produce something ultimately unique.

Services are customized to your needs - your taste, your budget, and your schedule.

Most importantly we understand that this is both an exciting and stressful endeavour. We are here to spark ideas, as well as guide and advise, and ultimately support you in making the most of your investment.

Our priority is delivering a space that is carefully curated for you, with results that you can enjoy for years to come.

While each project is uniquely curated, our full process consists of 4 phases.

Phase 1 - Schematic (Conceptual) Design

Inspiration images, floor plan options, aesthetics, mood; this phase is all about finding the right look and creating a floor plan that caters to you.

Do It Yourself-ers are often interested in this phase to create a plan and then run with the ideas.

Phase 2 - Design Development

Now that we’ve created direction for the project, we can start refining the details. This is where we focus on the structural requirements, cabinetry, custom features, selections, as well as budgeting.

Phase 3 - Design Finalization

In this last design phase, we need to tie up all the loose ends. From the hardware to grout, where the light switches will go, are only a few (out of hundreds) of details that are addressed in this phase. Finalizing drawings, schedules, specifications, contracts, and pricing will create the full design and build package.

Clients with their own contractor may hand off the design package here but continue to utilize Metric’s design services to oversee the design implementation during construction.

Phase 4 Design Implementation

Let the construction begin!

This phase includes both construction and design management to ensure that the project is executed following the design vision.

With technology today, we are able to work with clients on a global scale. Local, national, and international projects are all included in our portfolio. While our main focus is bringing beauty to the Saskatoon community, we love the variety that comes with an out-of-town/province/country project!

Great design is accessible worldwide.

All projects are based on an average hourly billing rate of $165 per hour.

The work is estimated beforehand and executed when the budget is approved.

Learn more HERE.

Each project is unique and will vary accordingly. The timeline typically depends on the client and how quickly they need or want to move through the process. We are happy to work at a pace the client is comfortable with.

Decorating projects are heavily dependent on the mobilization period as supplier timelines have been longer than usual lately. While the initial phases of decorating typically take 2-4 weeks for the first 3 phases, installations are handled in multiple large set-up days, giving you grouped costs, and big visual impact in each setup.

Design projects will usually run 4-8 weeks for each of the first 3 phases but could be quicker or longer based on the scale of the project. Smaller project timelines are generally completed within a couple of months of demolition, while larger construction project timelines are often 4-12 months.

Start the process and get in contact with us HERE.

For Decorating type projects most clients find the most value in spending $2,500-$6,500 in services and approximately $10,000 - $20,000 in furnishings and decor per room.

With Design projects, on the other hand, most clients see value in spending $4,000-$12,000 per project phase. A full design package generally falls at 7-10% of the overall project budget, depending on scale.

Renovation – Fully Managed (You’ll want to think about taking an extended vacation or relocation while we do the work)

Typically, residential projects average $190 per overall square footage, while commercial rates generally range from $100 - $300 per sq/ft. Decorating is in addition to this.

The budget investment for full renovations is usually broken out into thirds. Products & Materials around 1/3 of the total investment, Sub-trades & Labour 1/3, and Project Services being 1/3.

These benchmarks are based on an average from past full renovation projects. Some exceptions to this average would include bathrooms and kitchens where the product supply and labour per square foot are very dense, thus increasing the average square foot price. The actual costs can only be determined once the Design Process has been finalized.

Metric specializes in being a project liason from start to finish. Many clients are first time renovators and do it yourself home builders, right through to busy professionals. Metric removes the stress by being the “go to” on the project.

For endeavors large and small, we take your ideas from fruition to conception. Metric is a full-service design firm. Design, supply, and build; we take care of it all.

From the conceptual ideas that ignite that spark, to the textiles that complete the final finishing details, an Interior Designer can see the big picture of a project.

An Interior Design professional is an individual that has taken specific education and formal training to gain the necessary knowledge to guide clients through a full-scale design and build project. This education includes schematic design, ergonomics, acoustics, way-finding, biophilia, and building codes, just to name a few. Their first focus is the safety and functionality of a space, and then they proceed to make the space beautiful. A designer also studies colour, fabrics, textiles, lighting, and the psychological impact of a space. They are trained to look at the space from outside the box to give suggestions and recommendations that might unorthodox, but they are also the solution you have been craving.

When comparing this to Interior Decorating, although the two are similar, decorators are skilled at coming into a room and whipping it into visual shape. For new spaces, they can help clients decide on a style, choose a colour scheme, purchase furniture, and accessorize. They're also often brought in to spruce up an existing space that needs to be updated or redone. Decorators occasionally work with contractors, but not engineers or architects since structural work is usually complete before they come on board. They do, however, work with furniture makers, upholsterers, and other industry professionals. Most often though, they work directly with homeowners or business managers.

Learn more about Residential service options HERE, and Commercial services HERE.

As with everything in the service industry these days, costs are going up. Labour is at a shortage, supplies are more expensive and difficult to source. At Metric we do our best to align ourselves with a great balance of quality contractors and materials while trying to keep installations and timelines in check. There is a balance in all of this, and we are striving every day streamline this process for you.