At the end of design, homeowners often want to begin construction while permits and long-lead items like windows are still pending, but ordering custom products before permit approval carries risk. Even experienced architects and designers cannot fully eliminate that risk because building code interpretation and enforcement vary by municipality and can change unexpectedly.

Choosing the right interior designer goes beyond taste and technical skill—one of the most valuable qualities is the ability to stay ahead of the curve. The most experienced designers plan extensively before construction begins, preparing detailed drawings, specifying and ordering products in advance, coordinating with builders, and ensuring timely site visits to keep the project running smoothly.

Well-developed blueprints are essential for clearly communicating your vision—not just to you as the client, but also to the builder who brings that vision to life. They serve as the bridge between how you want to live in the space and the practical execution of that idea.

I thought it would be fun to take a break from serious informational articles to break down some of our industry’s goofiest terms and slogans. Most of these are real slang used in the construction trade and a few are some popular tongue-in-cheek definitions in the construction world.

When clients are considering replacing windows, they often ask whether they should do “new construction” type windows or “replacement” or “insert” type. It’s a great question and this article addresses what factors to consider when making this decision.