Marvelous Home Makeovers has been serving the Dallas community since 2004 and was founded by Botond Laszlo, CR, CKBR, GCP. Botond has a unique perspective on design aesthetics that is attributed to his European upbringing. This history translates into his projects as a modern, yet classical with a twist, take on proportion, color, texture, and line work. In addition, Botond has a methodical approach to project management that streamlines the experience for all the parties involved. In celebration of MHM’s expertise, NARI recently honored MHM with two COTY (Contractor of the Year) awards for 2016 for their Riverbend Kitchen and Milton Bathroom projects. Having had the opportunity to collaborate through material partnership with MHM, we have had the privilege of watching Botond provide clear, informative, and decisive direction to his clients first hand. In an effort to share insight to what makes MHM unique, we are pleased to share the following discussion between us.

 

Q: When a client first inquires with you, what’s your process for determining if MHM is a good fit for the client and vice versa?

A: During the initial consultation we discuss the project and recommended approach. This is time for ideas and questions. Prior to the meeting, it is helpful for you to prepare a clear vision of what you are trying to accomplish. Gathering photos from websites and magazines or just your handwritten notes and drawings help to communicate your ideas.

One key takeaway from this meeting is establishing if we are the right fit for each other. We believe in a highly communicative and friendly process and want to make sure this can be fostered as we progress with the process. During this meeting we will discuss a ballpark budget based on the initial ideas. The culmination of communication styles, shared vision and alignment of scope, resources and time help all parties determine if we are the right fit to work together on their home transformation.

Q: Are there any projects that you have chosen not to take on and if so why?

A: There are projects we have determined are not the right fit for MHM and have respectfully declined. As a small business owner this is never easy but we do it for the right reasons, not just for us but our client. It is important to us that we feel we can have clear communication channels and trust with the client. There have been instances where for one reason or another I did not feel confident we had the required strong communication established and therefore could not move forward. There have been other instances where unfortunately the clients vision did not align with their budget. Rather than complete the work in a way that I felt would meet their budget but fall short of their true vision I have stepped away from pursuing the project further. I have even had clients come back some time later and have adjusted their budget, are ready to do the project and thanked me for standing true to delivering a quality project.

Q: How did the Milton clients and MHM come to know one another to collaborate of the bathroom remodeling project?

A: The majority of our business is built on referrals. We believe in building strong relationships, often friendships, with our clients and it is through that and the trust built during our projects that we have such strong referrals from clients. The Milton project was no different. A client who has become quite an evangelist of MHM referred us to the homeowners.

Q: The color palette for the Milton project emitted a refreshing yet warm undertone. How did you arrive at this color palette and what’s your process for selecting a color direction?

A: First, we need to have a good understanding of what the client wants the space to feel like when completed. We take that vision into picking out core elements, like countertops and tiles. From there it is a bit of an art to complement these core pieces, continue to find colors and patterns that evoke the feel the client is looking for and make sure the space feels like it belongs with the rest of the house.

Q: How do you make you and your clients make a first material selection for a project, meaning do you start with any specific material section first, such as feature wall in the shower or countertops, and then make additional material selections from there?

A: Feature or accent walls, and counters are frequently the cornerstone of the design so we often start with those when addressing the color palette. Taking clients to Aria is a great way for them to see a large variety of granite slabs and the way they are artistically displayed helps the client envision it in their home. Often clients find it difficult to picture a slab in their home when viewing it in a traditional granite yard environment where lighting is sometimes less than ideal, pieces have to be lifted out to see them and just in general feels more of a warehouse. Once clients find a few pieces that speak to them we can narrow down which fits best with the feeling we are aiming for in the space and build from there. These core material pieces are a lot like art, there may be a number of pieces that fit but it needs to feel right to you as well.