Over the next few blog posts, you’re going to leverage my knowledge and expertise, in order to get more out of your design budget, by avoiding pitfalls and problems that are all too common in the home improvement process. Let’s start at the beginning…
Decisions, decisions, decisions… That’s what the design process usually boils down to. They say, “Art imitates Life.” Well, I’m here to tell you that just like a decision you make in life, decisions made during the design process have lasting effects and far-reaching consequences.
I’m going to tell you about some common, but very problematic decision-making processes that almost always result in frustration, budgets getting blown and projects stretching way past schedule. If at all possible, avoid the following!
- “I’m taking a poll…”
Yikes! Your space is your space. You have to live in it day by day, work with it during good times and bad, welcome guests into it and handle stress from inside it. So why, why, why would you want anyone else’s opinions?
You see; designers work on the whole picture. We know the ins and outs, what can be done and what can’t, what’s going to work and what won’t. We work with you to define your style, not ours. But so many homeowners go around asking advice from their neighbor, coworker, distant relative, talk-show host, the kid at home depot, their pet groomer and their psychic advisor. This is not their home, it’s yours!
Remember: That nosy neighbor telling you how nice it would be to have a pizza oven in your outdoors living space is not shelling out the several thousand dollars to put one in, or sitting in your living room, watching it go unused 11 months out of the year.
Just a little design inspiration to keep you smiling…
- “My contractor said…”
Uh-oh…your contractor? Now don’t get me wrong, there are some exceptionally bright and well-experienced contractors out there. However, the difference between a designer and a contractor boils down to where the effort is applied. A designer is there to make sure your vision, your style is made whole and brought to life. The contractor is there to complete the directed work, usually defaulting to whatever method they are most familiar with.
Even the best contractors occasionally influence projects to be completed in a way other than originally planned. And who can blame them? Construction is an intensive process, often relying on several parties working in tandem, and usually involving a ton of paperwork. Everyone wants to see a job well done and walk away with a sense of accomplishment for the day. But to “Keep honest people honest,” let the designer help you make the best decision and direct the contractor in making that decision happen the best way.
I’ll have more helpful hints and project pointers in the posts to come. In the meantime, enjoy the beginnings of Fall, and if you’re not ready for the pile of guests, carolers and well-wishers headed your way this holiday season, call now! There’s still time to sneak a project or two in before the rush!
