Failure is not an option. No one likes failure. Not you “The Customer” and surely not your contractor. I don’t even like to utter the word. Most contractors rely on that word of mouth referrals in order to feed their family and the families of the people whom work for them. Don’t set the project up for failure by starting out with the mindset “ you will make it up as you go.” If your expectations are to be met, everyone needs to be on the same page from day 1. Now with that said, “Murphy’s law” is always bound interject at some point. This is where a little homework ahead of time and trusting in your contractor can make your dreams comes to fruition.
It is always best practice to do your research beforehand. If you want to use a specific product or construction method, it’s much less painful for everyone involved if you can avoid the hind-sight pitfall. We have all had those aha moments in life. Moments where hind- sight is said to be 20/20. I prefer the aha moments with happy endings and full of smiles. Knowing the products you want to use before you start is a must. Communication and Planning are the key in any relationship. Please don’t tell your contractor you want a specific product or construction method installed after the job is done. Speaking up when the project is nearly completed is just as bad. If that is the case, please don’t expect them to re do it for free. It’s not their fault. Playing dumb is just as bad, that goes for contractor or customer. Don’t be afraid to ask for advice from your contractor, they do this every day. Remember you hired them for a reason. Do offer suggestions, a fresh point of view can be worth a listen. Sometimes we all get tunnel vision, especially if a dead line is involved. I will say if you ask eight different contractors the proper technique to hang a picture. You’re bound to get eight different answers. Same thinking applies if I ask for your great grandmother’ secret spaghetti recipe. When doing a renovation project, let’s not throw spaghetti at the wall and hope it sticks. Let’s start with a plan. It’s realistic to say things arise and decisions will need to be made on the spot. Every detail can’t be determined ahead of time; but if we have a plan, it’s easier to avoid the pitfalls.
Once the project is properly planned out and started, it’s time to STOP watching u-tube videos. Knowledge is power, but it can also become hindrance. Watching charismatic people on U-tube showing us how to use so many great product in today’s world, can defiantly cause you to second guess your decisions. Sending your plan into a spiral putting a strain on your relationship with your spouse, your contractor, or your own sanity. Remember those aha moments we talked about. Just because we can, doesn’t mean we should. That’s how I ended up with glow in the dark countertops in my kitchen. A story for another time.
The internet & U-tube are great resources, but just because someone made a video, doesn’t mean that is the only way to build a better mouse trap. Speaking of traps; Beware of being sucked into:” If it’s on the internet, it must be true”. Use your best judgment. New can be better, but don’t be so quick to discard the old ways, they’re already proven. Stick to the plan and trust you contractor, you hired them for a reason.
If you Like this article, be sure to check out other great articles on this site. Next in a series.” How long will it take?” Kitchen palnning basics