HOW TO COMBAT STALLED HOME IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS
The reasons why many homeowners just can’t seem to wrap up their home improvement projects is really very simple and comes down to three important truths! Whether you own your home or merely rent, there comes a time when you will encounter the dreaded five words that not only make you sound like a determined toddler but have stalled many a home improvement project;
"I can do it myself!"
I've encountered situations like this so often in my career that I coined the phrase - “Capability-Immobility” – the debilitating condition homeowner’s face when they can’t move forward with a project because they know that they can, feel they should and think they will get it done themselves! It’s the most common excuse I hear to explain why people procrastinate or get stalled when doing a home renovation project.
Now, I am not saying that a good portion of my clientele can't handle a paint brush, in fact some clients are pretty handy and have skills with woodworking or basic electrical. But let's face it, the majority of us have a full time job in another profession, so these home improvement projects might not be a priority at the end of a long hard day or even longer work week.
Capability-Immobility is a real and common problem. The first step to ridding ourselves of this “gorilla in the room”, is to look at it from a different perspective, one in which involves real solutions.
By looking at the root causes of this condition we can address the issues first hand. My insight to these all too common dilemmas actually shows how a professional can offer great solutions.
What’s the Budget?
Let’s face it, nobody likes to talk about budgets. It’s right up there with death and taxes – all of which are unavoidable.
Contrary to popular belief, my role as an interior designer is to
a. Help you put a plan in place (including budget)
b. Find cost effective solutions and resources with that budget
c. If there isn’t enough money in the budget - Show homeowners how to do projects in stages
Here’s what I mean. A new client came to me wanting to redesign her Living Room, so she could have enough space to entertain her large extended family. After touring the home I pointed out that during family gatherings most people will end up in the kitchen anyway. She thought the kitchen as way too small and way too expensive to renovate. To the contrary I showed her a simple redesign of the space which involved making a half-wall and eating bar in between the kitchen and underutilized formal dining room. By reconfiguring her existing cabinets we were able to solve her entertaining problems AND stayed under budget! With the help of a professional you can think out of the box - beyond your own capabilities and get the job done!
What if Couples Can’t Agree?
This is a common dilemma where neither person wants to “give in”. My role is to listen to the needs and desires of both parties and develop the best design that also incorporates the priorities of both people. When both parties can agree that a design plan (often something neither of them had thought of before) is the best solution, then it’s not about whose plan was implemented but that all ideas were incorporated!
A perfect example of this is when a couple came to me seeking help designing their new kitchen layout. The husband and wife both wanted a large island, BUT each person had a different goal for the functionality of the island. The husband wanted a large prep and entertaining space with wet bar, wine cooler and chopping board. The wife however wanted a space to feed their 3 kids and a desk area from which she could organize her busy family. My solution – I came up with a design that separated the island into two! But creating a unique shape and work flow to each, both parties were happy and their needs were met. With the help of a professional you can think beyond your own capabilities and come up with a solution you can both agree on so you can get the job done!
Overwhelmed by the options!? We don’t even know where to start!
Often times people start the process by shopping around, looking at every source available – and getting too overwhelmed to make a decision.
A recent client came to me in a panic as her husband and contractor were both angry at her because she couldn’t decide on a flooring choice for their new farmhouse style home. She had envisioned using natural slate tile as the interior flooring of her home continuing onto the expansive patio area. This was causing a budget nightmare, but she did not want to give up on her vision. This homeowners busy lifestyle managing a farm didn’t leave extra time so when I pointed out that natural slate was not only expensive, BUT very high maintenance she reconsidered. I showed her a beautiful porcelain slate tile that not only fit the budget but was low maintenance, as well. Often when you come to the conclusion yourself that something is a better idea – it’s much easier to live with! With the help of a professional you can think beyond your own knowledge base and have capability to get the job done!
Many couples become incapacitated and their project goes nowhere. But that’s exactly where a professional like myself can be your advocate and guide to getting the project off the ground, guide you to the best options considering both form and function and manage the project through completion!
You may still be saying to yourself “ but I CAN do it myself!” and I will surely agree, but why not make sure you are doing it right and have considered all the options, perhaps even some you did not know existed. I have many clients who I meet with every few months for a simple consult and sanity check. We meet and review their choices, talk about what they should work on next and what will give them the biggest bang for their buck! Let’s face it, there are countless decisions to be made, and nothing is more frustrating than completing a DYI home renovation project, only to discover you should have done something differently or perhaps not at all.
The solution to all of these issues is perspective. Once you start looking at a professional as your advocate and guide rather than a luxury item the solutions we can offer transcend the excuses you make!
I often hear people say they just can’t afford to hire a designer, but I say that a good design advocate is a necessity to guide you how to spend your hard earned money. After all, who can afford to make bad decisions only to have to redo or replace poor quality or unsuitable options?
No matter how you look at it, whether I am called a negotiator, marriage counselor, project manager or my personal favorite, “interior designer”. A qualified interior designer can help you solve your “capability-immobility” issues and finally get those stalled home improvement projects off the ground and completed – so you can realize the goals you’ve been dreaming about for so long!
Do you like getting my monthly tips and insights? FOLLOW BAILIWICK INTERIOR DESIGN on INSTAGRAM for EVEN MORE GREAT INFO!
Planning a home improvement project and don’t know where to start?
Click the button below to receive CARRIE’S ULTIMATE GUIDE TO A SUCCESSFUL HOME RENOVATION PROJECT.