Tuesday, December 27, 2016

Nothing Like Watching

I have an idea! I do not know why I have not done this!?  We have a great Facebook Page where we post pictures.  Let me ask you, would you enjoy my posting of pictures and videos in these Blog posts as well? I can post them and enter a more detailed description in the Blog.

Lenny has amazing abilities and results! Last week's post made me realize short videos and pictures help homeowners understand why and how things are accomplished. Seeing is believing too. It reduces stress created by the "unknown".

Like every professional, it is easy to forget your clients do NOT know what the process is. Isn't that true? I bet, as you go about your work day accomplishing what is "natural" for you, you minimize the skills and importance of the details particular to your services or jobs. We all assume our customers or clients know what we do or are not really interested. However, this is your home, your nest, and most likely, you are going to need to remain living and sleeping in it during the remodeling process.
So, I thought, "Ask the readers!"

Homeowners are shocked when they realize the decisions, selections, and sheer details that need to be discussed , understood, and accepted in the contract phase. I hope to create clarity and calm for you as you transition into the Demo Phase. Let's begin with some basics. We will post follow up pictures or videos that illustrate to help your understanding of what to expect.

Have you thought about how to protect your home's interior when you are busy improving it in a room close to another important gathering place in your home? Dust has a way of landing EVERYWHERE and traveling further than you ever thought possible! Let's begin there.

Of course this can have an impact on your physical health, especially your respiratory and visual health. However, it also impacts your emotional and mental health.  The Demo phase is messy. There is no way to prevent that fact. Having your home torn apart while living in it is stressful! Yes, it is temporary and the results will be worth the inconvenience. However, it is a fact the homeowner must
factor in to their decisions.

In New England where many of our homes are 75 years old or older, we can run into specialized issues. I did in my Circa 1908 home remodeling our kitchen and bath.   Improving one area should not impact another area negatively, right? The reality here is unique to the United States.  In New England, where many of our homes were built decades: if not a century ago, horsehair plaster may be the way the walls were constructed. Have you ever broken into a wall made with it? Oh my, the fine dust is unbelievable!  It can be impossible to capture if you are not prepared and ready to confine it. Even newer construction is messy, dusty, and unpleasant to work around or live in proximity to. So, what can be done to protect yourself, your family, pets, furniture and belongings?

Your best protection is a temporary wall made for the duration of the "dusty" phase.  Plastic Sheeting to create dust barrier walls is a must! Any Contractor that takes pride in their professionalism and truly cares about the safety and health of you and your family will enclose the work area to confine the mess. They will also clean up daily before leaving the work site.

There is nothing like personal experience to help us understand what is important to your clients.
Honestly, as a Designer, I often discussed with my clients the need to be prepared realizing remodeling can be wonderful and exciting. It can also be stressful too. However, I did not know how stressful it could be until I remodeled my own kitchen and bath. Even knowing the process and inconvenience, I was not prepared for the days, I was just tired of my home being turned into a construction zone. It was worth it in the long run. It was still upsetting at times along the way.

Our repeat clients that contract with us for multiple projects do so based on our genuine care and concern for your project, your property, and your sanity.  We would love to do the same for you!
There is a difference so it is important your award your project to a Contractor who keeps all of this in mind.


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