If you want to start your renovation off on the right foot and set the tone for the next several months or more, then consider a few of these sure-fire ways to win over your design team – and make your renovation experience a great one.
1. Be Prepared
- Do your homework.
- Know the scope of your renovation project, large or small.
- Show up prepared for meetings so you don’t waste valuable time; we all know that time = money.
- Have an agenda to follow for each design meeting, site meeting, or shopping day, and check off each item as you accomplish it.
2. Be Focused
- Keep yourself focused during meetings and stay on the issues at hand.
- Move the meeting along at a steady pace without revisiting the same issue more than twice.
- Go through the agenda and check off each item.
- Turn your cell phone to vibrate during meetings, and if at all possible, don’t answer it!
3. Be Decisive
- Do your best to put the appropriate amount of time into the decision-making process. The more research you do in advance, the more confident you’ll feel about the choices you make.
- Don’t second-guess yourself. Confidence is the key. If you’ve taken the time to assess your needs at the start, stick with them.
- Trust the guidance that your architect or designer provides you with. After all, you hired them for their expertise.
4. Be Diligent
- Take the best notes possible at each meeting and document the final decision made, or it will get lost in translation.
- When you get home from a meeting, email everyone who attended that particular meeting and summarize what was discussed avoiding any confusion later.
5. Be Resilient
- When unanticipated situations arise and unexpected site conditions dictate a slight deviation from the original plan, detail, or concept, just go with it!
- When it comes to renovations and construction, unforeseen problems will arise. Be flexible!
- Make certain you let the design professionals, contractors, and sub trades do their jobs. Don’t micro-manage!
6. Be Punctual
- If for any reason you’re running late or need to reschedule a meeting, give everyone ample notice when possible.
- Keep in mind that your job isn’t the only project your design professional or contractor is working on. Extend them the same courtesy.
7. Be Courteous
- Make sure you inform your design team of all change orders along the way.
- If you and your contractor make any changes without your designer or architect present, email them to keep them informed.
- Keeping everyone on the same page will save on future frustration without insulting anyone.
8. Be Complimentary
- If at any time you’re over the moon thrilled with something, don’t be shy—let the people know!
- Share your feelings be generous with compliments. Your designer or architect and contractor will feel fantastic knowing that they’re pleasing you, and they ultimately will work that much harder to keep you happy.
9. Be a Host
- Show your appreciation to your design dream team with a little housewarming get together for them. Invite a few close friends to introduce them to your team and show off your home and their work.
I encourage you leave questions or comments below this post, and fill out the form on the right hand side of this page to receive your free copy of my special report:
“How to Avoid the 15 Most Common Decorating Mistakes”
Article by Lori Gilder, Architectural Interior Designer, Los Angeles, Ca. © 2010 Lori Gilder. Interior Makeovers Inc.
