Communication: The Key That Unlocks The Door To Remodeling Success!
Communication helped everyone transform the 1970s ranch-style home: New dormers and new semi-circular wall surrounding the new private patio.
The return trip home, after leaving Mark and Anne’s yearly Thanksgiving open house, presented a wonderful opportunity to think about everything that made their major 1970s ranch home remodeling project special. Then, a familiar question, “How can more homeowners achieve the best results possible — with fewer anxieties, hassles, and regrets?” Here’s what made a big difference for Anne and Mark when they remodeled (and added onto) their home, and what can make a big difference for you:
Everyone took responsibility for communication, making this a successful remodeling project!
The Homeowners:
> Knew what they wanted and made a comprehensive prioritized list. Their communication about goals and priorities was clear. This allowed us to focus on their goals, and discuss the range of their investment, so they could make an informed decision about the scope and size of their project.
> Considered all information carefully, and asked questions to help them make important decisions (communication!). This kept the design phase moving ahead smoothly, with a natural progression of decisions.
> Made all product decisions as quickly as possible. This allowed inclusion of important details in the plans and specifications, and expedited product orders, which helped to make the construction phase relatively hassle-free for everyone.
> Understood the importance of communication and maintaining a positive attitude. All requests began with “please” and all discussions ended with a genuine “thank you”.
The Contractor, Project Manager, and Subcontractors:
> Communication was stellar! They shared valuable information about options and relative investment. This helped the homeowners make good decisions based on reason, without any regrets.
> Had extensive experience working as a team. The best foundation for any working relationship is mutual respect, high ethical standards, and similar business philosophies.
> Respected the home and its occupants. Extreme measures were employed to control dust, debris, and cold air, so the family could live in their home as normally as possible during construction.
> Honored the schedule and their commitment to the project. There were no major delays once the construction began.
> Followed the plans and verified important details. When a problem with existing conditions arose, the project manager would call immediately (5-star communication!), so we could resolve the challenge and stay on track with the homeowners’ goals and the construction schedule.
The Suppliers:
> They provided reliable information (i.e., communication) about product features, price, and availability. This enabled the homeowners to make good decisions about everything that would be included in their home.
> They verified orders, and provided everything in a timely manner — communication at its best. This helped the project to proceed smoothly, especially at the end (when homeowners tend to feel more anxiety about getting finished and moved in).
The Designer: A Six-Step Process
Read the “rest of the story” . . .
“See the Possibilities. Create a Positive Difference.”
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