Taking on a home renovation project can be quite the ride. It is an exciting process and one the has many ups and downs. The emotional side of home renovation is real for both the client and the contractor. Understanding the ride may help you understand and enjoy the rest of this project.
Contract Signed
When then contract is signed, clients tend to be excited because their dreams are about to be realized. During this stage, clients enjoy the highest degree of happiness, optimism and satisfaction.
Production Begins
When production begins clients tend to get a little apprehensive. They watch the demolition, there are materials now being stored in their home, a dumpster is delivered and there are people in their home. Clients tend to feel that their space has been invaded and their level of satisfaction begins to slide.
Once the rough carpentry begins, the shape of the space quickly raises the clients’ expectations. They may believe that the project is going so well at this point that it will undoubtedly be finished before the completion date.
Then comes the natural slow pace of mechanical rough in, inspections, insulation and drywall. At this stage there are numerous workers in and out of their home, there are unexplained delays and then work seems to be done and then redone. This stage begins to take its toll on the clients’ emotions.
Drywall and Trim-Out
When the drywall stage comes – clients tend to hit bottom. Their space seems to be making no visible progress, dry wallers tend to come and go without doing anything visible, and then they begin the drywall sanding. During the sanding stage most homeowners believe they have made a terrible mistake in undertaking a remodel.
The trim-out stage appears simple to the client but seems to move way too slowly. A day of work seems to make little visible difference. During this stage, many clients feel the job will never be done. Yet during this time, clients are also able to visualize the new space and this increases enthusiasm.
Completion
The completion stage brings an improved outlook and relief that they will get their space back. Clients anticipate completion but may be frustrated when team members come and go without much visible change. This last phase usually takes one to two weeks but seems much longer to the client.
Once the project is complete, clients can begin to return to normal life. They often spend time furnishing and enjoying their new space. During this phase, the appreciation for their contractor returns and continues to grow over time.
