Six Questions we ask before starting a Home Renovation

A few questions we always try to ask before starting any new construction in and around Charlotte, North Carolina

Discovering the Best Home Renovation Solution

We do our best to have certain processes and procedures in place to help our everyday operations run smoother, and to generally help provide the maximum amount of benefit to our customers. Naturally, this usually leads us to the "Discovery" phase. "Discovery" is really the starting point for any and all Home renovations remodeling or renovation projects. Here are the most important pieces of information we ask (and usually need) to be able to provide our customers with the best and most comprehensive estimates we can offer. Including but not limited to, kitchen renovations, bathroom remodels, hardscape designs and hardscape builds or even something as small as a laundry-to-mudroom conversion.

Though even before we start discussing potential building permits, dimensions and materials, it’s a good idea to gather all the core and fundamental information with any new clients we get so that we can work towards a clear idea of what needs to be achieved, and can ultimately offer the best possible solution. 

1. What "Problems" Do You Want to Solve with this home or room renovation?

The best remodels often occur when finding a solution to a problem, which is why we ask clients to (first) put aside any solutions they’ve seen elsewhere. Instead, we try to learn what isn't working in their existing home or layout.

A typical conversation starts with our clients saying something like "I would like" or "We are looking to add." 

While listening to our clients wants and needs is paramount, it's even more important to get to the core of why they need it, or what problem they think this change is going to solve for them. We ask this to gauge whether their initial ideas will actually solve the original issues or whether they've fallen in love with a certain "look and feel" that may be completely unrelated to the core objective behind their remodel.

2. How Do You Want to Feel in Your New Space?

Step two usually comes in the form of asking our clients to think about the key elements they feel will bring them the most joy — the "must-haves" and "deal-breakers." Ultimately, we're looking to learn how they'd like the final results to make them feel.

Color palettes, for example are a key indicator of what might work for them (emotionally).

It’s not just about the development or the build, but rather them, their personalities and their lifestyles. We ask them to think about the way they use and move around the space they currently have. This will help them broaden the answers to the first point. What would enhance the property to fit around them or, conversely... what is it lacking completely?

Kitchen Renovation in Cornelius, NC

3. What Do You and Your Spouse/Partner Agree and/or Disagree On?

When our clients come in the form of a couple, we ask both parties to think through and bullet-list their ideas and thoughts. This can often help to establish the key items required, and also identify early on any potential differing views and needs. Knowing these things then allows us to find a solution that works for all parties involved, and avoids any unhappy customers by the end of our time with them. 

Once work on the project begins, trying to make changes can severely hurt the budget, timing (and many other things) down the line, or worse still... might not be possible if alterations would affect building permits that've already been processed.

“The client needs to be honest about the budget from the outset... Part of the role of the professional is to see what can realistically be achieved for that budget”

Sharing your budget with your handyman or contractor will go a long way to helping them stay within your budget.

4. What’s Your REAL Budget?

It's the last thing any customer wants to divulge during the process of getting estimates, but it really is also one of the most valuable pieces of information we can get. Not so that we're able to "outbid" or undercut the competition, but to be able to present the potential client with a customized solution that meets all their needs and wants, while staying WITHIN their budget. We pride ourselves on being creative problem solvers, so the more information, (like budget numbers) we can get our hands on, the more thorough, and on-point, the clients proposal will be. One of the most helpful things about a client/contractor partnership is when clients  have a clear idea of how much they’d like to spend and clearly communicate this to our contractors and account representatives. With this key information in hand, The Handyman on Demand will then be able to fulfill the requirements of the project more effectively, saving both client and designer time and money”.

“The client needs to be honest about the budget from the outset,” is something often said by one of the greats in the industry, notable contractor and designer Michael Frain. “Part of the role of the professional is to then see what can realistically be achieved for that budget — and if it doesn’t meet the brief, we can discuss whether the budget or brief need to be adjusted.”

He recommends that this happen as early as possible. “Otherwise, there will be a much more painful conversation in store once tender prices come back from builders.” Frain says. “It might literally entail going right back to the beginning, with the impact on time frame.” He adds that this discussion can also establish whether you’ll need a longer-term master plan, where the work is broken into phases. “Typically, phase one would take care of fundamentals, such as electrics, heating and insulation; phase two additional living space; and phase three additional bedrooms,” Frain says. “This obviously varies based on client, property and budget.”

Backyard Transformation and Renovation in Charlotte, NC

5. When Do You Want the Project to be Finished?

Having a clear time frame is critical to the success of any project. Working out an overall program — even an outlined one — at the start with our clients can really get the project completed in the best possible long-term way.

By identifying potential issues early on, we are always left better equipped to find the best solutions for our clients.

6. How Can we Make Your Space Feel Like Home?

We ask our clients a lot of questions for good reason. One rarely discussed challenge is to forget about resale value and think instead about the everyday value the clients renovation will bring to them. There’s a train of thought that goes along the lines of ‘If we add the fourth bedroom, it will have more value to others when we sell,’ rather than thinking of how to use and maximize the space for themselves now.

“A home has an unspoken language that can express the love, happiness and warmth it has witnessed and helped to create within its walls,” says another notable industry insider - Joe Robertshaw. “To me, that immediately adds more selling value to a property, if people can walk in and feel a loved home. This runs more than just paint-deep.”

All of us at The Handyman on Demand couldn't agree more. If home is where the heart is, then let's work together to make it as healthy and wonderful as it possibly can be.

Are you interested in discussing an upcoming remodeling or renovation project in one of your living or business spaces? 

We'd love to connect with you if so. Current and future clients can schedule a consultation 24 / 7 / 365 right here on our website by scrolling to the top navigation bar and clicking on "Book Now". Or, if a phone call or text message works better, we're available during regular business hours at 704-360-5070 and info@thehandymanondemand.com