We’re going to discuss one of the most uncomfortable topics of remodeling: Emotion.
As if thinking about a remodel wasn’t stressful enough, now is the time to face the reality that it’s not all sunshine. I have to admit that as I’m typing this, there’s a hesitancy within me. It’s not easy discussing the hard things about this process, but we’re all human and have needs, wants, and desires. For this very reason, this blog is very necessary…
The above illustration is not the pre-programmed workout on your treadmill or stationary bike at the gym, but it does draw some parallels doesn’t it? Hills, with times of exertion; Valleys, for times of rest; and Plateaus, for the agonizing “are we there yet” moments. Granted, the emotion of a remodel would almost be the opposite. The most challenging moments are the valleys, since it’s in these moments that you have to remember that “Time takes time.”
The driving force behind what I’m writing is to educate and encourage those that are working up the courage to undergo a remodel project, large or small. Or maybe you found yourself sitting in a remodel that seems to be dragging on and on. Take heart: there is light at the end of the tunnel. Let’s go hand in hand so that I can paint this picture more clearly.
The ride starts as you’re scanning through Pinterest, Houzz, and watching countless episodes on HGTV getting idea after idea for your new space. Now that is fun. I call it the “Dreamer” phase. My wife always tells me that I’m a dreamer, and to an extent I do agree with her. It’s fun, with no bounds, and you can create this amazing “feel” for the project that you’ve been wanting for a long time. Now if you could just only get everything you wanted with 2 or 3 commercial breaks sprinkled in a half hour episode…Perfection!
The roller coaster moves on; you’ve selected a contractor or a few to discuss the project, and the drawings, sketches, etc. provide the visual you’re shooting for. This is getting really exciting!
“I really want these floating shelves”
“I have to have to HAVE this particular type of backsplash”
“I LOVE the look of the outdoor living space, if we could only get the roof a little bit bigger.”
I have heard it all, and the roller coaster is going up, up, up! That is, until the cost associated with all the daydreaming brings the roller coaster careening downward. Ouch, very ouch! This is not fun.
“I didn’t realize that the backsplash (dream) was going to be that expensive (reality).”
It’s a war between two realms: The dreams, perhaps even a marriage of emotion to what you’ve wanted for so long vs. the budget, what things cost to get you to that place of dreaming again. A very tough balancing act for most. To be perfectly honest, most clients don’t have any clue as to what their budget should be for their project. So this causes the downward emotion heading towards the contract time. But the good news is, it’s up from there.
Read more: So, Do You have a Budget in Mind?
Demo Day begins and the job site is popping with energy and vast changes. There really is nothing as exhilarating and energizing as living in a space for years and then seeing it change in a matter of a few hours’ or a few days’ time. Dramatic might be the way to describe it, and emotions are back up and running again!
The good times roll on through framing, and the “feel” of the space is changing. Wow!
“Look at that wall honey! I love the size of the new windows, I can just tell it’s so much lighter in here!”
With the smiles I have seen and the joyful conversing between the crews and homeowners, I call this the “Honeymoon phase.” Things are exciting, and it’s fun, and that continues through as the Plumber, HVAC, and Electrician do their installations.
I’ve found that this is the start of the end with regards to the excitement as the roller coaster heads downward again…
Let’s face it: studs, wiring, and plumbing are cool and you can see the progress taking shape. But when it comes to insulation and drywall, BIG YAWN!
To be honest, I’ve seen it go both ways with clients. They are usually surprised by how big or small the rooms feel once they are closed in. It takes time to adjust to the new space as it really is, not seeing through from studded wall to studded wall. As drywall compound is applied, the job site feels like it’s at a stand still at times. This is a necessary part of the process as it typically takes several days in between coats of mud to allow for the necessary drying time. Most jobs take approximately 3-5 coats depending on the level of finish required.
Drywall sanding is about as exciting as watching paint dry. During this time, it would be apt to call it the “Hurry-up-and-wait Phase.” Keep in mind that if you have to live in the home during the remodel, this typically exasperates the process. It is dusty and messy, no two ways around it. Thankfully, this is the low point of the project! Soon after paint is applied and the finishes start being installed.
Cabinets, trim, tile… Now we’re rolling again! This is where all that planning and selections are coming together. With each step of progress the level of excitement climbs because you can really see it now. Many of our clients struggle even with 3D renderings showing the concept of how things will look once they’re built and installed. Now with the finishes being installed, the biggest A-HA moments are the spatial interactions of cabinets, doors, and trim. It’s starting to feel like something now! I like to call this the “Jubilee Phase” because there is a lot of joy and excitement that goes along with the process. There are a lot of odds and ends that require attention to detail to get the final look that you want. This can be a bit draining at times too, working through final placements of trim, scribes, terminating crown molding locations, etc. etc. The project completion is almost there, you can feel it!
There is one last hurdle: the “Punch list Phase.” A large remodel typically has a sizable punch list and some of these are out of the hands of the contractor. Some items include waiting on deliveries for finishing materials, or sourcing the right colored touch-up stain for that floating shelf that was initially planned to be Hemlock, but was changed to Walnut in a Change Order.
The point is that our goal is to deliver the right product, not just the “finished” product. Too much rushing during this phase will ultimately create disappointment in hindsight. This is a space that you’ll live with for years to come; it’ll be worth the wait! As the punch list dwindles, the emotion turns from accomplishment (“yes, I know you guys have done a lot of great work on my house”) to anticipation (“are we there yet?”). This varies from person to person, but I have found that clients that are flexible and have long-term vision handle this final phase with low stress and ease. Remember, time takes time.
Remodels are some of the most fun projects, and if you go in with the proper realistic expectation, they can be a lot less stressful too. If the project is going to be a large one, taking many months, plan some getaways during the remodel project. Just being able to step away from the construction zone can do wonders for your overall mood. We all need a break, and that’s a healthy thing to do!
Remember that you will experience some highs and some lows, but in the end it will all be worth it. You can do it!
