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Remodeling Success Tips, Issue #009 -- Client Expectations
February 15, 2010

Communicate Your Expectations

Welcome to this months edition of Remodeling Success Tips. In this edition we will be looking at expectations as they relate to a construction project.



Table of Contents

Issue #009 - February 14, 2010

Documentation

  1. Client Expectations
  2. Achieving Objectives
  3. Falling Short



Client Expectations

I wrote an article a while back directed at contractors, but in reality a project's expectations are a two way street. As the home owner, you will have certain expectations of the project.

Hopefully these will be realistic and in sinc with the services being provided.

As much as your contractor must listen to what you are telling them, you must clearly outline your expectations and make sure that they understand them.

For many, past experiences develop current expectations. Sometimes these are accurate, and sometimes not. It is up to you to make them hear what you are saying. What your goals and requirements are.



Achieving Objectives

In a remodeling or construction project there exists three main objectives; quality, time and money. It is rare that you are going to ever achieve all three during a project's life cycle.

Do not let this skew your expectation. Determine what it is that is important. Here are some guidelines to assist you.

  • Time - If you are trying to satisfy a very tight construction schedule, then it will generally take more money to keep the quality at the highest achievable level.

  • Money - If budget is a concern, then extending the schedule to one that is beneficial to a high quality at a reasonable pace would be suitable.

  • Quality - Everyone has different expectations when it comes to quality but if you are trying to hold to a high construction standard as documented by some governing body then either time or money will determine the finished product.



Falling Short

False assumptions are one of the biggest reasons why expectations fall short. To avoid bad assumptions be sure you are receiving relevant and accurate information in a timely fashion.

Communicating issues early and honestly with your contractor will bring about successful resolutions. And be sure you have clearly outlined what are your most important objectives and be sure everyone knows their roles and responsibilities.

Keeping an open line of communication is key to making sure everyone is on the same page.



Announcement

For those who have been around awhile you know that I have been working on my first e-book. I am happy to announce that the first draft has been completed and is in the editing stage.

Thanks to those of you who have asked how it's coming! More updates soon!



In our next newsletter, we will take a look at The Sequencing of Construction.

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If a friend DID forward this to you and if you like what you have read, please subscribe by clicking here to receive your own FREE copies in the future.

Until then, Happy Remodeling!



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