The Thrill Ride of Home Remodeling

In construction, especially when it comes to remodeling, and most especially when the client occupies the property, we are selling a process much more than a product.  Sure, there is a tangible result, and in the luxury residential market it often includes custom pieces created by artisans.  But the key difference that drives a client to choose a builder over a competitor in this market is usually the amount of faith that the process will go more smoothly. 

The image above shows (pretty accurately) the emotional roller coaster that a client goes through during construction.  This process is quite similar whether it's a kitchen, a master bathroom, or a whole house.  Here's the sequence, and why there are ups and downs:

1. The start of Design is when everything is possible, and when imagination is the only limitation, it feels great.  The novelty starts to wear out as design requires decisions and, if you have a significant other in the picture, negotiations begin.
2. Working drawings bring you a feeling of accomplishment and give you something to show off to your friends.
3. Reviewing bids will show you the reality of what the project is going to cost, and if you can stomach that feeling, signing the contract commits you to paying it.
   
4. Once the project is underway, you are on the hunt.  Chasing adventure.  Slaying the dragon.  You start seeing progress, and it feels great.  You made the right decision.
   
5. The trades come in one after another.  There's plumbing, which is one of the best inventions ever, but not exactly pretty when you see it in the walls.  HVAC, wiring, and insulation aren't much fun to look at either, and by now you're weeks into the process, which means weeks into take-out dinners and patience starting to fray.
6. At least drywall looks like the interior of a house again, and siding on the outside of a house means it's closing up and protecting you from the elements.
   
7. But then you have to sand inside.  That means a layer of dust on everything, or that everything is covered in plastic.  It's been months, and the goal line seems elusive.
   
8. Cabinets start to bring you back around.  Baseboard, wainscoting, crown moulding all make it start to look like a house again.  Tiled surfaces are sturdy and feel good.
9. You can smell the finish line, and it smells like fresh paint.   Things are the color that you intend them to be and the place is taking shape.
10. Plumbing and electrical fixtures close up the walls and the house actually works.  The flooring means you can welcome everyone in, and the with the last door knob your house is finally complete.  And once again, you made the right decision.
    

Considering the process takes months, that is a lot of inconvenience to bear.  The best way to endure it is to choose a builder who plans thoroughly, communicates these pitfalls to prepare you for them, and executes against the plan with precision.  And everyone can appreciate precision when you're riding a roller coaster.

- Jon Leon Guerrero