Remodeling advice: why patience pays off

Grand Rapids, Mich. (WOTV) - If you’ve told anyone that you’re planning a remodeling project, you’ve probably heard the horror story of their own remodeling project. The case of a house collapsing or burning down from poor workmanship or even the contractor taking all of someone’s money and moving to some south sea island are worst case scenarios. Most often the unsatisfied person in the story is experiencing a lack of communication and therefore loses patience with the whole process.

Just because a builder or carpenter is very talented, does not mean that they are good communicators. What they know as a normal time period for a process to take place and what you perceive as normal from watching HGTV or the DIY network are probably not even close.

For each process in your remodel like demolition, drywall, electrical or plumbing, ask when the expected completion time is from the shortest time frame to the longest. Your contractor, salesperson and anyone else you ask are trying to please you, not deceive you, so you may get the sugar coated version for each task and then be disappointed when your perceived time table doesn’t work.

The patience part comes into play when listening to the answers. Always wait for the worst case scenario answer as well as the best. Be realistic about time frames and try not to make any of the trades rush their jobs. You never get the best quality when jobs are rushed. There are a multitude of different factors that can alter the ideal time frame like weather conditions, schedule changes, illnesses and accidents. It’s not easy sometimes and I’m not saying you can’t and shouldn’t ask questions or put some pressure on when needed.

Just have a little patience and the whole process will go more smoothly and you won’t get as stressed and have your own version of a bad remodel. Remember, this IS 4 You!