Guest Blog

Today brings you a guest blog from, Randy Trainor from crtinteriors.

6 Tips for Selecting Your Home Improvement Team

Embarking on redecorating, remodeling or new construction projects is enough to make anyone a little nervous, but with the right team in place, it can be a great experience with a wonderful outcome.

What’s that?  …… You don’t believe me?  Well, here are a few tips.

1)      When selecting the people that will be involved with your project, ask if they are comfortable working as part of a team.

2)      Hire people you trust.  Sometimes your team will be meeting without you present, and you need to know everyone has your best interest in mind.

3)       Good communication among all of those involved is critical.  Everyone must have an understanding of the project and make sure his or her portion of the project is done in a timely manner so as not to hold anyone else up.

4)      Establish who will let you know the details of the meetings among the team members in case you aren’t present at the meeting.

5)      Realize that the team needs timely decisions from you in order for things to go along smoothly.  If you cannot make up your mind, the project can be delayed.  If you keep changing your decisions, everyone will get frustrated.

6)      Ask questions if you don’t understand something or ask for help from your team if you are having difficulty answering their questions.  That’s what the team is there for.

Interior decorating projects can involve an interior designer, an electronic systems contractor, a carpenter or cabinet maker, a painter, a closet consultant, a kitchen designer, a lighting designer and an electrician, just to name a few.  More extensive remodeling can add an architect, a general contractor and a plumbing/heating specialist to the mix, and new construction involves a whole host of trades.

Everyone involved in any project should be present from the very beginning.   These experts will determine at what points in the project it is beneficial for them to begin their portion of the work.  For example, bringing in the interior designer or electronic systems contractor after the slab for the basement family room has been poured is too late.

Hire experts with whom you feel comfortable.  Communicate often and be clear about your wishes.  Your team is there to serve you to the best of its ability.  Your team wants a successful project just as much as you do!