Communication is key in so many aspects of life–some people might even say all aspects! The remodeling industry is no exception. At Ridgewood Home Construction, we know from experience just how essential clear communication is for remodeling success. No matter how big or small a remodeling project is, you should experience clear communication from your first interaction with a contractor all the way through the project end, until the last tiny detail of your project is completed.
Communication is a two-way street; at least, it should be! As a client, you should not be expected to drive the communication or continually ask your contractor for status updates. When taking on a remodeling project, contractors have the responsibility to keep clients in the know, every step of the way. From the early stages, you should know how long the project will take, how much it will cost, what is included in the final quote, and anything else related to your project. Your contractor should be the one initiating these conversations and offering pertinent information; you should not have to pry information from them.
Our clients matter to us, so communication matters to us. We know that remodeling a home bathroom or kitchen can bring a lot of stress with it. That is why we want to do everything possible to make every client’s experience as clear and frustration-free as possible. After working with hundreds of clients over the years on a wide variety of remodeling projects, we have established three things we like to do to ensure that communication stays strong throughout the entire remodeling process. While these three things might seem basic, we have found that they make a world of difference when it comes to a successful, smooth remodel.
1. Don’t Assume
These two words are worth considering in regards to any area of your life. Not assuming can save you from a lot of miscommunication, unmet expectations, and disappointment. Furthermore, not assuming goes beyond just not assuming the negative. It is critical that we do not assume our clients want something that they have not said, even if we think they want it. At the same time, it is critical that our clients assume something is in the scope of the project because it might not be. Assumptions can lead to messy projects.
From the start of every remodeling project, we meet with the client to discuss their project and goals in detail. We make sure that we are talking about the same thing and are on the same exact page, leaving no room for interpretation. This gives us the opportunity to ask clients about anything we aren’t clear on, and it gives them the chance to be heard from day one. If we aren’t sure about something, we will never assume–we will ask about it! Likewise, if clients ever aren’t sure about a detail or part of the process, we want them to be comfortable asking us. After all, we are on the same team here.
2. Put It in Writing
When we discuss material selections or details for your project, we will not rely on our memories, which can fail us all. Instead, we will be sure to put in writing exactly what we decided together. With so many details and decisions to make throughout a project, we want to document every detail so that we deliver exactly the project that you have dreamed about.
We also encourage clients to make notes during our meetings, if they would like to. There can be a lot of information in a meeting, and making notes can help you remember key points. Of course, we provide you with materials and documents so you don’t have to remember every little thing, so do not stress about taking notes if notes aren’t your thing. And if you do have a question about something we discussed, or even something we didn’t, never hesitate to reach out. We are here for you!
3. Schedule Regular Conversations
Some remodeling projects take a few weeks, while others might take a few months (or more!). This is a long time, and we have learned from experience that it can be easy for communication to wane during it. That is why we set a regular and consistent time for us to touch base, answer any questions, and tell you exactly what to expect and what’s coming up with your remodeling project. With this set meeting time in place, we never leave you wondering when you will hear from us or how your project is coming along.
We also share our general process with you from the very beginning, so you have a clear expectation of what is coming. You can read more about our remodeling process if you would like, but here’s a quick summary: We start with a meeting in your home to discuss your vision before we create a plan. After meeting again to walk through the details of the project, discuss estimated costs, and fine-tune the scope of work, the fun begins! We will work with you to pick out the finishes for your home remodel project–from flooring and paint colors, to cabinets, tile, and more. Once we finalize the details, we kick off your project and see it through to the end, working with you every step of the way.
Ready to Remodel?
Our goal is to give you prompt and remarkable communication throughout the entire remodeling process, from start to finish. Keeping open lines of communication is a critical part of a successful remodeling experience. We strive for clear communication from day one, so you never have to experience a remodeling project without it.
Not only do we love what we do, but we love helping homeowners through the remodeling process! We have worked on over 350 homes in the Grand Rapids area, and we’d love for your home to be next. If you have a kitchen remodel, bathroom remodel, or any other kind of remodeling project in mind, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re happy to answer any questions you have! Contact our team today.
In the meantime, check out some of our other blog posts to get a head start on your next remodel!
