What’s one of the biggest concerns for a contractor who is bidding on your renovation?
That you watch a lot of television focused on home repairs.
Everything on TV looks fast, easy and inexpensive, explains Stan Grabowski, manager of Small Home Repairs LLC, but home renovations are actually intricate. And Grabowski would know. With over 29 years in the business, he has worked on countless home projects — both big and small.
On the surface, logging hours in front of your TV set or on the computer learning about the ins and outs of home construction could lead you to believe that you know as much as the pros, and that you would be a master at do it yourself projects. But, what has happened to a lot of fans of this genre of TV is that they have unrealistic expectations for their own remodel. For the sake of fitting everything into 30 or 60 minutes, TV producers make a home renovation look like it takes days instead of weeks. So from the beginning your contractor may be put up against this unattainable time crunch.
Then there is the idea that you can have a luxurious-looking home without a hefty price tag. While there are ways that you and your contractor can cut costs, and it is always great to be a smart shopper, it’s important to remain realistic. What the camera doesn’t show you is that the fantastic armoire they added to the room is plastic and not wood. Or that the hardwood floors are actually vinyl. Don’t forget that everything is made to look just right for the sake of a good TV program.
But, according to Grabowski, it isn’t just TV that has skewed the public’s perception of what a home repair or renovation actually entails. Large chain home improvement stores which offer classes and seminars make remodels look elementary. The most misrepresented projects, he says, are bathroom, kitchens and decks.
But, more than anything else, there is one thing that TV shows and a quick class can’t teach or show you, he argues — experience. For these projects to be executed professionally and safely, you will need the skill, knowledge and familiarity with the task at hand. And, no, watching your favorite TV handyman construct a wall doesn’t count.
