So why are some people so happy when their home renovation project is completed, while others seem to grumble forever? David Pinsley works for First Rate Renovations, Inc. and Cultured Marble Products in San Leandro, California, and soon will celebrate 50 years in the business. Here he reveals the biggest secret to successfully handling clients, and making sure they are happy with the outcome of the job.
I would say the main secret to a good kitchen or bathroom design is to deal with the homeowner as you yourself would expect to be treated and vice versa. And that means finding the right person for the job from the beginning to make sure that you are starting the whole project on the right foot.
Take Your Time
It also means that you as the homeowner should take the time to interview and select whomever you feel will give you the best design. Now while that may not always be easy, it’s never worth rushing the job to get it done or hiring the first person you contact because it’s easier. Otherwise, you will never be completely satisfied with the outcome.
To accomplish this, you need to use whatever resource material is necessary to find that person, whether it is a friend, a contractors’ association or maybe even some photograph from a magazine. You need a clear, concise idea of what you want — to the best of your ability — or at least of what you do not want. And you need to go out there and find that person who best fits your needs.
View Their Projects
Once you have found someone who seems to fit the bill, you will need to take a look at some jobs they have completed, which means physically to look at some of the projects this designer has done. Only then will you be in the position to decide, “Yes, I want that designer to do my kitchen.”
So I would say that that is the secret — it is selecting the proper person to get the job done in the way that you want it done. Someone who you have an instant rapport with, who seems to understand your needs and desires and has the same shared goal in mind. It can only work when the two of you work together toward a common goal.
