Aside from the purchase of your home, you’re making what is potentially one of your larger financial purchases when you choose to renovate your home. That experience should come with as little stress as possible. Everyone has a friend who went through a difficult renovation and people love to share renovation horror stories at cocktail parties – but it doesn’t have to be like that. So how do you ensure you have a great renovation? Choose the right designer, build a strong relationship with them, and benefit from their real-world experience.
When you come through the KHD virtual door, you’ll meet an entire team who are eager to learn about your family, how you live, and how you want to live in your home. Of course, we want to hear all about your ideas for your renovation, but most importantly we want to know if we are the right fit for you.
We work closely with our clients for months at a time, walking you through large and small decisions for the most intimate thing you own – the place you experience most of your life’s pivotal moments. Some meetings are light and breezy, and everyone is smiling and laughing. Other times, there are tough calls and tensions rise. We’re here to walk you through all of that and protect you. Krista is always talking about holding our clients as we would precious gems in a velvet box. As soon as we start that first conversation, we’re looking to see if you will let us, as Jerry McGuire put it, “Help me help you!”
Here are some ways you can help us help you!
1. Be as honest and open as possible about budget
We’re not interested in stretching you beyond your means, but we need to know where you stand. Be honest about budget and accept that we will be equally honest about the realities of how far that budget can stretch. Budget decisions start immediately and continue through the whole process. We have spent years designing for varying budgets and we will work with you and yours, but reality can be different from dreams. Design shows on TV can create an unrealistic expectations about what materials and skilled trades truly cost. Much of what gets used on those shows is donated for promotional purposes and isn’t included in the bottom line.
2. Be open, but don’t be afraid to speak your mind
Your home should be your hideaway with all the things that make you feel warm and cozy. Though we are the designer, you have to live in it. We ask that you be open to suggestions, and sit with them until you reach a decision. Still, if you don’t like something, we need you to let us know sooner rather than later so we can translate your vision without delays to your project. There comes a point of no return, so make your thoughts known when you’ve considered the options.
As a caveat to asking that you speak your truth, we will sometimes kindly ask that you take a moment to absorb the entire vision before coming to a decision. It’s not always easy to determine what you like on an ad hoc basis. We are designers because we have a talent for envisioning what’s possible in an empty room. You hired us because of that vision. A single piece on its own may not tickle your fancy, but placed within the whole scope of the room, it may delight you in ways you may not be able to imagine at first glance.
3. Plan to enjoy the ride
As much as we’re highly-skilled professionals, we’re also fun-loving human beings! We’ll regale you with our stories and thrive on hearing yours. Our relationship will flourish when we both recognize that we’re all going through the same human experience and work together to make it a good one. At KHD, we see our role as being your trusted ally that helps to guide you through the entire journey as smoothly as possible. We want this to be enjoyable for you and for us.
Let’s nurture this relationship!
We can’t wait to meet you and bring your vision to life! Our focus on relationships is the KHD difference. It’s why our projects turn out well with happy clients returning for multiple renovations. We can’t wait to get our relationship started, so let’s talk.