Generation Renovation!

I have to admit I have a love/hate relationship with Interior Design TV Shows. Programs that redesign your living room for under $100, using only Popsicle sticks, Styrofoam and glitter can really get under my skin. Although, there are amazing room transformation on those shows (all for 97 cents I am sure), they are somewhat impractical about how long projects actually take and the budgets involved. Unless you are the MacGyver of renovation, here is what you should REALLY expect when you are expecting… to remodel??

Let’s get this party started….

The most common phrase I hear is, “Can we just get started tomorrow?” When the thrill is gone from your space and you're ready to dive into the deep end of an overhaulin’ mission; planning is key. This vision is a clear goal that moves you forward – keeps your eye on the prize through the entire project. Getting all of the parameters set out in the beginning –paint color, tile, lighting, etc can save you from a “Calgon take me away” moment down the road. In fact, have a plan for the entire house. Visualize each room and how all rooms will work together at the finish line.

Unless you are working with the Extreme Home Makeover crew, it usually takes more than a couple of days to remodel. Be realistic about your time frame. If you’re hosting the “event of the century” at your home in just two weeks, then you probably don’t want to squeeze in a project while the clock is ticking.

We’ve all had the horror of a husband volunteering your home for the company Holiday party and planning just isn’t an option anymore. I have to admit, I love a good design emergency. I put the siren on top of my car and race to the rescue, but there are definitely limits to my magic.

Good, Fast or Cheap…pick two

Now it's time for a reality check: the budget. Sure, it's not as fun as contemplating countertop choices, but giving careful consideration to budgeting can keep a project from turning into a financial nightmare. Do your homework upfront and know what things cost. Once you start picking out toilets and faucet sets, your head might be swimming. Flooring and tile showrooms can be particularly dangerous places for a homeowner without a budget. Most designers and contractors will give you an estimate, but in all likelihood you will end up spending more. Be honest with yourself about how much you can spend (including wiggle room).

Keep in mind the old adage “you get what you pay for” -- skilled craftsman aren’t bargain basement priced. We have a client who was trying to save a few bucks and went with the fly-by-night painter all of her friends were using. The paint job was wavy and unfinished. In the end, she ended up having the rooms painted again and doubled her cost and frustrations. Quality does makes a difference.

When the honeymoon is over

Once you have planned and set your budget, starting a project just feels good. You come home to the smell of fresh lumber and paint. But at some point, the “organized” chaos can take it’s toll. Things sometimes go awry. The tile is the wrong color. The faucet is backordered and the plumber can’t run the water line… Why can’t everything go as planned?? Plans are just plans – which may not be set in stone.

On the fly challenges often lead to some of the most creative outcomes. Momentary messes can help trigger fresh inspiration. We like to call them “happy mistakes”. Had the tile not been out of stock, then you wouldn’t have changed the wall color, which is now your new all-time favorite color …and so on. Go with the flow and sometimes the universe has a better plan for the space than you could have ever dreamed.

The other thing that may happen is “the Domino Effect”. Now that one room rocks the Kasbah…the others look… just blah. Just like the Fixx song “One thing leads to another”. Have patience grasshopper and remember by the end of your all-encompassing grand plan, each of the rooms will be fabulous!

It ain't over until “the room” sings

Ok, so my absolute favorite part of watching design shows is the part where everything is put back in fast forward. Everyone works together like little ants. Sadly, contractor and interior designer’s legs don’t move that fast – we wish! Pulling it together is like the prize in the Cracker Jack box. Your vision finally materializes and you can enjoy your hard work (watching someone else hammer and paint can be hard too). One word of caution: Use a little restraint in bringing all of your own stuff in to the new and improved space. If not, you may just be a candidate for Mission: Organization – another great show that I both love and hate.

Home Style article for Southlake Style Magazine by Cheap Thrills Décor, ©2008 Bob & Jami Zimmerman

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