How to Stop Stalling Your Home Improvement Projects

The most common cause for stalled home improvement projects is indecision.

Whether you own your home or simply rent, there comes a time when you will encounter the five dreaded words that not only make you sound like a stubborn two-year old - but have also stalled many a home improvement project, "I can do it myself!"

In my 20-year career as an interior designer I can’t tell you the number of times I have walked into a home of a new client where there are 5-10 different color painted swatches on a wall, just waiting for someone to finally select a paint color and get the job done!

Now, I am not saying that a good portion of my clientele can't handle a paint brush, but let's face it, the majority of homeowners have a full time job in another profession, so these home improvement projects might not be a priority at the end of a long hard day. Often there are budgetary concerns and differences of opinion that frustrate the situation even further.

I've encountered this dilemma so often that I coined the phrase “Capability-Immobility” – it's the debilitating condition homeowners face when they can’t move forward with a project because they think they can - think they should - or think they will do it themselves. But in reality they either don’t have the time, knowledge, or resources to get the job done.

Capability-Immobility is a real and common condition. I'd like to reveal the three root causes of this condition using examples of these situations and solutions to each problem.

Creating a realistic budget is the first step in getting your home improvement project off the ground.

#1: Why Can’t People Talk About Budgets?
Let’s face it, nobody likes to talk about budgets. It’s right up there with death and taxes – all of which are unavoidable. In order to get a home improvement project off the ground and keep it on track you need to do your homework, including the math! By taking the time to investigate other options and estimating their cost you might even find a solution you had not considered. As a designer I take a simple approach to creating a budget.

a.       Look at your goals, including the existing problems you want to solve.

b.      Create a design that addresses these goals and problems.

c.       Make your material selections on main elements.

d.      Figure out who is going to do the work.

e.       Get estimates from professionals.

f.       Create a realistic budget that includes all the little extras, such as switch plates and hardware.

g.      Review quotes for each contractor. Verify what they are actually including in their bid.

h.      Find cost-saving alternatives if needed. You may need to adjust the goals and design.

i.        Make sure you allow for unforeseen extras - a 10% cushion is a safe bet.

Is budgeting the most fun part of a home improvement project? Of course not! But if you are really serious about getting the job done you must do this first! Here’s an example of a project I worked on where the advice of a professional let the client see beyond their limited budget.

Creative Budget Solution for a Dream Kitchen
A new client came to me wanting to redesign her Living Room, so she could have enough space to entertain her large extended family. After touring the home I pointed out that during family gatherings most people will typically end up in the kitchen anyway. She thought her kitchen was way too small and much too expensive to renovate. To the contrary, I showed her a simple redesign of the space which involved making a half-wall and eating bar in between the kitchen and underutilized formal dining room. By reconfiguring her existing cabinets we were able to solve her entertaining problems and stayed under budget!

If both people feel their opinions have been heard and needs addressed then a solution can be found.

#2: How to Keep Project Moving When Couples Can’t Agree

A common dilemma in home renovation projects arises when neither person wants to “give in”. This is where a professional designer can really help you. They can listen to the needs of both parties and develop the best design that also incorporates the priorities of both husband and wife. When both parties can agree that a design plan (most often something neither of them had thought of before) is the best solution, then it’s not about whose plan was implemented but that all ideas were incorporated!

How to Come Up with a Solution that Makes Everyone Happy?
Here’s a perfect example of a solution that made everyone happy! While working on a new construction project a couple asked for my help designing their new kitchen layout. Both parties wanted a large island, but each person had a different goal for how this island should function. The husband wanted a large prep and entertaining space with wet bar, wine cooler and chopping board. The wife however wanted a space to feed their 3 kids and a desk area from which she could organize her busy family. My solution – I came up with a design that separated the large island into two! But creating a unique shape and work flow for two separate islands we were able make both parties happy. Both husband and wife felt their opinions were taken into consideration and their needs were met.

Pick your paint color last - when you have selected other items to guide your decision.

#3: Too Many Choices Make Decisions More Difficult

Another cause of stalled home improvement projects is often the result of homeowners focusing on one product without really understanding the implications of that decision. Or, many homeowners become overwhelmed by all of the choices right from the start, so the project goes nowhere. With the guidance of an educated professional people can rethink and narrow down their choices based on practicality and functionality.

Don’t Ask Everyone’s Opinion

A word of caution on the subject of opinions. Many times I find that people will ask too many different people for their opinion. By too many people, I mean every friend, neighbor or contractor that walks onto your project or jobsite. You need to find a trusted person that has your best interest in mind, and understands your personal style and final goals. Example: your painting contractor is not the person who should be selecting the colors for your room! And you are not going to feel confident in your design choices by asking 30 different people to vote on your top picks. Asking too many people for their opinion will only confuse you and stall the project even more!

Educating Yourself or Ask an Expert

A recent client came to me in a panic as her husband and contractor were both angry at her because she couldn’t decide on a flooring choice for their new farmhouse. She had envisioned using natural slate tile as the interior flooring of her home, continuing onto the expansive patio area. This was causing a budget nightmare, but she did not want to give up on her vision. This homeowners busy lifestyle managing a farm didn’t leave extra time so when I pointed out that natural slate was not only expensive, but also very high maintenance, she reconsidered. I showed her a beautiful porcelain slate tile that not only fit the budget but was low maintenance, as well. Often when you come to the conclusion yourself that something is a better idea – it’s much easier to live with!

The Solution to Stalled Home Improvement Projects

The answer to all of these issues is really a matter of perspective. My goal in presenting this information is to give you insights as to why a new client often calls me for help. Consider a professional designer as your advocate and guide instead of as a luxury item. The solutions offered by a trained and educated professional transcend the excuses you make! We need to rid the world of Capability – Immobility and finally get those long-awaited home improvement projects off the ground and completed!

The final results of the before photo in the title of this blog post.