Many phases of a home remodel are fun and challenging but none will test you more than the two-thirds mark. Two thirds of the way through the job, the light at the end of the tunnel is visible and the finish is near… or is it?
Once through demolition, framing, electrical, plumbing, flooring, paint, and tile it starts to feel like you are ready for professional photos, a party or movers. It’s time for final checklists, final touches and blue tape markings for paint and cosmetic repairs but then reality emerges. The list starts growing quickly and that finish line becomes foggy and descends further away.
Detail is everything, especially in a competitive market, and cutting corners at this stage only diminishes the quality materials used and the brand you stand behind. Oh, don’t get me wrong, that path of least resistance is so tempting when it’s 10pm and I am on a ladder troubleshooting a can light that is not working. It always happens when I’m getting down from that ladder, exhausted, I catch a glimpse of some cabinet hardware that was not installed evenly. Ugh! That bothers me more than a loud chewer!
At this point it can be very easy to slip into a negative mindset and start dwelling on things like holding costs, additional material costs and market changes. For a one-man show this phase is most definitely a beast. Finish work is tedious and testing and being at the end of a project has an almost supernatural cursing feel that will really get to you if you let it. This is where most people will fail, whether it be as an investment or a personal home.
Any corners cut will rear their ugly head…trust me on this one! It’s never at an opportune time, like during the inspection or appraisal period when under contract for sale or during the family vacation.
The silver lining to this, I believe, is that this is the phase that allows you to grow in many ways. Take the time to not only correct but reflect on why or how things were missed, inefficient or why delays were caused. Always have clear communication and expectations set with any contractors or hired help and never attempt to motivate negatively. This will just push the finish line further and reduce morale. It’s very important to always remember that it’s the small details that define you and your product. Don’t let laziness be that final impression. Remodel on!
So, let’s recap on the 3 tips in the final stages of a home remodel:
- Pay attention to detail and stay the course. Do not cut corners!
- Keep a positive mindset. Any focus on negativity will only prolong the job.
- Reflect and assess your process each time to become more effective and efficient. Communicate clearly and set clear expectations with contractors and hired help.
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By Matt Lambert
Phoenix, AZ area Realtor
