Relax. Your Renovation Can Be Fun!

Made with Xara

Ask the Kitchen Lady

It never fails. I've renovated nearly 300 kitchens and baths, but every time new clients come into my office they look like their appointment is with a surgeon. Why the tension? What bad news could I possibly deliver?! i’m only a kitchen designer. Yet it’s nerves, nerves, nerves. I know that a kitchen can be pricey. But so is a new car, and people are enthusiastic about that purchase. Do they just know more about buying cars than buying kitchens? Please don’t be nervous about your renovation. I promise you that the design process--even the demolition and construction--can be exciting and, yes, fun. Even if you dread it now, the inconvenience, the dust, the disorganization, the disruption to your life, it can be an educational and satisfying experience. And this is what I explained to one very intense client about to set on a full apartment make-over. Joan had just graduated from medical school and had purchased a very run-down 2- bedroom co-op in NYC. After living 2 years in this unit, she planned to move to the suburbs to start a family, so our main concern was enhancing the resale value through wise design choices. She was enthusiastic but nervous about making mistakes and even moreso about going over her budget. The kitchen was the main focus. She did her homework, bought magazines, and gathered samples. Soon the project began, but we were ready. Two months later the apartment was a masterpiece. Her focus should have now turned to launching her medical career. But unexpectedly she asked for a meeting where Joan said: "I have something to propose to you. I changed my mind about being a doctor. I want to be a designer. Would you consider taking me on as a partner?" “What!” But you spent years in medical school. You said it was your parents’ dream come true! They paid a fortune for your education! They are basking in bragging rights over their friends. They will hold me responsible for your change of heart. I’m afraid I can’t support your plan.” Oh, why did I make this renovation fun?” Two years later, on schedule, her apartment was on the market. The advertising showcased photos of the kitchen from every angle. The price tag was an ambitious $1,000,000 more than she paid. And she got multiple cash offers! Today Joan is decorating her new home. Her parents remain thrilled that their daughter is a doctor. I imagine that they still know nothing of their close call. So ask yourself, how bad can renovating be?

Tip: Hands Off or Hands On?

Regardless of whether you like your contractor and trust his decisions, he or she may, in fact, be on site less than you are. So who is watching to make sure the tile is going in the right direction, the wood floors are being stained the right color, or the right sink is being installed? It may have to be you. Check out progress every morning or expect to live with errors or even bad choices, as they will be too late to fix.

>Relax. Your Renovation Can Be Fun!

Ask the Kitchen Lady

It never fails. I've renovated nearly 300 kitchens and baths, but every time new clients come into my office they look like their appointment is with a surgeon. Why the tension? What bad news could I possibly deliver?! i’m only a kitchen designer. Yet it’s nerves, nerves, nerves. I know that a kitchen can be pricey. But so is a new car, and people are enthusiastic about that purchase. Do they just know more about buying cars than buying kitchens? Please don’t be nervous about your renovation. I promise you that the design process--even the demolition and construction-- can be exciting and, yes, fun. Even if you dread it now, the inconvenience, the dust, the disorganization, the disruption to your life, it can be an educational and satisfying experience. And this is what I explained to one very intense client about to set on a full apartment make-over. Joan had just graduated from medical school and had purchased a very run-down 2-bedroom co-op in NYC. After living 2 years in this unit, she planned to move to the suburbs to start a family, so our main concern was enhancing the resale value through wise design choices. She was enthusiastic but nervous about making mistakes and even moreso about going over her budget. The kitchen was the main focus. She did her homework, bought magazines, and gathered samples. Soon the project began, but we were ready. Two months later the apartment was a masterpiece. Her focus should have now turned to launching her medical career. But unexpectedly she asked for a meeting where Joan said: "I have something to propose to you. I changed my mind about being a doctor. I want to be a designer. Would you consider taking me on as a partner?" “What!” But you spent years in medical school. You said it was your parents’ dream come true! They paid a fortune for your education! They are basking in bragging rights over their friends. They will hold me responsible for your change of heart. I’m afraid I can’t support your plan.” Oh, why did I make this renovation fun?” Two years later, on schedule, her apartment was on the market. The advertising showcased photos of the kitchen from every angle. The price tag was an ambitious $1,000,000 more than she paid. And she got multiple cash offers! Today Joan is decorating her new home. Her parents remain thrilled that their daughter is a doctor. I imagine that they still know nothing of their close call. So ask yourself, how bad can renovating be?