Most of us love a good DIY project every now and then. I mean, who doesn’t love the challenge of planning a project and seeing it through to the end? And then there’s the added bonus of saving a little money. But lately, I’ve been hearing from a lot of Design-It-Yourself’ers that they’re disappointed in the way their remodels are turning out. As I listen to their concerns, one common thread stands out loud and clear. The biggest mistake they’re making is not communicating EXACTLY what they want to the people who are helping them.
Being over-the-moon excited with your finished design project is what you dream of. The vision you have in your head is sometimes the only thing that keeps you going when the dust and drilling is getting on your last nerve. But unless you get that vision out of your head and onto paper, you might be headed for disappointment. No one can read your mind, so communication is the key to your project’s success.
Somehow, in the rush of our crazy lives, the small details seem to get lost in the shuffle. We assume “they should know that”. But they don’t. Everyone working for you has their own idea of how something should be installed. It might be standard in their industry, but not how you want it to look.
Here are just a few of those little details you need to consider:
1. The height of your shower head. Where do you want it? Be sure to tell your plumber or contractor.
2. The height of the tile in your shower. Do you want it to go to the ceiling? Is there crown molding?
3. Garbage disposer…Do you want it on the small bowl side or the large? On the left bowl or the right? There is no right or wrong answer here, but you need to communicate this with the plumber. If you think about how you like to work at your sink, and plan accordingly, incorrect installations won’t happen.
4. Counter top overhang. Standard is 1 1/4″ – 1 1/2″. Make that clear with your counter top people. Check it for consistency once it’s installed. In my own kitchen, the first installation had different overhangs all around the island and had to be re-done.
5. How high do you want your window treatments hung? To the ceiling? To the top of your trim? Somewhere in between? You need to decide this before they’re constructed and then communicate this to the installer.
6. Placement of pendant lights. Size of the pendants and size of the island usually determine how far apart they should be. Your installer may have a different opinion than you do, so make it clear ahead of time. Also, ceiling beams or joists may throw a wrench into the plan. Keeping an open line of communication with your installers and contractor will make these last minute changes less stressful.
7. Exact placement of mirrors and vanity lights. This is determined by ceiling height, backsplash height, size of the lights, etc. Plan and ahead and then communicate this plan to everyone involved, especially if you can’t be there when they’re installed.
To avoid miscommunication on your design project:
- Ask a lot questions about the little details so you know what to expect.
- Understand that, if the details aren’t spelled out in advance, you’ll get calls for last minute decisions. If you’re not available to answer, something might get installed where you don’t want it.
- Plan out every detail of your project before construction begins and make sure your contractor and subs are on board.
- Arrange to have daily or weekly updates on progress.
- Hire an interior designer to handle these details for you. A designer will make sure they’re installed according to your vision.
Always remember that how well you communicate your design vision determines how happy you’ll be in the end. And that’s exactly what everyone wants for you!
If you’re finally ready to begin your own home makeover, contact us today to schedule a Design Success call and get your project started in the right direction . Info@RandiDestefano.com
Hi!
I'm Randi Destefano, and I love helping homeowners design and renovate their existing home. 
