What happens when things go wrong in your building or renovation project?

Every project has its good and bad days.

Learn how to navigate the problems with these 5 tips.

Even with THE BEST preparation, the most amazing team, and all your ducks in a row, when you’re doing a custom renovation or new build, it’s exactly that: custom.

Which means the first time is the only time, and it’s your future home.

This is one of the reasons I talk to my HOME Method members about remembering that even though you’re working with companies, you’re dealing with humans.

The whole process of designing, building and renovating your family home can be a very human-to-human process.

And humans have things go pear-shaped. Humans make mistakes. And humans react differently to stress, frustration and disappointment.

So, how do you navigate this in your building project?

Well, here are some tips:

#1 Know how you behave when the chips are down, or you’re under stress

I’ve seen homeowners really work on themselves as part of navigating their project, as they know that they aren’t great with difficult conversations or handling stressful situations.

It’s one of the reasons many join HOME Method … so they have a place to come not only for information, but also for support and guidance in navigating those challenging situations. And in clarifying the best next steps, which can immediately alleviate stress in any project situation.

#2 Build time into your process to get to know your team well

Creating your future home is an involved process where you’ll be having intimate conversations, discussing money (which can be all sorts of prickliness for people) and relying on your team for their expertise and experience.

This works best when you can trust your team, feel comfortable to speak openly and frankly, and feel listened to and supported. Those kinds of relationships take time to create and foster. Allow for this time.

#3 Look for a solutions-based mindset in those you work with (and cultivate one in yourself)

The best team members I’ve seen, and personally worked with, will approach challenges with a solutions-based mindset. 

Instead of getting angry, flying off the handle, physically damaging something, swearing and yelling (I’ve seen all of that on a building site and in an architectural office), they’ll manage their reaction. And then they’ll figure out what can be done to sort things out.

#4 Work with people who manage your expectations

Look for team members who, right from the start, are telling you what you need to hear – not what you want to hear. Who are clear and open about the process of working with them, and can demonstrate to you what that looks like. 

This includes them explaining in advance what will happen if hiccups and hurdles should occur.

#5 Have somewhere to go for impartial advice when you need it

Sometimes, when people have a vested interest in your building project, that can change how they present what’s possible (so it works better for them). Hopefully you’re not working with people like that, but it can be useful to have someone or somewhere to check in with, that’s impartial.

I’m often being asked “Is this normal?” and helping HOME Method members understand if the situation, the proposed solution, and the options being presented, are in keeping with industry standards or problematic in anyway.

Fact: There are some really not-so-great (and actually terrible) professionals operating in this industry.

Fact: I get equal parts frustrated and saddened when I hear of the ways some professionals take advantage of, or poorly care for, homeowners (and their dreams and budgets).

And interestingly … the nastiest, most aggressive, (often full of expletives) and threatening messages I receive online actually come from industry colleagues.

I don’t expect everyone to agree with what I say or do here at Undercover Architect.

But I do hope it’s only me they’re threatening like this, and they still handle his clients and colleagues with respect and kindness.

There’s no place for bullies in the construction industry anymore.

Respect and kindness is what you deserve when working with paid professionals to make your home a reality.

In my opinion, that’s what professionalism looks like. Don’t settle for less.

RESOURCES:

How to Communicate with Your Project Team >>> Episode 194

Your Project Mindset (Why do we do what we do?) >>> Episode 218

How to stop sabotaging your reno or new build >>> Episode 195

How to have tough conversations with your team

Building and renovating your home without the drama

Bad builder? Bad designer? Bad service? Here’s what to do

Access my free “Your Project Plan” online workshop and awesome bonuses now

Access the support and guidance you need to be confident and empowered when renovating and building your family home inside my flagship online program >>> The HOME Method