How to Get Work Done When Contractors Are Busy: Part 1

All you have to do is drive down a couple of streets in Athens to see house after house having some sort of work being done to them. I’m in the industry and I’m still astounded at how many new construction and remodeling projects are going on. It’s no secret that good contractors and tradespeople are busy these days. A recent Harvard study shows that the size of the remodeling industry in 2015 has reached pre-recession peak levels from 2007.

Have you tried calling a contractor to get a project done and they either won’t return your phone call, or can’t get to your project for 8 months, or take a couple days returning your call or email? How in the world can you get something done without losing your mind-or your cool? Maybe you just want a single room painted, or you need a new front door, or a new dining room light fixture installed, a small exterior repair done or maybe you have a whole house remodel project you want to have done. Today we will explore a couple of tips and tricks for getting a project done, no matter how large or small.

First, recognize you are not their only client. I know, this is hard. I mean, you are paying them after all! There are many people, just like you, who have been in the contractors queue a long time before you. If you want to work with quality people, you may have to wait a little while.

We will explore several more tips in the coming weeks. But in the meantime, are you in the middle of a project or just beginning to think about doing a project? Do you have any advice or questions? Email me at Jessica@webbercoleman.com

Holiday Projects

            School is about to start, fall is on its way, football season is around the corner and, yes, it is time to start thinking about Thanksgiving and Christmas. Only sixteen weeks left till Christmas. Yes, I really did just say that. It may seem like a long time away, but we all know that it will be here before we know it and probably before we are ready.

I am not one to rush thru the days in anticipation of the next one, but I am for planning and organizing so I can enjoy every day. Ready or not, the holidays are upon us. As this realization hits, we start to make a mental or written list of all the things we need and want to do before the holidays are actually here. Is a kitchen or bathroom remodel on your to do list before the company comes? Maybe you just found out that your home will be the location of this year’s Thanksgiving or Christmas celebration or your broken oven just won’t cut it for baking those cookies.  Do you want a new kitchen or bathroom before Thanksgiving? Maybe you can’t redo the entire room but want to make some small changes. Or maybe you just want to finally get the dining room repainted or new carpet in your bedroom. Now is the time to start thinking about it and making plans. If you begin now, you will have plenty of time to get your project done before Thanksgiving hits and then you can enjoy your new space all throughout the Christmas season. It’s no secret that contractors are busy these days. (And if they aren’t, is there a reason for that…?) Even more of a reason to start now in order to get something done before the holidays. First question to ask your contractor is “Can you complete this before Thanksgiving/Christmas?” If they can’t, no sense stressing about it. Just get on their calendar for January or February.

Before you start to panic and hyperventilate, take a deep breath and let’s take a realistic look at the calendar. Depending on the amount and magnitude of work that you want to do in your kitchen or bathroom, you can expect a remodel to take anywhere from three to six weeks from demo to final cleanup. If you start your planning and decision making now, you can realistically have a new kitchen or bathroom by Thanksgiving. Consult with the professionals who will be completing this work for you and they will be able to give you a better idea of the time needed to complete your project. Whatever you do, DO NOT plan to wrap up your remodeling project the day before company is expected to arrive. Something might be backordered or take longer than expected and then you will really be up a creek without a paddle or eating your Christmas dinner at Waffle House. The holidays are hectic enough without adding that little bit of stress.

As you consider who will be doing the work for you, make sure they have a good reputation, are doing what they say and completing projects in a timely manner. Check their references and don’t let the bottom line make the decision for you. Sometimes there is a reason one person is less expensive than another. The holidays are not a time to risk having issues with a contractor. Make sure you clearly communicate your deadline to the contractors you work with to ensure an on-time project. That way there will be no surprises and everyone is on the same page.

We all know the holidays can be a stressful time. There are parties to attend or host, food to be prepared, gifts to be wrapped and memories to be made with your family and friends. Endeavor to enjoy this season and all of its wonderful food, people and events by planning ahead. Take time to slow down and remember that this is the most wonderful time of the year.

Email me at jessica@webbercoleman.com and let me know if you have any questions regarding holiday projects.

Sherwin Williams 2017 Color Trends

Sherwin Williams just released their projected color trends for 2017. They selected 4 different groups of colors to represent different color trends. Their experts say that the state of color

has never been more restless. New spirituality, cultural flux, feisty self-expression and soulful nostalgia are combining to paint an emerging portrait of our shared future. Let's explore the 4 palettes.

Noir: It’s among our most precious commodities: night. We’re craving a refuge from urban streetlights and glowing screens, space to turn our gaze inward and recharge the spirit. Mindful melancholy is fueling a new romanticism marked by medieval patterns, revived customs and bittersweet beauty. The Dutch masters knew the secret: dark hues set a dramatic stage for sensuous luster. This palette is rich with vine- ripe fruits, Nordic blues, moody neutrals and golden yellows.

Holistic: Sustainable design and radical transparency are the new standards. As our daily transactions move further into the cloud, acquiring experiences is becoming preferable to buying more things. “Doing good” is the new looking good, and it’s taking the form of “voluntourism,” healing retreats and eco-travel. The roads of this journey are lined with arctic neutrals, blush rose and wild browns.

Intrepid: The virtual and the real are blurring in the form of seamless commerce and “office anywhere” collaboration. Identity has never been more fluid. “You do you” is the mantra of a generation primed for self-expression, cheered on by their own #squad and tossing aside old categories. There’s a feisty energy to our present moment, arriving in fiery tones and vibrant, kimono colors.

Unbounded: Global immigration is redefining borderlands, national identity and our sense of coexistence. Brands are becoming more purpose-driven, communities more connected. Overconsumption is, well, over. We’re more likely to invest in the best we can afford — crafted and customized — and then keep it forever. Global consciousness is a mural painted in earthy mustards, ocean blues, corals and mud.

Look for these colors not only in the homes and interiors sector but also in clothing, cosmetics and food. How will you incorporate some of these colors? Learn more at www.swcolormix.com. My favorite palette is the Noir palette. What is your favorite palette for next year? Email me at jessica@webbercoleman.com

Where To Buy Bar Stools

One question I am asked on a regular basis is "Where can I buy bar stools?" Below is a list of places where I have found great stools. Note: when looking for stools, make sure you are ordering the correct height. If your island top is 36" tall, you will need counter stools. If your bar top is 42" tall, you will need bar stools. Make sure you order the right ones! Also, allow about 2' of space for each stool. So if your island is 6' long, I would order 3 stools. If your island is 7' long, I would still order 3 stools.  You might be able to squeeze one more stool in a 7' island, depending on the size of the stool, but better to have to order one more than have too many.

-Pottery Barn

-West Elm

-Restoration Hardware

-World Market

-Pier 1

-TJ Maxx

-Crate & Barrel

-Ballard Designs

These are the most common places I see people purchasing bar stools from. Do you have another great source? I'd love to hear about it! Email me at jessica@webbercoleman.com

Tips for a successful consultation

Most designers average 10-20 client meetings in any given week. Some meetings go great and some could go better. Here's a couple tips to ensure a successful consultation.

1.    Have all of your notes, pictures, ideas pulled together so they are easy to look thru together when the designer visits your house.

2.    Have the area you are looking at somewhat cleared off so it's easy to take measurements and see the space. The more they can see the more accurate estimate and advice they are able to give you.

3.    To be respectful of your time and the designers time, consider making sure any children at home are occupied so you can speak without interruption and that any pets are put up as some people are allergic to dogs and cats.

4.    Set an appointment reminder in your phone so you can ensure you are home in time for your meeting. If you are running behind, call the designer to let them know.  

These simple tips will make your meeting with your designer go smoother and allow more details to be completed-a great set up for a successful project.

Do you have any tips for a successful meeting? I'd love to hear them. Email me at jessica@webbercoleman.com

Lessons Learned

I've learned many lessons over my fourteen years in the kitchen and bath industry. I'd like to share some of the lessons I have learned with you so hopefully you won't make the same mistakes.

Countertop seams-it's important when you are having new granite, marble to quartz tops installed that you speak with the top fabricator when they come to template your tops about where the seams will be. One reason is so you will be aware and prepared for where a seam will be. Another reason is that if you want to discuss other options about where a seam will be, at the time of templating is the time to make that change.

LED light dimmers-did you know there is a specific, special dimmer you need to work with LED lights? Not every dimmer on the market can work with an LED light. Some cause a buzzing sound or the light to flicker. Speak specifically with your electrician about what kinds of lights and compatible dimmers you will have.

Faucets at a window-some of the new, tall, pull down faucets with a side handle allow the on/off handle to go back pretty far. This could be problematic if you have a window sill that will impede the handle from going far enough back to work properly. Some manufacturers have remedied this problem by only allowing the handle to go back a certain distance. This is important to look at when selecting a faucet.

These are not all the lessons I have learned but ones that I see people struggle with the most. Have you learned any lessons in your projects? I'd love to hear! Email me at jessica@webbercoleman.com 

10 Questions to Ask Your Cabinet Company

Before you finalize your cabinet order, below are 10 questions I suggest you ask to avoid any surprises.

1.    Are you insured?

2.    Do you have any professional affiliations or certifications?

3.    May I have a list of references from past completed projects?

4.    Ask yourself if you are comfortable with this person and company being in your home?

5.    Do you communicate well with the designer and do they "get" your vision?

6.    Do they have a concrete grasp of your project and have they shown they can listen to you and your ideas?

7.    Is the price you've been given firm or subject to escalation?

8.    What is your warranty?

9.    How long have you been in business?

10.  How often do you stick to your agreed upon installation schedule?

I hope these questions are helpful for you and help you avoid any unfortunate experiences.

Have questions or another question to add to this list? 

Email me at jessica@webbercoleman.com