Hi Reader,
Join me for a live Q&A at 9AM PT (12PM ET) Saturday, June 20 — that’s one week from tomorrow. I’ll be hanging out for an hour to answer your questions and help you make decisions about your home projects.
It’s a totally free way to get some independent, expert advice on whatever house-related challenges you’re facing right now. You can register here.
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If you came to my shop to start a project, I’d start by asking you questions. And then more questions. Actually, after 40 years, I still ask so many that clients tell me nobody's ever grilled them quite like I do.
It’s not to be difficult. It's because you can't make an informed choice until you've been informed — and the only way to get informed is to ask.
After all, you don't know what you don't know. Every question you ask is how you assemble the knowledge to make the best call you can.
And being informed is important. This is your home — you’re the owner. So own it! Questions are a great way of taking ownership and making better, more confident decisions.
So what kinds of questions should you be asking? There are two main buckets.
Questions that inform you about products
Don't assume the first person you talk to has the whole picture… or even the right one.
Let me give you an example: vinyl plank flooring. When it first came around, plenty of shops didn't carry a good line, so they'd talk you right out of it. Not because it was a worse floor, but because they couldn't sell it to you.
So when a salesperson tells you product A is best, ask why it beats product B. Then go find the folks who sell B and say, "I heard A is better because of this. What do you think?"
Pushing a little and asking different people for their perspective is how you get from “here’s what I can sell you” to “here’s what’s best for you.”
Questions that inform you about people
You might get a great feeling about a contractor the first time you meet. Wonderful. But don't let a warm, fuzzy feeling stand in for doing your homework.
Check references — and not just recent ones. Call a client from two or three years back, because they’ve had time to live with the work. Ask them:
- What went well with the person you hired?
- What would you do differently?
- What do you wish had gone another way?
It all comes down to this: it's your money, your house, and your call.
So don't be shy. Talk to lots of people. Ask lots of questions.
And if you’re looking for some independent advice, that's exactly what I'm here for. Next week Saturday, June 20, I'm hosting a free community call at 9am Pacific and it’s all about answering your questions.
Bring your projects, your ideas, and the things you’re stuck on. I'll give you straight answers and advice on what to do next.
Have a question about this email? Bring it to the call! I’ll get my soapbox ready.
You can register here. I’m really looking forward to this!
Have a good weekend,
Gerald
FREE LIVE Q&A
Get personalized answers to your home reno and construction questions
Join me for a live Q&A call on June 20 at 9AM Pacific and get my advice and tips for your project!
Bring your questions around topics like:
- Planning for projects big and small
- Hiring the right contractor or designer
- Budgeting, hidden costs, where to spend or save
- Areas you need a second opinion or outside perspective
- Any other pressing questions that have you confused, frustrated, or stuck
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