WHY HOME RENOVATION IS A
CHALLENGE ? – FROM A HOMEOWNER AND A DESIGNER’S PERSPECTIVE By squareO.in
In over earlier blog, we
covered the outcome of the survey that was conducted recently speaking to
Homeowners and Interior Designers to understand the market dynamics with
respect to challenges and issued they face. Refer to our earlier blog if you
wish to see the survey results.
So What We Inferred From
That Study?
With the increased usage of
digital spaces, there is huge collection of image reference online. Homeowners
feel they have a better control and would be affordable if they use these
reference images and get the work done by a local carpenter. Not knowing what
gets into designing such spaces, Homeowners feels an Interior Designer is
expensive and can be avoided by using these reference images.
Also, Interior Design as a
specialized profession has only been recently recognized with dedicated courses
and programs catered to this industry. Prior to this Architects and other
allied professional would take up Interior works. Small time contractors and
vendors who have taken up turnkey interior solutions have also started
identifying themselves as Interior Designers, which has also lead to great
confusion with Homeowners.
Homeowners opine that Home
Interiors is not expensive and as time consuming as building a new home and
doesn’t warrant much time planning and supervising the activity. They don’t
foresee following standard project execution protocol such as formal engagement
of vendors via contracts/agreements, and design detailing along with cost prior
to beginning of execution as a priority. They tend to be quite happy with rough
estimate without a detailed breakup provided by vendors as long as it is in
their price range and suites their needs. 
Many a times, Homeowners
engage the Designer via verbal commitments and initiates the work. They spend
much time initially designing the product and change it mid-away if they feel
it is not up to their expectation. They go through extended duration of
decision taking time which also cuts into the overall committed timelines. This
is a major pain point between Homeowners and Designers as any decision change
alters both the initial committed cost and timelines.
One critical observation we
found was that none of the projects we surveyed were completed within
stipulated budget and time; and this could be attributed to all the following
factors:
- Minimal or no involvement of professional designer from the beginning.
- No detailed price breakup with material specifications provided in the beginning.
- No emphasis to design considering the site conditions. There could be many nooks and corners in the house which could be left out in the initial estimate if proper attention was not given.
- No formal engagement to ensure the commitments of both parties are clearly defined. While the vendor/designer stays with their commitments, it is also important the Homeowners makes decisions in time bound manner and stick to their end of commitments.
What the Homeowners can do
to improve the situation?
In order to ensure that the
overall Home Improvement experience for Homeowners is improved, engaging a
professional Interior Designer regardless of the quantum of work is highly
recommendable.
While evaluating your designer
option, ask for a detailed price breakup with material type and make as there
is a wide price range for materials and the initial prices could be misleading.
Make sure that the field
measurements are properly captured taking care of demolitions works required,
so that the initial price committed is accurate.
Irrespective of whether it a
Designer or a Contract, execute a formal agreement so that the terms are clearly
spelled out. Also ask for a detailed design with floor plans, elevations and
views, sample boards, palette boards etc., to make sure that the design is well
thought out and execution is well planned.
What the Designer can do to
improve the situation?
As for the Designers, it is
important for them to understand that in most cases, a homeowner is taking up
such activity for the first time and might have limited knowledge. Designer
should empathize with the Homeowner and try to help them provide the best
solution.
Regardless of the quantum of
the work, they must insist on a work agreement and seek Homeowner consent prior
to beginning work. Provide a detailed activity wise price breakup even if the
homeowner didn’t ask. Help them understand the need and how it will help them
make the right decision.
Make every effort to support
and guide the Homeowner and ensure they have all the information to make sound
decisions initially. This will minimize changes and alternations in the future
which could lead to both cost and time escalation.
As in the case of the any
project irrespective of its size and quantum, it is not recommended to deviate
from the standard execution protocols. Home renovation is no different than any
other project and cutting short on initial steps such as design and cost
detailing will surely bound to have a critical impact on the overall project
and can lead to a disappointing experience.
We hope you find the contents in this article helpful and would be glad to hear about your experiences as well. You may write to us at info@squareo.in in case if you would like to reach out to use.
Feel free to get in touch with
us, in case if you need help find your right Home Interior Partner!
Regards,
Email: - info@squareo.in
Call: - 91-900 000 8837
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