This is part 4 of a 5-part series on what you need to know before embarking on a home project. If you're just joining, go back and read parts 1-3.
The fourth thing you should know before starting a home project is simple: ask questions along the way.
This is really important because I assume that if you're a client, you don't know how to build a home or design a home. Maybe you've done it a few times in the past, but you're probably not the expert.
And you don't have to pretend that you are.
You Don't Need to Fake Expertise
Sometimes I get clients who throw in technical words they've heard on HGTV or read in an article, and they absolutely have no idea what it means.
You don't need to do that. It's okay.
The professionals you hire for the project are not assuming you know everything there is to know about what I'm doing. I don't assume to know anything about financial investing or the stock market. You don't need to pretend you understand construction terminology.
Why Asking Questions Matters
Asking questions is important for the relationship you're going to have with your architect, designer, and contractor.
You're going to be working with these people for two or three years. Like any good relationship, the foundation is based on good communication.
If you're one half of that relationship and you're unsure of something, or you have a problem, you have to talk to your designer or architect and say, "Hey, this came up. I'm not sure how I feel about this. Can we talk it out?"
The worst thing you can do (like in a marriage) is hold on to it, not say anything for an extended period of time, and then let it blow up and become a huge thing.
When You Don't Understand
Sometimes it's as simple as not understanding a drawing, a detail, or how things are going to come together.
Rather than wait for it to be built, just ask your designer. There are other ways things can be communicated to make it clearer. Not everyone can understand floor plans or section drawings. There are other ways to show you what I'm talking about.
This is your one shot at getting the understanding while the thing is being created. Once it's done, it's done. There's no going back unless you're doing a remodel of what you just built.
Everyone Being Informed
Everyone being informed throughout the process is super critical. If there's a way to mind-meld the architect, contractor, and owner together, a lot of issues would be avoided.
I ask my clients questions all the time to try and understand what they're thinking, to predict which design outcomes are going to be more favorable.
I'm more than open, I'm excited, to explain why things are the way they are.
Demystifying the Process
In architecture and design, there's this idea that what architects do is a great mystery. The architect is behind the curtain like the Wizard of Oz, doing secretive work, and no one knows quite how the magic is created. Then it's revealed.
A lot of offices operate that way. A lot of clients perceive designers that way. And there's some excitement to that, I get it.
But I think it's more fun and more interesting if everyone understands what's going on and why.
Frankly, for a lot of clients, it's an educational process. It's cool for them to learn about why I put this line here and not two inches over. I can guarantee you, any good architect will have a lot to tell you about why that line should be located precisely where it is.
Just Ask
If you don't understand something, ask.
If you're not sure how a decision will play out, ask.
If something feels off, ask.
I'm here to guide you. Let me.
Next in the series: Part 5 - Don't Align Construction Completion with Major Life Events