News & Columns > Richard Kuritz > Perspective: THE SEVEN COSTLY DISEASES OF RENOVATION

Perspective: THE SEVEN COSTLY DISEASES OF RENOVATION

By Richard Kuritz
Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Despite of, and perhaps because of the crummy economy, many homeowners will be renovating their homes. To their success, and that of their contractors, I offer this treatise.

Long before I ever designed a house, I was a hands-on carpenter, going back to the early 70's. Remodeling my own homes, as well as those of customers, made me empathetic to homeowners in "remodel survival and recovery". My family has lived through so many live-in remodels that the grown kids are still quoting child labor laws, and my wife suggested that the next live-in remodel be done with a mistress. As a carpenter, I had clients whose personalities ranged from Monk to Mrs. Robinson, and I have rescued others whose preceding contractors turned their homes into war zones.

So when a magazine editor asked if there were seven deadly sins of remodeling, I thought back and concluded that although the process can be pretty tough, since nobody died, Seven Costly Diseases is a better term.

So, the Seven Costly Diseases of home remodeling are:

1. Cheapitis- the belief by homeowners that the cost of materials and services are lower than reasonable. The symptoms include deep disappointment, poor workmanship and disputes with contractors and spouses. Treatment includes a reality check, perhaps provided by a quick read of the National Construction Estimator … of the current year.

2. Analysis Paralysis- symptoms are a standstill project. It ain't gonna happen 'till you make some decisions. Plan it extensively … but make a decision.

3. Consensus Constipation- you know this virus has infected your project when you hear someone say: "I didn't agree to that!" (Better hope it's not your wife!) The cure and prevention requires clear, detailed discussion, understanding, and agreement, in writing, by all affected parties.

4. Disruption Denial- When you hear "This is such a mess!", then you know that someone did not get the 4D reality memo. For anything to be put into your house, something must usually be removed. This process requires demolition, dust, disarray and disruption. These are immutable laws of physics. The contractor can, and should, seal off rooms and vents, cover carpets and flooring, wipe his feet, etc. But, pathways, access to rooms, electrical, plumbing, water and phone may have to be interrupted. If you can't deal with this, either don't renovate or move out for the duration. If you have not actually been in a renovation storm, or are sensitive, please visit a renovation site to understand what level of upheaval awaits.

5. TMS (Too Much …Stuff)- We all have stuff. Some have more than others … lots more. If you are considering a remodel, and can't see the walls, windows or floor, you have TMS. When that stuff is where your remodel will be, someone has to move it. Your contractor, if he has any sense, will tell you this, and charge you accordingly. This is fair. This is also a good time for a yard sale.

6. Homeowner Helpitis or Contagious Constructus- Sometimes, with the best of intentions, a homeowner, usually male, yearns to live the romantic and robust life of a construction worker. The contractor should head this off at the pass by diplomatically reminding him, preferably at signing, that your insurance carrier simply will not allow …you know the drill. Contagious Constructus occurs when the weekend warrior is so inspired by the glamour of grit that he straps on his $10 tool belt and begins a do-it-yourself major project in the middle of the contracted renovation. One bad memory is of a customer with a small ranch house who hired us to do a bed/bath addition. The work was at the back of the house, so most of the house was unbothered. The homeowner, thinking that demolition loves company, proceeded to strip the remaining interior walls and ceilings, and then the exterior stucco. He left his wife and three dogs the kitchen and a bathroom as sanctity. She finally snapped when he cut into the new wiring and shut down the house. Guess who took the heat. So, right there, in the contract: If the owner works, the contractor stops. Period.

7. Fundsarlo- You've seen that framed addition with the grey weathered plywood and the black plastic roofing. That project has Fundsarlo. This is simple math. If you don't have the money, don't do the project. That hot-stock, sure-thing-next-week does not count as cash. Also, that real bargain contractor who will be renewing his license and insurance with your deposit check … not so good.

The Seven Costly Diseases of renovation are communicable to both contractor and customer: Avoid them with good planning and business hygiene, and vaccinate all parties before the sawdust flies.

This article was first published on Wednesday, October 14, 2009 at 11:23 am. This article has been viewed 546 times.

Rich Kuritz was born in NYC, grew up on Long Island where he met and married his High school steady in 1969. He has been a Californian for over 30 years, has 3 grown children, three grandchildren and a dog named Maggie. About 7 years ago, Rich and his older son discovered Arrowbear, where they rebuilt their adjoining homes. His academic training is in Political Science and Economics, and his business background includes finance, investment, business development and construction.

Rich presently serves as Chairman of the Economic Development Committee of the Running Springs Area Chamber of Commerce, and was recently elected as a Director to the Arrowbear Park Municipal Water District. His present interests include community development, consulting and writing.

The views expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect those of RIMOFTHEWORLD.net. This column is copyrighted by Richard Kuritz.