There is an interesting turn in our economy and it is tempting to continue at the break neck speed we have become so accustomed to over the past few years.
In the world of real estate, timing is always at a premium and often work interrupts life to get a deadline finished. The upside of the downturn is the availability of certain contractors, home inspectors and trades – much to my relief a few hours ago when a home inspector literally saved a deal of mine that was threatening to crash.
I became one of ‘those’ clients last week when I decided that I needed a spare room re-floored to give us an extra guest room for the holidays.
In my time as a designer I would cringe when I saw a client bursting through the doors after the first of November wanting a renovation project completed before Christmas and here I am choosing carpet on the 10th of November. I even became that person who called around for a few quotes when I felt the price was too high – life can be incredibly ironic.
The difference was that nobody was worked up about it.
The flooring stores had installers available and there were painters who could zip right out and do what I needed them to do, all at very short notice! Back in the day, you were lucky if you could have someone return a phone call so you could get an estimate. Everyone is eager for business which means that they will be fair with pricing and quick on response time and will provide excellent service which is good news for you the consumer.
It is OK to be a savvy shopper but don’t jump at cheapest always being best, it is good to let everyone know that you will be comparing pricing and please be kind and phone them back, even to tell them that you have gone with another company.
Sales people always appreciate knowing where they stand and if they should keep bothering you, asking for the contract. In this slow economy, every contractor is working hard for every cent of business and they will always appreciate feedback and a phone call that says ‘thank you for your time’, even if you have chosen another company.
If you have been considering a last-minute renovation it may not be too late to call and see if there are still contractors available, I know that there are flooring stores in our area who are still needing business.
You may be able to have that lovely guest room decorated or some gleaming hardwood installed before you put up your Christmas tree.
Keep our local business owners in business over the holiday season – shop local and treat everyone you employ with kindness and respect. Contractors love working in a client’s home when the coffee is offered and a tray of cookies is laid out for them to munch on.
The countdown is on for decorating for the holidays!
Whether you are just decking the halls or wrecking and rebuilding the halls, you may be able to benefit from the availability of local contractors and businesses who will welcome your inquiries. Make the call, you may surprise yourself at what you can accomplish in a few short weeks!
Kim Wyse is a Central Alberta freelance designer. Find her on facebook at ‘Ask a Realtor/Ask a Designer’.
