While most people do not appreciate generalizations, there are times when it is comforting to know you are not alone — particularly when it comes to a particular challenge you might be facing. In this case, I am talking about the most common dilemmas homeowners face when working on a home renovation or design project.
If your guesses about the top design project challenges are related to budget or money, think again. According to studies conducted by Houzz, many people struggle with issues unrelated to budget. As someone trying to sell products and/or services to individuals completing design projects, this is an important point. It shows that you don’t necessarily have to offer sale prices to close the deal.
Rather, if you help these individuals solve the following three dilemmas, closing will be much easier.
1. Finding products
Finding the desired materials, furnishings and accessories is the biggest project-related challenge most people face. While this can be impacted by budgetary and/or geographic constraints, many simply do not know where to start.
Some people will scour the Internet. A large number have already tried to find items and failed, or have found some pieces they like without a clue how to incorporate them into a cohesive space.
What can you do to help? Create mood or concept boards, floor plans and/or renderings showing them how to incorporate items they love, including merging then with existing pieces.
There probably are a few new pieces you will want to add to the mix. Make it look fantastic and it will be easy for them to say yes and sign on the dotted line.
2. Defining design style
Styles evolve and change, both within the industry and personally. For those individuals who prefer sticking to trends, there may be a fear of something changing or losing favor after the purchase. Some do not like being placed into a box that says, “This is my style.”
Help them along. Although you don’t need to hold their hand, advise them to scroll through Houzz or Pinterest to find ideas they like. This will save you time and headaches.
If the client is a little more old school and tech-shy, perhaps have him or her complete a quiz to identify style choices. The goal is to narrow down the options before you spend hours sourcing product. Keep it visual.
And if they have trouble saying “yes” to what they like, focus instead on what they do not like.
3. Making design decisions with a spouse
Finding common ground might just be the trickiest of the three problem areas. Some of us can be opinionated and unwilling to compromise. Given the investment your clients are making in their homes, you want them to love the results and feel comfortable.
Mediation is not why you got into this business. However, you are a neutral third party and — hopefully— a trusted advisor, so be prepared to step in and handle potentially explosive situations. By the decision-making stage, you should have a good grasp of what your clients like and how they need things to function.
While one partner might love that exotic hardwood floor, you can explain that their beloved 100-pound dog’s nails would quickly mar the finish and suggest a better alternative. Product knowledge can make all the difference; educate them so they can make the correct decision.
If you can ease your clients’ minds about each of these areas, you are that much closer to a successful project with a happy ending.
About the Author
Christina Mogk is the lead designer for mecc interiors inc., an accredited and award-winning Toronto-based design studio specializing in mindful, easy, classic, confident interior decorating, interior design solutions and project management for residential clients.
This article was provide by Multibriefs.
