Gratitude is nothing new…

In 2024 one of the things I’m aiming to be better about is gratefulness. Yes we all say were are grateful but then move on kind of like saying sorry when we don’t mean it.

Ive been involved in the trades professionally nearing 20years. Ive had mentors good and bad who taught me by example and by principal. Ive learned on my own and made mistakes while I cultivated a backlog of experience and exposure to different projects and procedures that have made me who I am. I give a lot of credit to one of my main mentors who I say taught me how to problem solve. It is the basis of all work in my opinion.

Professionally I am grateful for these things and many others everyday. Today I am grateful that it is NOT snowing like it was last week. That I have a garage roof over my head giving me a dry place to cut these tiles. The equipment and experience to know how to cut and install these more high end products. For the trust and interest from all of my clients to allow me in their space to use my abilities to improve important details in their home in order to provide for my own.

Do you use it?

Let’s talk about the OG app that I think died too soon.

Yep Pinterest. If you don’t remember Pinterest was the original scroll for hours app that everyone was talking about. It’s original purpose I feel was pure but over time it’s popularity lead to it becoming a major marketing tool and I think people lost interest as they felt they were being sold to and new apps came into style.

Originally Pinterest was intended to be a way to catalogue your ideas and things that interested you by “pinning” them to your profile in folders. Some of my favorite were label “ My Real house “ and “ Dream ……”. Honestly I think it’s still a great tool to save and organize for your home projects and anything else that interests you.

Why is this important? Well as a contractor I’m always trying to bridge the gap and communicate with clients about designs and details. The internet is such a huge resource for inspiration but without a system it’s easy to waste time and lose things.

There are other ways to organize details for projects that I’m going to try to discuss but I think Pinterest does a lot of the work for you. That’s why in the coming weeks I’m going to share my perspective as a contractor of why I think Pinterest and organizing photos is so beneficial for you.

You’re NOT married to your home.

  Ok maybe to your mortgage but not the current style of it.

Updating your home can increase the value, enjoyment, efficiency, your personal peace. Stop putting up with the outdated and break up with it!! Your mom was right all along….. deserve better.

You’ve waited a long time and years have gone by. Stop and think about how you’ve adapted around the things in your home you hate the most in your day to day. The best projects are those that blend form and function. Improving the look and efficiency of the space and how it serves you. Don’t forget about how others see it also. We all want to put our best foot forward. Often times we don’t want to have guest because we are embarrassed by aspects of our home. Plan ahead and take the steps to improve your space and you’ll see the ways it can positively impact you life and impress the Jones.

Adapt & Overcome

Sometimes in homeownership we are forced to just make the best of it. In this example they had a large builtin refrigerator that needed to be replaced. The expense of a refrigerator of the same size just wasn’t worth it. Once a new fridge was installed the large opening made it look strange and out of place.

Their suggestion of a cookbook shelf was a great idea. It gave functionality to the just enough amount of space left to look intentional and serve a purpose for them that they might appreciate.

As we live in our homes utilities need to be replaced, it’s a fact. Sometimes the way we use them and the surrounding spaces changes as we also change over time. Maybe you’re interested in a drop zone mud bench to organize your life or a family room builtin custom media wall to cage the chaos of clutter so you can finally relax as you watch tv as a family. You can work on your home or have your home work for you. Which would you prefer?

“The measure of intelligence is the ability to change.”

Albert Einstein

Can’t beat custom

I hear it all the time…. It’s hard to fill big spaces with store bought furniture.

I agree 100% !  New construction style, open concept or just big spaces can be really difficult to shop for. Long walls swallow a store bought bookcase and chairs. Odd nooks are never the same size as the ottoman or benches in catalogues.

Nothing can compare to custom because it’s just that, custom made to fit your space and suit your needs. Everyone wants the look and custom is how you get.

18 years….

18 years…!! It was time to upgrade.

I bought this LOWES tool belt setup almost exactly 18 years ago when I got my professional start working with a general contractor who became a major mentor to me. I decided it was time to upgrade for efficiency and appearance purposes.

Because of the work I do I don’t always wear bags but realized I need to take advantage of it more often for many reasons. I couldn’t be happier with my new @badgertoolbelts side-by-side but it’s bittersweet. I look at how worn my old bags are and remember the long days and hard work that got me here.

Not the crappiest corner in your house.

This is one room in your home you’re probably least proud of and try your best to hide it even though you use it every day. Whether it’s the hall bathroom, powder room or your master it should reflect your style and provide some comfort.

A fresh coat of paint and some updated lighting can go a long way to make it more bright and inviting. Accessories like floating shelves allow a space to add personal touches that create a more comfortable space and storage. Here we matched the shelves from the main bathroom area. The calm colors, natural wood tones and art work add layers of detail that really enhance the look and feel

Where do you place value?

Where do you place value?

As consumers we make purchases for all kinds of reasons. Whether it’s conscious or subconsciously we use value as a measuring stick to compare before we purchase. So I ask where do you place value?

Moving towards the finishing of the bathroom I decided to swap my fancier vacuum out from the basic shop vac I’d used through the rough in. The basic model gets the job done but it’s big and clunky and space is becoming important as I have lots of finishes spread out to install. Also it doesn’t filter the exhaust air as well as as the Hepa filter in the more expensive unit. More important it doesn’t have as many technical features that make it more efficient in use.

Ok, so what’s the relation to a homeowner and improving their home? Well I would encourage you to determine where you place value. Are you going to appreciate a contractor that finishes a job as fast as possible, best as possible or as inexpensive as possible? To finish the old business saying “ you can only chose two of those options”.

These days everyone appreciates the finer thing and the great details. Every homeowner and their home is different along with their improvement dreams. Remember this as you think through your design and chose the pros to help achieve it.

Trendy or Timeless finishes?

I get asked a lot about trends vs timeless design choices. I think you can do both and it’s entirely up to you. Finishes like tile are generally top of that list. Do you go with the trendy fun pattern or type of tile vs something that doesn’t feel like it will go out of style so quickly. Because of the feeling of permanence and cost the weight of the decision can feel overwhelming. It doesn’t have to be that way.

With almost 20 years as a remodeling contractor in middle Tennessee I have seen trends come and go. I generally tell people to go with their gut. What good is the timeless choice if you feel bored by it and if your late on a trend you’ll hate it later. Us the the power of the internet and find ideas while you take the time to shop around. Find the tile and pattern that speaks to you. Bring some samples home to see in your space and discuss with your contractor.

You’re investing in your home. It’s should be what you want and like. If your doing it purely for resale then it should strictly be for the feeling or effect you are hoping for- clean, neutral, subtle, flashy, bold.

Home project planning during the holidays.

Are you ready for the holiday blur? I have a few planning tips for your home improvement project next year.

It all starts with Thanksgiving and before we know it we are sitting around looking at the abyss of torn wrapping paper and cardboard packaging as we settle in for a few lazy days in Pjs mixed with other traditions. As we sit around with nothing to do and stare at our phones this is a great time to organize our ideas for our next project.

If you are planning a home improvement project for next year that extra time is great to catch up on new trends, find the perfect design for your bathroom or that awesome new moody color for your living room. When a potential client reaches out to me about a project one of my first questions is, Do you have any saved inspiration or design pictures? A few pictures is the best way to communicate your style, form and function you are looking for or a vibe to create with that space. The internet and social media is overflowing with great visuals of awesome projects and it’s there free for the taking. Saved screen shots are great. They can be sent back and forth through texts or email to illustrate a point. The biggest flaw is you have to be able to find them. If I had a dollar for every time I heard “um I saved a screen shot but can’t find it” !!

Pinterest was a great tool when it first came out. Unfortunately it started a culture of pinning and forgetting folders. Even worse, things were saved in folders and the caption box was rarely used or if it was we lazily left the caption of the person previous. Use that box!! Write what you love in that picture. It makes my life as a contractor so much easier to understand the things that are important to you. Was it the tile, the shower head, the countertops….

The last tip is to find a pro you trust. Reach out to them before things shut down to celebrate and tell them you’re interested in a project next year and you are putting a few ideas together. Ask them if they have any suggestions like shops to check out, accounts to follow, design pictures to share and examples of costs. If there’s an odd absence of sound on the other end of the line hang up the phone and delete the contact, you deserve better…!

Costs to come down?

Should you wait to improve your home when prices go back down…?

This is something I hear a lot lately. The outrageous inflation of building materials this year I would say is one major reason behind people strategizing their home improvements but also repairs. As expected the cost of most materials like lumber have come down but will projects as a whole become less expensive?

There are a lot of variables involved but for the most part I would say no. The cost of skilled home repair and improvements will likely only increase. With more and more homes being built and the lower percentage of homeowners capable of diy the demand for services is growing. Not to mention career craftsman deserve to carve out a living for their skill, experience and effort to also keep up with the surrounding inflation today. Also our expectations of our homes style and finishes has become greater and more detailed. The events of over the last year or more have changed how we see and use our home as well. 

So don’t let your project get bigger waiting for a better time. The stairs and deck in this photo had several rotten boards hidden under the layer of gunk that had evolved. Not everyone can always afford major cosmetic upgrades or even simple repairs but if your waiting for cost to go down it may be a while. 

What home improvement projects are you putting off?

Home improvement value

What value do you look for in your next home project?

When I meet with a new potential client I not only want to find their motive for completing this project but also where they place value. Maybe this seems like a vague and obvious or even cliche thing to do when discussing being hired for a service. This however is very important and is one of the best ways to make sure I can deliver if not over deliver on every project.

Searching the word VALUE - the regard that something is held to deserve; the importance, worth, or usefulness of something.

In the home improvement business I feel VALUE for most home owners boils down to price, product and presence/experience. Unfortunately I’d say this is the order of implied importance but that the second and third equal the first. Let me explain.

Price is the unarguable driving point for purchases. We all shop with a budget. The product we shop for we want the best we can get for the price. Presence is what the provider has to offer during the experience and in my opinion can be the most lacking. Product may have multiple layers but the finished product as a whole is what is typically judged most.

As a contractor I try to balance a great product, client experience and best reasonable price to reflect their value. Some may value time more and need their project quickly this will have to adjust one of the three. Price may be the deciding factor so scope of work or materials can be adjusted to possibly still give the desired level of finished product. Some may not be as interested in fine details that take time and presence which can greatly reduce price. So looking at your project decide what is the value you are looking for when discussing it with your contractor.

What is important to you? Where do you place your value in home improvement?

The Cool Kids

So your kids are pretty cool...... but is their room?

We all want the best for our children but why should that stop with their space in our home. A big trend right now is fun designs with kids rooms. Accent walls, unique beds or desks and other storage ideas, paint colors, furniture. The sky is the limit and there is so much available for inspiration and ideas. 

Wallpaper is a great choice for an accent especially in kids rooms. It can make a big statement and really make their space awesome. The cliche saying “ it’s coming back....” is definitely true right now. There are some really cool designs available. 

Do you have a kids room or other project your interested in improving in your home? 

Hungry for better

Hungry for a better experience ?

A home improvement project could be compared to a great night out and meal at a new restaurant. You and your significant other have been discussing a night out soon and how important it is to you when you can make time. You hear through your circle and see posts on social media the buzz about this awesome new place. Oh but it looks more expensive you think. Your friends tell you how great it was and won’t stop talking about it. You see great posts and reviews. Their service was great and the food was awesome. People are lined up outside every night. You see the great food in the commercials and as you pass by you see how happy and fulfilled their patrons are.

These businesses offer something new and different with a great experience and that is why people can’t stop going back. Who doesn’t want to feel like they’re getting a great product with a great experience.

So as a homeowner wouldn’t you chose this over the drive through 1star dinning experience when improving your home? Wouldn’t you prefer someone like a charming server who can offer suggestions to suit your specific mood and tastes to best satisfy you. Or a kitchen staff who blends all the great ingredients to provide the perfect dish you can’t wait to eat but first take a picture of. Don’t forget the busser who removes the unnecessary items from your space to keep your space tidy and provide a comfortable environment to relax and enjoy. The great service and meal you’ve had a wonderful night out and can’t wait for your next visit.

This is how your home improvement project should be otherwise you’re choosing the wrong place to eat....!

Are you ready for better?!

Apples to Apples

This phrase is used a lot to compare contractors and their estimates during the shopping phase of a project. Looking at what is included- materials, scope of work, reviews, timelines and availability. These are great things to compare but you need to try to remember to read between the lines. Some just scroll down to price and that’s all they see.

Here’s the truth about home improvement “Pros” who want you to compare apples to apples when reviewing their free estimate.

Apples are all the same and just don’t deliver. They show up late. They make promises but feed you excuses. Always want more money then ghost you. Leave your house looking like a bomb went off and your expectations unfulfilled. Maybe you’ve hired a few bad apples and experienced what I’m describing.

Well.... I don’t sell apples. I sell oranges. I’m here to offer something different. I am not the typical home improvement contractor and don’t ever want to be.

Oranges. Expand on your great original ideas. Show up on time and communicate well. Do their best to stay on budget. Focus on great details. They over deliver with their finished product and experience.

Next time you shop for a home project first decide do you want an apple or an orange.

Do you have a great project you would like to discuss?

Suburban sprawl

Are you living in a new construction neighborhood and are you happy with the builders finishes?

More and more I find myself working in these types of neighborhoods improving and sometimes repairing what can now be built in record time. The market is booming and people are moving to middle TN like crazy. The builders seem to barely keep up. 

Often times this speed is reflected in the new home finishes. Poor drywall, mediocre paint, bad trim work, or even lack of character or the desired level of finish. I don’t blame the builders generally because they are keeping up with the market and should be communicating to buyers what they will be providing once finished. Kudos to those great builders I’ve seen around town. I think the market has grown so much that the details in quality and value are lost.  

Maybe this isn’t true for everyone but for those select few who expect more and appreciate details I would love to discuss your home and how we could make it better reflect you and your family. We’ve all spent more time at home lately. Shouldn’t our home look and feel more like HOME?

Are you in control…?

With such extreme events and daily surprises in our world and society we are all feeling the lack of control in our own way. If you are a type A person as I am you appreciate feeling in control of your environment and take steps to keep that balance. With these social distractions we have been constantly exposed to for so long now we have slacked off from the norm. It’s not hard to become frustrated and feel overwhelmed. Before too long you see how far behind you are and you just don’t even want to do any of it. We all have obligations, jobs, families, pursuits of our own happiness and we’ve dropped several of them to carry the stresses of modern day we never asked for. 

I have a secret to share that solves this problem with a snowballing effect that can overlap into every aspect of your life. Regardless of your politics or position this works. 

Find something small in your home that you can improve. Clean out the junk drawer, organize your closet, haul off the recycle. Pick something simple that you can do to better yourself today. Go for a walk, get up earlier, clean up your meals, spend time with your family. Most importantly, get positive. If there’s something in your everyday that brings negativity do what you can to limit that. Find the good people in the world and if you can’t find one BE ONE.....

Don’t let the door hit you on the way out 2020

They say when a door closes a new door to opportunity opens. Well I’m closing the door on 2020 and we are changing the locks!

This year has been so strange. People of my generation compare it to 9/11 in the sense that it’s events were so unexpected, unreal and so life changing. I have to agree in that way. It has reminded us that nothing is promised, there is always another way even if it is not the way you would choose, and also the value of our HOME & FAMILY. 

Looking ahead to 2021 I think we should be optimistic and thankful for a fresh start. Hopefully we have all learned new lessons and gained great perspective to address obstacles as they come. We’ve run a 2020 obstacle course and have the bruises and scars to prove it. 

Let’s all take a minute to be thankful for 2020 and then show it the door, don’t forget to LOCK IT!!

2021 Let’s thrive not just survive. 

Here comes Santa Claus

Well Thanksgiving 2020 has passed and the countdown to Christmas has begun. Time to get focused and finish any work you may have in front of you and enjoy the season. If you have a project for 2021 you would like to discuss I would love to hear your ideas.

Holiday Countdown

Maybe it’s my professional background but holidays to me are a three, two, one countdown on exterior and also interior projects. Today is Halloween and I’m clearing the first big batch of leaves off my roof and gutters. I usually do it again at thanksgiving before hanging Christmas lights. This gets the bulk of the heavy lifting done before the steady cold weather moves in for good.

For contractors this three, two, one holiday countdown is important as we typically schedule out our projects around these holidays along with their affects on our industry. Many homeowners need some things outside finished up before it gets too cold or a project wrapped up inside before guests come to visit for the holiday season.

In the remodeling world this can be a challenge. As we get further into the holiday season there are more hurdles with scheduling and availability. Our vendors are busy and have their own deadlines so receiving materials on time can get tricky and that can affect our own timelines. Holiday events, personal traditions as well as the homeowners are taken into consideration. The closer we get to Christmas the more things seem to slow down and progress can get hard to manage. Needless to say I always warn someone this is not the best time to do a major project but it still happens.

So if you have a project and agree the holiday season isn’t a good fit start thinking about first of the year. Get your ideas together. Make a Pinterest board. Here’s a big tip, LABEL what you like in that photo. Find a pro, discuss your ideas and even share that Pinterest board. Have a discussion about their timeline and if first of the year is a good fit for them and your project. First of the year is a hidden secret so if your interested you should act fast.