No matter the size—big or small—all home renovation projects stress homeowners out. A section of their home is slightly out of commission, which messes with their standard order of operations. Keeping homeowners happy during this process requires a little more than excellent customer service skills. Here’s how to satisfy homeowners during a kitchen remodel.
Pour Over Their Ideas
Contractors have the skills and the techniques, but homeowners have the vision. The customer is always right, and accounting for their final say is vital to keeping them pleased. Consider all their ideas—even the ones you know aren’t practical.
During those moments of disagreement, come to a compromise. Include their ideas with the most effective strategy to implement them. Also, let the homeowner know why you have reservations for something instead of flat-out disagreeing. Provide them with several different options so that they know you’ve done your work and you have a better chance of them agreeing with you.
Let Them In on the Secrets
You also need to let them in on all the home renovation secrets. They don’t necessarily need to know every detail of your process, but they need to know the logistics. Tell them the materials you plan to source and the schedule you plan to stick with.
Also, it helps to reassure them that everyone working on the site has insurance and the experience to accomplish every task. If any new developments or troubles arise, share that information with them immediately, especially if it delays progress. There always needs to be an open line of communication.
Corner the Market on Details
Homeowners love detail-oriented contractors. It shows how passionate they are about the job. One great way to focus on the details is to talk with the homeowner about the smaller things they may not have considered.
When it comes to kitchen cabinets, they may not have thought about the type of hinges they want. However, hinges are just as important as the knobs, handles, and cabinets. Help them decide between full-wrap or partial-wrap hinges. The difference between these two types will determine how wide the cabinets open or how much weight they can hold, so finding the ideal one is essential.
Give Them a Before and After
Homeowners always appreciate a before and after photo. Even if they step inside their kitchen every day, they still want physical proof of the transformation. Take photos of the entire room and every area of the kitchen you and your crew remodel individually.
You can use these photos for your records and referrals, and the homeowners get a chance to see how skilled you truly are. Plus, documentation is always safe when dealing with renovation projects in case of any damage.
A homeowner’s satisfaction during kitchen remodels is essential to keep your business thriving. Follow these tips to make your next remodel a success.
