Need A Therapist? A House Therapist, That Is
Anyone who has embarked on a major renovation knows that it is time consuming, fraught with unforeseen issues, and it costs a lot of money. What if there was someone you could hire to be a liaison or intermediary between you and the contractor or architect? Basically hiring someone to be you without the emotional attachment.
The New York Times just ran a piece about this growing trend of hiring a project manager. Not just for the wealthy, many busy families are turning to this type of service to enable a renovation to run smoothly. Who wants to arrive home form a long day at work, cranky kids in tow, only to discover that something in the project was not done according to plan.
No one, that’s who. I have been there and it is discouraging. Hiring someone to oversee the project hopefully means that the issue would have been nipped in the bud before it ever came to this. A lack of specification in the initial plans is what generally leads to a dispute. The homeowner has pictured it one way and the contractor another.
A Project Manager will sit down with the homeowner and go over plans that the architect has drawn up. They will make sure that you, the homeowner, understand the plans fully. They will be realistic in pointing out how things are going to look and cost. Since most are former contractors they can also give input on how to cut costs if that is an issue.
One such place is the Renovation Coach, based out of Atlanta, GA.
Renovation Coach is a fee-based impartial advisor who assists homeowners and contractors in avoiding the pitfalls typically experienced during the renovation or construction process. We provide guidance, planning, and management tools so both the homeowner and contractor will have a positive remodeling experience. Since Renovation Coach, Inc. has no vested interest in the construction of any project, we are able to be your unbiased advisor and advocate during the remodeling process.
Coaches’ fees typically vary from $90 to $300 an hour, depending on location and the scope of the project. While that sounds like a hefty price, their services can sometimes save thousands of dollars caused by mis-steps and change orders.
