Tuesday, 7 September 2021
Choose a Renovator Context
On Day 120 we had the dilemma of moving or renovating what we didn’t like about our current house. At the moment, while the market is good for selling a house, it’s poor for buying. So, we opted for renovating and staying for a little while, at least. Our job now is to choose a renovator. Day 244, saw us purchase bathroom “stuff”. It can’t be hard to choose a renovator, can it?
At the tiles place, Andie had a list of renovators who had put their names down to fulfil the questions. Do you have anyone you can recommend, or how would you choose a renovator? Andie mentioned the tiles place simply provides the list and are not responsible for workmanship … blah, blah, blah. Okay, I’m too blasé, and the disclaimer is necessary.
Surprisingly, at that moment, John entered he was part of a couple who loved renovating. John took a look at the list and identified the different approaches used by a few renovators. Ultimately, he suggested we contact the renovators and chat with them; if you like them, invite them to quote. Oh, and you may need to shop around until you find someone who works with you. John proudly followed with, “and that’s how you choose a renovator”!
In contrast, I hate shopping around, especially with selecting a renovator or tradesperson. Fundamentally, you just want to trust someone to do the job right. You hear the occasional horror story of a non-tradesperson trying to be a tradesperson, and it’s easy to lose faith. Then there’s the whole, “will they, won’t they show up?” or “are they going to be too expensive and rip me off?”. Astonishingly, people still renovate!
My Flawed Approaches
Usually, my approach on “how to” choose a renovator is to look at the list of names, chat to Andie and John, select the person or company based on the description and hope I hit it off immediately. Then the choice is closely followed by a fervent hope that they’re honest.
Alas, the problem with my approach is I tend to put all my eggs in one basket, perpetuating the risk I’m trying to avoid. On top of that, if they turn out to be the wrong person or company, then I’ve wasted time. And consequently, I need to start the process again.
Previously, and because I’m aware of my “eggs in one basket” approach, I thought I’d try to switch things up and invite three trades over to give me their quote. The scatter-gun approach didn’t work too well either.
All the trades wanted to rock up around the same time, so I staggered the visits for the same day. Of course, I’d forgotten the golden rule of tradespersons, never show up on time! That’s right; predictability would give the impression they weren’t busy! After all, I didn’t want to spend days on end at home away from work. So, you picked it, didn’t you? I wish I’d remembered it.
Some tradies were early, others late, and others on time. Yep, they were all there at the same time. And the result was, no one quoted. 😟 The trick is going to be to find the happy medium.
Summary
In summary, I’ve given you the “how to not” choose a renovator. Following our lunchtime from hell, I vowed not to do that to the tradespersons or myself again.
Retrospectively, the sensible approach would seem to go to places like Hipages.com.au, Service.com.au. Alternatively, approach your local bathroom furniture and fittings, tile store or other and compile a list of three, maybe four company names.
Once you have a list, contact each prospect and take John’s advice and have a chat. During the conversation, determine if there’s a “fee for quote”, if you’re happy with the response, book a time and ensure you have plenty of time between visits.
If you don’t like someone following the chat, make your way down the list (this was also John’s recommendation), not sure I’d go with his advice unless all of them proved unsatisfactory. Oops! There I go again, narrowing it down to one basket.
See if you can get an estimate during the site visits – it’s unlikely but worth a shot. Also, try and determine when they’re available to do the work; it might not suit your timeframe.
In conclusion, there’s no easy way to choose a renovator unless they’re a competent and loving member of your family. Now, all I have to do is put into practice the advice provided!
My Apology to Tradies
For the record, I’m being so cheeky right now and generalising. It’s not that I don’t understand there are delays with the previous job or there was traffic, or something has come up, and I can’t make it. Therefore, I apologise to the tradies who do show up on time.
By the way, thank you to those tradies that do send a simple text message or make a call to say they’re “Unable to make it due to job/ traffic or blah” or even “Delayed. Will be there in or at … time”. Or “something’s come up, unable to make it today, call tomorrow/ next business day”. Very much appreciated.
Today's Cards
The Cards - Choose a Renovator Analysis
Carryover Cards
Four cards carried over from yesterday. Firstly, Flowering moved from Feelings to Influence. Secondly, Completion moved from Outcome to Recent Past. Thirdly, Possibilities moved from Recent Past to Future Energy. Finally, The Rebel moved from Now to Hopes & Fears.
Cross
In the Distant Past, I’ve worked with tradespeople who understood what I wanted to achieve; this kind of relationship shows as The Lovers card.
The recent Completion – selection and payment of products – means the idea is Flowering. Under Flowering’s influence and the next step following Completion is The Fool.
If you want to choose a renovator, unfortunately, you need to play Politics. It’s not a conscious Goal, but sometimes it’s necessary to show your best side. If your selection works for you – sweet; you may need to get diplomatic if it doesn’t.
Once you’ve made your selection, Possibilities open up Future Energy.
Base
Feelings of Understanding abound as I undertake the next phase of getting the bathroom renovated.
In Others’ Views, I’m The Master in control of my bathroom renovation. Oh, dear! Maybe I’m better at Politics than I think.
Hopes & Fears position. The Rebel card says I hope to break free of my old habits of throwing my eggs into one basket. On the other hand, choosing a renovator isn’t easy, and I fear old habits will return.
Finally, it’s Comparison in the Outcome position. It’s the first time in a reading where Comparison might be a good thing. The downside, of course, could be I’m comparing my selection method to those of others, and I should be focussing on what works for me.
References
- Osho, Osho Zen Tarot – The Transcendental Game of Zen, St Martin’s Press, ISBN 0-312-11733-7
- Tarot Layouts per month
- Day 120 – Moving or Renovating Dilemma
- Day 244 – Bathroom Renovation Commitment
