I feel it’s critical to educate our customers and others about ways to prepare for meetings with home improvement companies so the process is pleasant not stressful. Of course, as in all relationships, open communication is the key to success.

Some suggestions on topics to discuss with companies during your first conversation and/or meeting:

• A convenient time for all decision makers to meet with the contractor.
• If you have a deadline or a time specific time frame for the completion of the job – i.e. having a baby, selling your home, having a graduation party, getting married, etc.
• Do you need a ballpark idea of what the project will cost so you can determine how you will pay for the project or if you have a budget.
• If you live in a historical neighborhood.

I would welcome any additional suggestions from contractors or consumers to add to this list. Urban Referrals is in business to make the process of connecting consumers and contractors as stress free and pleasant as possible.

Thank you -
Marla

www.urbanreferrals.com

The “Gen Now” generation being classified as ages 13-32. This group of homeowners is mostly single women, who are living is smaller spaces, with open floor plans decorated with clean sleek contemporary lines with a splash of color or the unexpected. They crave maximum hidden storage and wire management.

The “Gen X” population ranges in ages from 33-42. These homeowners typically have a family or are starting one and the kitchen must be the hub of the home. The kitchen will have the ability to function as a place to cook, entertain, do home work, and pay bills. To this generation a home office is critical so that work and home life can be blended. You may often here this homeowner say, “do you like the wall color, I painted it in myself” This DIY consumer is proud of their work.

The “Zommer” generation ages 43-62 are working longer due to the economy. They are making multi-generational purchasing decisions, and are taking seriously the advice from the younger generations. They are typically making a change from status and prestige to quality and value when deciding to make an investment. They are reclaiming old space, and creating a new function for it.

General trends you may see in any home such as; spice tones in cabinetry and wall color, metallics and shimmer on everything from the faucets to the floors, the blurring between the inside and out and the motto, recycle, reuse, and reclaim. Transcending all generations is the move towards open floor plans, personalization and customization of the décor, and flexibility within a space.