5 things i've learned the hard way: #5

thing i've learned the hard way #5:

never underestimate the power of 

proper communication.

this post will be especially useful

to anyone who might hire any type of contractor, 

seamstress, upholsterer, painter,

electrician, trim carpenter, or designer.

and proper communication is essential

in getting what you WANT.

there are several communication
tools that you can put to use:

learn proper names.

are you having some window treatments made?

if so, do a little research first, and find out the

"proper" name of the treatment you want. if you show up 

to drop off the fabric, and say :
"um...so, what i want...

well, it's kinda flat here, but then it swoops at the bottom,

and then it comes up on the side just a little..."

i promise you, you will get a black stare and

probably a laugh. but if you show up

and say "i need a london shade made"...
well, guess what? 
you're going to get a london shade.

(image)
electricians, plumbers, painters...
if you can learn to "speak their language",
you are far more likely to get what you
want, and communicating with any subcontractor 
will go more smoothly.

drawings.

even if you think you can't draw at all,

 a quick sketch of what you want is often enough 
to effectively communicate your desires.

measurements.
good measurements are essential.
installing some wainscoting?
how high? how wide? where does it stop?
getting some window treatments made?
what is the finished length? how wide do you want them?
installing can lighting in your ceiling?
how close to the wall? how far apart?
painting stripes on your wall?
how wide? how many will there be?

(image)

images printed off the internet, 
or magazine clippings.
the phrase "a picture is worth a thousand words",
is especially true when trying to convey
important information to someone that
you have hired to do a job for you.

(via caldwell flake interiors)
for a "big job", like a remodel or if you

are building a house, consider making a binder

filled with vital information.

(multiple copies are a good idea...one for you,

and one for the contractor/sub contractor.)

when we were remodeling house #5,

i made a binder for the painters:

in it, i listed each room, and the paint colors

going in that room, and in the back, i listed

each paint color and the areas where it would be put.

this little binder averting MANY mistakes, 

and the painters thanked me over and over

for making it for their reference.
***
whether you are having one room painted, remodeling
a bathroom, or building a home, never underestimate
the power of proper communication.