I recently came upon the concept of a "renovation coach" or "consultant." According to renovationcoach.com, here is a succinct definition:
"[A 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."So it kind of sounds like a general contractor, but perhaps with even more handholding and guidance, especially in the planning stages. According to the New York Times, there are approximately only 100 of these such coaches operating today, and they charge between $90 to $300 an hour, depending on the task and where you live. Some also charge a pecentage of costs, but if you ask me, that seems to be in conflict with their supposed unbiased advice.
In my life, I've only done one major renovation- my kitchen (though you could also go macro and lump all the renovations I've done into one project). My kitchen redo needed the services of plumbers, electricians, people to install the cabinets and fix the walls, and others to refinish the floor. It was a big job that I felt I could not handle by myself, because how could I juggle all those parties while I was at work? My solution was to go with a guy who hired all those contractors for me, and I just paid him one fee. Sure, I'm sure I paid more than I would have if I found them separately, but everything went smoothly and I benefitted from this man's experience of knowing what contractors to select. I never thought of him as a renovation coach, though. I just thought of him as my general contractor. Perhaps this idea of a renovation coach or consultant is not really a concept that is new, but rather just a novel nomeclature. There is even a program to train people how to become such a consultant.
What are your thoughts on this type of service? Has anyone encountered one?
3 comments:
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thrifty homeowner,
hello, I am a construction coach in toronto Ontario. I have been a contractor and project manager for 10 years now. in the last 2 years I have trained with CTI (Coaches Training Institute)from California, the worlds leading coach training company. I have completed training as a life coach.
as a project manager I have seen and continue to see on a daily basis, highly educated, brilliant, and successful professionals make renovation and construction mistakes that cost them financially and emotionally. it is this experience that was the Genesis of my seeking training as a coach.
I am currently building a practice coaching homeowners. my approach is slightly different than what I think your research might have found. what I mean is, when I am coaching I am initially only interested in the human element for example why the reno is being done, what the expectation is etc.
more times than not this will lead to other life challenges many of us have, but as a coach I work with what ever comes that day.
with 10 years construction experience I feel I am uniquely qualified to assist my clients by providing emmotional support primarily but also sound construction advice if required.
i really do try to avoid getting involved in the actual physical renovation or construction as I am really there to provide support to the individuals and not the process. i would love to answer any other questions for you if your intereted? you can find me at theconstructioncoach.blogspot.com
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