In most cases, needs for home improvement projects differ from the needs of the building industry. Not to say the Homeowner isn’t aware of the requirements, but they may overlook some of the requirements upheld by law. Sometimes a homeowner’s wants may also get confused with a need. It’s important we understand the wants vs needs of home improvement projects.

What Do Homeowners Want?

What drives homeowners to web sites for their remodeling projects? Who, What and Why do homeowners search for remodeling and building services on web sites? What will HIBO services look like in a homeowners search for services? Are homeowners searching for something they Want, Need or both ?

Many years ago, while attending sales courses for a sale position, I became aware of the distinct difference in what a Homeowner WANTS and what a Homeowner NEEDS.

The Needs Of A Homeowner

Needs are associated with events or products that are in need of being fixed, repaired or replaced (I.E. A Plumber to fix a leaking pipe, repair or replace a broken fixture; or A Roofer to fix a leaking roof, repair or replace worn out shingles). In these cases, the needs are easier to sell and easier to price for an emergency or an urgency.

However, the need, or so called need, to add more space to a home or to upgrade and remodel living conditions can become cost driven by adding in the wants. Improving an existing living space or to remedy an existing condition starts to balance the wants with the needs, and therefore can become more challenging to price and sell.

The Building Industry/Contractors, have a very different way of addressing the needs of a project. Contractors must meet or exceed the needs of the National and Local Building Codes and Industry Standards for projects that require a General Building Permit and performed by a Licensed Contractor or Provider.  All of which are not only needed, but required.

Any permit driven project will need to meet the Codes and Standards. There are NO wants in the building process of the Contractor/Vendor.

The Wants From A Homeowner

The Homeowner decides on the wants of their project (I.E. Bath and Kitchen fixtures, appliances, cabinets, finishes, materials, floorings, tiles, lighting etc.). All of these wanted items can be classed as a need but mostly, they are not all required to meet Regulated Code or Standards.

The wants are driven mostly by the owner’s choices of quality and value in their investment in their home or an investor in a home for resale to a higher price buyer. These prices are basically driven by 1 of 3 choices (Good, Better, Best); and are decided by the owner’s personal preference and the affordability/remaining budget.

The Industry’s Needs For Home Improvement Projects

Building Permit Plans are driven by the needs of Codes & some Standards. Therefore all materials required and needed in a plan, must be by Code as well. The installers and vendors operate on a needs basis of what the Local or National Licensing Requirements are in specific Zip Code and certain individual jurisdictions.

HIBO will help all homeowners and/or investors, understand what needs mean to the costs of the project. While also helping them to understand that a certain part/percentage, of the overall costs of a project are driven 1st by addressing the project’s needs, and also driven by National Building Codes.

Conclusion

The HIBO tool will inform buyers that there is a distinct and an important difference between the above needs and an Owner or Investors investments in their wants. Be reminded, there are NO  choices of Good, Better or Best in the Building Codes required in structural materials. There may be some price differences in code materials, but they cannot be compromised in Code Requirements.

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Homeowners planning a home improvement project face a dizzying array of choices. By far the most important decision is who to rely on at the out set to be begin the project. Traditionally, homeowners have had four choices: an architect, a builder, a design/build firm, or a do it yourself. Each of these traditional approaches poses potential pitfalls, which make home improvement horror stories legendary.

Problems with Architects

Starting your project by hiring an architect can offer sophistication in design, but architects tend to get carried away and forget about cost. As a result, homeowners too often discover that they have invested thousands of dollars and many months for a beautiful set of architectural plans that turnout to be far beyond their budget. Ratcheting the project back to stay within budget is a painful process and an utter waste of time. Often homeowners must go back to square one and start all over.

Problems with Contractors

Starting with hiring a contractor may help to control costs, but too often contractors lack of flair for design produces projects that are aesthetically lacking (sometimes even double ugly). In addition, most general contractors demand one‑third of the money up front, which exposes the homeowner to significant financial risk. The worst home improvement nightmare is the contractor who abandons the project halfway through as the result of fraud, incompetence, or insolvency.

Problems with Design & Build Firms

Relying on a design/build firm provides homeowners a one‑stop shopping and avoids potential disputes between the architect and the builder. However, most design/build firms discourage or even prohibit homeowners from seeking competitive bids for construction. At best, homeowners who rely on a design/build firm place all their eggs in one basket from the very start.

Act as a General Contractor

At worst, homeowners find themselves captive to construction prices dictated by the firm that developed the design. Homeowners can save significant money by acting as their own general contractor, by avoiding the 25% to 35% that general contractors typically add to direct costs. However, ignorance about the construction industry, subcontractors qualifications, and prevailing costs makes most homeowners leery about being their own GC.

Avoid Problems with HIBO

As building costs continue to spiral, the stakes get higher and higher for homeowners undertaking home improvements. To help homeowners in the DC area save money and reduce risks, a small business in Falls Church, VA has developed and perfected a fresh alternative; Home Improvements By Owner.

HIBO has applied more than 40 years experience in the building industry to offer homeowners a new and better way to build major construction and remodeling projects. For the first time, HIBO makes professional consulting and management tools directly available to homeowners who demand top‑notch work but refuse to pay premium prices.

Experience has proven that HIBO’s new model works. Over the past decade, HIBO has helped more than 100 homeowners save money and reduce their risks in home improvement projects. But HIBO’s model is not right for every homeowner. The HIBO model requires that homeowners to take some responsibility themselves over the course of their project. HIBO empowers homeowners to act as their own General Contractor, which allows them to save the significant markup that general contractors typically add on to direct costs.

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