February 1, 2011
Have you ever read a headline that makes you go duh! I have coined a phrase for just this situation. Usually I use it in reference to scientific studies that get published, for example, "researchers prove that chocolate makes you feel good." I call these "no sh*!* studies. Because that's my exact reaction when I read something like that, followed closely by wonderment that someone got a grant to conduct that research.
Anyway, Saturday morning I traipse out to get the paper only to be confronted with the following headline "Remodeling can strain marriages." Well, no sh*!*.
Remodeling is expensive, messy, and disruptive. A married couple is forced to resolve money issues and issues about taste and preferences. That is before you factor in the control issues and passive-aggressive nature of some marriages. Take all of those elements, shake them up in a jar, then throw a bunch of strangers in your house and let me know if you're feeling any strain yet.
These compatibility issues also come up when you're working with a couple to find a home. But an architect from Round Top, Texas, Christopher Travis has developed a software package that is supposed to help us professionals as well as consumers navigate this minefield. The website is www.truehome.net. I have yet to try the service but the premise sounds promising. He promises couples that they can "save time, money, headaches and heartaches by clarifying what you want before you buy, remodel, design or build a home." Many of the services are free to consumers.
If you find yourself with clients who are having a "failure to communicate" the site may pose a solution.
I hope it helps.
Tamara
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