Installers and Designers: How to See Eye-to-Eye

In the construction business — especially in residential new home construction and remodeling — it’s well-known that there’s a tension between the designers who create the vision for a home or room and the contractors whose job it is to make that vision a reality. The hardwood flooring business is no exception to this rule.

Whether you’re an installer or the homeowner caught in the middle, it’s helpful to understand some of the most common ways in which communication between designers and hardwood flooring contractors can break down. Here are a few tips for working with designers.

Learn the vocabulary.
Designers tend to discuss things in terms that sound vague to folks with a construction background — “classical,” “modern,” “busy.” Spend some time with some design magazines to learn how these terms have specific meanings in the design vocabulary. When a term doesn’t mean much to you, ask! Most designers are happy to bend your ear about their trade.

Be clear and firm.
It’s a designer’s job to dream up things that no one’s seen before. It’s not necessarily their job to know whether such things can be built within the budget — or even if they exist! If you’re the wholesale hardwood flooring supplier, don’t be shy about appointing yourself as project expert: “This is what’s available, this is what can be done — and this is what can’t.”

Go with the flow—up to a point.
Hardwood flooring contractors need to understand that interior designers aren’t architects; they work in a more seat-of-the-pants fashion, building their vision as they go. The hardwood flooring people should be prepared to execute a vision that continues to develop as the project unfolds — but one that changes completely every few days may be the sign of an inexperienced designer, and could be one of those rare projects it’s best to walk away from.

If you are a hardwood flooring contractor and are having communication problems with another member of a construction project, contact WoodMonsters today to speak with your representative about the best way to work with designers so everyone ends up satisfied.