Miscellaneous
Welcome to the Interior Design Today radio show with Mary Knackstedt.In our 24th episode, Mary talks about the lessons we've learned from Hurricane Sandy.I have noticed that in many instances, contractors have not been quite as honest as they should be with clients. One of my clients had a roof problem, and they were referred to a contractor who was doing other rooves in the area. They asked for a quotation, and they were told $22,000. Another person came to look at the roof from quite a distance, they looked over the situation, didn't take any notes, and the client never heard back from them. The client called me, and I recommended someone we've used before, and they came and quoted them less than $12,000, just about half of the previous quote.The part that is so disturbing is that when we were children, we were taught that things were good or bad, black or white. As we mature, we really realize that everything is pretty grey. When we see this type of situation, this type of a scene, we find that people can be wonderful and they can also be almost evil. Fortunately, as a designer, we get to see and know these contractors. We know who they are, how they work, and what they do. In so many instances, we can be of great assistance to our clients and make sure they get to the right people and that their money is invested appropriately. In my own practice, I do so much of this work. It is quite true, I really didn't get paid for most of those services, but when I think of the invaluable contribution we've made to our clients, it is just amazing.Use your designer to their fullest. Make sure they are giving you the very best and the latest, and use them as a consultant on other building issues because very often they have information that can be very valuable to you in whatever your situation.--I've given you a copy of an article I wrote for the local paper and which has been passed on to a number of publications throughout the country. We need to realize that building codes and standards are really there for a reason. Take a look at the article below and realize that you are in a position to use your voice to encourage better action in your community.View the Patriot News article here.View the Central Penn Business Journal article here or here.Please subscribe to the video or audio version of the radio show via iTunes or listen to it at http://interiordesigntodaypodcast.blogger.com via the following MP3 Link.