RENOVATION PSYCHOLOGY®
Advice for the Home Team Toolbox

Dear Dr. Debi
We decided to do a home project for the new year – not sure what it will be yet – but where would you say to start?
Signed,
Unsure but Rarin’ to go

Dear Rarin’ to go,
Hey, that’s great! This is the very best time to ask such a question as a team! Before you even pick a project, how nice an opportunity – you could do an INVENTORY of your team!

Sounds funny – but getting a good picture of your team’s assets can really set you up well for a good renovation project. Think of it this way – if you were playing baseball – you would want to find a person to play each position from pitcher, catcher and short stop to outfield and basemen, and each of them will be placed according to their strengths. The same is true for your Home Team. So – let’s list the strengths!

First – start with those talents you are itching to put your hand to. Perhaps it is precision cutting with the new radial arm saw? Maybe you feature lots of digging with an excavator? Too big? Okay, maybe dove tail joints? Or, is it placing new walls, wallpapering, painting or tiling? As you look at television, magazines and even in stores, you probably are drawn to certain types of projects. That is great. Just start making a list – even if it is a fantasy list to begin with.

Be sure that each person on your Home Team makes a list too (or at least starts to think about it). It really does not have to end up the same for all Team members. In fact, an assortment of interests is very healthy for your team.

Some team members will think they don’t have any talents to list. That is really not likely at all. Consider your interests and willingness to learn as an asset. And perhaps you know someone who does know the skill and is willing to teach you how to do it. Go ahead and list it as a tentative asset – but worth mentioning.

Next – Take your list and consider in your mind: which of these is accessible for you this year. Including money, time and even skill-wise, and are you willing to put the time and resources in to develop this skill to do the project? Some items will drop off the list, and others will seem more real to you. You will want to bring the ones that remain forward to your Home Team and identify them as your assets that you will contribute to the team effort.

Yet, you may be one of the folks who still sees a blank list in front of you. Think again. There are a huge variety of skills that are often overlooked by non-construction type people. This includes many helping activities like spreading out materials, organizing bids for materials, and cleaning up debris and going to the dump. And let’s not overlook shopping – a good shopper can compare prices, material specifications, and get a good deal and arrange the delivery for the project. It goes even further – there are team support skills that make a Home Team run effectively: a willingness to communicate, organize information, and follow up on calls and commitments. Perhaps you have such a person on your Home Team who can help organize projects, ideas and materials – then you are lucky indeed!

So, as the members of your Home Team, assemble your recruits for some inventory talk. Bring your lists and a piece of paper to take notes of the wealth available in time, talent, skills, and effort being offered for your team project. Even without any money, so much can be done as you see what assets you have for your team, just from the people-wealth. After identifying these most important assets, the rest is just determining a budget based on pocketbook as you pursue your dream house.

Happy recruiting!
Dr. Debi

Dr. Debi Warner is the Founder of Renovation Psychology® and author of Putting the Home Team to Work, available now online. Dr. Debi provides advice for greater domestic harmony to folks who are renovating their home – for True Home Improvement. This column is offered for enjoyment and enhancement and is not intended to replace your personal medical care.

Photo by Bob Jenks, St. Johnsbury, Vt.

Dr. Debi has a consultation practice, visiting home sites all over New England from her studio in Littleton, NH at the Tannery Marketplace.

© 2005 Renovation Psychology® Visit www.RenovationPsychology.com Questions are welcome.