No interior design project can become a reality without the help of a contractor (unless you are dealing with an avid DIYer, of course) and that means you need to keep these hard working folks on your side. So what do you do when a contractor has given a client a really low, unrealistic price for a project?

The trick is to educate the client without putting down the contractor. Do this right and now only do you look honest and smart, but you also look like a hero to everyone involved. The good news is that it’s easier than you might think. Here’s the recipe:
1) Give the contractor the benefit of the doubt:
Hmmm, I know Jerry is a great guy, but I wonder if he might be making a couple of assumptions about this project that are different from what I understood you wanted.

2) Be positive about what the client *can* get for that stated budget:
In my experience to keep a kitchen remodel to that budget we’d need to _____ (eg, stay within the existing layout, use more affordable materials like laminate and vinyl, etc). 

3) Educate the client on what (in your experience) it costs for what they said they wanted:
My impression is that it’s important to you to have ______ (eg, a new layout, stone counters, and heated tile floors) in your new kitchen, and I have found that in this area that usually costs closer to $___________. 

4) Validate the contractor and empower the client:
Sometimes with a newer or hungrier contractor you can end up getting a screaming deal, and that’s awesome!, but other times a low cost means that either the scope of the project wasn’t fully understood, or that the quality of the installation might not be as good as you expected. What do you think of the bid he gave you? 

That’s it. Be supportive, assume the best, and educate with sincerity. It may not come naturally at first so why not try it out a few times with your friend or partner? The next time you hear someone ranting about something stupid their boss, kid, coworker, spouse or some government official did, ask if you can try spinning the situation in a positive way: 

Friend: OMG, I can’t believe my husband forgot my birthday. 

You: I know he’s had a lot on his plate with his new job (benefit of the doubt). I’m glad you were able to spend the day with me instead (be positive). You know, I just heard of this calendar app called “drink of the day” that gives him a champagne-alert when an important (ie, marriage saving app) is coming up (educate, and use humor when possible). I know he loves you, and I’ll be when he realizes he missed your birthday he’ll want to make it up to you.

Silly, I know, but learning how to support someone in a moment of frustration without fanning the flames or putting the other person down is an essential life skill that will make you better in business, too. I promise, the more you practice it, the easier it’ll get!

May your work be meaningful, your clients abundant, & your life happy!