Four Years In Review

Four years ago, I started my business. Four years ago, I was a shell of the woman I am today. Four years ago, my life started on a new chapter; one I hadn’t written yet, where the outline didn’t even exist. I was winging it. And here’s how it turned out.

On December 13, I bought my domain, www.runmyrenovation.com. Somewhere within those first couple weeks of December I discovered that I wanted to be a general contractor and went for it. I know I’ve referenced it before, but it was like that part in Legally Blonde where they say, “Do you think she just woke up one day and said, ‘I think I’ll go to law school?’” And yes, that’s exactly how it was. I woke up one day and said, “I think I’ll be a GC and start my own remodeling company!”

So I got my domain and I started my business doing remodels for family friends and referrals. And somehow, it has sustained me and my kids for the past four years. It has not been an easy road: the liability I assume on a daily basis is a lot for a single mom to take on. This business is highly emotional and expensive, both for my clients and for me, if things go awry. And let me tell you, they often do. I have been blessed with projects that have made my clients very happy; I have had trials with others; and I have found myself beaten up and abused and taken advantage of through all of it. It is a spectrum of colorful experiences that I’m grateful for, yet am excited to put behind me.

So here I am, almost 4 years to the day of starting my company, ready to close my doors. I started this business because I wanted to change the construction industry (residential remodels, at least). I wanted to create an open, transparent process for my clients, to give them full insight into their project. I wanted to be honest and ethical and trustworthy, which if you ask anyone who’s done a remodel, are things that are often lacking. The good news is, I made a difference in the lives of those I’ve helped along the way. The bad news is, I didn’t make a dent in the industry. But I’m giving myself permission to let it go.

I have met some fantastic people in the construction industry; my team of subs that I have used over the past four years have been wonderful (and if you live in the Seattle area, I suggest you call them for your remodeling needs; list below). But let me tell you, I have seen humanity at its worst in this industry as well. Being a woman in this field hasn’t been easy: I’m often over charged or price gouged; talked down to; yelled at and disrespected. And not only by my peers (subcontractors, vendors, etc.) but by clients as well. I have befriended tradespeople who want to use me to collect more work, only to price gouge me and take advantage of my loyalty. I have been promised a long-lasting professional relationship, only to find out there was never any intention of a business partnership unless there was a personal relationship as icing on the cake. I have been sold a line of goods from people who claim they can do a fantastic job and don’t, which has cost me thousands of dollars. I have been ghosted by my employee, leaving me high and dry in the middle of a job.

I’m closing my doors because I’m tired. I’m tired of the sleepless nights, worrying about my projects. I’m tired of the panic reflex I experience when I read my emails. I’m tired of the babysitting, the inability for others to keep to a schedule, the problems, the issues, the money. I’m tired of the unrealistic expectations people have and I blame HGTV for this: they make remodels look so easy and cheap. People think you can remodel a kitchen for $20k. I’m here to tell you it’s impossible (especially in Seattle). I always say, it takes what it takes and it costs what it costs. Rome wasn’t built in a day, my friends.

So while I look back on the past four years, although I’m filled with complaints, I am also filled with gratitude. Owning and operating my own business has allowed me tremendous flexibility to be with my kids. I’ve been fortunate enough to be with them every morning before school, and every afternoon, after school. I’ve been able to take them with me during the summers, Spring breaks, Christmas breaks, half days, sick days and national holidays. I have managed to buy myself time with them in these crucial years, while also sustaining our lifestyle. And that is a true blessing.

I do plan to stay in this industry to some degree. Keep an eye out here for more announcements. :)

With gratitude and thanks, to my favorite subcontractors:

In House Electric, Everett, WA

Adam’s Plumbing and Fire Systems, Lake Stevens, WA

Artistico Drywall, Lynnwood, WA

The Tile Man LLC, Bothell, WA

Builders Interiors, Woodinville, WA

Grove Window Supply, Carnation, WA

Distinctive Glass, Bothell, WA

Insulation Co, Lynnwood, WA

NGB Roofing, Edmonds, WA

One Call Home Repair, Everett, WA

And for those of you out there, my friends, family, colleagues and clients, who believed in me and trusted me with your homes and your money: I am forever grateful for you. You have sustained my family. You have helped me grow as a human and a businesswoman. You have given me a chance to make a difference. These are the things you cannot put a value on. The experience, the relationships, the struggles and triumphs: PRICELESS.

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