303. Your Client Wants It Done by the Holidays. Here's What You Need to Know.

Have you ever promised a client their project would be finished by Christmas, only to realize there were a dozen things outside your control?
I've been there. In fact, I once found myself crawling underneath a fully decorated Christmas tree on Christmas Eve, trying to finish a curtain installation before my client's guests arrived. That experience changed how I handle holiday deadlines forever.
In this episode, I'm talking about what interior designers need to consider as Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, and Christmas approach. We'll look at the very different challenges of decorating and construction projects, why you need to understand exactly what your client means by "the holidays," and how to communicate realistic expectations without making promises you can't keep.
I'm also sharing how I approach decision deadlines, construction sequencing, trade availability, winter weather, and planning for time away. Plus, I'll talk about the year-end gestures I make for clients and contractors to show my appreciation.
Because your projects don't have to be finished before the holidays, but your clients should absolutely know what to expect.

In this episode, you'll learn:
• Why I stopped guaranteeing holiday completion dates

• How to uncover what your client's holiday deadline actually means

• How to explain the impact of delayed decisions on construction schedules

• When changing the construction sequence might be worth the additional cost

• How to prepare your clients, contractors, and trades for the holiday break

Mentioned in this episode:
• Grab Your Free Script Guide here: reneedevignierdesign.com/push-back-script-hand…

• Access the full video interview with Elana Steele of Steele Appliance here: reneedevignierdesign.com/appliance

Find the full shownotes at: devignierdesign.com/holiday-project-deadlines