A Simple Exercise That Can Save You Thousands

Most homeowners approach remodeling with a solution already in mind. It might be a new addition, a remodeled kitchen, or a bigger house. But bringing a solution to the table too early often locks you into expensive choices before you understand what you actually need. That’s where the Five Whys exercise comes in.

What Is the Five Whys Exercise?
Originally developed in manufacturing, the Five Whys is a simple questioning technique designed to uncover root causes instead of surface symptoms.

In home design, it works like this:

1. What do you want to change?
2. Why do you want that?
3. Why is that important?
4. Why does that matter to you?
5. Why does this affect your life?

You don’t rush or jump to solutions. Instead, you follow the thread until you reach something emotional and true.

To be real with you, doing this exercise alone is a challenge. When we ask clients to try this out on their own, most folks say it's hard to get beyond two "whys" without trying to solve the problem in its entirety. We've heard it go like this: “I need an addition because I need more space" and then, it stops there. But staying with the questions, without judgment, defensiveness, or overthinking, is what allows unexpected insights to emerge.

Over the years, we've learned this exercise is most effective when homeowners can slow down to do it and actually write (or type) out their answers. And even though it's tricky, it's a big bonus if you can also give yourself permission not to get it right immediately.

We also think that all involved in the design decisions should try the Five Whys on their own first. Doing it this way allows partners-in-design to let their differences show up.
One partner may crave quiet and recovery, while the other may want connection and gathering. Both are valid. Doing the exercise separately, then comparing notes, can prevent months of misalignment and resentment, spark important conversation, and will ultimately lead to choices that genuinely support everyone involved. (If we could, we'd underline, highlight, and circle that last sentence in red pen so maybe give it a re-read.)

Once the real why is clear, design professionals can help explore multiple ways to solve for it. So yes, sometimes that still means an addition but just as often, it doesn’t. The key is that the solution serves the life goal not the other way around.

So before you invest in drawings, permits, or square footage, invest in clarity. Ask yourself why, then ask again. Your responses might surprise you and they just might change everything about your project.

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 Want more? Listen to our Why Before What episode
on Designed Happy: The Podcast​