Five tips for remodeling in today’s market
In the aftermath of the COVID-19 lockdown, labor shortages and access to certain products affects numerous industries, including remodeling.
Even so, after extra time at home and delays caused by the pandemic, there is high demand for home renovation projects.
If you鈥檙e planning a home remodel or construction project, consider these tips from professional remodelers to avoid frustration and ensure your vision comes to life.
Do research and plan ahead
Mapping out your project early and thoroughly can help you avoid delays. This is especially important when it comes to materials, said John Brown of Bliffert Lumber and Hardware.
鈥淭he quicker a homeowner can make selections, the sooner we can get it on order and get it in,鈥� Bliffert said.
Some contractors are adjusting the way they approach planning to offset delays. For example, selecting materials and finishes at the outset, instead of as you progress through the project like you normally would, may mean the materials are available when you need them.
鈥淭he design process has really changed,鈥� said Robi Kirsic of TimeLine Renovation and Design. 鈥淲e鈥檙e still designing based on homeowners鈥� wishes and dreams, but we鈥檙e also modifying by providing options based on what鈥檚 available.鈥�
Know where you鈥檙e willing to compromise
Whether you鈥檙e able or willing to compromise often comes down to why you鈥檙e doing the renovation in the first place.
鈥淪ome homeowners are specific about what they want,鈥� Kirsic said. 鈥淭hey鈥檝e been waiting for a long time to do this project and they鈥檙e not doing it to compromise. Others have a time constraint for one reason or another; they don鈥檛 have the luxury of waiting.鈥�
It鈥檚 a sentiment echoed by others, who caution that you may be able to get an item you have your heart set on, but you may need to be willing to wait.
鈥淚f you have your heart set on a certain bathtub, it might be a 6- or 8-month wait, but another one might be available sooner,鈥� said Jason Hensler of Marvin Windows and Doors.
Avoid making changes
Once your plans are set and your materials have been ordered, avoid unnecessary delays by changing your project scope or material selection. In this environment, project timelines are extremely tight and even minor changes can create significant disruptions, especially if there鈥檚 a delay in obtaining different materials or your new ideas require a different crew that wasn鈥檛 already scheduled for your job.
Choose a trustworthy partner
While these are unusual times, having a reliable contractor can make the project run more smoothly and help you feel more comfortable as the project progresses.
鈥淯se someone you trust, someone who is part of a reputable group like the National Association of the Remodeling Industry,鈥� Brown said.
That way, if you encounter unexpected bumps along the way, you can be confident they will be handled professionally and appropriately. Brown encourages his teams to communicate early and often, which helps homeowners understand and trust they鈥檙e doing everything possible to keep the job on track.
Be patient
Above all, understanding these are unusual times can go a long way toward a more successful project.
鈥淧atience will help it go a lot smoother,鈥� Hensler said. 鈥淭hat may mean accepting longer wait times than you anticipated and a later completion date than you hoped.鈥�
The sooner you get your project started, the sooner your contractor can start mapping out a project timeline.