Hoping to remodel this year? You’d better get started soon! The planning process can be lengthy and there are many variables at play. Due to supply chain issues, most projects require several months to coordinate and as the homeowner, you have to plan ahead to get things done on time. The good news is: Cornerstone is here to help!
Completing a project isn’t something you can dream up in the morning and finish at night. It takes time to organize a design/build, and high-demand companies are the first to fill their calendars. This raises the question: How do you get started?
To stay ahead of the curve, it is important to understand the ins and outs of project timelines. Here’s what a typical timeline consists of:
This chart represents the average homeowner’s experience while planning a remodeling project. Each client’s schedule will differ, but the graph illustrates typical steps and milestones you can expect. For example; designing, sourcing materials, and building take the longest. However, your remodeling team must also coordinate the other projects, local building regulations, and customer service – all taking place behind the scenes – to maintain a high standard.
Meanwhile, renovation spending is rapidly increasing in the United States. Many houses are outdated and are in need of a quick remodel or complete redesign. Today, homeowners are twice as likely to pay for an interior designer or building contractor than they were five years ago. This means people who need work done to their homes should act fast.
Why Timing Is Everything in Project Planning
Depending on the scope and scale of your home remodeling project, just finding the right materials and decorative accents can take months. Contractors and designers must collaborate with homeowners, team members, suppliers, and inspectors to ensure a smooth finish. However, none of the people involved can snap their fingers and make magic happen. There is a method to all this madness.
Custom interior designs and complex floor plans could require even more work. Your patience is essential either way, but so is your willingness to factor in these crucial things:
- Most homeowners change or adjust their home remodeling plans at least once. Crews may need extra time to accommodate special requests and requirements.
- Construction supply chain issues can slow production and distribution. You never know what the future holds. Get what you need while the getting is good.
- In-demand home remodeling firms have tight schedules with limited availability. Don’t forget the benefits of working with an exclusive crew. Do your research and get in touch with one as soon as you can.
- Lifestyle changes can alter how you approach a home remodeling plan. Make room in your timeline for unexpected events and expenses.
- Your team must obtain specific permits to alter some parts of your property. They can’t move on to other tasks until the government says so. Yet, local governments can drag their feet in approving building permit applications. The sooner you request one, the better.
Timing is everything, so planning ahead is the wisest thing you can do. Evolving needs, growing families, and career developments can get in the way of making your remodel happen. Fortunately, you can hand over the responsibility to a talented crew and let them handle the nitty-gritty details.
DID YOU KNOW: Most people remodel their homes in the spring or summer. However, there’s also a massive influx around the holidays.
What to Expect During Your Home Remodeling Project
Knowing what to expect can help you avoid unnecessary pitfalls and delays when remodeling your home. It can also ensure you don’t damage property, break local building ordinances, or spend more money than you should. These are some of the other things that can slow you down if you don’t plan ahead:
Rearranging furniture, knocking down walls, ripping up flooring, installing new lights – it all can take a toll on how you live in your home during the remodel process. You have to get prepared to function outside of your comfort zone. Make arrangements for disruptions in your living space and put a halt on hosting events until your project is complete.
#1. Disrupted Flow in Your Home
TIP: Hold gatherings at a public location or let friends and relatives host for a while.
#2. Alternative Temporary Placement
Some of your favorite spots might be inaccessible during a home remodel. That means you can’t use them like you always would, which can cause significant problems. The most commonly disrupted things are:
- Workspaces
- Sleeping arrangements
- Storage areas
- Food preparation zones
Find somewhere else to complete personal or professional projects, and store items in your garage or shed for safekeeping. You should also plan for more takeout than usual, especially if the remodel involves your kitchen.
#3. Detailed Valuables Inventory
Removing personal belongings before the contractors arrive can be stressful. It’s also time-consuming to sort through items and organize possessions. You already have so much to do, don’t let this step slow you down.
You’re essentially “moving out” of the construction zone until the workers finish. So, gather nick-nacks, remove valuable art work or antiques, and slide furniture out of the way. Then find a place to temporarily store everything.
TIP: Many clients have portable storage pods delivered to their house. This provides room for work and equipment while giving homeowners quick access to their stuff.
#4. Crucial Document Collection
Documentation is crucial during any business deal, and home remodeling projects are no exception. Unfortunately, all the hustle and bustle can make it challenging to keep your documents organized. The best plan is to gather everything before your project begins. That way, you can grab what you need when you need it and without added stress.
Here is what you should collect when you have the time. Stick everything in a safe place that will remain accessible while contractors work on your home:
- Contracts
- Receipts
- Agreements
- Liens
- Samples
- Blueprints
- Records
- Notes
Don’t forget to write down your questions and reminders. Keep a journal of your concerns to help everyone stay on track and monitor progress.
#5. Questions and Answers Sessions
Use your journal to steer conversations and address concerns during consultations. Your design team will always meet in person or online to review various concepts, designs, and details. This step can take several weeks to complete, depending on the scope and scale of your project. You might also need numerous meetups to finalize different things.
Home remodel planning takes more time and energy than many people realize. It also begins several months before contractors hammer the first nail. You should probably start planning now if you’re thinking of rehabbing your house within 12-24 months.
Plan Ahead with Cornerstone Remodeling
With extended lead times on materials and a significant increase in demand, it’s not wise to wait. Planning ahead for a home remodel is how you make it on your favorite contractor’s to-do list. There’s no better time than now to start coordinating a design/build, even if your goal is to renovate your home for the holidays.
Get ready, get set, and go with Cornerstone Remodeling. Reach out to our team to develop a personalized approach to your project and get the ball rolling before your deadline. We can discuss the details and offer tips when you’re ready. Check out our unique remote quote program for a quick and easy way to get started with us. Also, don’t forget to take a look at our portfolio and see how proper planning and detailed execution have created some amazing results!
