How do we find harmony with our need for more or better space and continue to live, work, and school together? It’s tricky, but not impossible. With some persistence, planning and a whole lot of patience, your dreams of a remodel that fits your new reality can come true.
Start by making initial contact with several remodelers that catch your eye, and set up your initial consultations. This process can take up to two weeks, depending on schedules.
Once you select your remodeling team, come up with a detailed plan and timeline, but keep it realistic. Your plan should include the following elements:
Schematic Design (approximately 4 weeks)
Design Development (between 4 to 10 weeks)
Pre-Construction (up to 6 weeks)
Materials Coordination (between 4 to 10 weeks)
Construction Administration (anywhere from 6 to 20 weeks, including weekly meetings).
In these unprecedented times, giving your project a longer leash to be completed will help you from feeling frustrated if things don’t go exactly as planned. Keep in mind that even the big box stores and online retailers are out of stock of certain times, and may not be able to promise a delivery date.
Take into account extended lead times for all stages of the project. Many vendors are backed up on projects. For example the lead time for cabinet companies has jumped from 8 to 10 weeks to 18 to 20 weeks.
Keep in mind that building departments are still back-logged and working through multiple requests. They are human too and can only work so many hours in a day.
Be flexible with plans and decisions. If the materials you desire are on back-order, decide if you can wait for them, or compromise and choose something more readily available.