Planning isn't as simple as it sounds. It takes some serious brain power — whether you're meal prepping for the week, writing out your five-year goals, or scheduling a vacation.
If you've ever hosted an event or family gathering, you know exactly what we're talking about. You can't just wing it and hope everything comes together (if only it were that easy!). You have to decide who to invite, how to send out invites, what to serve, coordinate what guests are bringing, pick a location, decorate, pick a party playlist, and on and on and on.
In many regards, house renovations are a lot like planning an event: it takes time, consideration, and a lot of choices — and it's a lot easier if you have someone to help you along the way.
We've been a helping hand for many remodel-planning homeowners, and today we're sharing our best advice to assist you too!
When Should I Reach Out to a Remodeler?
The first step in any remodeling project is finding a renovation contractor. They have the knowledge and resources you need to start, making the planning process much more manageable.
Realistically, you should contact home renovation contractors six to twelve months before you're ready to break ground on your remodel; this way, you can set accurate expectations for the remodeling process and plan accordingly.
So, if you want to remodel your house in the summertime when you have more flexibility with work and the kids aren't in school, you should begin a relationship with a remodeler near the end of winter in February or March.
That may seem like an excessive time allotment, but there's a good reason. Here's why.
Why Do Home Renovations Take So Long?
It's critical to allow enough time for both yourself and your contractor to plan out your remodel and get all the details perfect. Home improvement projects are an investment, and investments take time and consideration.
A quick turnaround and timeline make you less likely to be satisfied with your remodeling results. Some more significant remodeling alterations simply can't be done within a few weeks, meaning you won't be able to fit everything you want into your remodel. Additionally, a rushed remodeling team has less time to consider your needs and tastes to incorporate them into the design. The shorter your timeline, the less you'll love your remodel.
Furthermore, unlike the instant access home improvement stores provide, many quality remodeling items and materials require several weeks to produce and ship. Think about a time you were making a purchase for an outfit for a specific occasion. Did it just come together, or did you have to visit multiple stores, trying things on to find the perfect combination? When you look at it that way, it becomes clearer why allowing yourself enough time to pick something out as simple as a faucet is important.
The other thing to consider is that when you approach a contractor they already have a queue of projects underway. Each project can take several weeks, and in the case of larger remodels, months to plan.
How Long Should a Remodel Take?
Remodeling timelines are highly circumstantial and include many factors, like the age of your home, the materials involved, and the demand for remodeling in your area. However, the typical design and construction process can take anywhere from a few months to a year or more, depending on the type of remodeling and the scale of your project.
For example, a high-end whole-home remodel may require your remodeler to gut the entire house and rebuild — a lengthy process. On the other hand, a cosmetic kitchen upgrade only requires kitchen contractors to repaint, replace the backsplash, update flooring, and make a few other changes that take less time to complete.
To give you a better idea of how long your project will take, here's a breakdown of three common types of remodeling:
Kitchen and Bathroom Remodeling
Smaller bathroom and kitchen remodeling projects can finish in the course of approximately one month. Meanwhile, larger improvements can take up to six months.
Whole Home Remodeling
Cosmetic renovations may take as little as a few days to a couple of months to complete. However, an extensive remodel takes at least six months and could realistically take a year to a year and a half.
Starting with a Remodeler: The Sooner the Better
The moral of the story: don't wait to begin your remodel!
Sitting on your project until the last minute will often lead to disappointment with your desired timeline. Prevent that by seeking home renovation services as soon as you're sure a remodel is right for you.
Start your search for a local remodeler by contacting Corvallis Custom Kitchens & Baths. Our dedicated team of whole home, kitchen, and bathroom designers can help you plan the perfect project. Then, our expert project managers will assist you in executing your vision within a timeline and budget that works for you.
