How long will my project take?
Many homeowners approach us with a simple yet complex question….â€How long should it take to finish my project?†Some underestimate the time it will require, while others expect it to take a lot longer.
Every remodeler loves being able to finish on budget and ahead of schedule. The real bonus for our homeowners is to have an accurate understanding of our process and ultimately its implication on the overall duration.
WHAT ARE OUR PROCESSES?
The biggest variables in project duration are size, design and selections, and of course – construction. It’s no surprise that a big, complex remodel will take longer than a simple kitchen upgrade.
At the initial meeting with our homeowner, the best way of providing the most accurate estimate of time to completion is to explain the process we follow every project. Here are the 4 steps of that process and a time proven ballpark for their durations.
For example, for a major kitchen renovation:
Preliminary Design and Contract – 2+/- weeks
Final Design, Selections & Reconciliation – 4-6+/- weeks
Elite prep for construction – 2 weeks
Construction – 10-12+/- weeks
So in this example, if we started at Step 1 today and followed it without interruption, my answer would be that we could confidently finish in 4+/- months. Again, if we started today!!!
At the same meeting we discuss any and all events that may influence on the duration: vacations, holidays, guests arriving or an event for which we need to be done by a certain date. With our solid process and our clear understanding of our homeowner’s requirements, we are able to set expectations from our first meeting.
Remember the old saying “Prior Planning Prevents Poor Performance� Well, in my world this applies to us every day. Said differently, if we take the appropriate time and effort in steps 1-3, then our construction team will have all the necessary information and documents to successfully build your project. These items are physical layout drawings, cabinet designs and drawings, 3D renderings, CAD layouts of all tile materials, all material selections being made and agreed to etc. etc.
WHAT HOMEOWNERS CAN DO?
Changes made after project kickoff can delay the finish date, so homeowners who want their project to keep humming along on schedule make minimal changes after start of construction.
Homeowners who value this “cause and effect†rule will invest the time and effort in the planning phase needed to make firm decisions.
Homeowners who enjoy the smoothest projects exercise a true partnership attitude. They understand how seemingly small decisions have cascading impacts on the schedule, so they work with us from the initial design concept all the way to the final punch list.
It should come as no surprise that this partnership works best when our relationship is built on trust.