The “Time and Money” Laws of Remodeling
If we divide all phases in to two groups, “planning” and “building,” we can simplify this for the sake of this article.
During the planning phases, making decisions regarding the scope of the project, design decisions, and checking permit requirements will help keep the building phases on time. For example, it’s a lot easier to change designs early on than when the project is in the working drawing phase, or worse, has been built. It takes time to check permit requirements, develop practical designs and plans based on those requirements, and then have them reviewed and approved.
We recommend that you give yourself as much time as possible and get started early, at least six to nine months ahead of the start of construction. Planning can take longer if decision-making is naturally a long-term process for you. Several professionals need to do their jobs when working with you to plan your project. Give them the time they need. Don’t rush, especially the early stages of planning.
One professional who can help is an Interior Designer. When our Designer works with our clients, her assistance with the options and choices for materials, colors, etc. helps in a number of ways, including a faster process. With her, decisions are informed and smart. This ensures fewer regrets about the selections down the road, too.
The building phase, when a project involves electrical and plumbing changes of any kind, along with modifications to finishes, rarely can be completed in less than four to six weeks. To be sure, the actual scope of the project will contain a number of variables, so it’s fair to say that no two projects are exactly the same.
Still, on average, the building of major remodels of a kitchen or bath generally take six to 12 weeks. Additions will typically take three-and-a-half to six months or longer. New homes will take four to 12 months or longer.
Regarding the projection of costs and the budgeting of your remodeling project, it’s helpful to review some of the considerations that affect the cost.
First, we suggest that it’s important for you to be clear about the money you have and would consider spending on your remodel. Balance this against the project you want to do, the value it will bring to the quality of your life, as well as to the value it adds to your home.
Because it’s so important to start with your budget, perhaps the greatest piece of advice we can give you is to make sure that your architect or designer has accurate knowledge of hard costs and knows what you can spend. It’s unfortunate when plans are developed that are out of line with a client’s resources.
The challenging part of this topic is that construction costs vary by project. There is no hard and fast rule to “the average master suite addition” or to “the average kitchen remodel.” Therefore, we build into the planning and design phases a process to work with each client’s budget and a projection of actual costs for their endeavor.
You can call us to discuss this, and we will provide you with ranges of costs for different types of projects, such as mid-range to upscale kitchen remodels, additions of family rooms and master bedroom suites, as well as mid-range to upscale bathroom remodels. Within the context of what you are planning, we can get more specific.
Also important and helpful to know are the other considerations, some of which are not commonly regarded, including such items as the difficulty and costs for the builder to physically get into the area to be remodeled. Some logistical or structural issues can make access more complex. For example, does the builder have to walk through the house, or can they go around to a door that opens directly to the work area? Special equipment may be required to gain access.
Expenses associated with protecting certain areas of the house need to be considered. A dust protection application may be desired.
Where you live in the house during construction may have an impact. Will a temporary kitchen be desired? Is a temporary laundry to be included?
When the remodeling or addition is completed, landscaping, window treatments, new furniture, and other needs will have be part of the overall cost of the project.
Clearly, time and money are factors involving many facets. You have control over both, especially when you work with a team that apply the processes or system to manage and both. This way, your project can be planned, designed, and completed on time and on budget.