RENOVATION / BUILDING PHASES
Ok remodelers, home builders and real estate investors, let’s have a little fun today. What really happens during a renovation or build?
- We all start off with a grand vision! “I’ll build the most amazing custom home on this gorgeous acreage!” “We’re going to turn this 1970’s kitchen into an award-winning entertainer’s kitchen.” “Let’s create the best rental housing in XYZ neighbourhood!” Oh, it’s beautiful in our minds!!!
- Slowly we all start to move to the next phase; we start to realize that we don’t know what we don’t know. Huh, there was asbestos tile under that old plank flooring – bummer, remediation expense we didn’t expect. Uh oh, that permit just took 6 months longer than expected – and we had already moved out. We need to fix what plumbing before we proceed with that basement suite?!?
- Almost everyone underestimates the number of decisions that need to be made in a renovation/build: colours, styles, cabinets, flooring, lighting fixtures, plumbing fixtures, tile, countertops, appliances, all those door handles …. And just when we think we’ve conquered it all– something is either back-ordered or out of stock! So many choices, and many need to be made in a timely manner. Working with a designer can narrow our choices here, but not every budget allows for that level of expert assistance.
- And then, at some point in the project, almost everyone starts to think, “this is taking forever. Sometimes it’s early, when a permit hits an unexpected snag. Sometimes it’s due to a weather delay, or a key item that suddenly needs 8 weeks for delivery. And lately, sometimes a project needs to wait for a specific tradesperson. Oh yes, every contractor tries to find a substitute! Have you ever tried to get a landscaper at the last minute in July?!? Or roofers after a big hail storm?
- Eventually, there’s a happy ending. Homeowners often LOVE their new kitchen/bathroom/basement. New homeowners are ecstatic to move into their new home, and often ask, “do we really get to live here?” And real estate investors are ready to rent!!
It’s quite a process from the dream to reality—but most goals are like that. We all love to believe that “solid project management” should provide tight timelines and deadlines. However, anyone who has been building and renovating since 2020 knows that our current environment continues to have many unpredictable events and delays. Does it help to understand that this is normal? Maybe, maybe not.
Keeping it positive? Well, this is all normal in the renovating and building world. The contractors and professional tradespeople all want to finish, as much as the homeowner wants their project complete!
Keeping it real? Just like budgets need a contingency, timelines also need a contingency plan for 2023.
