Remodel Timing
Marin Home Resource Guide
Seeking escape and a little personal space, we begin daydreaming about reimagined spaces within our homes. Open floor plan designs, which have been highly desirable for the past 20 years, suddenly seem far less attractive and practical. We crave separation, but still want the balance of daylight reaching into every area of our home. As we work on our devices at the kitchen table, video conference in our bedrooms, and continue to feel trapped in spaces that are falling apart and are dated, inefficient, and have cluttered countertops, we reach out to remodelers to wave their magic wands and solve our work-fromhome woes.
wanting to work with their hands and create with the skill of a carpenter.
Since the summer of 2020, the remodeling process has become a bit of a thorny mess. First, there is a backlog, dating back to when building departments and residential contractors were completely shut down from all new inquires, submittals, and in-home construction for several months. Building supplies have been scarce or completely unavailable, and when they finally returned to shelves, the prices were higher. Remodelers and construction businesses are now booked out weeks, months, or maybe even a year in advance. There is a shortage of trained remodeling professionals, with fewer younger people
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 and Permitting (anywhere from 6 to 20 weeks, including weekly meetings)
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How do we find harmony with our need for more or better space and continue to live, work, and school together? It can be tricky, but it is 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 licensed remodelers, designers, and/or architects that catch your eye and set up your consultations. This process can take up to two weeks, depending on schedules.
2021-2022
Giving your project a longer leash to be completed will help keep you from feeling frustrated when things do not go exactly as planned. Keep in mind, even the big box stores and online retailers are out of stock of certain items and may not be able to promise a delivery date. Account for extended lead times for all stages of the remodel. 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 many building departments are still backlogged and working through multiple requests. They are human too, just like us. Be flexible with plans and decisions. If the materials you desire are on backorder, decide if you can wait for them, or compromise and choose something more readily available. For more about remodeling in Marin and to find the right Marin Builders Association member for your project, visit MarinBuilders.com