How Long Does a Home Improvement Project Take?
When contemplating a renovation, the first question everyone asks is, “How long does a home improvement project take?” While home improvement projects can be an exciting way to transform your home – they can also interrupt or disturb your daily lifestyle. So, it’s important to Select a Contractor that will respect you and your home during the process while providing realistic timeframes. So, while you’re imagining a new kitchen, a home addition, or redesigned floor plan – get started on the design process early. One of the most important things you can do to ensure a successful outcome is to start the process well in advance, typically 6-9 months, of your desired completion date. That may not be the answer you want to hear, but here are some reasons why it’s important to be realistic about the process and why Parker has established a solid reputation as a reputable, honest, top remodeler in Baltimore’s suburbs. Read on to find out how you can get a solid timeline for your home renovation project.
Managing Expectations
Far too many contractors will over-promise and under-deliver. They may promise a four-month job can be done in four weeks, just to get the job. This can be a really painful learning experience. In fact, we have found that the average renovation project takes 6-9 months – from concept design to completion. As explained below, the actual renovation or construction timeframe is typically only 4-12 weeks, but it’s important to thoughtfully and realistically begin this process, in advance of your desired completion date. The renovation process will take far less time and have fewer interruptions when the design is done right, ahead of time. It’s also one of the big reasons that Parker uses the Design/Build approach for every remodeling project.
Design & Planning
The first step in any home improvement project is design and planning. This involves researching, budgeting, and making decisions about the project scope and design based on your budget and your goals. Understanding the level of finish, the number of built-ins, whether or not there are any load-bearing walls helps us minimize surprises during the actual construction and renovation process.
By starting the design process at least 6-9 months ahead of time, (notice the theme here?) you’ll have ample time to think through your options, weigh the pros and cons, and make more informed decisions about every aspect of the project. We offer many free remodeling guides to help educate you so that you can make informed decisions. Most importantly, our design team evaluates all aspects of the project before we even begin. This typically includes any structural engineering, providing 3d renderings, and discussing any potential challenges.
Hiring a Contractor
If you plan to hire a contractor, you’ll want to do your due diligence to find the right person for the job. After all, the home improvement industry is riddled with horror stories and you don’t want to be one of them. Your contractor selection is the most critical aspsect of the project. You’ll want to thoroughly research potential contractors, check reviews and references, and ensure they have a good standing with the BBB.
We have also created a free guide to view the Questions to Ask Before You Select a Contractor. By starting well in advance of your desired completion date, you’ll have plenty of time to choose the contractor you trust and want to work with over the coming months.
The Permitting Process Takes Time
Most renovation projects require permits from local, county, or city jurisdictions. This can be a time-consuming process that requires submitting plans, waiting for approvals, and adhering to strict timelines. It’s hard to rush this process, so by starting six months ahead of time, your contractor will have plenty of time to get the required plans finalized, navigate the permitting process, and ensure that you have all the necessary approvals before construction begins. This is also where it’s vital to have a contractor who has the experience with the permitting process for the area you live. Your contractor should also have first-hand knowledge of how long a home improvement project takes to go through the permitting process as they will be solely responsible for ensuring all work is performed in accordance with local codes and standards.
Material Selections & Lead Times
Choosing the right materials for your project is important for both aesthetics and functionality. This may include selecting flooring, cabinets, paint colors, fixtures, and other materials. This process can be time-consuming but so critical to your desired finish result. By starting in advance, you’ll have the luxury of time to explore different options, compare prices, and make informed decisions. Parker typically provides all the resources you need for this part of the process. You’ll find the suppliers, showrooms, and design staff very helpful!
In recent years, especially during Covid, we saw delays with certain materials or appliances. Some high-end appliances, in particular, make take several months for delivery. High end appliances, in particular, are often made to order and may require special customization or features that are not readily available in standard models. Additionally, high-end appliance manufacturers may have lower production volumes, which can lead to longer wait times for customers. We were able to anticipate these challenges and provide our customers with realistic timelines to keep things on track and moving in the right direction. However, not every contractor will focus on anticipating those needs and this is what can easily result in delays. Ask your contractor about how they dealt with clients during Covid or during high demand windows. The answers can be very revealing.
It’s also important to note that some high-end appliances may require specialized installation or additional preparation before they can be installed, which can further extend lead times. For example, a high-end range may require custom cabinetry or ventilation systems to be installed before it can be properly integrated into a kitchen design. Again, these challenges are easily navigated with the right contractor, but beware of the pitfalls of selecting a contractor that doesn’t have this kind of experience.
If you are renovating a kitchen, specifically, it’s important to factor in longer lead times when planning the entire home improvement project. We try to minimize the down time for a kitchen renovation and schedule our trade contractors back to back on a precise schedule. By doing so, we can ensure that your project runs smoothly and that you are able to enjoy the benefits of your new kitchen.
Budgeting & Financing
Home improvement projects can be a big investment, and it’s important to have a clear understanding of your budget and financing options, before you begin. This can also allow you to have a reserve fund for specific selections. You don’t want to go into a renovation with every penny spent – so it’s a good idea to have a few dollars available to choose the luxury items you may want during the selections process. Many of our clients opt to finance their home improvement costs but, allow yourself additional time and preparation to dot those i’s and cross those t’s. Financing can allow you to make more improvements, all at once, versus waiting until you have more cash.
The Answer to “How Long Does A Home Improvement Project Take?”
The real answer to “how long does a home improvement project take” is really dependent on the client, the project type, and the contractor. Exclusive of the design process, the actual construction or remodeling timeframe for most of our remodeling and home improvement projects is as little as 4 weeks to as much as 16 weeks for the actual construction/remodeling time.
We believe the key to keeping a project on-time and on-budget is all about the design process that occurs before the project begins. Great planning make a great project. With this in mind, clients note that Parker’s communication and transparency are stellar. Utilizing the unique Design/Build approach will allow you to understand the cost and length of your project, ahead of time. Owner Chris Parker notes, “The design/build approach provides a lot of comfort to our clients because we have a 98.5% efficiency rate of completing projects on-time and on-budget. Quite honestly, any delays or overages that occur are typically at the client’s request. So, while the initial design process can take a little longer than some “bid it and get it” contractors, you’ll have a very transparent plan, from the start.” In nearly every Google client review, you’ll notice that Parker’s clients love the transparency, communication and efficiency of Parker’s approach too.
So, if you’re considering a home improvement project in Maryland, in the near future, don’t delay! Parker provides services to many Baltimore suburbs including Hunt Valley, Sparks, Phoenix, Timonium, Cockeysville, Lutherville, Worthington, Greenspring Valley, Caves Valley, Towson, Roland Park, Ruxton, Owings Mills, Finksburg, Ellicott City and more.
Start the design process today and enjoy the benefits of a beautifully renovated and functional home. Contact us to schedule a design consultation.
Be sure to check out the Free Guides & Checklists for Remodeling!
