The two most common questions that I encounter while meeting with homeowners is first, “How much will this remodel cost?”, followed closely with “How long does the remodel take?”.
While this is a very common question, the answer is not always completely straight forward. Each project is unique and the overall schedule is impacted by the following:
Despite the scope of work of your particular project, there is one factor that has the biggest impact on your project timeline: Project Details Planning.
If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.
This portion of the project occurs during the project development phase and is known as “Project Design”. This is achieved in our process through our Discovery Phase 1, Design Presentation, Team Meeting, Selections, Scheduling, and Purchasing. During the final portions of this phase, the final plans are compiled and submitted for permit and all details are finalized.
In our experience, more time spent up front on Project Design means less time spent during the production phase of the project. When projects drag on, it is typically due to errors or incomplete planning in the Design Phase.
This is the exact reason that we use the Design-Build remodeling approach. This approach puts the emphasis on design development and planning to give the highest opportunity for a smooth project during production. Finishing on time ultimately leads to happy homeowners.
The timeline of this step is on you. Before you begin your project, you will need to select a Contractor. You may have one or two in mind, you may have seen a yard-sign or commercial, or you may have a friend that has given you a recommendation.
Although there is a lot to say about this topic (see our Blog Post Category about Contractor Selection), ultimately, this decision will be made through doing research, contacting contractors, and finding the right fit for you.
We recommend putting together a list of questions to ask each potential contractor so that you can compare and feel good about the decision. It is always helpful to understand what you want in a contractor prior to contacting so that you can find the fit that is right for you.
Each contractor that you invite to your home will have a different process. At Odd Fellows Contracting, we start by calling first to have a brief phone conversation regarding the project. The goal of the phone conversation is to provide some preliminary information regarding budget pricing (if possible) and to schedule a free in-home consultation. During this meeting, the contractor will talk through your project needs and goals for the project. We have four main goals to achieve during our in-home consultations:
Once you have chosen to work with Odd Fellows Contracting, we will begin our Phase 1 Design process to start planning your project. The goal of Phase 1 is to clarify the project scope and design, along with providing an initial budget estimate.
Phase 1 Design generally takes 3-4 weeks (assuming standard project backlog volume) for kitchens, bathrooms, and basements. Larger scale projects such as additions or multi-scope projects may add 2-3 weeks to that timeline. Phase 1 includes the following steps:
Phase 2 is often the fun part. This is when you work with our Remodeling Specialist/Designer to finalize decisions on the details to create the perfect space. They will work with you and present options to help select the fixtures and finishes that will convert the space into your space. Our Designers will curate materials for you based on their understanding of the needs for the space. There are so many options and materials to identify and it can often feel overwhelming, but our Remodeling Specialists will guide you and provide their expertise to ensure you will love your remodel.
Design Development includes the following steps:
Once all contract documents have been signed, it is time for our team to begin the production development of this project. This includes purchasing special order materials, finalization of the building plans, submittal of plans for permits, and creating your digital schedule in your client portal.
The timeline from signing the Contract Documents until work begins in your home depends on several factors:
As a general guideline, special order materials is typically the driving factor that determines the length of Pre-Production. Many materials, such as cabinetry and flooring have a standard lead time of 6+ weeks and we are often able able to schedule and start the project based on material delivery schedules.
The time has finally come to build your project! The scope of work and project type will be the determining factor on the duration of the Production Phase. Because we have spent so much time in Project Design, we are confident in providing some general Production Timelines for the most common home remodeling projects. As a licenced and insured remodeling contractor, we will pull the appropriate permits and schedule inspections during the Production Phase. This often can add 2-3+ weeks to our schedule requirements to most projects. Odd Fellows Contracting will provide you access to a client portal which will give you specific information regarding your schedule. You will be provided your start and end date along with the major remodeling activities that happen along the way. Please note that lately we have been seeing increased lead times due to inspections and some projects have taken longer than standard due to inspection delays.
Although bathroom remodels generally contain the same features, the production timeline of a bathroom remodel is affected by the scope of work and changes to the layout. A pull and replace bathroom remodel typically takes less time than a remodel in which we are making large changes to the layout of the bathroom.
Similar to bathroom remodels, the overall timeline of a kitchen remodel is affected by the scope of work. A pull and replace kitchen remodel will take significantly less time than a kitchen remodel where we are moving walls, plumbing, and mechanicals.
At the risk of sounding like a broken record, the same principle of scope of work impact applies to basement remodeling. A basement remodel may just be adding a single bedroom to previously unfinished space or it may be remodeling an entire basement, complete with a kitchenette and bathroom. The more mechanical changes made, the longer the overall production time required.
Home additions is typically the most complex project scope that can be done in a home remodel. There is so much to consider and integrate to ensure that the new space blends with the existing home along with creating the beautiful new space for you. Home addition scope of work can vary between adding a bathroom to the home, to adding a full master suite and kitchen addition. The production timeline for each of these project scopes will affect the production schedule.
Why such a huge range!? Decks and Outdoor Living Spaces can be very simple or very complex projects. A simple deck replacement that doesnt have railing can be started and finished very quickly. A fully custom upscale outdoor living space can have a very long production timeline as it can often incorporate mechanicals, landscaping, hardscaping, structures, and more. Weather conditions are also a factor that can cause longer timelines.
The short answer is, yes, it can take longer than expected. Despite all of the up-front work in Project Design, Team Meetings, and reviews, some projects can take longer than initially planned.
There are two main reasons that a remodeling project would extend beyond the originally scheduled completion date:
Hopefully this has been helpful as you plan your home remodel. However, we understand that every home remodeling project is unique and you likely will have specific questions for your project.
Our Remodeling Consultants are available to answer any questions you have about your upcoming project. Please feel free to call us or provide your information on our website to schedule a free consultation. We will be happy to sit with you to help you understand everything you need to know to make the best decision on how to remodel and invest in the beauty of your home.