As we continue to wade through the effects of supply chain issues due to the global pandemic, it is hard not to acknowledge the stress that the remodeling industry has experienced. Cabinets are back-ordered and lumber prices have soared, making it almost impossible to quote projects properly. Then once a project does get underway, it is increasingly hard to find construction supplies and employees to do the work.
All of that said, it’s not all doom and gloom! As the consumer, you can’t control the supply chain or construction employment issues, but you can do a few things to ensure the best possible result for your next project.
- Understand the Why: The remodeling industry is at an interesting crossroads as pricing and availability are things we cannot predict at the moment. Folks still want their homes remodeled, but the expectations have changed for businesses and consumers. “We’ve hit a point in our industry where we’re able to sell more than we’re capable of building right now,” said Chad Thurber, president of Vantage Homes and incoming president for the Colorado Springs Home Builders Association. Not to mention the soaring prices due to the intensifying global supply chain crisis, which has caused a shortage of building materials. Where once we could build out a timeline and budget and stick to the plan, for the most part nowadays, much of that is out of our control.
- Read the Season: Utilizing the winter months for smaller, indoor projects is a good route to go at the moment. Most remodeling companies are slower during the winter season and therefore have more availability to do your project. The cold season is also when laborers are often looking for work. The colder months are a great time to knock out those small things like re-tiling the backsplash in the kitchen or finally giving the house a fresh coat of paint inside. A great deal of home improvement can be accomplished with shelter from the elements inside your home. For a deeper dive into indoor remodels, click here.
- Plan Ahead!: While the cold weather has you revamping that downstairs bathroom, you can begin to think ahead for the next project. With all of the market’s uncertainties currently, the further out we can plan, the better. Starting the process with our team for your deck renovation in February will yield a finished product you can actually use when the weather is perfect for a cookout. And don’t forget to create a contingency fund beyond your budget for any unforeseen issues that may come up. Doing so will make the project less stressful and more manageable.
- Help Us Help You: At the end of the day, it is our ultimate goal at Christie’s Design/Build Remodel to give you the exact kitchen/bathroom/deck/basement you dreamed of. As we’ve laid out here, many factors are affecting our industry (and countless other industries) that are out of our control. We are focused on the things we can control. “We provide transparent, no-surprises pricing and honest communication with our clients to manage expectations at every turn. If we work together with realistic timing and budget, we can help you create your dream home,” says VP, Diane Christie.
Now that you hopefully understand a bit more about the supply chain issues facing the construction and remodeling industry, you are better prepared to begin your next home improvement project! Our seasoned professionals at Christie’s are here to make your remodel as smooth and straightforward as possible. Reach out today, and let’s get started!
