How to Plan For Your Remodel During Current Times

“When can you get my remodel done?”

“How long is this going to take?”

We hear these questions all the time when we start a home remodel project. While every home remodel may be different, one thing remains the same: the sooner you start planning, the better. In the midst of a global pandemic, vendors, suppliers, and remodelers are busier than ever. Starting new projects may take longer than you expect. For example, some materials (like carpet or tile) that normally take less than a week to receive are taking 4-6 weeks to get to us. We want to make sure you’re prepared for this!

THE ZENITH WAY

You live, work, eat, and play in your home every day. You know the details of the remodel that you’ve been dreaming of. Our process simply starts with you dreaming, and then giving us a call.

Given the current demand for home improvement projects, we recommend you call us 6 or 7 months before you want your project done. I know, I know. You want your project done sooner than that. But remember, at Zenith, we have a detailed process that gets the job done right the first time. With the pandemic affecting all industries, designers, vendors and suppliers are busy. In some cases this is adding time to project preparation. And our appointment calendar is busy too! This means we’re doing our best to serve all customers in each phase of the renovation process.  So, give us a call as soon as you start to think about a renovation. Kelly is your first point of contact at Zenith and will help you make some of the early decisions about your renovation. She will also get you on my calendar for a free consultation – so don’t delay in calling her!

THE CONSULT: LET’S GET DOWN TO BUSINESS

During your consultation with me, the goal is to give you the information you need to feel comfortable moving forward with a design. We’ll discuss ideas for the renovation and I’ll give you ball park costs for your project. To make the most out of the consultation, you’ll want to:

• Bring any inspiration pictures, from magazines or websites like Pinterest or Houzz. We love to see what you have been dreaming of!
• Prepare questions. All questions are welcome! This may help you discover an option for your space you didn’t even know existed that you want to move forward with.
• Have a general idea of your budget. Home remodels can get expensive, so it’s important to do your research and be realistic about your budget. Bring this number with you to your consultation.

Once we’ve met and all of your initial questions are answered, we’ll move forward with a design plan. Then the fun really begins!

DESIGNING YOUR DREAM: THE DESIGN & PROPOSAL PHASE

You’ll work directly with a designer to determine the look and feel of your new space. The length of the design phase partially depends on your participation. You’ll talk by phone with your designer, meet in person (if you are comfortable), and exchange emails to decide the look of your space. The design phase is currently taking about 5 or 6 weeks. The time invested here is worth it to move the project forward – I promise we’ll make the process as easy as possible for you!

When you’re happy with your design, I’ll meet with you to go over the proposal and costs for the project based on the design. When you’re ready to move forward with us as your remodeler, the construction agreement is signed and your project gets on our schedule.  

DREAM PREP-WORK: PRE-CONSTRUCTION PHASE

Our project manager, Jon, takes over from here. You can expect him to:

• Work with your designer to finalize plans
• Order all of the materials needed for your project
• Schedule top-notch professionals to work on your home
• Update you on when your construction is estimated to start
• Meet with you prior to construction starting to make sure everyone is on the same page

This phase can take 8-10 weeks, depending on how long it takes to get materials in and when Jon determines we can start your project. Depending on when you sign on for us to do the work, we may have to finish up a few projects before yours can begin. Jon will update you periodically as he works to solidify your construction start date.

FROM DREAMS TO REALITY: CONSTRUCTION

The day construction starts is an exciting day! We work hard to make this as stress-free as possible for you and your family. We’re efficient when construction starts, ensuring there are as few disruptions to your living space as possible.

Every construction project takes a different amount of time to complete – and of course the size and scope of the project plays a big part in that! Here’s a rough idea of what you should expect for basic projects right now:

• Finishing a basement: 6 weeks

• Kitchen remodel: 8 weeks

• Whole house renovation: 12 weeks

• Building a backyard retreat: 6 weeks

• Exterior home makeover: 4 weeks

Once we’ve got your project completed, we’ll do a final walkthrough, and you’ll be living your best life in your new remodel! If issues arise after we’ve left the project, don’t fret, we’ve got your back (and you’ve got a 5 year warranty!). Kelly will also give you a call once a year to check in and make sure you are just as happy in year three as you were on day three of your remodel.

During these times when remodelers, vendors, and suppliers are all busier than ever, your project may take a little longer than you initially expected to complete. But in the end, we guarantee you will love your new space!

Now that you know the reality of the current home remodel timeline – what are you waiting for? Give us a call today at our West Des Moines office for your free consultation so you can love where you live!

- Nicholas Donlin, Owner, Zenith Design + Build