The colossal wave of renovations that took place during the COVID lockdown hasn’t shown any signs of receding. Thanks to ongoing demand, labor shortages, supply chain setbacks, and even an interruption to foam production in the upholstery industry, homeowners can continue to expect long lead times and delays. But don’t let that deter you! Here are some insider tips for a successful remodel in 2023.
Imagine a remodel as stunning as this one by Nashville Designer Kate Figler of Kate Figler Interiors! What’s the trick to getting there smoothly? Image: Ross Group Creative
6 Insider Tips for Remodeling in 2023
Hire a designer or find a large retailer with knowledgeable reps.
Remodeling isn’t a jump-in-and-see-what-happens type of endeavor, so be sure to do your research! Having knowledgeable representatives to help you through the process, such as an interior designer, can mean the difference between keeping to your construction schedule or being waylaid for months on end.
“Now, more than ever, working with a designer is so important if you’re doing construction of any kind, whether it’s a renovation or a new build,” explains Nashville Designer Kate Figler of Kate Figler Interiors. “We know the lead times, what needs to be ordered, and when. You can’t just wing it, or you’re potentially going to find yourself in a really tough situation where you’re all ready to move into your house and don’t have a refrigerator.”
Frank Gusmus of Gusmus Construction in Memphis adds, “Hire a good contractor with good referrals and know that they are doing everything in their power to help navigate this crazy world with you. Inflation and the supply chain have affected everyone, including contractors. They are navigating this post-COVID world just like everyone else.”
To keep your home renovations running on a reasonable timeline, it’s smart to enlist the help of experts whenever possible.
Though hiring a designer is a fantastic first step, you may opt to go straight to a builder. If that’s the case, Kate suggests going to a large retailer who can walk you through the process and provide expert advice. “Choose a multi-brand, multi-product showroom like Ferguson’s, where they have lighting, plumbing, appliances, and experienced reps,” she tells us. “This is all they do — all day, every day — and they’re the ones we rely on in our industry … They’re the ones who have an incredible knowledge base, and those showrooms are open to the public. You don’t even need to make an appointment. You can just walk in and speak with somebody.”
Furniture showrooms work in much the same way. You can find a number of brands housed in the same facility, allowing for a broader scope of available options and a chance to ask questions regarding lead times that will fit your renovation timeline.
Additionally, Kate says national companies such as Serena and Lily offer public-facing rapid-ship programs, which can shorten the wait time. “There are a lot of ways for you to get the information if you’re willing to put in a little elbow grease. Go speak with somebody, and really get the lay of the land,” she tells us.
Create a timeline.
Following a detailed renovation timeline might seem like a simple tip, but it’s a crucial one – particularly with the lengthy lead times currently plaguing the market. As it happens, appliances, windows, and doors tend to be the prevailing troublemakers when it comes to construction hang-ups.
“If you are looking at new construction in 2023, you need to be prepared to order your appliances and windows before breaking ground,” Kate tells us. “This ensures that the timeline of your project won’t be stalled or keep you from moving in and getting a certificate of occupancy because you’re missing things that are not delivered.”
Certain plumbing fixtures can also be challenging, she explains. “You have to know what brands are good, and you need to have reps who are really on top of what they’re seeing come in on time. For instance, I just priced out a whole bathroom and didn’t even look at certain brands because those lead times can be 22 to 30 weeks. Whereas, if you’re looking at something made domestically, like Newport Brass or California Faucets, you will get much better lead times,” says Kate. “It’s like a big calendar puzzle. You’re filling in the pieces based on what is arriving and roughly when it will arrive.”
Frank adds, “It’s ideal to have selections such as cabinetry, tile, faucets, lighting, windows, and countertops in place before the start of construction.”
Grayson Simmons, general contractor and owner of Lone Oak Builders in Nashville, echoes the importance of planning. “Have a plan and stick to it. Take time to develop concrete plans whether you have your own ideas or professional help. Making changes mid-remodel is costly and often delays production. This does require many decisions to be checked off a list — we encourage homeowners to seek professional help or have a dedicated point person in their family as the decision maker.”
If you are working with a designer, you can likely let them do the heavy lifting when it comes to organization. If you’re working directly with a builder, however, you will want to request a timeline of what you need and when. “Find a builder who you not only align with but who is organized,” Kate advises. Whether it’s an old-school Word document, an Excel spreadsheet, or a shared Google doc, a master schedule with prompts such as “September 1: break ground” and “End of November: need lighting selections” will keep everyone on track and on the same page.
Remodeling can be labor-intensive for everyone involved — even you! But a solid timeline (and flexibility when the circumstances call for it) can go a long way toward a smoother renovation. Image: Kate Figler
Request product materials.
Did you know you can request the product sheets and booklets from whatever rep you’re working with? At showrooms like Ferguson, there’s actually a booklet with photos of every single product. “You need your builder to have the list of every single thing you’re ordering because, for example, the cabinet guy needs the SKU of the fridge, so he knows the exact dimensions,” explains Kate. “Request the spec book for your plumbing, lighting, etcetera, because you need all those dimensions to have everything installed appropriately.”
Make friends with Google.
No, really. Google is about to be your remodeling BFF. “I’m a huge fan of the Google Suites!” says Kate. “Google slides, Google docs, Google Sheets — it’s easily shareable with people, and most people are familiar with it. It’s easy to navigate.”
When it comes to renovation organization, you want to choose a communication method that doesn’t overcomplicate. Additionally, Google’s search engine is your go-to for all things renovation-related. You aren’t terribly design savvy? Fear not! “If you Google ‘How many inches off my kitchen island should I hang my pendant?’ there are answers,” says Kate. “When in doubt, Google it. It’s a very simple thing, but it’s very useful.”
Communicate, communicate, communicate.
If your New Year’s resolutions include doing a better job of communicating, let your construction project be where you start. The only way to ensure everyone on your project understands your vision is to flex those communication muscles and be thorough. From the aforementioned Google Suite options to Pinterest and vision boards, the power to avoid confusion is in your hands! Frank tells us, “Have clear plans on the front end … A tangible plan puts everyone on the same page. Changes and indecision eat up timelines and budgets more than anything else.”
Communication takes many forms when it comes to construction — from Pinterest boards to spec books! Image: Instagram
Be flexible, and consider going vintage!
From kitchen cabinets to a specific sofa, we all have non-negotiables. There are typically items we’ve based our dream design around, and giving them up would mean sacrificing a vital piece of our vision. For example, Sub Zero refrigerators are the gold standard. If you have your heart set on having one, you might be willing to wait … and wait … and wait. But ordering a Sub Zero means that your project timeline will be dictated by your refrigerator. If you’re willing to be flexible, you can shorten your wait time while still enjoying a high-end product.
Additionally, sourcing vintage furniture can significantly shorten your wait time, as it’s readily available — there’s no wait time for pieces to be produced on demand. Have you had your eye on a mid-century modern dining set? How about a Victorian-era mahogany dresser? You might be in luck sticking to your timeline with these items, as long as you’re willing to put in the research and effort in sourcing them!
Here’s to achieving your dream design in 2023!
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