Why You Should Start Your Home Renovation Despite The Pandemic
Maybe it seems counter-intuitive. With the world on hold, it probably seems like your home renovation plans have to be on hold, too. But now is the perfect time to plan your renovation. Here’s why:
Yes, the Shelter in Place (SIP) order prevents builders and subcontractors from being in your home, tearing out the old and putting up the new. And, yes, the order also means that there may be some delays in ordering and receiving materials and processing permits.
But the order doesn’t prevent us from talking with you and with architects about what you want. It doesn’t prevent us from preparing estimates, lining up subcontractors, and ordering materials and finishes. In fact, with the industry moving slower than normal right now, we can devote even more time to planning your project, so that everything is ready to go once the order is lifted.
The factors that most typically slow down renovation projects are permits, materials, and finding and scheduling subcontractors. We can put each of those pieces in place right now. We can draft plans, build estimates, order materials, begin applying for permits, and begin scheduling subcontractors. Then, once we’re able to get into your home to do the work, there won’t be anything to slow us down.
Once the order is lifted, subcontractors are going to be booked fast. They’ll have a backlog of work to get through and if you haven’t already booked them, it may be hard for you to get onto their schedules.
Clients typically come to us in one of two ways: they already have an architect and plans, or they have an idea for a project but no architect. If they already have an architect, they’ll send over drawings and we put together a rough estimate for what the project will cost. If the client comes to us with an idea but no architect, we introduce them to one and the architect gets to work on their design. Nothing happening with the SIP order prevents us from helping both types of clients now. We can work on every aspect but the actual construction.
The other reason for moving forward with a renovation now is that life is probably slower for you, too. Decisions you may have felt rushed into before or unable to focus on due to your own work and life demands can now occupy a larger space in your mind. You have time now to ponder what you want. You’re at home now, really using your space and contemplating which elements you want in it.
The SIP order won’t last forever. We all know that. And once it’s lifted, life will quickly resume its previous pace—for you, and for the construction industry. By planning your project now, you’ll prevent your renovation from being delayed even further. Let’s use this time wisely and build something together—something you’ll enjoy for years to come because we all slowed down and made it perfec
