Remodeling Your Maryland or DC Home: What Causes Remodeling Delays?

Remodeling your home is a many-layered process. What might seem like a simple job on the surface often comes with a few surprises, and those surprises can lead to delays.

In a design-build scenario, we do our best to avoid remodeling delays by bringing all stakeholders together from the start. We listen carefully to all concerns and plan for the unknown, so we are prepared for any obstacles that could arise. It’s our experience and insight that helps us keep your project on track, ensuring your remodel is completed to the highest standard of quality.

Delays are Not Always Construction-Related

But what causes remodeling delays? The answers are all over the map. It could have to do with permitting, zoning, issues with materials, or unanticipated structural problems with the home itself – the point is, not all delays are caused by construction issues.

Let’s look at some common reasons for remodeling delays:

Bureaucratic Delays

Most remodeling jobs will require a building permit. Depending on the area you live in, you may have more challenges than most.

For example, if you live in a historic district, there may be “rules” in place as to what you can and cannot do without approval from a committee. You would have to submit your request and wait for the thumbs up to go ahead. The same goes for condos. Most condo associations have very specific guidelines on the kinds of changes that can be made.

If you do your research and get the proper permits in place before you start the work, delays are minimized.

Doing the Work in Phases

If you decide to complete your remodel in phases, you can count on the work taking much longer than if it was all done at once. Sometimes, however, these types of delays are unavoidable. For example, if you are renovating your whole home but you want to continue to live in it while the work is being done, it will undoubtedly take a lot longer.

Materials

Selecting and ordering materials is a process best done well before the contractor begins work. In many cases, custom tile, cabinets, flooring, countertops, and windows need to be ordered from overseas and will likely take a while to arrive.

We always suggest making your selections and ordering well in advance. That way, the materials will be ready to go when the time comes. Additionally, if there are any errors in your order, it can be dealt with before it becomes a dire situation.

 

Unexpected Structural Problems

It is not unusual, especially in an older home, to encounter unforeseen issues when we start tearing down walls. Old wiring, rotten pipes, asbestos, mold – we’ve seen it all! When these things happen, our team is trained to solve the problems quickly and safely, but often, a delay is inevitable.

In a design-build workflow, we bring everybody to the table during the planning phase. This means the plumber, the electrician, the architect, the kitchen designer–everybody that will eventually work on the project—all get to speak their truth. If we anticipate problems, we plan for them in advance to minimize budget overruns and ensure that the work stays on track.

Mistakes

Mistakes happen. Most of them are avoidable, but that doesn’t change the fact that errors can and do occur, no matter how careful you are. Some of the more common mistakes include manufacturing errors with cabinetry, countertops, and windows; or ordering errors for things like tile and flooring. Sometimes it’s just an oversight, but it doesn’t change the fact that it slows things down.

 

 

How to Avoid Remodeling Delays

Even though some delays are unforeseeable, there are a few things you can do to reduce their potential. Here are five suggestions that will help to keep your remodeling project on track:

1.     Work with a design-build firm that has a solid reputation for getting the job done. Clear communication and transparency through every process are essential. When choosing a contractor, check references, look at the work they’ve done in the past, and ask their former customers what they think.

2.     Make your selections and order them well in advance of the work. Some items, like cabinets and imported tile, have an extended lead time, so you don’t want to wait until the last minute, or you might be disappointed. Be sure all the selections you make are detailed in the contracts.

3.     Set regular meetings during the construction. This way, you can stay on top of any obstacles and will know which of them might have an impact on your timelines.

Are you ready to start your remodel? Reach out today, and let’s talk about it!