Time. In the excitement of a project, it’s a component that often doesn’t receive the attention it deserves. Especially in the development of a project. There are design options to review, materials to select, and lots of other decisions to be made. It’s easy to lose track of time.
When we visit with a potential client, they are often curious about how long the project will take. This is certainly a valid question, but it’s one that is often misunderstood. There is more to a project than construction. That’s the part that gets missed. It can take as long to figure out the project and get a permit as it takes to build the project.
Projects typically involve several phases:
- documenting the existing space to enable design development
- preliminary/ big picture design development and lay out of the space
- design refinements, material selections, and development of the details
- final design and drawings to illustrate the decisions made
- estimating and exact pricing of all materials and work to be performed
- permit submittal and procurement
- ordering of materials and mobilizing for construction
- construction of the project
Notice how many of those items don’t involve construction? Those things take time. But… this is time well spent. A thoughtfully developed project that is carefully planned will make the production process much more efficient with far fewer surprises.
So, what does this mean in the real world? Let’s use an example:
- you want to host a Graduation party in May 2025
- you have been considering remodeling your kitchen for a few years
- it would be fantastic to host the event in a brand new kitchen
That’s our scenario- a completely remodeled kitchen by May 15, 2025. When should you get started on this journey? Let’s work backwards:
- GOAL: a new kitchen by May 15, 2025
- COMPLETE: May 1st, this gives you a few weeks to move everything into the new space, acclimate to the improved layout, and be comfortable with new appliances
- START: February 6th, let’s just assume the project will take 12 weeks to produce
- SIGN CONTRACT: October 17th (16 weeks before starting), cabinetry is taking 14-24 weeks to receive once an order has been placed and we can’t order cabinets until a contract has been signed. Cabinets don’t need to arrive on the first day of work, but order times can change quickly, and we don’t want surprises or delays. There are also lots of other logistical details to get started on and a permit needs to be procured.
- PHASE II (CD Process): August 22nd, assuming it takes 8 weeks +/- to refine the project design, select every material, get input from trade experts and meet with you 3-5 times to ensure the project is going to be exactly what you want. If your schedule does not allow you to spend this amount of time on the project, this time period will stretch.
- PHASE I (CaseStudy®): August 11, 2024, let’s give ourselves 6 weeks to document the existing space, develop 3 unique design concepts, prepare budgeting, develop time frames, review it all with you, and refine based on your feedback
There you go. If you want to be enjoying a new kitchen by May 2025, you should be entering into a process by mid-August 2024. Can these times vary? Of course they can. Just be realistic about your time and ability to focus on the project. Life gets in the way- kids in school, a big project at work, etc. and this can make it hard to keep to a schedule. Explore options, examine different materials, be confident in your decisions. Take the time to fully explore and develop the project. You’ll be glad you did.
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Want to know more about how much it costs to remodel a kitchen? Click here.
Interested in knowing how you can influence the cost of your kitchen remodel? Click here.
Curious what to takes to be a great client? Click here.
