KBU - What Aspects of a Chicago Kitchen Remodel Take the Longest? Kitchen remodels can take a while. In fact, recent data from Houzz says that a full kitchen remodel averages about five months or so when you factor in the planning phases. This is important information because it helps you to plan better, have more realistic expectations and will help you to remodel with grace and flexibility. To this end, we recommend reading, A Home Remodeling Project Can Make You Crazy But it Doesn’t Have To.
The only way to get an accurate-as-possible prediction about the length of time it will take to complete your Chicago kitchen remodel is to work with an experienced design-builder, with a stellar reputation and superb references. Once the contractor is hired, reviews this list of key questions to ask before starting the project - as it will give you the extra insight you need to fill in the calendar details.
Common Factors That Add Time to a Chicago Kitchen Remodel
Here are some of the most common factors that add extra time to a remodel:
Remodeling an older home
A while back, we posted a piece titled, Preparing for the Unexpected When Remodeling a Bathroom. The same criteria in that piece holds true for kitchen remodels. The older your home is, the less we know about what we’ll find once we break into the interior walls. If your kitchen hasn’t been updated in a decade or more, there’s a good chance we’ll encounter electrical, plumbing or even structural work that isn’t up to code. Repairing and/or replacing plaster walls may cause issues. Mold, mildew and/or pest damage may need to be cleaned up and repaired, and other unexpected findings may tack on extra calendar days. These "discoveries" need to be taken care of and/or brought up to code so your remodel passes the building inspections.
Custom anything
Anything custom can take time, and it depends on manufacturers’ lead times. From custom cabinetry to custom windows and doors, rare finish requests, etc. - your contractor is now relying on the vendors’ existing schedules so that part of the timeline moves out of the build team’s hands. Some custom orders cause no delays (early planning/selections), others may delay the construction schedule more dramatically.
Special order items
Have you fallen in love with an ultra-chic plumbing faucet from an obscure Italian designer? Are you hankering for cabinetry made from unique, exotic woods (like macassar)? Are you scouring the second-hand market for lighting fixtures that replicate vintage versions your great-aunt used to have? Any of these special order items can cost you in terms of time and budget. The sooner you can make specialty order selections, the better because it gives you more time to order, wait, and receive them so they’re ready when your contractor is.
Change orders
Every time you change something, it requires extra time and money. That’s why we are so enthusiastic about answering as many questions as you can - and signing off on as many selections as possible - before the build-out commences. Some changes aren't such a big deal, like the switch plates on the walls. Other times, it’s a huge deal - like when you decide you want a different sink and the entire, already-cut granite slab has to be replaced, or vice versa. Change orders can add a surprising amount of time (and extra expenses) to a total build-out.
When all's said and done, choosing the right design and build team is the best thing you can do to experience a timely and efficient Chicago kitchen remodel - one that moves more or less along with the projected schedule. While the right build team can’t magically prevent interior wall issues, or keep you from changing your mind about a specific feature or finish, we will be honest and realistic about how long things are going to take so you’re never taken by surprise.
Come on by and visit us at Kitchens & Baths Unlimited and you’ll see the difference.
