With delays in all businesses, no one is feeling the pressure more than contractors and builders. Not only are they trying to play catch up from our mandatory state shutdown, they are battling for supplies, team members and time. We've had a shortage of skilled laborers for years now. I am constantly seeing frantic posts online about 'need a crew member today'! 'Looking to hire someone on the spot!' During our housing recession, many people got out of the business and they have not returned
With the frustration of contracts backed up and losing 2 months of work time, they are also facing a shortage of basic supplies. Lumber mills working at reduced capacity combined with more DYI projects have created a shortage all around. If you want a project done this year, you're going to pay for it, if you can find a contractor with time available in 2020!
So what can you do? Here's some tips to help you get started:
1. Figure out exactly what project you want to do. Having a plan, design and budget in mind will help your contract get in and out quickly. They will write up a cost sheet and let you know what to expect. Prices have gone up this year, so prepare yourself for the added inflation based on high demand.
2. Realize your timeline may not fit their timeline. I'm the type of person that starts on Monday with the thought - I should paint my bricks. By Monday night, I bought my paint and Tuesday, the job is complete. This will not work with bigger projects that you need assistance with. Plan on at least a 3 month delay from the time you meet with your contractor to when the project can begin. (This may not always be the case, but consider it a rule of thumb for now.)
3. Don't DIY if you don't know a guy. If you've never done a DIY project and think now is the time to try, make sure you 'know a guy' that can come assist you if you get in over your head. Make sure your guy knows he's on call for this as well. Communication will be your best friend.
Contractors are not sitting around waiting for emergency projects because they are trying to get their other jobs caught up. So many jobs have hiccups and they do not have time to rescue your hiccup while facing their own on job sites.
4. Be respectful and understanding. Contractors are skilled in their field. They know how long projects will take, they know approximately how much material will be needed and will give you a relatively accurate estimate of both. However, as mentioned above, there are things that pop up that are unexpected.
My roofing job was scheduled for 2 weeks before it actually happened. They communicated to me that a job got held up and they could start the next day. Then they got a call that another job finally has abatement issues cleared and they could finish that. Of course, I understood they needed to finish that job before starting mine. I wouldn't want a roof half finished if they got an all clear to finish it!
My sister had a patio with pavers put it. The day they started, Ottawa County showed up to repave the road. The project got delayed by 3 days. Things will always happen and if you are prepared for the hiccups, you will handle them a lot better and with grace.
5. Maybe consider moving instead of remodeling! If you are tired of living with that outdated kitchen and just don't want to look at it a second longer and cannot stand the idea of going without a kitchen 3 months from now, then let's talk about moving. Home prices are up again after the rise from COVID. (6% value increase in 3 months!) Buyers are looking for homes and are ok with tackling renovation. You may be surprised that the kitchen you hate is exactly what someone else will pay premium dollar for.
Whatever your home plans, know we are all on your side and want you to love the home you're in. If you are in need of a vetted, well-qualified contractor, please reach out! I have a great list of service providers for any need. If you'd like to discuss your home value and whether moving may be easier, faster and cheaper, I'd love to talk to you about that as well!
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