One of the most frequent questions we get from client is “How long will our project take?” Some clients want to have a space put back together in time for a holiday or event, while others want an idea of how long they’ll have to put up with contractors and designers coming in and out of their homes.

Whether big or small, a home remodeling project, when carefully planned, can be a predictable efficient, and enjoyable process.

What Factors Affect How Long a Job Will Take?

• Size / Magnitude of the project
  This one is straightforward. A large room addition will take longer than a small bathroom facelift. It requires more labor, more materials, and in general, more time.

• Complexity of the project
  Even comparing two projects of similar size, construction timelines can vary depending on how complex the project is. For example, a project that includes the installation and finishing of individual wood flooring planks is much more time-consuming than the installation of carpet or sheet vinyl floors.  Or a custom shower with a mosaic tile floor and walls is much more difficult to install than a one-piece fiberglass shower.

• Availability of Materials and Trade Partner
  Now more than ever, the availability of materials and trade partners is having a significant impact on project timelines. For example, some dishwashers are taking up to a year to receive!  Pre-construction planning is critical for an accurate production timeline.

When we do our initial consultation, we will try to get as much information as possible regarding the project’s scope of work. This helps us create an accurate timeline. But even the best-laid plans can go awry. Sometimes a project may have surprises that add time to the completion date. For example, if an excavation is required, we may encounter rocks or other hidden items that were concealed below the surface.  Other times, we may discover issues like mold, outdated wiring, or plumbing problems hiding behind the drywall in the walls, and we’ll have to spend more time correcting those problems.

How Can I Keep My Project On Schedule

• Limit Changes
  Once a project starts, it’s always best to limit changes when possible.  Changes can cause delays related to materials, approvals, inspections and more. But since changes do come up on most jobs, make sure your contractor has a streamlined process for managing them.

• Communicate Clearly and Quickly
  Be responsive to questions from your Builder’s team in a timely manner.  When possible, make sure you have written documentation related to important decisions and avoid ambiguity.

• Work with Trusted Trade Partners
  Make sure your Contractor is working with trusted trade partners (subcontractors, suppliers, etc.). This is important because they will know and understand your contractor’s process and expectations, limiting mistakes and delays. In some cases, ELM Construction’s trade partner relationships go back more than 10 years!

If you’re interested in getting more specific information, give us a call. As mentioned, we will try to get as much information from you as possible to provide you with an idea of what to expect. However, with any major remodeling project, it's best to remain a bit flexible.