5 reasons you should plan your kitchen remodel in advance. way in advance.

One of the after effects of the pandemic, and all the time we spent at home, seems to have been a huge increase in home renovation projects. On the one hand – yay! We love to share our work with even more people. But, when this increase in demand comes on the heels of quarantined employees, staff shortages and massive material delays, things can get a little bit tricky.

An after-affect of all those factors is that we are booked out far longer than we like, sounds like a good problem to have right? But if folks who had their hearts set on a JF kitchen were not prepared for a long wait, that may mean we no longer fit into their construction timeline. And that is a problem.

What’s the solution? Happily there is something that will not only ensure that you can schedule the exact professional’s and crafts-people you want, but also will bring your project from beautiful to absolutely perfect. It’s seemingly simple, yet hard to do – take your time. Planning is the number one way to ensure all the details are buttoned up and it’s the easiest way to make your project smooth as butter.

1. Time to find the right team

When you plan in advance you’ll find that you have your pick of professionals, and believe me, they will appreciate your forward thinking. Also you’ll have the time to really get to know the team, visit them at their showrooms and cabinet shops, follow their social media and take your time investigating their website. Start to develop a relationship with the folks you are drawn to, your design partnership will be strengthened by time spent getting to know each other.

2. Time to really plan your floor plan

With adequate planning time you may find that the floor plan you thought you wanted, could be even better. There might be benefit to moving plumbing or walls that you may not need anymore. Get out the painters tape and play around marking the floor with your floor plan ideas.

3. Time to incorporate all the bells and whistles

From floor to ceiling pantry pull-outs to baking stations, coffee cabinets and even pet bowl cabinets with faucets for fresh water, there are some really fun design options out there. With time on your side you can do all the research, bookmark webpages, save instagram posts and even go old school with magazine clippings.

4. Time to get the exact materials you want

It may take a couple of visits to the stone yard to find that perfect slab – if you’re planning well in advance, you can make those extra trips. Delays have also affected other remodeling industries, by giving yourself extra time you’ll be able to wait for the perfect knobs in just the right finish to come back in stock. Delays are being felt across the board, from appliances to furniture pieces, from drawer pulls to fabric. You’ll find that by being patient you’ll be able to get everything you wanted in your remodel with no sacrifices.

5. Time to get to know your appliances

Did you know you can go to appliance school? Indeed – and it’s really fun. The experts at Clark Appliance showrooms offer full day classes where you can learn everything there is to know about your appliances, and even taste the results. With the incredible advances in appliance technology it can feel overwhelming to know how to use your shiny new convection or steam oven. A class at Clark will bring you up to speed so that you’re totally ready to go once your remodel is complete.

It’s time to reframe the timeline

Change is a constant in life, while our industry may eventually go back to the kind of timelines we have seen in the past, we can still learn and grow from the lessons we’ve had to learn now. And taking a long term planning approach on your project is something that will always be beneficial. We know it’s hard to wait, the siren song of a shiny new kitchen is strong and loud! But we truly believe that the benefits of slowing down and planning long term will lead to a project that you’ll love for decades to come.

Want to start your planning conversation? Give us a call or swing by or gorgeous and inspiring Boston Design Center showroom,