Renovating can be an incredible experience, but it comes with challenges and stressors. If you were to ask the pros like we did, you'll find that the answers are very one-sided. "When possible, we do not recommend undertaking a renovation project right before a major life milestone, such as getting married or having a baby," shares Victoria Mansa, Renovation Consultant for Block Renovation. "Ideally, when planning a renovation, you’ll have some flexibility with the start and end date, so that you can achieve the best outcome and avoid unnecessary stress or trade-offs because of a strict deadline."
A home renovation can significantly increase stress levels, whether it involves a kitchen remodel, exterior project, or bathroom renovation plans. Even the best-planned timelines can be unpredictable. Mansa adds, "The benefit of waiting is that you can focus the time and energy needed on your renovation, reduce friction or rushed decision-making, and have more flexibility while building your dream space."
What influences the timeline for a remodeling project?
- Scope of the renovation. The project’s size and complexity can greatly affect the timeline.
- Planning and design. The time spent planning the details and logistics, as well as conceptualizing, finalizing the design, and selecting materials can all add to the timeline.
- Permits and approvals. The timing for permits and inspections can vary depending on location and project complexity.
- Availability of contractors. Finding an available construction crew is hard, and timing is—literally—everything. Summer is a popular time for home improvement projects, which can also make it a more expensive time. "Start looking for a contractor as far in advance as possible," suggests Mansa. "Seasonality and contractor availability in different real estate markets can impact how quickly your renovation can begin."
- Out-of-stock products and late deliveries. Supply chain issues are a real thing. The lead times for building materials need to be considered.
- Unexpected problems. "Accept that no renovation is perfect. You never really know what you’ll find when you open up a wall," reminds Mansa. "There can be hidden structural problems, electrical or plumbing complications, unpredictable weather, or other unforeseen conditions that arise." Navigating those unexpected situations is more difficult when you're expecting a new baby or preparing to walk down the aisle.
Q&A
I'm a living, breathing example of a human who was installing hardwood floors while 9 months pregnant and can attest... it wasn't easy bringing a baby home to a construction zone. To commiserate on timing gone wrong, we connected with Elizabeth and Mike Conti. (Mike's the VP of Marketing at Block Renovation, but also a new parent, a new homeowner, and a first-time renovator.)
Q: Did you think about the reno timeline before expecting a baby?
A: "We knew we wanted our primary bathroom remodel done at least a few weeks before our first baby came," shared Mike. "Our plan was for her to sleep in our primary bedroom for the first few months so we wanted the space to be usable and clean. Our baby was due in late July and we had our first meeting with our designer in January. I didn’t know much about renovation timelines, but was worried we were starting late."
Q: How did the timeline actually work out?
A: "We finalized the designs in February but the designer and contractors were not able to meet to review the plans until March. It then took another 2-3 weeks for all of the quotes to come in. We were finally able to make a decision mid-April and the work started in early May. That period from design to commitment took way longer than I had anticipated. Our contractor was targeting a completion date 2 weeks before my wife’s due date. In the end, the project finished 2 months after our baby arrived."
Q: How would you sum up your experience living through a bathroom reno while welcoming a new baby?
A: “Planning and participating in the bathroom project provided a helpful distraction from the pregnancy," shared Elizabeth. That said, Mike added, "People are coming and going through your house at all times of the day. Not only does it feel like you don’t have any privacy, but they have questions for you, and you need to make decisions, etc. My wife and I both wanted to be part of the decision-making process, but that wasn’t always possible because one of us was sleeping or with the baby. Between caring for the baby and these decisions that come up with the remodel, decision-making fatigue is real."
Q: Any words of advice you would offer to a homeowner who might be in your shoes? What would you have done differently?
A: The couple shared:
- "I wish we had started the process sooner, but we had only just moved into our house."
- "If a designer or contractor gives you a timeline, brace yourself from the start for 50% longer so you are not so disappointed later."
- "So many things have to line up for things to go exactly according to plan, and that's hard for anyone to control. Permit timelines, subcontractor availability, etc., it is easy to see how the delays can start to stack up."
- "As hard as it was living through a renovation with our baby for 2 months, I can’t imagine what it would have been like to start the whole process after the baby was born. People say don’t make big decisions in your first year as parents because you are so worn out. I get it now. Parenting is hard! Self-care is important and I was glad that we had our dream bathroom to relax and restore ourselves."
