We think it’s time to address the elephant in the room. No matter how hard we try to ignore or defy it, the remodeling industry has been heavily affected by mounting supply chain issues caused by a perfect storm of events, including a pandemic, extreme weather, labor shortages, and global shipping problems. Even as Covid-related shutdowns and restrictions fade, the ripple effect of all these issues will have a long-lasting impact on our industry, as well as virtually every industry! This is the new normal, and it’s time we learn how to navigate it.
While terms like “price increases” and “delays” tend to stop most people dead in their tracks, at Studio M we believe that despite present day problems, you CAN build the kitchen of your dreams and you don’t have to wait to do it.
The best way to set up your project for success is staying well informed through consistent communication, thorough preparation, and having a design team behind you that’s ready to tackle any challenges that may arise. Though the state of the world hinders the efficiency of our process, we do not see it as an excuse but an opportunity to hone our problem-solving skills and adapt to keep your project on track.
Today on the blog we are sharing with you how as a company we are working to adjust to the ever-changing industry and how we can work together to complete your project as efficiently as possible.
Anticipating Delays
Patience is a virtue. Or so they say… The problem is, once you start designing and installing your dream kitchen, it’s hard to practice patience! Especially when delays seem to draw out the process.
Reality is that the global pandemic has impacted the current demand for cabinetry and construction and thus has placed significant pressure on all suppliers. As a result, material shortages, capacity restraints, and logistical limitations are extending turnaround and lead times. Delays have affected things like lumber for cabinetry, glue and adhesives, metal cabinet accessories, plumbing, and hardware.
While our manufacturers are doing everything they can, they are just not there yet! As a result, cabinetry and related products are taking longer than usual to reach your home.
But what does this mean for your project? Delays are not a death sentence; they just mean that we need to implement a flexible timeline and individualize our process in order to meet the needs of your specific project. It’s also important to keep in mind that lead times can change dramatically and without notice, this makes it essential to not tie your project completion to an upcoming event, such as a graduation or a wedding.
Helpful tip: Get ahead and order certain elements of your project as early as you can! Furnishings, for example are taking up to 9 months to be delivered… So those barstools you’ve been eyeing? Make sure to put in that order sooner rather than later!
When working with Studio M, we promise to continue to do everything we can to provide reliable project status updates including ship dates. If a delay impacts your order, your design team will contact you with the most current information we have. The best thing you can do is be understanding of delays and work with us to factor some cushion into your project’s timeline at the start.
Meyer Place Luxury Condominiums
Leaving wiggle room in your budget
Lumber has seen a 200% price increase since April 2020, with many other popular building materials suffering a similar trend. There is a lot of uncertainty to when prices will come back down, which might make you feel at times like your stuck between a rock and a hard place when it comes to your renovation.
Let’s set the record straight, price increases do not mean that you have to blow your budget in order to get your dream space! It just means we need to be strategic in our planning process.
As your design team, we will make you be aware of possible price increases on the front end of your project so that you aren’t met with unexpected numbers. We will also work with you to include a little leeway into your budget for unanticipated costs or price increases. The last thing we want is for you to be uncomfortable with how much you are spending on your project.
Your designer will discuss materials pricing when we are beginning your design and will inform you immediately of any and all price changes.
There will be hiccups
Renovations are stressful to say the least! When you are investing a lot of money and time into your home, emotions play a huge factor in the process. Our goal at Studio M is to provide a seamless, stress-free process for our clients from start to finish.
But even with the best intentions, it’s important to keep in mind that there will be the occasional hiccup somewhere in the process. Our job as your design team is to best prepare ourselves and you for those hiccups and efficiently problem solve so that your project is able to stay on track and we achieve a beautiful end result.
The best thing you can do is keep your emotions in check and know that we are doing our very best to work around any hinderance that may arise. We are in this together!
What we are doing to address industry challenges:
- Expediting where possible: Ordering elements like appliances and plumbing on the front end of your project will ensure that even delayed items make it to your installation right on schedule. It might seem a little bizarre when we are asking you to pick things out so early in the process, but trust us, this is the best way to get ahead of lead times and delays!
- Adjusting installation schedules: We will do our best to anticipate delays and adjust your installation schedule as needed so that your project is completed according to your timeline.
- Getting creative with searches for product alternatives: If a certain design element is heavily delayed to where it will hinder your project schedule, we will help you find a suitable alternative.
- Building a strong foundation: We believe that creating a strong foundation at the start of your project leads to a successful result. In our initial meetings we will work with you to create a flexible timeline, functional budget, and have open and honest conversations about what you can anticipate during your project. No false promises or unrealistic expectations.
- Communicating consistently: There will be a constant line of communication open between you and your designer where they will inform you of any change or update regarding your project. This also allows you to ask questions and raise any concerns you might have!
- Holding ourselves accountable: As a premiere design company, we hold ourselves to a very high standard and are committed to adapting our process to face any and all challenges that may arise during your project.
Designers Danee Bohn and Carly Loobeek (Rustic Modern Kitchen)
Just because a global pandemic is making our industry function a little differently, it doesn’t mean that you should put off future projects. We will work together with you to bring your dream space to life and get your project done as close to scheduled completion as possible. All we ask for is your understanding as the current world’s problems are bigger than what us kitchen & bath designers can solve!
If you have any questions or wish to start a project with Studio M, contact us.