As we all know, 2020 was a year of challenging times. The pandemic had a huge impact on our day-to-day lives, as well as an effect on availability and cost of materials. So if you plan on remodeling your kitchen in 2021, you’re more than likely going to face some challenges in terms of cost. At Home Pros can help you identify the pitfalls, and point you toward pros that can make the most of your kitchen remodeling dollar.
DIY Demand
As quarantines ensued and many of us began working from home, we began to notice things in and around our home were in need of repair and or updates. Many people spent time cleaning out their closets and starting DIY projects, which began to create a high demand for products. Just as there became a high demand in outdoor and sports equipment as more and more people turned to outdoor activities to escape the monotony of quarantine, the same thing was happening in the home decor arena as people began to occupy their time with DIY projects and home upgrades. Demand for products such as home appliances and DIY materials continued to rise; however, due to the pandemic, supply was way down. This has not only caused an inflation in prices but also, in many cases, a delay in availability.
Good to Know
The pandemic had a huge impact on our day-to-day lives, as well as an effect on availability and cost of materials.
On the Mend
Even now, as we seem to be slowly recovering from the impact of the pandemic, you can expect to see an increase in prices in terms of appliances if you’re planning a 2021 kitchen remodel. At Home Pros renovation experts have seen the same issue with lumber as with appliances. While many lumber mills assumed demand would drop with the pandemic, supply was already low when the increase of DIY projects caused a major increase in demand. Lumber mills have found themselves unable to keep up and, with shutdowns and other various obstacles happening all at once, the cost for lumber has climbed sky-high. So, if new cabinetry is part of your remodel, you might face higher prices than you had anticipated. The prices of other products such as flooring, tile and countertops seem to be less affected; however, you still may run into issues of availability due to demand.
Still Ready to Remodel in 2021?
It’s safe to assume that you’ll face two issues if you choose to complete a kitchen reno in 2021: a rise in prices and the cost of lost time waiting on materials or appliances. While some contractors have struggled to meet deadlines and to provide cost effective solutions, some have developed ways to get what they need in a timely manner at a price that can be reasonable. At Home Pros can help you find the perfect contractor for your kitchen renovation. Here are some important questions to ask:
- How many kitchen renovations have you completed this year?
- Do you have any photos of your recent work, especially before and after shots?
- What issues have you faced in terms of cost of materials for your clients?
- What issues have you faced or seen in terms of availability of materials and appliances?
- What is the cost of labor?
- What kind of timeline can I expect from start to finish?
- Are you experiencing a shortage of labor in your company and how have you been handling that?
- Do you use subcontractors and how do you select and manage them?
- Do you have relationships with suppliers that can help me get what I need to complete my remodel to my liking?
At Home Pros can put you in touch with pre-screened, licensed, insured contractors, so you can get as many (or as few) quotes as you like before you choose to find the one that’s right for you. By asking these questions, you can feel confident that you’ll be on your way to a successful kitchen remodel in 2021.