Selections Create Realistic Time Frames for Projects

Why do most homeowner considering remodeling  typically get serious in September?
Well, summer vacations are over, school has started and the holidays are around the corner. After over twenty years in the Kitchen and Bath industry, it is clear. Every August into September begins the busy season.

As summer wanes bringing cooler days of Indian Summer and Fall, we begin to be reminded that Thanksgiving and Christmas will be here in two to three months. Then we think about who we will be entertaining. This is the primary reason the remodeling business picks up in late August to October. These are the months people come in wanting the project they've been dreaming about for years to "be done" before their holiday guests arrive for Thanksgiving and Christmas. 

From the customer's perspective, I understand this completely! We certainly want to help you realize your dream project. After all, from your perspective, two or three months must certainly be enough time  to get a new kitchen or bath. Right? The answer unfortunately is,
"No, Not really. It is just not realistic. " Why? 

First contracts for other ongoing projects are in effect. Second, quality requires planning. Planning, selection of cabinetry, door style, finishes, accessories have to be completed even before you begin the design. Quotes are based on selections. Each design and the cost is determined based on the cabinet manufacturer, the cabinets, door styles, finishes, and accessories selected. Being a creative endeavor, the process itself generates more ideas and questions.The first design process tends to invite our imagination to pursue more possibilities we become curious about.    

Here at Apple Wood our jobs stay on time on and on budget. With excellent design services in place and selections confirmed, the actual build phase does transpire more efficiently than many of our competitors. The key word in this paragraph is "selections". Having the Design Wish Folder discussed last week saves time , frustration, and helps expedite your remodeling project. 

This will be a long anticipated, exciting time. There are wonderful steps you will find fun and interesting. There are other steps in the process with more negative aspects. Living in your home while your kitchen or bath is being remodeled creates challenges. 

Most homeowners experience the final results  worth every inconvenience.  However, the process generally takes longer than anyone expects. There are many positives and negatives to consider. There are also steps a homeowner can take to limit the negatives they experience. It is about planning and making selections in a timely step by step process. 

 Remodeling and new construction represent events that can be the most creative and exciting adventure of home ownership!  It is important for your peace of mind and ultimate satisfaction with the project to avoid confusion that can make this event a disappointing experience. Here at Apple Wood, our commitment is for you and your family to fondly remember your design/ build process as one of your best times filled with memories you will share for decades. Our expertise and years of satisfied clients tells us we have succeeded.

In the excitement surrounding updating our homes, few realize the process is filled with hundreds of options. Each of these options presents a final choice that must be made. Even more important is that these choices must be completed in a timely fashion to keep the project on target for its completion date. There is a definite deadline for every selection.

This truth is difficult, especially for us gals. Why? Well, we women get so excited about our new kitchen, bath or addition! We can become truly overwhelmed with all the possibilities. Soon the need to practice some self control to stay on target presents itself. Balancing this fact determines whether the process is going to be enjoyable or filled with stress. Here is the scenario! 

FINALLY, the time has come for us to actually get our kitchen or bath remodeled! Yay!!!! We have the rare opportunity to create our dream space and we want it to be perfect and check every box on our wish list.The problem? Our thought process goes something like this:

"Wow, I can have whatever I want now! Hmmmm, well what do I want exactly? I want so many things. Is it possible to have all of them with our budget and the space available? Should I go with a white /neutral classic kitchen? I LOVE that look! Oh, wait, I also LOVE the traditional cherry wood look! I have to pick the right one because we will not be remodeling the kitchen again! The choices, they are endless! How can I be certain I am going to like what I select. My friends tell me what they like and what they think is best. How do I know which is better? I need their ideas and opinions! I'm going to call my BFF and see what she thinks!  I'm sure my Designer and the the Build team won't mind if I change my mind before we begin the demo of our space. I think I will be happier with ......."

I bet you have had the conversation in your head, right?.

Each appointment in the design and ordering process exposes clients to more decisions than they expected. It can make people anxious, wondering if they are making the right choice. After all, I am going to be living with these choices for years. I need to be sure! 

All of this is true and worthy of consideration. However, it is important to realize changes are not as simple as we may think. Designing and quoting a job is based on selections. Your designer has worked hard to meet as many of your "must haves and "really wants" as possible. After the design phase is complete, signing the contract , making your deposit and getting on the schedule for the installation phase is very important. 

We tend to seek others opinions because we doubt our own preferences. The people living in the home need to be the final decision makers. Often, asking a friend or relative can cause us to second guess something we felt confident about the day before.The temptation to change our minds is hard to resist. However, constantly rethinking can complicate, confuse, and slow the entire project. That becomes frustrating for everyone involved.

Having choices is fun in so many ways.What woman does not enjoy shopping and discovering possibilities? It also has the potential to bring great confusion into the remodeling process. This is true for the homeowner as well as the Designer/ Contractor they are entrusting their dream project to. An experienced remodeling design professional has helped hundreds of client navigate through the sea of possibilities. Be sure to work with someone who asks and listens to your ideas and dreams. Discovering your hearts desire for your project along with finding who you can confidently work with is the key!. It is critical to trust your designer, sales, and contractor. They will help keep you true to what you discovered is most important to you.


Please ponder what I have suggested. Does it make sense to you? In the next few weeks we are going to inform you of the nuances of our industry and answer some questions. 

We will be magnifying this interesting topic. We all know the expression "comparing apple to apples or oranges to oranges."

Here is a reminder of what helps! We at Apple Wood recommend creating a Wish or Dream Folder. It is your centralized collection of pictures , ideas, and references to ideas you like for your project. Many times, people are not sure what style , colors, types of wood they prefer. There are so many! We are all swayed and influenced by what we see as well as other's opinions. However, deep inside we typically find the styles, colors and selections most pleasing to us as we collect data for our folder. Most people are surprised to find they gravitate towards certain styles, textures, colors, and design preferences. Why?

It is really our subconscious choices. When we honor them, our level of satisfaction is higher.

We look forward to designing and building your new kitchen or bath. Do not delay. To be honest I do not think Thanksgiving or Christmas of 2016 will be the year you entertain in your new kitchen. However, it is the perfect time to begin the process of making selections so that it is completed in mid 2017! Let's start!