Lines on Design: Be prepared to go all in on remodel

Repairing a home is an exercise in patience. It’s one thing to know that and another to experience it. Just ask people who had damage to their homes from the derecho.

It requires no less patience for people who choose to remodel their homes. Work began in June on my sister’s kitchen remodel. The project involves reconfiguring cabinets and appliances, adding openings, building a larger island, removing walls, setting up bar cabinetry and installing flooring. She expected to be without a kitchen for a month. It’s been longer.

A kitchen most likely will be the most expensive room to remodel. The National Kitchen and Bath Association recommends spending 15 percent to 20 percent of the value of the home on the project. The cabinetry, appliances and labor costs add up quickly. To get a cost breakdown, go to www.remodelingcosts.org/kitchen-remodel-cost/

Cost can cause people to scale back, postpone or complete the project in phases. No option is appealing. I would advise people to continue to save until the project can be fully realized. I know, I know – this is no fun. Yes, prices will increase and products will change, but a result that is less than hoped for or incomplete will be a disappointment.

There are benefits to the wait. In the lead up to the project, homeowners may discover a possibility they hadn’t considered. Improvements may be made on the original plan. Be cautious, however, about continuing to change the design. That may be a sign the homeowners don’t have a clear vision of what they want.

Completing the project at one time will mean fewer disruptions for homeowners. Instead of repeating a cycle of renovation and return to normal, homeowners accept life will be upended from one date to another. Then work stops and the space is theirs to enjoy. Homeowners also will have a higher level of satisfaction because everything in the project is done. Design mission accomplished.

No project is without its hiccups. Backordered and discontinued are two words no one wants to hear before work begins, but it happens. Having to select an alternative on short notice can be stressful. That’s why it’s best to identify a second or possibly third choice so the decision is easier if it’s needed.

A material may arrive damaged. There are factors the homeowner cannot control. All they can do is hope work can proceed without the material. Incorrect sizes or order mistakes are frustrating. Delays in some forms are inevitable.

In the latest photos, my sister’s kitchen has yet to have the tile backsplash or countertops installed. The wine shelves and fridge are stocked. That’s good. They’ll be more than ready to celebrate their new kitchen and dining area when the time comes.

Erin Owen graduated from the interior design program at Kirkwood Community College. She has worked as a commercial and residential interior designer. Comments: erin.n.owen@gmail.com