RENOVATING DURING A PANDEMIC

By: Catherine Granert, AyA Kitchens

During the pandemic we have become resourceful with our time at home, taking on new projects and planning on how to improve our surroundings and home environment. Many homeowners are taking advantage of this time to start new kitchen renovations. The idea can be overwhelming and it can feel like a tall order. AyA Kitchens has put together 5 things you need to know when renovating during a pandemic. This advice complied by AyA designers will help navigate the renovation experience and point you in the right direction.

Think and plan ahead. One of the effects of the pandemic is that lead times are getting longer in every industry and it becomes vital to start planning early. This includes all trades; cabinetry, appliances, counters, flooring, plumbing, electrical, etc. Organization and flexible scheduling (leaving ample time) will help coordinate and synchronize timelines making the process run smoother. Source your materials and obtain appliance measurements well before the kitchen layout. Remember to keep track of lead times and be prepared to pivot for unforeseen delays.

Hire an AyA designer or general contractor to help assist with the process.  With so many aspects of the project to consider, working with a trade professional and designer is a great way to ensure that the project goes as smoothly as possible and helps ease the stress load. These trade professionals will ensure all regulations are being met and installations are all adhering to industry code. Professional trades and designers will also have insider knowledge about estimates and reliable suppliers that can help to meet your goals. AyA Designers will help with valuable insights and recommendations to overcome any challenges and they will guide you throughout the entire renovation process as it evolves to ensure your ultimate vision is accomplished.

Choose suppliers who've been around for a while. Product hiccups and challenges can occur and you will want to work with suppliers who can be relied upon to meet your objectives. Consider the lifespan of the product and think beyond delivery. A trusted supplier stands behind their product/service, will be there if future service is needed and their warranty will cover you for years to come. Also consider shopping local! Locally sourced and manufactured goods will come in more reasonable lead times and will be easier to service than items that are shipped in from overseas or even over the border.

Every kitchen renovation has a set of needs and wants that relate to the household and lifestyle. From storage space, countertop area, seating, layout and functionality, different spaces require unique solutions. To make the process flow smoother, there are a few things to keep in mind when meeting with your AyA designer for your kitchen design consultation. The first is your lifestyle. How do you live in the space? Is it a bachelor pad or a busy home for a family of 4? How much upkeep are you comfortable with?

The second thing to keep in mind is it's always good to be prepared with your wish list and inspiration photos. This can easily be done by clipping photos from magazines or saving photos on your phone from websites such as Houzz, Pinterest and AyAkitchens.com. This allows for the designer to reach your vision more efficiently saving time on the design side of your project.

The third item to make the process flow quicker and more efficiently is to discuss your budget up front. While some customers may be hesitant, laying out the budget at the beginning of the project puts everyone on the same page, allows for proper planning, and also helps the designer allocate the budget to the areas which are most important to the customer's vision and lifestyle.

A kitchen renovation involves many elements and while it's important to adjust your expectations, customers should never sacrifice on quality. Due to the pandemic, manufacturers and trades may have challenges with supply and deliveries, which can cause delays to your project.  A good trade or supplier will communicate delays and advise customers on the best route to meet objectives and deadlines. There are challenges that can arise in any renovation project under normal circumstances; during a global pandemic those challenges can be amplified.  Being able to be patient through these conditions and working with your trusted project team will be essential to get through the renovation successfully. Communication throughout the whole team will help keep everyone on the same page and mindful of any changes or alterations to the timeline.

Our Mississauga, Castlefield and other select showrooms are currently open by appointment only. Our designers are also available to work with you designing your dream kitchen via Zoom video chat. Contact your nearest location for consultation details and showroom visit appointments. Let's start planning and designing your kitchen with all the functionality you need today!