Upfront Planning Matters
Why Upfront Planning Matters in Remodeling Projects
The Risks of "Figure-It-Out-Later" Remodeling
When planning a remodel project it's never good to approach it with the attitude that things can be figured out as we go along. You as the homeowner / client shouldn't have to accept that, nor should you be the homeowner / client that wants to approach a project this way either. A reputable contractor shouldn't want your project that to sit idle for weeks or months while you wait for product to arrive. It's not good business practice and what homeowner wants to stair at bare walls and no project progression?
Many products such as cabinets, countertops, tile, windows, or doors can sometimes have longer lead times. If they aren't ordered before the project starts, you may be left waiting, as mentioned above, while the project comes to a screeching halt. Making changes mid-project often means paying rush shipping fees or covering extra labor costs when crews have to pause and return later.
If you aren't planning ahead this could also lead to design regrets. Designs can get rushed, poor layout choices, and mismatched finishes are just a few of the possibilities.
The biggest complaint however is the disruption of daily life. Let's face it, most interior remodel projects generally occur while the homeowner / client is still living in the home. Would you want to cook on a camping stove, grill, microwave, air fryer for months and months on end. Even the cost of increased dining at restaurants will add up, increase the overall cost and financial burden.
Why Should You Preplan?
When it comes to remodeling your home, the difference between a smooth, stress-free experience and a project filled with delays, cost overruns, and frustration often comes down to one thing: planning.
Unfortunately, some contractors begin projects without fully finalizing designs, ordering materials, or working through the details with their clients. Instead, they make decisions on the fly once construction has already started. While this might sound like it saves time and allows a project to start sooner in reality, it usually leads to costly mistakes and oftentimes the project sitting at a standstill while the contractor waits for products and materials to show up.
At LDS Specialists , we take the opposite approach. We believe in detailed, upfront planning so that once work begins, everything is in place for a seamless remodel. Our goal is to be able to hit the ground running as soon as the project starts. Pre-planning is important to the way we operate since we offer our clients a production schedule. The only way to make that schedule work is to preplan.
The Benefits of Upfront Planning
Pre-planning a remodel project has it's benefits. Let's touch on a few.
What's one of the biggest deciding factors to a remodel project that the homeowner / client is generally most concerned about? The budget of course. If you have all of your selections made prior to signing a contract it will allow you to avoid surprise expenses and have a better idea of what the overall project will cost. Sometimes allowances can be used in place of the exact selection to help a homeowner decide if a project is within their means, however be careful and make sure that the allowance a contractor gives is real world and can actually allow you to actually purchase products that you wouldn't want in your house. Some contractors will give very low allowances to make their contracts seem more appetizing.
By having all of your selections completed prior to the project start date it allows for a faster timeline, better transition from phase to phase of the project and allow the project to stay on track without large delays. It also allows for everyone to check the product for damage that could cause additional delays.
With pre-planning it will allow you to digest your design choices, layouts, colors, etc... to make sure they reflect your vision. Don't procrastinate when you are planning your project, do your due-diligence and stay on top of getting your selections chosen. Your contractor will thank you.
When it comes down to it, by taking the additional time upfront to pre-plan you'll enjoy the process more and have a better peace of mind that your design choices and selections were done to your liking and not hastily chosen.
Why Should You Care About Pre-planning?
Choosing a contractor who plans upfront isn’t just about convenience—it’s about protecting your investment. Your home is one of your biggest assets, and a poorly managed remodel can lower its value rather than increase it. With a contractor who values preparation, you’ll end up with:
- A project that stays on track.
- A project that stays on budget.
- A project done right the first time.
Before you sign with a remodeling contractor, ask them about their planning process:
- Do they finalize selections before demo day?
- Do they provide a production schedule?
- Do they order all the materials ahead of time?
If the answer is yes, you'll enjoy a far smoother remodeling experience.
We at LDS Specialists believe that good remodeling beings long before the demo starts. We can help you plan your dream project the right way - from the very start.
