3 Ways the Pandemic Has Shifted Home Renovations

We can all agree that 2020 was a challenging year. Some challenges were surprising, and others were more drastic than we anticipated. The silver lining? It gave many of us a new perspective on our daily lives, homes, and how much we need to interact with other humans.

So it’s no surprise that the three most significant changes we see in new construction and home remodels include home office spaces, multi-functional kitchens, and higher ceilings. Of course, we want to love being in our home with friends and family. After over a year of feeling sequestered and isolated, homeowners are (tipping our hats to Meghan Trainor) all about that space.

So today, I’m sharing the 3 challenges that home renovation and construction have delt with since the pandemic. Understanding these challenges will help you plan for your next project and give you realistic expectations.

1. Surge in Demand

With millions of homeowners contained in their homes throughout the pandemic, a mass increase in demand for home products, interior design, and renovations are on the rise. People were spending more time in their homes than the few hours every evening, which meant they noticed areas that needed to be imporved that they hadn’t before.

You want to make more space and have a functional home that fits your family’s needs long-term.

For example, you may be working from home and may continue post-pandemic. That means spending less time in a "real " office and more time working from home, which has also led to a massive need for a home office space.

2. Supplies are Sparse

What we see in the home industry is a significant huge decrease in product supply, interrupting supply chains, and backorders on appliances, furniture, lumber, paint, etc.

Products used to create furnishings like foam have been behind on productivity because of the pandemic and huge storms that have delayed them further. Although some areas are back up to total production capacity, they are still behind as they fulfill the increasing demand.

3. Expect Longer Wait Times & Adjusted Timelines

Because of an increase in demand and supplies are sparse, wait times are much longer than expected. Not just for projects but also for getting on design and build professionals’ calendars! Even when you finally get your project’s materials, you have to have the trades booked months in advance to ensure there is someone to do the work.

It can be frustrating to change your expectations on turnaround times. I have also noticed contractors taking on more work than they can handle and leaving client’s homes unfinished for months. Dealing with timelines, budgets, and supplies is a full-time job and can be overwhelming if you don’t do this professionally.

How Can We Help?

Working with Blush, we can help you source materials and finishes that are in stock and ready to ship. In addition, we can be your advocate to the contractor as a project manager to make sure your project is the priority when starting your job.

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Xoxo,

Jeanelle