A pantry remodel is an important part of your kitchen development and the functionality of your kitchen space. Whether you plan on knocking down walls to create more room for a walk-in pantry, or simply need to reorganize your cabinets and shelves, a pantry remodel can make a kitchen feel complete. Some pantries serve as extra storage for food, house extra serve ware, or function as a prep area. Keeping your pantry remodel or upgrade on schedule is important to the functionality of the kitchen. Setting a schedule to act as a guideline throughout your project will make sure that you not only keep your project on track, but also on budget. Consider the following elements that can impact your schedule.
DIY vs. professional
If you decide to DIY your pantry remodel, you have to consider whether you have the requisite skills and time. Mistakes on your part could mean a call to a professional to clean up your mess. Do you have the time to complete the project in a reasonable time period? Pursuing a pantry remodel on a part-time basis could draw out the schedule, inconveniencing the whole family and disrupting the functionality of your home. If your pantry remodel is simply a matter of adding a few shelves, then you may be able to do this yourself fairly quickly. On the other hand, if you have to knock down a wall, build a separate room, or add electricity, then hiring a contractor may be the best option. You may consider DIYing your pantry remodel if the renovations consist of merely updating your existing pantry, such as the following:
- Installing shelf separators
- Adding pullout storage units (e.g., drawers or wire baskets)
- Inserting cubbies for storage space
- Painting the interior shelves to add a fresh look
- Inserting adjustable shelves or hanging racks to save space
- Organizing food with storage containers
What can affect your pantry remodel schedule
1. Your budget
Having a clear understanding of your budget can go a long way in making sure everything goes quickly and smoothly. Going back and forth on costs, shopping around for best prices, not paying for expedited shipping – all of these factors can add to your timeline. Before you begin your project, start a spreadsheet that can keep track of all costs including materials, shipping, labor and permitting. Remember that changing your mind regarding materials may not just affect the material budget; you may have higher installation costs for those materials as well. The more you can stick to your costs and make payments on time, the more likely your project will be completed according to your timeline.
Plan for a contingency fund as well as basic costs. What if only more expensive products turn out to be available? What if shipping prices go up unexpectedly? What if you need to have the crew work overtime? Having a little cushion room in your budget will help account for the unexpected costs. Before you begin working with a hired professional, ask for a free in-home estimate from several contractors to better understand the price range you will be working in.
2. Due diligence
Before engaging any contractor, check his or her local authority certificates and licensing to ensure they’ll know how to complete your project up to code. Once you’ve interviewed a contractor, ask to speak with past clients or get recommendations – this is a great way to understand how this contractor might communicate with you during the course of the project. Signing a contract with your professional will provide an agreement on the costs, schedule, and all details regarding your remodel. It can be beneficial to get a warranty or agreement as to what happens if there is a delay in work in order to protect yourself. This should be included in your contract. Make sure you check your contractor’s bonding, insurance, and trade license. A lien waiver in your contract can help you avoid extra costs if the contractor fails to pay suppliers on time. Making sure that all terms and conditions are in a written agreement will establish a baseline for you project.
3. Maintain a materials timeline
You can fix a timeline of about six weeks for an extensive remodel, and make a plan of the pantry remodeling layout on paper prior to commencing the project. Materials for your project will need to be counted for in your schedule. Some materials may take longer than others to ship, some may be provided by your contractor, or you may want to DIY certain parts of your pantry. For instance, bear in mind that if you want fitted cabinets they may require three months for completion, which may be outside of your desired agenda. Regardless of how you plan on attaining your materials, you will need to factor them into your timeline. Set dates for when you will need to be purchasing items, how long they will take to ship, and when they will be delivered. This will help your chances of delays occurring and make sure that you can afford the materials you want. In the case that your project is delayed, have a plan by allotting a couple extra days or even weeks into your schedule to keep you on track. Be sure to also take the time of year into account. Severe weather and public holidays can hold up contractors as well as the delivery of materials.
4. Acquire permits ahead of time
Your project may require local authority permits if, for instance, your pantry remodel will involve taking down a wall or installing new electrical lines. Your pantry renovations will also require inspections if you have taken out a home improvement loan. These have to be factored into to the project timeline before you begin any construction. You may also be required to complete parts of the project in time for inspectors to view the alterations. Make sure it is clear who is responsible for presenting permits and paperwork to the authorities and have this agreed in writing. Being proactive is your number one task in keeping your pantry remodel on schedule. Paying a contractor doesn’t relieve you from your responsibility as a homeowner to keep your home functional. Make sure to have a strong line of communication between you and your professional so that all legal conditions are taken care of and will not result in unnecessary delays for your pantry remodel.
Top Image Credit: Witt Construction
