Christmas in July is a real thing, y’all. And so are supply chain disruptions and high construction demand. HOW, you ask, are these two facts connected??

Here’s how:  if you’re asking Santa for some home renovations this year, you need to get a big head start. Your Christmas will truly have to start now, in July.

Dear Santa: A kitchen redo, please

Hoping to entertain guests for the holidays in a remodeled kitchen? Supply chain delays have pushed back delivery of cabinets, tile, and appliances not only weeks, but months.  And contractors are having a harder time hiring skilled workers, besides dealing with health-related absenteeism.  Time to call the designer (I know one!) and get that kitchen project started!

Dr. Courtney suggests this pain reliever for kitchen remodel stress. If you don’t want to take a chance on welcoming company into a construction zone at Christmas, you might consider a smaller scale project. For example, can you reuse existing cabinets if you paint them and replace hardware? Maybe keep the boxes if they’re quality and replace just the doors? Also, buy fixtures and appliances locally to avoid shipping delays. Consider a different (and available) model of your dream appliance.

Another tip: purchase in-stock tile that mimics you first-choice special order tile. Same for flooring. As for countertops, ask your designer to check with stone yards to see which reliable local fabricator has the quickest install time.

Dear Santa: bring me a guest bathroom update

Many of the same tips apply for a quicker turnaround on a bathroom remodel as for a kitchen redo: buy local, search smaller retailers, and choose in-stock tile and fixtures.

Here’s a thought. Have you ever bought materials at a surplus building supplies center? If you have your measurements in hand, a day’s shopping adventure with an open mind could yield serious savings on high quality goods, like the right bath vanity. AND it will speed up your renovation if you arrive home with a truckload of needed project materials!

Dear Santa: I’ll settle for fresh paint and flooring!

When a refresh is all that’s needed to make your rooms guest-ready, it still won’t hurt to get a jump on the holidays, starting in July.  New paint is certainly the baseline for a quick update, but–be prepared, we hear that paint shortages could last into 2023! Not only that, but your paint contractor may be booked solid and you need to get in line.

If you call your wood or carpet installer and they say “October”, trust me–go pick out your flooring tomorrow! You definitely don’t want unfinished rooms when you’re trying to unpack your Christmas decorations. And what if your mom calls and says you’re hosting Thanksgiving? Better get on it!

Need some assistance kickstarting your Christmas in July renovation? I can help!

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