Normal is conforming to a standard; usual, typical state or condition. I would think we

can all agree that nothing has been normal in 2020 or 2021. In fact, expecting the unexpected

has become our new normal. According to an UPWORK study, 36.2 million Americans (which

is 22% of the workforce) will be working remotely in four years. This is an 87% increase in

remote workers since the pandemic. Since we will be spending so much time in our homes, we

will need to make a few changes.

Many people are seeking stability in their homes by creating working and learning

spaces. One requirement is to create a functional, organized layout. Taking unused areas of the

home and turning it into a usable living space can include a cluttered storage area being

revamped to a private reading area; an unfinished attic revamped to an office; or a basement

revamped to a family room. There has been a slight shift to more defined areas throughout the

home instead of the open layout most recently seen.

Remodeling is always top of mind, but the time spent at home and the quick flowing

housing market had many people pause and look at their current surroundings. When asked by

Axion which projects people were planning for the 2021 year, these were the responses:

Yard/Landscape: 35 percent

Bathroom: 31 percent

Kitchen: 27 percent

Bedroom: 26 percent

Deck/Patio: 25 percent

Office: 16 percent

Note: The responses do not total 100 percent as the survey allowed for multiple

responses.

Instead of just a house and office, many want this to be their sanctuary, so as you can

see the outdoor living area was a central focus with over 60 percent responses for

yard/landscape and deck/patio. The pandemic shutdown allowed homeowners to bring the

vacation to their homes, with living areas outdoor for year-round use. Product sales for outdoor

heaters, heat lamps, heavy duty blankets, outdoor fireplaces, firepits, pizza ovens for the cooler

weather; and drop-down screens and retractable shade fixtures, including umbrellas and shade

sails for the summer heat helped to confirm it. Whether it is the backyard or the front porch,

homeowners are looking for entertaining, relaxing, and additional spaces for their homes.

Well, now that we have the project, let’s talk cost. It will cost more than expected, but

you will need to have a budget and spend within your budget. Difficult, I know. Depending on

the number of rooms and the scope of the work, your average costs are between $44,000 to

$75,000. Currently, remodeling costs are up about 20 to 30% (I have seen some quoting 50%

higher), compared to 2020 which is due to the increased material costs, as well as shortage of

qualified labor. The higher material prices include labor shortages, transportation and gas

prices, tariffs and additional problems caused by weather and economy unrest.

Another new normal is an escalation clause added to the builder and remodeler

contracts. The escalation clause is general language allowing for additional costs to the

homeowner if the price of materials should exceed a specified dollar amount. Don’t be surprised

if you see it.

It will take longer than expected. Some delays are out of your contractor’s control, and

they are all feeling the effects of product, material, and labor shortages. However, utilizing a

contract with a clause allowing for additional time and proper communication will give you more

sense of control. Some professionals are recommending including stricter language to include

fees for going past deadlines within your contract. Though this sounds good in theory, it will be

harder to impose without scaring the contractors away.

Have a plan. If your kitchen remodel is going to take six months, you will need to have

your plan for your meals and avoiding the mess. Is it going to interrupt your holidays or special

events such as birthdays, etc? Changing out windows? Utilize the fall weather when it isn’t

extremely hot or cold. Making sure you have fully thought through the demolition mess and the

time to get the last element in place will lessen your frustration at the end of the project.

Do what you can do. Many people are tackling the smaller DIY jobs that are not as

intimidating. Freshening a room with pictures, hanging shelves, sanding and painting

woodwork and walls, adding wallpaper, changing the door handles and adding additional lights

can create a new fresh look. Renting power washers and cleaning driveways and paths or

tackling a re-grout for the bathroom or kitchen seem to be do-able.

Control the emotions and lower your expectations. Most of this is out of your control, but

what you can control is how you react to it. In an ever-changing world, our normal is now

fluidity, and the ability to change. A perfect balance between our work and home life is our new

normal. The quicker we can adapt and adjust, the easier and stronger we will be.