wine room with a cellar

Design Notes

SUPPLY AND DEMAND DURING A RENOVATION

You’re considering a home renovation, but you may be wondering what the very first step should be. Do you start with a wish list, contact a designer, or begin gathering inspiration for your new space? The answer is yes—all of these elements play an important role in planning a successful renovation.

What many homeowners don’t initially factor in, however, is the impact of supply and demand during a renovation. It’s easy to assume that if you’d like a new kitchen by Thanksgiving, starting in the summer will be plenty of time—but that’s not always the case. Project timelines can be extended due to current demand, material availability, and manufacturer lead times, especially for custom or specialty items.

From cabinetry and countertops to lumber and hardware, supply availability can fluctuate, impacting when materials arrive and when work can begin. Lead times are one of the most common causes of renovation delays, making early planning more important than ever. Getting a jump-start on each phase of the process—design, selections, and ordering—can make all the difference in keeping your project on schedule.

With over 20 years of experience, we’ve learned that it’s never too early to begin planning a renovation. We understand the process can feel overwhelming, which is why we’re sharing some of our best tips and timeline insights to help you navigate supply, demand, and design with confidence.

White kitchen cabinets with a island sink

Design Planning

This can be as early as a year or as long as 18 months. While this may seem like an extreme timeline, we find that the earlier, the better, as it allows sufficient time to create a design that is just right for your home. Custom cabinets require us to order wood, stains, paints, and other materials to build a quality product. Sometimes, supply and demand affect how quickly we can get certain items. By starting early, you have a better chance of avoiding these delays; however, unforeseen or unavoidable problems can still arise. We always encourage our clients to talk to us as soon as they think of a renovation or before construction begins on their new house. If you have questions, we are always happy to talk with you and let you know, based on our current schedule, the best time to start. You can also read more details about renovation planning here.

brown island drawers

Ordering Process

Details matter in any project, but while you may have found the perfect pendant light or furniture piece, there is no greater disappointment than learning it won’t be available in time. This is why we stress the importance of getting an early start. It is better to know that an item is unavailable or won’t be ready to ship for several weeks. Starting early ensures your selections are secured; otherwise, you may need to look for another option. When looking through the different cabinet styles, wood choices, or colors, be sure to write down your top 3 choices so that your designer can review them and let you know what is available.

Let’s Get Started

We have helped hundreds of clients achieve their dream renovation, which is always a great feeling. Read more about our design process here.  Our experienced design team is ready to help you accomplish your home renovation and walk alongside you through this incredible journey from start to finish.

/onMay 7, 2021/updatedJanuary 28, 2026/inDesign Notes

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What Is A Natural Style?white kitchen and dining roomWalker WoodworkingA bathroom with a double divider drawer pulled open with makeup organized all insideWalker Woodworking Making Life Easier