A lot has changed in the interior design and build industry over the last year. We're experiencing things we haven't before, which certainly comes with its challenges. ⁠

A few weeks ago we posted an Instagram photo (shown below) of me in front of a pile of scrap lumber. We jokingly said it was worth the price of gold, and that’s not far off. If you're about to embark on a new home build, renovation or even updates to your furniture and decor, here's what you need to know, and things you can do to prepare.

Cost of Materials

The cost of building materials has increased, and in some areas, up to 30%. That's a significant amount to add to a budget. ⁠While we’re now starting to see lumber prices fall, shipping costs are a lot more than usual and that is reflecting on increases on product coming from afar.

What you can do:

Understanding prices will be higher before embarking on your project will help manage expectations. The cost of materials, and the many affects are nothing we, in the industry can control, however best to have a conversation with your builder/ contractor to get a better understanding as to how much these increases will affect the cost of your project.

Product Delays

We're seeing delays on products such as plumbing fixtures, lighting and appliances. Some, upwards of a year for ordering.⁠ This is more than likely due to high demand and lower supply, resulting in longer lead times to order product.

What you can do:

Once your design is complete and decisions are made, place the orders. It’s never too early. This not only secures the product, and gets you in the queue, but it also notifies you early if there’s any delays or backorders potentially prompting a re-selection, and helps to manage arrival times and preparations for completion dates.

Contractor Availability

Remember a year ago when we were all at home, realizing our homes needed an update? The trickle down affect is that everyone called, contractors and trades. The result, they’re busy, and they have been for some time now. A candid conversation to determine start date and estimated duration of a project is important to manage expectations. ⁠

What you can do:

Contractors/ builders may not be able to start right away. During the interview process, asking “when are you available?”, will help manage expectations and provide an understanding of realistic timeframes. This will be different depending on the size, and scope of your project, however planning ahead will ensure you’ve allowed enough time to get the project underway on a positive foot.

Longer Lead Times for Furniture Orders

In some cases, we’re seeing the order time for furniture almost double the time it used to be. This does not apply to everything however you can plan on some things taking longer than others. If you’re considering having your home furnished by Christmas, while there are still options, it could be too late. ⁠Note: we’re also heading into the thick of summer where some factories close down for a month, lengthening order times accordingly.

What You Can do:

Shopping locally is a great option to help manage timelines. Most Canadian suppliers are still working within their normal production dates, and keeping purchasing within our own country is never a bad thing.

Patience is a virtue not to be overlooked in the world of furniture purchases. It takes time. We understand you’re excited, and we are too! It’s the final push to bring your home to life, and time starts to move at a snails pace. Once orders are placed, we track items diligently to ensure we keep a close eye on any changes, and determine whether re-selections may be required.

Interior Designer Availability

Much like we mentioned earlier with respect to contractors and builders, interior designers are also busy. Depending on the scope of your project, they may not be able to take it on right away. Be willing to wait for who you want to work with, or choose a designer/ design team who can meet your timing needs if it means you’re not compromising.

What you can do:

I highly encourage you to wait for the designer you feel is the right fit. Hiring the designer you have a connection with will no doubt yield a better result than hiring a designer who can simply get the job done in the timeline you’re hoping for. If both boxes check off, hurray!

Asking questions, and understanding availability at the onset of an initial call will help manage expectations, and get you on the right path to success.

Jumping into the conversation with “we have our contractor lined up and we take possession of our new house in two weeks”, may result in disappointment if the designer is booking a few months in advance, and is unavailable to meet your timing expectations. ⁠Calling a designer well in advance of when you think you’ll start your project is ideal.

At Nyla Free Designs, we have room in our 2021 schedule for 2-3 new projects, depending on the scale. If you’ve been thinking about reaching out, and have a project in mind, now is the time. I’d love to talk with you about your project and see if we’re the right fit for each other. We’re happy to talk through these changes, how we work, what to expect from Nyla Free Designs and more. ⁠You can contact us here!

Let’s summarize!

PLAN AHEAD

HAVE PATIENCE

BE PREPARED FINANCIALLY

The above touches on a few, but important areas we’re seeing delays, challenges and changes. It’s a trickle-down effect, and we’re all doing our best to manage the ebb and flow of this industry right now. ⁠Who knew a pandemic would spark such an influx in our industry?!