Trick or treat

Why You Shouldn’t Trick Yourself into Waiting to Treat Yourself to a Kitchen or Bathroom Remodel  ​

​1. The Economy 

It’s in our nature to put big decisions off, to attempt to wait for “better times” when we feel uncertain. But sometimes that urge to wait ends up costing us more than if we had simply moved forward in the first place. Such is the case with Kitchen & Bath Remodels in today’s market. While there are almost limitless numbers of reasons to remodel a kitchen or bath- ranging from a critical need (repairing to restore function), necessity (to increase value & appeal to potential buyers) or just plain old want to (remodeling your forever home to suit your current and future needs), there are three specific reasons you should consider starting that project sooner rather than later.

2. Labor Shortages

Folks, it’s a fact, for years the trades were ignored as a desirable career path and now the results are coming home to roost in the form of less quality and more expensive labor. And that’s if your remodeler is lucky enough to find the employees in the first place! The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) released the inaugural Workforce Development Study and found that “the labor shortage continues to have a significant impact on the kitchen and bath industry, specifically on hiring, start and completion dates, and cost for construction and renovation projects” 1. Coupled with changes to immigration policy, more money for less available, less trained workers completion times are only going to increase and, as they say, time is money. When you’re forced to eat out or, worse, live in a hotel or with family because your bathroom is unusable for 8-12 weeks as opposed to 6-8 weeks, you will feel the pinch- in your pocket and peace of mind. 



At first glance, tariffs may not seem to play a role in your kitchen or bath remodel. After all, you plan on using quality American products and have no fear you’ll be impacted because you aren’t buying anything from China. Let me assure you- you will be impacted. Even reputable American manufacturers often source raw ingredients through import and because suppliers are rushing to find alternative sources, the law of supply and demand means the price will increase, certainly for those that import but also American made, as well. In fact, the longer and more far-reaching the trade wars go on, the higher the premium brands will go. That’s awesome news for American-owned brands, not so great for American consumers. And for the wide-swaths of the population already struggling to finance their remodels, the increased prices will be especially impactful. 


3.  Reduced Choices

This last reason to act now is especially painful for designers and retailers alike. There’s nothing like the joy of finding just the right tile, right sink or unique accessory that pulls the room together, takes it to the next level and makes the homeowner exclaim “it’s so me!!” As retailers, we love to offer choices, lots & lots of choices, something for everyone! Only, that might not be our rallying cry much longer. Choices mean increased inventory and faced with rising costs to acquire that inventory, either imports or domestic, retailers will make the hard decision to limit choices. They’ll stock only the best-sellers, the things they know they can get reliably and with short turnaround times. This has been borne out in past economies that were struggling and why increased use of color is associated with a strong economy. That’s a sad reality for designers, retailers and consumers alike! 


In short, the time to act is NOW! Don’t put off till next year or “Spring” projects that could be completed by Thanksgiving or Christmas. Why not enjoy them through the holidays and avoid that feeling of regret that you didn’t act sooner rather than later? Contact us today at 470-545-3045 or info@woodpointcabinets.com to schedule your appointment now! Let us show you how to turn your dream into a reality instead of a “wish I had!” ​

​By Sarah Durand, Designer