If you are embarking on a home remodeling project, it helps to have realistic expectations about timing.
One clarification the title invites: these are the long-lead selections a homeowner makes — the cabinetry, the stone, the glass — even though on an MRC project the ordering, templating and scheduling sit with the project team. What is being asked of you is the decision, early enough that the lead time fits inside the build.
Here are the items that most often take longer than people expect.
Cabinets
Whether supplied by a manufacturer or custom built – commonly take a couple of months from order to delivery, though it varies by manufacturer and by season. There are also times during the year, usually August or the end of December, when manufacturers shut down for an extended period of time. This could also affect the lead-time on cabinets.
Counter tops
Counter tops cannot be templated (measured) until after base cabinets are installed. During a template, the stone fabricator measures the cabinets for a custom fit – either with a laser or by creating an actual form from wood. They are then able to cut the counter tops from the stone slabs. From template to installation, two weeks is a common figure, but it moves with the fabricator’s queue and with the stone — worth confirming with yours once the slab is selected rather than planning the schedule around it.
Shower Doors
Like counter tops, shower doors also have to be custom measured. A shower door supplier is able to do this after the shower tile and sills are installed. From template to installation, shower doors can take anywhere from 2-4 weeks. Once installed, they should remain unused for at least 3 days, so the adhesives and silicone can properly dry.