Between mid-October and early November, customers often come into Rogers Kitchens hoping to renovate their kitchen within the next few weeks. They wish to update their appliances, countertops, and other features before preparing a sumptuous Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner.

Courtney Smith, office manager at Rogers Kitchens, says anyone interested in a new kitchen or bathroom should have a realistic timeframe and budget for the project. Fall visitors hoping for a new kitchen for the holidays should bump their goal to next year’s festivities. After all, it can take six to 12 weeks just to get the supplies for the job.

“You need to get the materials in, and you also need to be put on a schedule for the amount of time it’s going to take to do that job,” says Smith.

Smith tells customers that once a proposal is accepted, this waiting period of six to 12 weeks is typically required before a kitchen or bathroom renovation can begin. The estimated timeframe will increase around the holidays, and she often recommends that the work be delayed until Thanksgiving or Christmas has passed. If not, a customer can be left basting their turkey in a kitchen that has been torn up for a renovation.

Kicking off the process for a major home improvement project in summer will usually ensure that it is done in time for Thanksgiving. Smith says “do it yourself” jobs typically take three to four times as long as a professional renovation. For this reason, DIY homeowners shouldn’t wait past August if they hope to get their materials in time for the holidays.

Giving yourself plenty of time will also give you a cushion to address any unexpected problems that come up. Smith recalls one project that was delayed when snow caused a warehouse roof to collapse on a tractor trailer containing their kitchen cabinets.

“That was the last time we started a job before every item was on our premises,” she says.

Projects can also take longer and cost more if a home needs to be brought up to code during the work. The electrical system sometimes poses a problem, since contractors won’t know what it looks like until the wall has been opened up. Smith says one customer had eight live wires that simply ended in the wall, and many homes have wires that have been gnawed by mice. Fixing the electrical system usually only holds up the renovation for a day or two, but can increase the cost significantly.

These necessary upgrades are also the main reason why bathroom upgrades are more expensive than people may expect. Many homeowners haven’t altered this room in decades. In addition to sprucing up the shower and vanity, they may need to update the plumbing.

Smith says customers should have an idea of what they can spend on a renovation and present this budget when they come in. This can help Rogers Kitchens advise them on materials, design changes, and where they might have to scale back. While it is possible to reduce expenses in a number of areas, people shouldn’t have an unrealistically low expectation of what a quality renovation will cost.

“If you come in looking to do a 10-by-14 kitchen on a $3,000 budget, it’s just not going to happen,” says Smith.

It is very helpful if a customer has an idea of what they want for their style and color scheme. Designing a room to match the rest of the home will create a better visual flow and avoid a jarring contrast. People can see what appeals to them by reviewing home design magazines or paying a visit to the Rogers Kitchens showroom.

Once a customer has an idea what they want, the professionals at Rogers Kitchens can advise them on what will work in their home. The company will be able to custom build cabinets and countertops to fit the space.

It is possible to tweak the design as the work proceeds, but it is easier to make changes to smaller features such as knobs and handles, trim, and paint color. Making alterations to larger features, such as showers or appliances, often results in a longer waiting period for new materials to come in.

“You really have to weigh the pros and cons,” says Smith. “Do you really hate it, or did you just find something you liked better? And can you live with the room being torn apart for this much longer?”

Renovations completed by professionals typically have minimal inconveniences. Smith says it is possible to keep a fridge and oven accessible during kitchen upgrades. If a home has only one bathroom, contractors will strive to make the shower and toilet usable by the end of the first day of work.

Customers should also be aware of any wear and tear the materials may suffer once the renovation is done. Smith says paint is added to cabinets in a process similar to the application of paint to vehicles; like scratches on a vehicle, any damage can be hidden but not repaired. Base cabinets are also more likely than wall cabinets to suffer from spills, leaks, and other issues like impacts from brooms and vacuums.

Rogers Kitchens was established by John and Jerry Rogers in 1955. James Smith began working there in 1985, and took ownership of the business in 1998. Rogers Kitchens is located at 130 Chestnut Street in Norwich. Visitors to this location can check out the showroom and say hello to company mascot Blaze, an 11-year-old Husky-lab mix.