How many people does it take to remodel a kitchen?

Does the title of this post sound like the start of a bad joke?  Yes.  Is it actually the start of a bad joke?  I don't know, maybe.  For the purpose of this blog post, let’s assume it’s not.

The other day I started thinking, how many different people actually work on any given project?  I mean total - not just my internal team.  When I started doing the math, I decided I needed to write about it.

Every remodeling project has a process - we document the existing space, produce design options, determine the budget for those designs, make material selections, conduct onsite walk throughs with craftsmen/plumbers/electricians, refine the scope/cost, sign a fixed price contract, order materials, and then build the project. 

Even though the process for each project is similar, the size and scope often changes.  To determine how many people it takes to remodel, we first need to define what kind of project we’re talking about.  For this exercise, let’s assume we’re building the “whatever you can dream up” design from this fake kitchen project I wrote about last year.

Ok, let’ get listing…

My internal team
1-  Me
2-  Designer
3-  Project Manager
4-  Estimator
5-  Estimator support
6-  Director of Design
7-  Director of Production
8-  Executive VP
9-  Warehouse Manager
10- Warehouse Support 1
11- Warehouse Support 2
12- Project Coordinator
13- Lead Carpenter
14- Craftsman 1
15- Craftsman 2
16- Director of Accounting
17- Accountant 1
18- Accountant 2
19- Director of Marketing
20- Marketing Coordinator

Plumber
21- Company owner (for each trade, the company owner would typically do an on-site walk through and write the bid)
22- Technician (the person actually doing the work)
23- Office Manager (typically sends the bids and handles general correspondence)

Electrician
24- Company owner
25- Technician
26- Office Manager

Hardwood Floor
27- Company owner
28- Technician
29- Office Manager

Cabinets
30- Customer Service
31- Warehouse 1
32- Warehouse 2
33- Warehouse 3
34- Delivery

Countertops
35- Outside Sales Rep
36- Customer Service
37- Templating Technician
38- Installer 1
39- Installer 2

Tile
40- Outside Sales Rep
41- Customer Service
42- Warehouse 1
43- Warehouse 2

Plumbing Fixtures
44- Showroom Consultant
45- Customer Service
46- Warehouse
47- Delivery

Appliances
48- Showroom Consultant
49- Customer Service
50- Delivery​

Paint
51- Company owner
52- Technician 1
53- Technician 2

And BTW, this list doesn't include any of the many, many people who work at the manufacturing companies for the fixtures, appliances, etc.

So with my conservative estimate, for the project type described in the link, over 50 different people are working for you.  Some of those people are in the field, while others are behind-the-scenes support.  50+ people seems a little overwhelming, I know.  You don’t actually meet all of those people.  You’ll probably meet between 10 and 15.  Could you do the project with fewer people?  Definitely.  However, the amount of work doesn't change - it’s still the same project.  So as the number of people goes down, the time it takes to finish goes up.

When people get hung up with home renovation projects, it’s most often in the relationship with sub contractors - they have a lot going on in their businesses, and unless you have a strong relationship with them, it can be tough getting what you need when you need it. Luckily for you, we’ve been working with our team for years, and understand and value the synergistic relationship. 

It’s sort of like when you get married…could you do your hair and makeup by yourself?  Could you cook your own food?  Take your own pictures?  Sure, you could.  But it’s easier, less stressful, and way more fun with a team you trust.  And champagne.  Don’t forget the champagne.

Bye for now,
TJ
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