If you are preparing to take on a wine cellar, wine room, or wine wall project in 2022 there are some challenges to be aware of along with some recommendations to help mitigate their impact.
Over the course of the last two years, the construction industry has experienced a myriad of challenges. Global supply chain delays, increased import, shipping, and production costs, as well as staffing shortages, all have created unprecedented obstacles. Despite all of that, “the home remodeling market has been in continued expansion” according to a recent article from Forbes. As lockdowns took place and people began spending more time at home, they looked at their living situation and committed to making changes and upgrades to their space. New construction remains on the rise as well. The American Institutes of Architects are forecasting a 9% growth in the residential sector for 2022. This increase in construction projects will continue to be impacted by challenges from the past two years. Here are some considerations.
The Dreaded Supply Chain
CHALLENGE: Supply chain interruptions and delays are still very much an issue. While it looks like the pandemic is winding down, supply chain delays are still impacting day-to-day operations in the construction industry. For us, this means that materials that are readily available one week are scarce the next, freight delays are ongoing, and backorders remain a problem for many of our manufacturing partners.
WHAT YOU CAN DO: Work with a wine cellar builder that has solid relationships with their suppliers and subcontractors. This will ensure timely and accurate updates on the materials needed to complete your project. Be sure you have a single point of contact who is responsive and truthful when it comes to providing you with information. While it’s hard to give or receive bad news, it’s better to rip the Band-Aid off and start problem-solving to mitigate any potential impacts.
Inflation is Everywhere
CHALLENGE: We’ve seen a record number of price increases in recent years – some as high as 60% and without warning. Since our project timelines are longer, these increases often hit us after a project is under contract. Not good. We do our best to predict and absorb these increases but often times we have to pass additional costs on to our customers. We’ve never done business this way before and look forward to returning to our “old ways” soon. In the meantime...
WHAT YOU CAN DO: Plan for price increases by retaining a portion of your project budget for contingencies. A reserve fund is the best practice for any construction project. It is not only there for financial reasons but can give you peace of mind knowing your backup plan is already in place should unexpected cost increases arise.
Timing is Everything
CHALLENGE: Project timelines are far longer than they used to be. In 2022 we saw a record number of projects carry over from the previous year. Custom fabrication lead times that used to be 8 weeks are now closer to 20 weeks. Manufacturing lead times that used to be 2-3 days are 2-3 weeks. With these types of issues spanning the construction industry, your wine cellar may be delayed due to dependencies like electrical or flooring subcontractors that are experiencing their own delays.
WHAT YOU CAN DO: Start early. If you’re building, you can start as soon as you have a set of plans. Renovation project? Go ahead and start the process so the dust settles before that party/holiday/family reunion you’re planning. Find a wine cellar builder that provides realistic guidance regarding lead times and targeted completion dates. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
The Unexpected will Happen
CHALLENGE: There are good surprises and there are bad surprises. Finding out halfway through a project that the schedule is delayed or the price has gone up? Those are bad surprises. Unfortunately, in the current environment, that is a distinct possibility.
WHAT YOU CAN DO: Go into your project with your eyes wide open and when it comes in on time and on budget? Those are good surprises. Keep in touch with your project manager and remember, they don’t want to deliver bad news as much as you don’t want to receive it.
The bottom line is this: It’s always a good time to build a wine cellar (we know, we’re biased). And now you know the keys to success in the current environment: find a reputable wine cellar builder with solid industry relationships, include a contingency fund in your budget, start early and pack your patience. If you follow these steps, you’ll be opening your favorite bottle in style before you know it.
Want to learn more about building your dream wine cellar or wine room? Contact us today to talk to one of our design experts and get your project started.
Want to see more examples of design inspiration? Check out our gallery here.
Vineyard Wine Cellars is the leading provider of wine cellars for enthusiasts seeking inspired solutions for the preservation and enjoyment of their collection. We source state-of-the-art products and materials in wine cellar cooling, construction, finishes, lighting, and designer wine racks to provide wine storage solutions for all applications and to suit any design style. Over the last 20 years, Vineyard Wine Cellars has earned a reputation as the premier wine storage provider by bringing ingenuity and quality workmanship to the process of designing and installing award-winning wine cellars. Browse our gallery and contact us at 866-973-1100 or info@vineyardwinecellars.com.
About the author
Sarah Palmer, Vice President of Vineyard Wine Cellars, brings decades of consulting experience to Vineyard Wine Cellars. Her expertise in wine storage systems, refrigeration systems and design trends supports Vineyard's broad range of residential and commercial clients. She leads the design team with an emphasis on meeting the aesthetic and practical requirements of every project. Based in Dallas, TX, Sarah supports clients nationwide. Visit her LinkedIn profile here.
