Summer is usually the busiest time for home construction projects but the best time to get started is now. Raphael Inzlicht, CEO of IR Construct has over 20 years of experience building large apartment buildings, new homes and all types of home renovation, remodeling and additions. He shared his observations on why the fall is an excellent time to begin your project and how to get started:

What kinds of home construction projects do you do?

There are two major categories in home construction. One is the dream project—the idea someone has always wanted to do but put on hold until they had the time, the money or both. That could be re-doing a kitchen, adding an extension, finishing a basement or remodeling a bathroom. The other category is work that must be done to fix a problem. Maybe you have water damage from a storm and want to put in French drains. Perhaps you added a new appliance that uses a lot of electricity, like a new washer and dryer, and put off upgrading the power system. Usually something happens and now you need repairs or upgrading.

People are getting their homes ready for the holidays. Family is coming and they want the house to be comfortable with everything in good working order. There is still time for a refresh like interior painting or replacing a deck.

Why is fall a good time for construction?

Fall is the most pleasant time of year to work! It’s usually not too hot or too rainy. There are fewer pesky bugs; the mosquitos are gone! Because of the summer rush retailers and supply stores typically charge higher prices because of the extreme demand. In the fall these same retailers incentivize customers to purchase and may offer lower prices. Vacation time is over so schedules are more regular. Here’s another factor most people don’t know: The process of getting permits and approvals can delay your project. In the fall, there are fewer building permits and yours is more likely to be expedited—or at least not delayed. Everyone you need for your project—architects, designers, contractors and inspectors—is more available due to the misnomer that spring and summer are better times to do work.

Where do you start with a dream project, repairs or a big wish list with both?

You should call a contractor first to have a planning meeting. A lot of contractors don’t want to get involved in the planning process. They want to bid once the project is fleshed out. I like helping and planning from the beginning. I typically make recommendations and help decide what other professionals you might need, like an architect, or tell you it’s not necessary.

When I meet with prospective clients, I first listen to what they want. I recently met with a client who wanted to redo the entire exterior of his house and then the interior needed painting and sanding floors. The client was not young and it felt like they were going to bite off more than they could handle. Because of my vast experience I suggested to the client lets do the exterior first so that it would not interfere with his daily life. Once we completed the exterior, we then sectioned off the house and did the floors in piecemeal so that this client’s house would be habitable. If the customer has a laundry list of projects, I help the customer prioritize the list and complete a few projects first. If we finish phase one, we can continue to phase two and so on.

Will you suggest ways to do renovations in the most cost-efficient way?

Absolutely. Someone may tell me he wants new siding on the exterior of his house—the paint is fading and peeling. He may not have the budget for new siding but there are other options. What he really wants is a new look. If the siding is good quality, but just old and peeling, we can scrape, sand and paint and it will look almost like new and certainly fresh.

I will also be honest about where you shouldn’t cut corners. Since I have bought, remodeled and sold so many properties, I know what people want and what adds value. If you think of cutting something out to save money, and I know down the road you’ll be sorry, I’ll try to persuade you to keep it in the plans. I also have experience in design and planning and, although I am not an interior designer, I have worked with many.

Do you still have openings for fall projects?

Yes. I have three crews and we do a lot of work all over New Jersey especially in Teaneck. I also consult when you need help on parts of your project like the permit process, which can be daunting. I’m happy to meet and discuss your project.

Contact Raphael via WhatsApp at: (917) 957-1618, Follow on Instagram @irconstruct or email: [email protected].