Planning a Renovation in 2025? Here’s How to Stay Ahead of Supply Chain Surprises
An actual email we received from a furniture manufacturer in 2025.
At AVCO Design, interior design is more than creating beautiful spaces—it’s about helping our clients feel confident and cared for every step of the way. These days, that also means navigating the complexities of global supply chains on their behalf. From shipping delays to shifting tariffs, we’ve become experts at anticipating issues before they cause disruptions and building thoughtful solutions into our process.
Here’s how we keep our clients’ renovation timelines on track—without sacrificing quality, creativity, or peace of mind.
Clear, Transparent Communication from Day One
We’ve learned that setting expectations early makes everything smoother. From the first meeting, we let clients know that some furnishings and materials may take longer to arrive. That way, no one is surprised if a custom sofa takes six months or a dining table faces unexpected customs delays.
We also send regular updates, often weekly, to keep clients informed about order status, lead times, and any hiccups along the way. When told, clients feel empowered, which matters as much as the design itself.
Faster Decisions Save Time and Money
We encourage clients to finalize design specifications promptly. The faster selections are made, the sooner orders can be placed into production queues or reserved from inventory. In today’s market, quick decisions often mean better results. A fabric or fixture available today may be gone next month, and custom items can’t even enter production until specifications are finalized. We help our clients move through these decisions efficiently, without feeling rushed, so their orders can be placed before the window closes.
Sourcing What’s Already Available
We can prioritize readily available items by scouring showroom floor sample sales and retail inventories to find high-quality pieces that can be obtained immediately. Using antiques and vintage is another win-win strategy. Not only are vintage pieces readily available (with no production wait), but they also add character and sidestep any manufacturing and shipping holdups. By tapping into second-hand markets and dealer inventories, our clients can bypass factory delays entirely. Overall, the mentality is: If it’s not in stock, think twice.
Of course, we still design and source custom pieces when that’s the right fit. But when time is tight, we know how to pivot with style.
Choosing Domestic and Local Sources
We’re increasingly working with trusted partners close to home—like upholsterers, millworkers, and furniture makers in Sonoma County. These artisans can often build or refresh pieces in a matter of weeks. For example, instead of waiting eight months for a new chair, we might reupholster a well-made one the client already owns, giving it new life with updated fabric.
We also work with many amazing domestic textile and furniture makers in North Carolina, the furniture-making mecca of the US.
Choosing local or domestic delivery not only saves time but is often more sustainable. Once tariffs and shipping are factored in, it's surprisingly cost-effective, too.
Always Have a “Plan B”
Design flexibility is essential in this environment. We can create backup options for key selections so projects don’t stall if an item becomes unavailable. If a preferred item is stuck on a ship, we already have a similar alternative.
We present the primary design scheme and a contingency plan from the start. That way, clients stay in control and confident even if substitutions are needed mid-project.
Contracts That Protect Everyone
We’ve updated our client agreements to reflect today’s realities, clarifying that delivery dates and item costs may change due to circumstances outside our control, like shipping delays or shifting tariffs. These clauses aren’t just legal boilerplate—they’re there to give clients clarity and help avoid conflict if something unexpected happens.
We do our best to lock in price guarantees from our manufacturers and vendors because we always aim to protect your investment and keep the project moving smoothly.
What to Expect If You’re Renovating in 2025 or Early 2026
Here’s what we’re seeing and how it may affect your project planning:
A custom renovation is still absolutely doable—but may take a few weeks longer and cost a bit more than it did before 2020.
Quick decisions = fewer delays. Clients who finalize selections early often avoid rush fees and last-minute compromises.
Local is the new luxury. Domestic furniture and materials now rival or beat imports in value, especially when factoring in added shipping and tariff costs.
Communication is everything. Frequent updates, visual documentation, and shared tracking links keep everyone informed and confident.
Ready to Renovate?
We’ve helped dozens of North Bay homeowners navigate today’s complex supply chain environment while delivering beautiful, thoughtful, on-time results. If you’re planning a renovation in 2025 or early 2026, now is the time to begin planning while the calendar is still on your side.
Let’s discuss how we can help make your renovation effortless and well-planned.
Planning a bathroom renovation? Don’t miss our 2025 custom cost breakdown for mid-to-high-end bathroom remodels. Read it here.
