How to Plan Your Home Remodeling Project Timeline

Nothing can transform your home like a home like a remodeling project. As anyone can tell you, though, home remodeling projects can quickly spiral out of control unless you have a timeline set up in advance. A well-structured timeline helps manage expectations, reduce stress and avoid unnecessary delays. 

Nothing can transform your living space like remodeling your home. However, any home remodeling project needs to be carefully planned to ensure it runs smoothly. Creating a timeline before you start remodeling will not only reduce your stress and avoid unnecessary delays—it will also help you manage your expectations. 

Here’s how to create a timeline that will ensure the success of your home remodeling project. 

Understand the Four Major Phases of a Home Remodeling Project

You can’t create a remodeling timeline for your home without knowing the four phases of a home remodeling project. By familiarizing yourself with these phases, you’ll be able to visualize the remodeling process better and helps you be more informed about the project’s status. 

Planning and Design

During this phase, you’ll determine the scope of the project, figure out your budget for the project and finalize your design plans. 

Expect to spend 1-3 months on this phase. 

Demolition & Preparation

This is where the rubber meets the proverbial road. During this phase, you’ll clear out the spaces you’re remodeling. This includes:

• Moving furniture

• Getting rid of cabinetry

• Removing appliances 

During this phase, you may also uncover structural or foundation issues you’ll need to resolve before moving forward. Finally, you’ll also have to prepare the area for new installations. 

This phase can take 1-2 weeks, depending on what issues you find. 

Construction & Installation 

You probably won’t be surprised to learn that this phase is where the actual remodeling takes place. This is where you’ll:

• Put in the new plumbing and electrical work (if needed)

• Complete the structural work

• Install new flooring, cabinetry and appliances

• Paint walls and ceilings

This phase can take 2-6 months, depending on the scope of your remodel. 

Finishing Touches

You’re almost done! All you have to do during this phase is take care of the small, decorative tasks, like: 

• Installing light fixtures and appliances

• Touch-up the paint

• Install molding

During this phase, you’ll also do your final walk through and inspection with the contractors. You’ll check to make sure everything works and point out any issues. 

You can spend anywhere from 1 to 4 weeks on this phase. 

Define your Remodeling Goals

Now that you know the four phases of a remodeling project, it’s time to create your own personal timeline. 

The first step? Figuring out your goals. 

Ask yourself what you want to achieve with this remodel. Do you want:

• More space in your home? 

• Increased functionality? 

• Updated aesthetics? 

By answering these questions, you’ll be able to figure out: 

• What are your must-haves

• What are your nice-to-haves

• Whether you’re doing a full remodel or a minor upgrade? 

Figuring out your goals will also help you set realistic expectations. For instance, if you want to remodel your kitchen because your appliances are outdated, for instance, you’ll have an idea how long the project will take and what it will cost. Speaking of which…

Set a Realistic Budget

Once you have your goals in place, you’ll want to create a budget for your remodel. To make sure the budget is accurate, take into account the following costs: 

• Materials: Flooring, countertops, cabinetry, lighting fixtures, etc.

• Labor: Contractors, electricians, plumbers, and other specialists

• Permits: Required for structural changes, electrical updates, and plumbing modifications

• Unexpected Expenses: Add an extra 10-20% to your initial budget for contingencies like material shortages or unexpected structural issues

It’s important to get multiple quotes while you’re preparing your budget in order to get an accurate estimate. 

During this time, you’ll also want to research financing options if you can’t pay for your home remodel project out of pocket. These options can include:

• Personal loans

• Personal lines of credit

• Home equity loans

• HELOCs

• Renovation loans

Prepare for Temporary Disruptions

Any remodeling project will disrupt your daily routine, so planning ahead is essential to keeping your timeline on track.

If you’re remodeling a kitchen, set up a temporary cooking area with essentials, like:

• Mini-fridge

• Coffee maker

• Microwave

• Burner

If you’re remodeling a bathroom, on the other hand, you should either arrange to use another bathroom in your house or set up a portable toilet and shower. 

No matter which room you're renovating, you’ll need to prepare for the inevitable side effects—noise and dust. Plastic sheeting can help contain dust, while scheduling work hours that align with your routine can make the noise more manageable.

For large-scale remodels, consider temporarily moving out of your home. Staying with family or friends or booking a hotel room can help you avoid the disruptions of construction.

Track the Remodeling Progress

It’s one thing to create a home remodeling project timeline. It’s another thing entirely to stick to it. If you’re going to maintain your remodeling timeline, you’ll have to be proactive and flexible. 

Set milestones

Break the project into smaller goals and track progress regularly. 

Stay involved

Schedule regular check-ins with your contractor to stay informed. If there are any delays, find out the cause of them. 

Plan for contingencies

Account for possible delays when setting your expectations. 

Keep a project journal

Document key aspects of the remodel, such as:

• Expenses

• Timeline changes

• Communication with the contractors

This might seem excessive, but when you're trying to determine whether you have enough money left in your budget for a new microwave or how long you'll need that motel room, you'll be glad to have that information on hand.

Plan Your Home Renovation Project With AOS Home Solutions

Every home remodeling project needs a timeline to be successful. To create an effective timeline, you first need to define your goals and determine the project’s cost. It’s also important to understand the four phases of a remodeling project.

Once your timeline is in place, monitor the project as the contractors begin their work. Regularly check in with them to track progress and address any delays. Keeping a project journal can help you stay organized and ensure the renovation remains on budget.

For a seamless home remodeling experience, partner with AOS Home Solutions. We specialize in creating smooth, efficient renovations for homeowners in Minnesota. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and start planning your dream renovation!