How to Create and Protect Your Remodeling Timeline

One of the biggest red flags when hiring a contractor is if they rush the planning and design process. If your contractor wants to leave some choices and material selections to made during the project you can expect surprise costs and unexpected delays.

Plan first, then build

Day by day project schedules, detailed Labor Scopes and thorough material selection sheets are the cornerstones of a successful remodel and they should be completed and approved before a contract is signed.

PLANNING

Successful project schedules are built during the design process… months before work begins. Materials are ordered in advance and install schedules are set. Confirm goals, measure carefully, and map the scope so decisions are made early.

DESIGN AND SELECTIONS

There’s no easy ‘do over’ button if you finish a project and wish you had made different choices. Take time in design to explore.

A good designer will ask smart question about how your daily routines and what inspires you. They will take cues from your existing decor and pay attention in the showroom to what items seem to bring you joy….

Butler Kitchen final architect designed rendering with large island and stainless appliances

PERMITS AND ORDERING

Permit paperwork should be completed during the design process and the submittal process started. Smaller remodels can get through permitting in a few weeks but larger projects can take longer and code compliance issues can affect the design and the project cost.

Materials should be ordered right after contract signing and arrive before work starts. That keeps crews productive and avoids mid-project pauses.

BUILD AND FINISH

Projects can start and finish on time…. don’t let you contractor tell you otherwise. We have not missed a start date in 10 years. Planning is the key.

PRO TIP

Make all your design decisions in advance. Have all your materials delivered before you start. That will help avoid unexpected delays or surprise costs.

Bath Remodel Timeline

Here’s a realistic timeline for a high quality, custom gut renovation of a guest bathroom done by a licensed contractor using professional installers. This timeline is a little generous, it’s better to plan extra time vs unexpected delays.

DESIGN

3-6 weeks to create 3D drawings, floorplans & elevations, make material selections, review everything for accuracy and create a detailed project schedule.

PERMITS

Permits for a small bath remodel in Tallahassee generally only take a few weeks.

LEAD TIME FOR MATERIALS

Expect 4-8 week lead time for quality materials. If you are using big box store materials (which we do not recommend) it could be faster.

CONSTRUCTION:

- 1 day demo
- 1 day rough elec and rough plumbing
- 1 day framing & blocking
- 2 days drywall
- 1 day prime walls & ceiling
- 1 day waterproofing shower
- 5 days tile
  - once tile is done you can template for shower glass – it can take 3 weeks for the shower glass to be fabricated and installed)
- 1 day vanity install and trim work
- 1 day template countertops
  - It can take a week or more to fabricate and install the countertops
- 1 day glass install
- 1 day countertop install,
- 1 day plumbing trim out,
- 1 day elec trim out,
- 1 day final paint

PUNCHLIST

Depending on quality of work allow 1-2 weeks for punchlist items. Some contractors, like McManus Kitchen and Bath take care of punclist items throughout the project. other wait unitl the end, which can add days or week to the project.

Total Time To Complete

So a typical guest bath remodel can take 4-6 weeks depending on the exact scope of work and lead time for shower glass and countertops.

Have your contractor create a detailed schedule before they start… One that outlines what should happen every day.

How to Get Your Estimate

Our design and budget consult helps you customize your remodeling budget with 3D Designs + ‘Good-Better-Best’ estimate.

The consult process has 3 steps:

1. Discovery Call

2. Home Visit

3. Showroom Visit

Tired of vague ‘low bid, bait and switch’ estimates? Discover how our Design and Budget Consult helps you plan your remodel with clear, honest pricing.

Our Design + Budget Consult

The value of realistic planning

Good Better Best Estimate Remodeling Estimate

Explore ‘good-better-best’ options in our showroom

What’s Included:

The consult consists of a 60-min home visit, followed by a 90-min personalized design & budget review in our showroom.

It includes 3D layout drawings and a ‘good-better-best’ estimate. Consult Fees start at $225.

Written by: Paul McManus

Paul is owner and President of McManus Kitchen and Bath Remodeling in Tallahassee, FL. He also speaks regularly on remodeling best practices at conferences across the country and Co-hosts the Design Build Remodel Podcast.

View all posts by this author

Remodeling Timeline: How To Stay on Track