Keep Your Remodel on Schedule: 5 Steps for Timely Home Renovations
When you’re ready to make your home feel like your own, starting a remodel is often one of the first steps. Whether it’s updating a dated kitchen, modernizing a bathroom, or taking on something bigger, timing is everything. What starts with excitement can quickly become frustrating if your project gets delayed by permit issues, long waits for materials, or unexpected changes to the plan.
A clear schedule and a contractor who understands local codes and project flow can make a big difference. JMG Contracting helps homeowners plan ahead, make key decisions early, and avoid common delays to keep renovations moving forward.
Understanding the Remodeling Timeline
Every remodeling project is different, but they all tend to follow a similar structure with a few major phases. The first is design and planning, which typically takes anywhere from six to twelve weeks, depending on how complex your vision is and how many decisions need to be made. This is the time to finalize layouts, choose materials, and work through any revisions with your contractor or designer.
Next comes permitting and approvals. This part varies quite a bit depending on where you live and what type of work you’re doing. In some cases, permits can be secured within a couple of weeks. In other cases, especially if your home is in a neighborhood with a homeowners association, it may take longer. Starting this process early is one of the easiest ways to prevent delays later.
Once plans and permits are locked in, the construction phase begins. This is where your project really takes shape. The timeline here depends heavily on the scope. A kitchen remodel, for example, may take six to twelve weeks, while a full-home renovation could stretch over several months. Larger updates require more coordination across trades, inspections, and final detailing.
Finally, the wrap-up phase includes punch list items, inspections, and clean-up. Even though most of the heavy lifting is done, it’s still important to budget one to three weeks for these final steps to ensure the quality and safety of your finished space.
How Delays Happen and How to Avoid Them
Delays are most often caused by things like waiting on materials, unexpected site conditions, or decisions being made too late in the process. But here’s the thing: most delays can be avoided with a little planning and communication upfront.
If your contractor is waiting on a backordered appliance or tile that hasn’t shipped, it can bring an entire phase of the project to a standstill. Similarly, making a big layout change mid-project may require new permits or reordering materials, pushing the entire timeline out by weeks.
That’s where a team like JMG Contracting makes a difference. With strong project management, clear timelines, and proactive communication, JMG helps clients avoid common pitfalls and keeps the process moving forward from start to finish.
5 Key Steps for Staying on Schedule
- Make all major design decisions before construction begins.
The more you can finalize in the design phase—like finishes, layout, and fixtures—the smoother your project will go. It’s much easier (and cheaper) to make changes on paper than it is during construction. - Start the permitting process early.
Your contractor should help you understand what’s needed based on your scope of work. Submitting permit applications early prevents your project from sitting idle while you wait for approvals. - Order materials with long lead times as soon as possible.
Items like cabinets, appliances, and custom finishes can take several weeks (or even months) to arrive. Getting these ordered early helps you avoid that common delay of “we’re ready to install, but it’s not here yet.” - Avoid making mid-project changes.
Once work has started, changes to the design often mean redoing labor, reordering materials, or resubmitting for permits. Unless something is truly essential to change, sticking to the plan will save time and money. - Choose a contractor with strong local experience.
Working with a team that knows Arizona regulations, suppliers, and scheduling quirks means they can anticipate roadblocks and keep things moving.
Why Local Knowledge Matters
Every state, city, and even neighborhood has its approach to building codes and timelines. What works in one place might not fly in another. That’s why choosing a contractor who’s familiar with the permitting process, regional supply chains, and subcontractor availability can make such a difference. They’ll be able to coordinate more effectively, adjust when needed, and keep your project aligned with your schedule.
At JMG Contracting, we’ve helped dozens of homeowners navigate every step of their remodeling journey. From initial design consultations to that final walkthrough, we make sure everything is clear, realistic, and on track—because we know how valuable your time is.
Let’s Build Your Timeline
Remodeling doesn’t have to feel unpredictable. When you understand the process, make early decisions, and work with a contractor you trust, your renovation stays on time and within scope. That means fewer headaches and more time enjoying your updated home.
Ready to start your remodel the right way? Reach out to our team today and request your custom project timeline and quote.
