Timing Your Remodel — When to Start and What to Expect

When is the right time to remodel your home? While most people focus on cost and design, timing is just as important. From holiday slowdowns to permit backlogs, knowing when to start your remodel—and how long it will take—can help you avoid delays and get the results you want when you want them.

How Long Does a Remodel Really Take?

If you’re wondering how long it takes to complete a remodel from start to finish—not just the construction phase, but everything from the moment you start doing research—we break it all down in this detailed guide:

How Long Does a Home Remodel Take? From First Idea to Final Walkthrough

This article covers:

How long most homeowners spend researching before contacting professionals
The typical timeline for gathering bids, design, and permitting
Construction durations by project type
What to expect if you're hoping to remodel in the next 12 months

If you're aiming to finish a remodel in 2026, now is the right time to start planning.

Should You Remodel All at Once or in Phases?

If you're remodeling multiple parts of your home, it’s important to consider whether to:

Remodel everything at once, which can be more efficient, or
Break the project into phases, which may better suit your budget or living situation

Both approaches have trade-offs in terms of cost, disruption, and timeline.

Read: Should I Remodel All at Once or In Phases?

How Holidays Can Affect Your Remodeling Schedule

The fall and winter holidays can slow down remodeling schedules due to:

Contractor availability
Subcontractor vacations
Supplier closures and inventory cutoffs
Weather challenges

If you're planning to remodel around the holidays, be strategic about scheduling. Starting early—especially in summer—can help you avoid delays.

Read: How Do Holidays Affect Remodeling Projects?

What About Election Years?

Remodeling activity tends to remain steady during election years, but economic uncertainty can impact homeowner confidence and interest rates.

Read: How Do Election Years Affect Remodeling Costs?

While 2025 isn’t an election year, it’s still smart to stay informed about how macroeconomic trends could affect your timeline or budget heading into 2026.

Final Takeaway: Plan Ahead, Remodel Smarter

Remodeling isn’t just about how much you spend—it’s also about when you start. Delays can come from design indecision, permit holdups, material availability, or contractor schedules. By planning ahead and understanding the full process, you’ll set your project up for success.