How to Prepare a Construction Project Schedule for a Home Remodel

Image: Silver Stallion Quartz Kitchen Island Countertop from Arizona Tile

Starting a home renovation can be overwhelming, to say the least! And even more so if you’ve never done one before. No matter what type of home remodel project you’re working on, the best thing you can do to ensure a successful end result (and preserve your sanity!) is to know how to schedule construction work.

Since home remodels involve a mind-boggling number of details, the best way to stay organized and manage all the different pieces is to have a plan in place. There are many options for how to approach your remodeling project, and we’ve asked some of our trade customers and partners for their tips and suggestions. Use the steps below to learn how to prepare a construction schedule. Following them will help you order and prioritize all the project tasks while staying calm and on budget.

Steps for How to Prepare a Construction Project Schedule

Image: Cementine Posa 2 Porcelain Tile Fireplace Surround from Arizona Tile

1. Create a Detailed Home Remodel Project Plan

The first step in a remodeling project is to develop a plan that clearly states the goal for your renovation. It should include design inspiration and an outline of the work that needs to be completed. This project plan should also include:

• Blueprints or sketches of your finished project
• A list of needs and wants for your project
• Project steps divided into work you can complete and steps that will require a professional

At this point in planning, depending on the scope of your project, you should investigate local zoning regulations and permits to make sure your neighborhood is zoned for your remodel and get any necessary permits. Hold off on applying for permits until you’ve hired a team and built a project timeline.

Timeline: 6 to 12 months before you’d like to start your project

Image: Arizona Tile Associate Shows a Customer Various Tile Styles at our Tempe Location

2. Set a Project Budget

The next step is to determine your budget and financing. Your budget should include the costs for permits and building materials, labor costs, and the cost of décor or cosmetic touches. To figure out your budget:

• Decide how much you want to spend and finalize financing
• Set aside at least 10% of your budget for unexpected costs
• Request cost estimates from professionals
• Price out all required materials

If your cost estimates exceed your budget, use your home improvement project plan from step one to eliminate project elements that are a lower priority. Also request cost estimates from several contractors to find the best option for your budget.

Timeline: 3 to 6 months before starting your project.

Image: Arizona Tile Associate Showing a Customer our Bookmatched Quartzite in the Slab Warehouse at our Tempe Location

3. Research and Hire Contractors

Once you know the work you’ll need a professional to handle, you can look into which contractor is the best choice for you. Look for a contractor that is licensed and insured with experience doing the specific work you’re hiring them to do.

When hiring your team of contractors, while tempting, don’t choose your contractors on cost estimates alone. You’ll also want to request and call references. This is a great way to make sure your contractor is legitimate, reliable, and does excellent work.

If you’re hiring multiple contractors, determine who is in charge before the project begins to avoid confusion or slowdowns later.

Timeline: 2 to 3 months before your start date.

Image: Arizona Tile Associate Showing Customers Kitchen Backsplash Tile Options at our Tempe Showroom

4. Build a Timeline

Once you have your budget and team in place for your home remodeling plan, create your timeline. Choose a desired start date or, if you’re hoping to have it completed by a specific date, work backward from that date instead.

Then talk with your contractors to determine the length of time each portion of the project will take.  Discuss which steps of the remodel need to be completed first, how long they will take, and which parts of the project can be done simultaneously.

Use a calendar to mark out each step of the project and confirm with your contractors that the timeline is realistic and keeps you within budget.

Timeline: 2 to 3 months before your start date.

Image: New Venatino Beige Quartz Countertop & Paloma Cotton Matte Picket Ceramic Tile Backsplash from Arizona Tile

5. Prepare Yourself and Your Home Renovation

Prep your space and make plans to avoid using the room(s) while under construction. For example, if you’re having major work done to your kitchen, build a temporary place to cook and eat and remove all your dishes and minor appliances. If you’re renovating the master bedroom, create temporary sleeping arrangements in another part of your home.

Whether or not you should live in your home during construction depends on what work is being done.

Timeline: Make plans 2 to 3 months before your start date and pack up 1 to 2 weeks before.

6. Demolition

This step involves not only demolition but also debris disposal. You’ll likely need to rent a large roll-off dumpster to handle the waste.

A dumpster is ideal for keeping a project moving efficiently because you can remove debris from your home as it’s demolished. This will minimize risks and mess during your demolition project and enable you to finish it as quickly, safely, and smoothly as possible.

If you decide to do any of the demolition work yourself, exercise caution and follow all safety precautions.

7. HVAC, Electrical, and Plumbing

Once your demolition work is completed, any work that needs to be done beneath floors or behind walls, like installing ductwork for central heating and air conditioning and installing new electrical and plumbing systems can begin.

During this time, plumbing and electrical inspectors will need to come to inspect your home and ensure you have up-to-date systems. Since re-wiring and plumbing will likely need to be done, handle all of this before flooring, drywall, and painting work to avoid damaging this work in the process.

Image: Rows of Marble, Granite, Della Terra^® Quartz, Travertine, Quartzite and Limestone Slabs at Our Palm Desert Slab Warehouse

8. Cabinets & Fixtures

After the walls are painted, the rest of the space can start to come together. Items such as cabinetry, lighting, bathtubs, showers, toilets, and sinks can be installed next.

Image: Tru Marmi Araesbcato Polished 24 x 48 Porcelain (Left and Right Wall) & CS-Calacatta Gris Honed Romdboid Mesh Backsplash from Arizona Tile

9. Flooring & Tile

It’s usually best to hold off on flooring installation until the end of the remodeling process so your new floors don’t get scraped or damaged. Carpeting, laminate, tile, and any remaining flooring should be the next step of the remodeling process.

At Arizona Tile, you’ll find a wide variety of tile options, including marble, granite, and porcelain and ceramic. We also encourage you or your contractor to check our installation products.

Image: Black Mist Honed Granite Kitchen Countertop & Paloma Cloud Picket Ceramic Tile Backsplash from Arizona Tile

10. Celebrate!

Whew! That was a lot! But after all these steps, you can move in furniture, décor, appliances, and everything else that will personalize your home. As you bring items in, use carts and drop cloths to avoid damaging your newly remodeled home. Then pour yourself a glass of your favorite beverage and sit back and relax while admiring your new space!

For additional information about the products in this piece (and to learn about our other tile and flooring options), reach out to us to speak with one of our design consultants or visit a showroom near you. Also, be sure to use our tile visualizer tool to play around with slab and tile options for your home remodel so you can get a better feel for how they will look in your space before committing.