In our initial meetings with clients, we spend a great deal of time understanding their timing and budget for the project. When it comes to timing and the completion of the project, the three most common deadlines we hear are Memorial Day, in preparation for summer activities, Labor Day, to ensure the home is ready for cooler months and November/ December to avoid as many holidays as possible.
As summer winds down, it might feel like the prime time to start a project is nearing an end. But for savvy homeowners, this is the perfect time to start planning your project. Whether you’ve been dreaming about a kitchen upgrade, a more efficient bathroom layout, or even expanding your living space, starting the design phase now can set you up for a smooth and stress-free build later. It can even put you in a better position to meet the timing goals you have in mind.
Get Ahead of the Rush
Once Labor Day arrives, homeowners start focusing on their homes and the necessary projects they have in mind. By beginning the planning process now, you’ll beat the seasonal surge — giving you better access to your preferred design team, a more flexible schedule, and ample time to refine the details. It may not seem like much, but four weeks is a significant jump in the process. The typical design and project development phase for the average project we build can last anywhere from 3 months to 6 months. Four weeks could mean moving into your new space 20% to 30% earlier.
More Time for Thoughtful Design
Rushing a remodel rarely leads to the best results. Starting in late summer affords you:
- Time to explore your options
- Collaborate on a vision with your designer
- Gather all the necessary details to create the best space for you and avoid changes during the build that not only expand the cost of the project but also add time to its completion.
Great design takes time, so starting early allows you to make those decisions with confidence, knowing what the new space should look and feel like and understanding the impact those decisions have on the budget.
Lock in Materials and Lead Times
With ever-fluctuating supply chains for products, planning early can provide you with a head start on ordering materials. Locking down those selections early helps ensure:
- Cabinetry, tile, fixtures, and appliances arrive on time
- Fewer delays once construction begins
- A smoother overall project experience
Enjoy Your Remodel When It Matters Most
Designing now means your home can be ready when it’s essential to you.
- Looking ahead to summer 2026 on the lake? A summer design start will help ensure you’re completed with your project and back in your home in time.
- Maybe you’re considering a winter break from your home and having the project completed while you’re away. It’s the perfect time to start that conversation.
How We Can Help
At Stebnitz Builders, we guide homeowners through the entire remodeling journey, from the initial conversation to the final walk-through. Starting now gives us time to:
- Understand your lifestyle and discover the ways your home can support you
- Build a solid plan around your budget and the timeline you have for completion
- Align timelines and expectations for a stress-free experience
If you’re considering a home improvement project and are curious if now is the best time for you to start, give us a call. We’d be happy to discuss your ideas and the available options that will best help you reach those goals.