Tips for Remodeling Your Home on a Tight Timeline

Completing a remodel job quickly and efficiently is challenging, even for professionals. If you’re about to start a new renovation but you’re on a tight timeline, you can speed up the process with a bit of extra planning and some technology. 

For instance, maybe you’re selling your home because you have to move, or you have a tenant moving in on a certain date. Whatever your situation, time is of the essence. While you probably can’t get everything done in a day (unless it’s a really small job), here are some tips to significantly accelerate the process and still get amazing results.

1. Start using helpful apps

There are a handful of apps you can use to make your remodeling job easier and obtain great results while saving time. For example, there are apps to help you picture what your home will look like after the job is complete, and some apps will help you manage the process and track your budget. All you need is a smartphone, but make sure it’s protected with a strong phone case because you’ll be handling your phone more than usual.

One of the best apps to use is the ColorSnap Match app from Sherwin Williams. You’ve probably heard of the company – they’ve been a leader in the paint industry for decades, and now they’ve got an app that can help you visualize what any paint color will look like on your walls. All you do is upload images of your home, and the app will change the paint color to anything you want to preview.

You can also scan color swatches at the store and the app will show you what your walls will look like with that color. Last, this app will recommend paint quantities based on the dimensions of the area you’re going to paint.

Another incredibly useful app is one that will measure objects just by using your camera lens. There are many of these apps available, and while they aren’t perfect, they’re pretty good for getting a quick, general estimate.  

2. Order your materials as soon as possible

Once you know what you’re doing, order your materials as soon as possible. You need to have everything on hand before you start your project because if certain fundamental materials can’t be obtained, and a substitute would require changing plans, that has to be out in the open.

3. Get your permits in advance

Permits can be one of the most frustrating parts of remodeling on a tight timeline. Don’t wait to get the permit process started, and if you can, apply for a speedier approval.

4. If you can’t get your desired materials, choose an alternative

The last thing you want to do is rely on a manufacturer who tells you they will have your preferred material in stock next month. While it’s possible, there’s no guarantee, and if you can’t wait a month to start that part of your project, you need to move on and find a different material. If a month’s delay will already put you behind schedule, you’ll be even further behind if it never shows up.

If anything you need is out of stock, start looking for alternatives right away. You might find your material along the way, before you commit to purchasing something else, and that’s fine. But at least get the process started so you’re not left high and dry.

4. Try 3D modeling software

Being able to create photorealistic visuals can help a lot if the kind of remodel job you’re doing is actually restructuring an existing room or creating an addition. Even if you’re hiring someone else to do the majority of the job, 3D modeling software can be extremely helpful for visualizing whatever you need.

5. Set realistic deadlines

When you’re on a time crunch, every minute matters. However, don’t try to rush your project so much that you set an unrealistic deadline for yourself that causes you to fail. Unrealistic deadlines are easy to create without realizing it because you can pump yourself up into believing it’s possible. While it’s great to be hopeful, remodeling jobs don’t always go as planned. In fact, you can expect several disruptions along the way, some of which are likely to cause delays.

Determination will help you meet your goal

Remodeling projects can be complex and time-consuming, but with the right planning, some helpful apps, and a backup plan for breakdowns, you’ll have a better chance at meeting your tight deadline.