Skip to main content

Keep your renovation from taking forever: 5 expert tips to help you stay on track

Don't let your reno become a hassle. Save time on your next remodel with this expert advice

It’s not uncommon for homeowners to shy away from grand remodels. From issues with your items arriving on time, hiccups in communication with your electrician or contractor, and just overall poor luck when it comes to certain project expectations, home renovations present a plethora of problems that can lead to a remodel taking much longer than anticipated.

That’s why we spoke with Laura Badall, the head of supply chain for Block Renovation. Badall is an industry leader of end-to-end renovation platforms and an expert at navigating the current shipping landscape. If you need help mapping out the most efficient project timeline for your reno, she has five expert tips that could help you stay on track. Here’s what you need to know.

Floorplan and tools on wooden surface
JESHOOTS.com / Pexels

Measure twice, cut once

Badall offers the age-old advice of “measure twice, cut once.” Aside from rushing measurements or sawing the wrong cut for your wood or tile, this mantra reminds us that you should double-check every aspect of your reno! Badall said, “This goes without saying, but double-check quantities, measurements, and availability of everything you need for your order.”

Recommended Videos

A simple kitchen renovation can come to a complete halt after the wrong order of tile ships to your home. Between costs to return the item, waiting for the next shipment, and rescheduling time for additional labor to help place the product when it arrives, your reno can quickly enter a week-long freeze. So, double-check every step of your renovation to ensure it goes as smoothly as possible.

Person choosing kitchen fixtures and colors for remodel
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Build in some padding

“It’s always smart to build in some padding around your schedule to accommodate for bumps in the road,” stated Badall. “Rule 1 of renovating is to expect the unexpected.” Consider taking into account that problems will arise, and set aside additional time just in case. Whether you open up a wall to find mold damage, your light fixtures get lost in transit, or your countertop arrives with a large crack down the middle, mistakes happen.

Badall told us, “There’s no way of knowing what conditions you’ll be faced with.” So, it’s best to be overprepared and ready with an alternative plan when and if issues arise.

Woman placing kitchen cabinets in remodel
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Order things as early as you can

Shipping delays are a frequent issue that many homeowners face when undergoing a reno. Badall told us that it’s one of the main reasons kitchen and bathroom renovations last, on average, a little over 20 weeks. Therefore, homeowners trying to keep a renovation on track should order their items and materials as early as possible.

“We’ve all experienced the strained global supply chain over the past few years,” said Badall. “Order things as early as possible so that your renovation isn’t held up waiting for materials to arrive.” The last thing you want is to be forced to reschedule your appointments with your contractors, electricians, plumbers, etc. Not only is that a stressful task, but it could mean longer wait times to get the right people in for the job. It could also require additional cancellation fees.

While getting your supplies beforehand is rough and requires storage space, you can rest assured that once the project begins, there won’t be any shipping delays holding you back!

People renovating the kitchen and replacing the cabinets
Associated Press / Alamy

Set milestone goals

You want to keep your project moving when tackling a remodel. And one way to limit unnecessary pauses is to set milestone goals. When planning out your renovation, find natural stopping points where you can evaluate and prepare for the next task. For example, let’s say you just finished the plumbing in your bathroom. Pause before you begin putting in the new tile to ensure you’re caught up on everything with the project and that you haven’t forgotten anything or that you don’t need additional planning or rerouting.

Badall also suggested being prepared to spring into action should plans change. What do you do “about the nightmare scenario where your contractor stops showing up halfway through a build?” Badall said, “It may be hard to negotiate on your own, but if possible, figuring out a way to pay at different phases of the project can help it move along.”

Woman planning an interior design layout
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Find a communicative contractor

“Having an open line of communication between you and your contractor goes a long way in having a smooth renovation,” stated Badall. “Make sure that you find a contractor who is communicative, will openly share any bumps in the road, and will work with you to solve any problems. The last thing you want is finding out about a potential delay too late.” This means you may need to put more attention into finding the right person for the job. Take time before your renovation to ensure you find a contractor compatible with your needs and willing to cooperate with you as you begin initiating the remodel.

That’s why Laura Badall encourages homeowners to follow these five tips to ensure they are prepared every step of the way. Whether you’re planning a reno, considering a fresh remodel, or are already involved in a project, this expert advice can help you save time and headaches.

Amelia Wilson
Amelia Wilson (author pen name Amelia J. Wilson) is a content writer in Greenwood, IN. She often enjoys topics on…
5 easy ways to kill fruit flies before they take over your kitchen
close up of a fruit fly

Tiny flies are quick to invade our homes, especially in warm, humid weather. Left alone, these bugs are capable of causing a disgusting and embarrassing infestation that may last for weeks or months. They erupt in clouds above potted plants, swarm around trash cans, and hover over drains. For many homeowners, these pests present more than a few problems, making kitchen prep frustrating and hosting gatherings near impossible.

If you're struggling to control the new fruit fly population invading your space, we have a few simple steps to help you keep them out of your kitchen for good.

Read more
10 essential things the experts say you should know about replacing a roof
roof replacement guide shutterstock 1844186038

Home remodeling projects are exciting opportunities to spice up your space and add features that will make your life easier. Home repairs can be quite stressful, especially when they come about unexpectedly. For instance, though it's not needed very often, replacing your roof is one of the most expensive home repairs to make. Whether you are acting proactively or are in dire need of a replacement, you can complete this project with far less stress than you anticipated. We talked to the experts and found out everything you need to know about replacing those shingles.

Preparing for roof replacement
Start planning your roof replacement before it's needed
A roof will last somewhere between 20 and 30 years, but problems can arise long before this best-by date.

Read more
This is how much paint you will actually need for your next DIY project
how much paint do i need shutterstock 425530825

There are few home renovation projects that are as simple and rewarding as a new coat of paint. Even though the process of painting is fairly straightforward, there are some questions that often have DIYers scratching their heads: Do I need primer? What type of paint should I use? How do I decide on a color?

Of course, one of the most common questions would-be painters ask is: How much paint do I need for my project? We'll walk you through how to calculate the amount of paint you need so that you don't waste money.

Read more