Tips for a Timely Remodel or Custom Home Build
This article “Tips for a Timely Remodel or Custom Home Build” was written by Mark Doggett and published in the September 7, 2025 Sunday edition of the Houston Chronicle.
If you’ve ever taken on a home remodeling or building project, you know how exciting and stressful it can be. One of the biggest headaches? Delays. Whether it’s waiting on materials, juggling schedules, or last-minute changes, delays can quickly turn your dream project into a drawn-out mess.
But here’s the good news: a lot of those delays can actually be avoided with just a bit of upfront planning. Let’s walk through a few simple ways to help keep your project on time and running smoothly.
- Don’t Wait to Make the Big Decisions
One of the most common reasons things get held up is because homeowners wait too long to make important choices, like which tile to use, what kind of cabinets they want, or which fixtures they love. The problem? Many of these items are custom or have long lead times, so the sooner you pick them, the better.
If you wait until the project is already underway, you might hit a wall (literally and figuratively) while you wait for that perfect faucet to make its long journey to you. Choosing your materials early lets your builder plan ahead and keeps everything moving.
- Bring Your Builder on Early
A lot of people think they need to have everything fully designed before hiring a remodeler or builder, but getting them involved early can actually save time and money. They can give helpful input, spot potential issues, and make sure your design lines up with your budget and timeline.
Plus, most builders work with specific suppliers and tradespeople, getting them on board early means everyone’s on the same page from day one.
- Plan for the Unexpected
Let’s be honest, no matter how well you plan, surprises can pop up. Maybe there’s water damage behind the walls, or a permit takes longer than expected. That’s why it’s smart to build in a little wiggle room, both in your timeline and your budget.
Setting aside an extra 10–15% for unexpected costs (and a few extra weeks in your schedule) gives you breathing room if something goes sideways. Trust us, it’s better to be pleasantly surprised than scrambling to adjust.
- Communicate Early and Often
It might sound obvious, but regular communication with your contractor is huge. Don’t assume they know your vision unless you’ve spelled it out. A quick check-in, whether it’s a weekly call or a walk-through, can help catch small issues before they become big ones. Have a question? Ask it. Not loving something? Speak up. It’s way easier (and cheaper) to adjust before something is built or installed.
The Bottom Line
Keeping your remodel or custom home build on track doesn’t have to be a guessing game. A little planning goes a long way. Make your key decisions early, get your remodeler or builder involved sooner, and give yourself a cushion for the unexpected. It’ll make the whole process smoother and a lot less stressful.