The Truth About Construction Timelines (and How to Stay Sane)
If you’re building or renovating a home, there’s a moment where things suddenly feel overwhelming, and it usually comes sooner than you think.
It’s not because your builder is doing anything wrong.
It’s because no one told you just how many decisions you’d need to make, and how early you’d need to make them.
What No One Tells You About Construction Schedules
Most people assume the builder will give them a step-by-step timeline for when to choose their lighting, tile, or plumbing. But in reality? That’s rarely how it works.
I’ve seen it happen over and over:
The builder calls and says they need your lighting specs by Friday… and you haven’t even started looking.
Or worse, plumbing rough-ins get installed for a brand you didn’t choose, and now you’re on the hook to replace the valves for something that would’ve been simple to plan for upfront.
The result? Delays. Change orders. Extra costs. Stress.
Why You Really Need a Designer Early
One of the biggest reasons people hire me is not just to make things look good, but to keep things on track.
From the start, I create a job book for the builder: a document with everything they need to know, tile schedules, paint schedules, lighting specs, plumbing details, and finishes, room by room, wall by wall. Think of it as the blueprint for all the “pretty” things.
I also handle:
- Regular site visits (framing, drywall, flooring, cabinetry, tile, lighting, final walk-through)
- Weekly email updates during design and construction
- Tracking orders, confirming deliveries, and solving issues before they become delays
- Constant communication with the builder so you don’t have to stress over timelines or logistics
So yes, when the builder asks for your shower niche placement or your laundry room tile grout color, I already have it ready.
You don’t have to be the middleman. You just get to check in and enjoy seeing it all come together.
Some Mistakes Are Funny… Until They’re Not
There are some hilarious moments in construction, like the time a full room was painted navy instead of white. Or when a front door showed up green instead of black. Those things make great stories later, but only if you have someone in your corner catching them before they snowball.
I’ve also heard the horror stories.
They’re often the reason clients find me in the first place, and why I only recommend trade partners I trust completely. If you’re working with someone new, I always offer a clear disclaimer (and a backup plan).
My Best Advice for Anyone Starting a Renovation or New Build
1. Hire your designer before anyone else.
I can connect you with trusted architects and builders I’ve worked with before. The sooner we’re brought into the process, the smoother your entire project will go. We’ll set the tone from day one and make sure every piece falls into place with confidence.
2. Don’t live in the house during a renovation.
Even if you think you can handle it, trust me, it’s more stressful than it seems. If you’re remodeling more than one or two rooms, give yourself a break and stay in a short-term rental, a family guest room, or anywhere else for a while.
Ready to Build Without the Burnout?
If you’re in the early stages of a new build or remodel and want help making smart decisions before they become urgent, I’m here to help.
Let’s take the chaos out of construction, and replace it with a plan that works.
