The single most common planning mistake is starting the conversation at the point you want work to begin. Design, selections, permitting and material lead times all sit in front of the first day on site, and none of them compress well.
Before anything else
Work backwards from the date that matters to you, a holiday, a birth, a move, and be honest about it with whoever you are talking to. A good contractor will tell you early whether the date is realistic rather than agreeing and hoping.
Design and selections
For layout changes you will want an architect or designer involved, and that work takes time of its own. Even without drawings, selections take longer than people expect, because deciding on tile is easy and deciding on tile, grout, trim, fixtures and hardware together is not.
Permitting
Permit review has its own pace, and properties in historic or conservation overlays carry an additional step. This is a fixed cost in weeks and there is no way to hurry it.
Lead times
Cabinetry, windows, specialty tile and appliances can run months. Ordering long-lead items before demolition starts is what keeps a project moving, and it is why your selections need to be final earlier than feels necessary.
The short version
Start the conversation early, even if you are not ready to commit. The planning stage costs you nothing and it is where a realistic schedule comes from.
