Moving into a new home while planning renovations can be challenging, but with the right strategy, you can save both time and money
This guide will show you how to effectively coordinate your home renovations with your move, from timing crucial updates to managing contractors and staying on budget.
Learn the essential steps to transform your new house into your dream home without the usual stress and disruption.
Read on down below.
Pre-Move Planning Phase
Planning a move is already complex – add renovations to the mix, and you’ll need a solid strategy. Here’s exactly what you need to know about timing, budgeting, and paperwork to make both processes run smoothly.
Getting Your Timeline Right
Let’s face it – trying to coordinate renovations with a move is tricky. Start by laying out your dates, and here’s a pro tip: always add buffer time. If your contractor says the kitchen will take two weeks, plan for three. Trust me, you don’t want to be moving boxes while someone’s installing your cabinets.
Money Matters
Here’s something most people miss: combining your renovation and moving budgets gives you a clearer picture of your total costs. Put aside 20% extra for those surprise findings (and there will be surprises, especially in older homes).
Want to save some cash? Schedule your renovations during the off-season – contractors often offer better rates from November through March.
Paperwork (Yeah, It’s Boring But Important)
Don’t skip this part – permit delays can throw your whole timeline off track. Most cities take 2-4 weeks to process permits, so jump on this early. Double-check your contractor’s paperwork too – you’d be surprised how many people skip this step and regret it later.
And while you’re at it, give your insurance company a heads-up about the renovations. Better safe than sorry, right?
Strategic Renovation Prioritization
Start with critical repairs and safety issues before anything else. A damaged roof, faulty wiring, or plumbing problems will only get worse and more expensive over time. Most contractors report that delayed repairs typically increase costs by 25-35%, especially when they cause additional damage to other parts of the home. Get a detailed inspection report and address any code violations or structural issues immediately.
Flooring, painting, and cabinet refinishing work best during the gap between closing and move-in. Hardwood floor refinishing requires 7-8 days total – including drying time – while a full interior paint job takes 2-3 days for a 2,000-square-foot home. Book these contractors as soon as you have your closing date. Many offer 10-15% discounts if you schedule multiple projects together.
Cosmetic upgrades and custom features should wait until you’ve settled in. Kitchen layouts, built-ins, and lighting plans make more sense once you’ve used the space. The exception is seasonal renovations – schedule deck repairs in early spring or HVAC upgrades in off-peak seasons for better rates. If you find good deals on materials like tile or hardwood flooring, buy them now and store them for future projects. Most suppliers offer significant discounts on bulk orders, sometimes up to 20% off retail prices.
Logistics and Coordination
Professional moving companies like Three Movers franchise work directly with renovation teams to coordinate timing and access. Book your movers at least 30 days in advance, especially during peak seasons (May-September). Most renovation contractors require 2-3 weeks’ notice to start work, and some popular contractors book months ahead.
Storage solutions become essential during extensive renovations. Choose a moving company that offers temporary storage options – this eliminates double-handling of furniture and saves money on separate storage units. Climate-controlled storage units protect furniture from dust and debris during major renovations like drywall removal or floor refinishing.
Contractor access needs clear coordination. Create a shared digital calendar marking delivery dates, renovation milestones, and moving day schedules. Most renovation projects require continuous site access from 7 AM to 4 PM on weekdays. Schedule material deliveries outside of peak moving hours to avoid congestion. Many contractors offer early morning delivery options, typically between 6-8 AM, reducing timeline conflicts.
Living arrangements during renovations depend on project scope. Minor updates might only need temporary furniture arrangements, while major renovations could require short-term housing. Extended-stay hotels near construction sites often offer weekly rates at 30-40% less than daily rates. Some renovation contractors partner with local housing solutions for better deals on temporary accommodations.
Conclusion
Successful home renovations during a move require careful planning and proper timing. Start with critical repairs, schedule messy projects before moving in, and save cosmetic updates for later.
Book contractors and movers early, coordinate their schedules carefully, and maintain clear communication throughout the process. With proper preparation and realistic timelines, you can transform your new house into your ideal home while minimizing stress and avoiding costly mistakes.
