Natalie’s Library
When should I start planning a remodel?
Natalie’s answer
“Plan to start the consultation 4 to 9 months before you want construction to begin. Design takes 4 to 8 weeks, custom cabinetry runs 8 to 14 weeks of lead time, and permits add 2 to 6 weeks, so a kitchen you want done by Thanksgiving needs a contract signed by early summer.”
The math: working back from when you want to be done
Most homeowners think about remodels in terms of construction time, but the full project window is longer. Working backwards from a target "done by" date: construction (6 to 14 weeks for a kitchen, longer for whole-home), permit approval (2 to 6 weeks), design phase (4 to 8 weeks), and the cabinetry/material lead times (8 to 14 weeks), all of which can overlap, but only partially.
When to start the consultation
For a kitchen remodel: start the consultation conversation 4 to 6 months before you want construction to begin. For a whole-home remodel or addition: 6 to 9 months. Holiday-driven deadlines (Thanksgiving, Christmas) get crowded, if your target is "done by November," start the conversation in spring.
Seasonality and scheduling
MOSS works year-round in the DMV, but spring and early summer are the busiest seasons for new contracts (everyone wants to be done by the holidays). Starting your consultation in late summer or early fall often means faster turnaround on design + contract because the queue is shorter.
What if I'm not ready to commit?
The consultation is free and there's no obligation. Most clients have one or two consultations 6 to 18 months before signing a contract, gathering ballpark cost ranges and feasibility feedback so they know what they're saving for or designing toward. Starting early reduces the rushed-decision tax later.