You’ve made the decision to remodel your home before selling it. A well-timed remodel can increase your home’s market value and make it more appealing to potential buyers. But now comes the tricky part: when should you start? Remodeling too early or too close to your listing date can have unintended consequences, from missing out on market trends to dealing with lingering construction dust when buyers come through.
At JSB Home Solutions, we understand the importance of timing when it comes to remodeling for a sale. And with the help of Kendra Carter of The Carter Group with Keller Williams Realty, we can give you expert guidance from both sides—remodeling and real estate. With our combined experience, we’ve helped homeowners like you create beautiful, functional spaces that also align perfectly with the market for maximum impact when it’s time to sell.
By reading this article, you’ll learn when to schedule your remodel to maximize both the return on your investment and your home’s appeal to buyers. Let’s dive in and make sure your project finishes just in time for that perfect market debut!
Table of Contents:
- When Should You Start Remodeling If You’re Planning To Sell Your Home?
- How Long Does a Remodel Take?
- Which Remodels Give You the Best ROI Before Selling?
- Should You Remodel or Sell As-Is?
- Balancing Remodel Costs With Potential Sale Price
- How Long Should You Wait to List Your Home After Remodeling?
When Should You Start Remodeling If You’re Planning To Sell Your Home?
Timing is everything when it comes to remodeling before selling your home. Jumping into a big project too close to your listing date can lead to unnecessary stress, and in some cases, a remodel that’s rushed or incomplete could actually hurt your home’s appeal. On the flip side, if you start too early, you might miss the chance to adapt to market trends.
So how do you find the sweet spot? Kendra and I recommend starting your remodel planning at least six months to a year before you plan to sell. This gives you ample time to budget, complete the work, and let your home settle after the dust has cleared—literally. To help you knock out your to-do list on time, we have created a Remodeling Before Selling Checklist. It outlines what tasks or milestones need to happen and what timeframe they should be completed by to stay on track with your desired listing date.
How Long Does a Remodel Take?
One of the first questions homeowners ask is, "How long will the remodel take?" It’s a valid concern, especially when you're on a tight timeline to sell. The length of a remodel depends on the scope of the work.
A fully custom kitchen remodel, such as a design-build project, could take anywhere from 6 - 18 months, while a bathroom renovation might take 3 - 9 months.
A remove & replace remodel usually only takes 1-2 weeks of active construction for a kitchen and 3-5 days for a bathroom. Remove and replace remodeling is a straightforward process where old fixtures, appliances, or materials are taken out and replaced with updated versions without changing the room’s layout. It’s an efficient way to give a space a fresh, modern look while keeping costs lower compared to more extensive renovations. You’ll still need to plan on 2-3 months to allow time for ordering materials and have them arrive before construction can begin.
"I've seen poorly timed remodels turn DIY and, in the end, hurt the home sale." - Kendra
It’s important to factor in these timeframes when deciding when to remodel. Small updates like painting or refreshing fixtures can often be done quickly, but larger projects like kitchen or bathroom overhauls need more lead time. To avoid any surprises, talk with a remodeling professional to get an accurate timeline based on your home’s needs.
Planning Ahead for Your Home Sale
When you’ve decided to remodel before selling, one of the most important steps is planning ahead. A well-thought-out timeline ensures you have enough time to complete the work, clean up, and stage your home before listing. Remodeling projects can take longer than expected due to unexpected delays or supply chain issues, so starting early gives you the flexibility to adjust if needed.
If you’re planning to sell in six months to a year, now is the ideal time to begin planning. Start by identifying which areas of your home need attention, setting a realistic budget, and researching contractors. It’s also helpful to consider the real estate market in your area—Kendra, for instance, can provide insight into how market trends might affect your listing timeline.
"In most cases, discussions about net seller profit are integral to the process. this is the amount of money you (the seller) would take home after all selling expenses are paid." - Kendra
Planning ahead allows you to coordinate the remodel so that it’s completed just in time to attract the right buyers at the right time.
Which Remodels Give You the Best ROI Before Selling?
If you’re investing money in a remodel, you want to make sure you’re making that money back when you sell. The good news? Certain remodels consistently offer a strong return on investment. Kitchens and bathrooms are at the top of that list, along with exterior projects that increase curb appeal. In fact, a minor kitchen remodel can recoup up to 80% of the project cost in Columbus, Ohio according to the Cost vs. Value Report from the national Remodeling Magazine.
Kendra and I recommend focusing on projects that buyers are most interested in. While a full remodel can pay off in some cases, even minor upgrades—like new countertops or updated lighting—can make a big difference without a huge price tag. Remember, it’s all about making your home feel move-in ready.
Should You Remodel or Sell As-Is?
Deciding whether to remodel or sell your home as-is can feel like a major decision. The answer often hinges on your specific home and the market you’re entering. In a strong sellers’ market, a fast-moving market, where homes are selling quickly without many updates, it may not be necessary to invest in a full remodel. Sometimes, a few cosmetic fixes are all you need to make your home appealing to buyers.
However, in a buyers’ market, where there’s more competition and buyers have more choices, homes that need work tend to linger on the market. Buyers might be looking for turnkey homes with modern features. If similar properties in your area have been updated, a well-executed remodel can give you a competitive edge. Working with an experienced realtor, can help you assess the current state of your home and your local market conditions to determine whether remodeling is the right move, or if selling as-is is the better option.
"In most cases, discussions about net seller profit are necessary to this process as well. This will help determine the most beneficial upgrades for your situation to maximize what you as the seller take home after the sale." - Kendra
Understanding Seasonal Trends
Another important factor in remodel timing is the season. Remodeling projects often take longer during the winter months, especially if weather conditions slow down work. On the flip side, listing your home during the spring or early summer tends to attract more buyers.
If possible, plan your remodel to be finished by late fall or early winter, to avoid weather delays during winter and have your home ready to list during peak selling season in the spring.
"The first few months of the year are ideal for finalizing cosmetic and staging refreshes, allowing you to hit the market when buyer interest is highest...in the spring." - Kendra
Balancing Remodeling Costs With Potential Sale Price
One of the biggest concerns homeowners have is balancing the cost of remodeling with their expected sale price. The key is not to overdo it. You want to invest in upgrades that will pay off by helping you sell your home quicker but avoid pouring money into projects that won’t significantly increase your home’s value.
Partnering with experts who understand both real estate and remodeling is the key to maximizing your return on investment. Professionals who are familiar with market trends can pinpoint what potential buyers are looking for, while remodeling specialists can guide you on which updates are most cost-effective. Together, they ensure that your renovation is not only budget-friendly but also strategically designed to enhance your home's market appeal.
Should You Do Quick Fixes or Full Remodels?
One of the biggest questions homeowners face is whether to do a full remodel or focus on quick fixes before selling. The answer largely depends on your home’s current condition and what buyers in your market expect.
"Buyers do notice poor workmanship. An evaluation of homes for sale in your area are a great way to gauge what buyers expect. When it comes to the level of 'quick fixes' you should take on as a homeowner, look at a collection of photos for currently listed and recently sold homes." - Kendra
Quick fixes, such as painting, updating light fixtures, or replacing hardware, are often low-cost improvements that can have a big impact on how your home looks to potential buyers. These small updates can freshen up your space without requiring a major time or financial commitment.
On the other hand, if your kitchen or bathroom is outdated, a remodel might be the better option. Larger remodels can boost your home’s value, but they also require more planning and investment. It’s all about weighing the costs and benefits. Working with both a remodeling expert and a real estate professional can help you decide which option makes the most sense for your situation.
How Long Should You Wait to List Your Home After Remodeling?
It’s tempting to list your home as soon as the remodel is done, but give it some time to "settle" before putting it on the market. Finishing touches like paint touch-ups, cleaning, and staging take time—and these small details can make a big difference when it comes to buyer impressions.
Kendra and I recommend waiting at least a few weeks up to a month after the remodel is complete to list your home. This ensures you have time to button up the finishing touches like paint and decorations to stage your home to impress potential buyers.
Your Remodeling Project Checklist & Timeline
Deciding when to remodel before selling your home can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right planning and the help of experts, you can make smart updates that attract buyers and increase your home’s value. Whether it’s a quick kitchen refresh or a full bathroom remodel, timing is everything.
To help organize your to-do list, we’ve created a free checklist that details what tasks should be accomplished at each stage prior to the sale of your home. There are two timelines: a 12-month timeline for larger remodel projects and a 6-month timeline for smaller projects. Download your checklist using the button below.
If you’re unsure where to start, Kendra Carter and I are here to guide you through the process. Reach out to us to discuss your specific situation, and we’ll help you make the best decision for your home—and your sale. Ready to get started? Let’s talk about how you can time your remodel perfectly for the best possible results.
