SIMPLY HOME / BLOG

Caritas of Austin: A Heartfelt Day of Service

On September 17th, the Simply Home team embarked on a day of impactful volunteer work at Caritas of Austin, contributing to the fight against homelessness in our community. At Caritas of Austin, the belief is strong that ending homelessness requires a collective effort, and Simply Home was honored to be part of this crucial mission.

Typical remodel timelines in Austin

These are planning averages, not promises. Actual timelines depend on scope complexity, material lead times, and whether permitting is required.

Kitchen remodel timeline

Most kitchen remodels average about 2 months from the start of construction to completion.

If permitting is required, plan for an additional 2–4 weeks depending on scope and inspection sequencing.

Bathroom remodel timeline

Most bathroom remodels average about 1 to 1.5 months.

If permitting is required, plan for an additional 1–2 weeks.

Full home remodel timeline

Full home remodels commonly range 4–8 months, depending on scope, phasing, and complexity.

If permitting is required, it can add about a month to the overall timeline depending on the scope and approvals/inspections needed.

A simple rule: timelines are driven less by square footage and more by scope decisions, sequencing, and approvals.

Permits in Austin: how they affect remodel timelines

Not every remodel requires permits, but when permits are needed, they can impact both start dates and construction sequencing (especially when inspections are part of the critical path).

Kitchen remodels: permitting can add ~2–4 weeks
Bathroom remodels: permitting can add ~1–2 weeks
Additions / full home remodels: permitting can add ~1 month

We plan for permits early on as part of our process to keep projects efficient and effective—so approvals and inspections don’t become last-minute surprises.

The phases of a remodel (and what each phase controls)

A predictable remodel isn’t about rushing. It’s about putting the right work in the right order.

1 | Scope definition (what are we actually building?)

2 | Design + selections (preventing “decision delays”)

3 | Pre-construction planning (the “efficiency” phase)

4 | Permitting + inspections (when applicable)

5 | Construction (execution + coordination)

6 | Punch + closeout (where quality shows up)

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What delays remodels most often (and how to avoid it)

These are the most common reasons projects run long:

1 | Scope changes after construction starts

2 | Late selections and missed decision deadlines

3 | Material lead times and backorders

4 | Hidden conditions

5 | Permits and inspections (when required)

6 | Weak project management cadence

Living through a remodel: what’s realistic (and what’s not)

Not every remodel requires permits, but when permits are needed, they can impact both start dates and construction sequencing (especially when inspections are part A common question is whether you can live in your home during a remodel. The answer depends on scope and how the project is phased.of the critical path).

Kitchens and bathrooms

In many cases, kitchen and bathroom remodels are doable to live through, but life can be harder during construction. It helps to plan for:

temporary kitchen or bathing setups
limited access during certain phases
noise/dust realities (even with good protection)
logistics for pets, kids, or working from home

A clear plan for site protection and consistent communication can make a big difference in how manageable the experience feels.

Full home remodels

A full home remodel typically cannot be lived in unless the project is intentionally planned in phases (for example, one wing or level at a time) and the scope supports keeping essential spaces functional. Even with phasing, it can be disruptive and may extend timelines.

If living in the home is a priority, discuss it early—phasing decisions are most effective when they’re built into the schedule from the beginning.

How Simply Home protects timelines (what “predictable” looks like)

A predictable remodel isn’t luck—it’s process. Practices that help keep projects moving:

Scope defined line by line so fewer items are missed
Milestone-based scheduling with clear sequencing
Decision deadlines tied to construction needs
Early ordering strategy for long-lead items
Weekly communication cadence to keep momentum and resolve issues quickly
Clear change process so adjustments don’t derail the plan

If timeline certainty is a priority, the best time to protect it is before construction begins. Compare remodel bids to ensure your plan is accurate.

Plan your remodel with clarity.

‍If you’re planning a kitchen, bathroom, or full-home remodel in Austin/Westlake, we offer complimentary phone consultations to help you align scope, budget, and timeline—before construction begins.

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FAQs

1 | How long does a kitchen remodel take in Austin?

2 | How long does a bathroom remodel take?

3 | How long does a full home remodel take?

4 | Can I live in my home during a kitchen or bathroom remodel?

5 | Can I live in my home during a full home remodel?

6 | What causes remodel timelines to run long?

The day began with a flurry of activity as our team dove into food preparation. We rolled up our sleeves to slice fresh fruits and vegetables, assembled hearty Chipotle Turkey sandwiches, and carefully put together dessert trays and fruit cups. Each task, though seemingly small, played a vital role in ensuring a satisfying and nutritious meal for those in need.

By 11:00 am, we were ready to serve a delicious lunch menu that included the freshly prepared sandwiches, crispy chips, refreshing fruit cups, and a variety of tempting desserts. Around 290 individuals were served, with some choosing to enjoy their meal in the welcoming dining area while others took their food to go. The warm smiles and grateful words from the guests were a testament to the difference this meal made in their day.

The post-lunch phase involved a different kind of teamwork. Our volunteers took to cleaning up the dining room with the same dedication and care. Dishes were washed, floors were mopped, and the space was tidied up, ensuring that Caritas of Austin's facilities were ready for the next day of service.

A sincere thank you to Hana, our Volunteer Coordinator, for making this valuable opportunity possible. We also appreciate Sebastian and Annie for their crucial roles as staff, which ensured a smooth and secure environment throughout the day. Special thanks to Ron and Ernesto, our security officers, for their indispensable support during the event.

This experience underscored the power of community and the difference that dedicated individuals can make. At Simply Home, we are proud to stand alongside Caritas of Austin in their mission to end homelessness and look forward to future opportunities to contribute and collaborate.

If you’re inspired to make a difference, Caritas of Austin offers many ways to get involved and support their efforts. Whether through donations, volunteering, or spreading awareness, every action counts in the fight against homelessness. Visit their website to explore how you can contribute to this essential cause.