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Eco Friendly Home Remodeling Ideas for a Sustainable Home

At Simply Home, we believe great design should be smart, sustainable, and beautiful. Whether you’re planning a full renovation or a smaller update, incorporating eco friendly home remodeling choices and using sustainable house renovation materials can reduce waste, lower energy bills, and create a healthier living environment. Here are five easy ways to bring sustainability into your next project.

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?

At Simply Home, we believe great design should also be smart and sustainable. Whether you’re planning a full renovation or a smaller update, incorporating eco friendly home remodeling practices can reduce waste, lower energy bills, and create a healthier living environment. Here are five easy ways to bring sustainability into your next project:

1. Use Reclaimed or Recycled Materials

Reclaimed wood, recycled glass tiles, and salvaged architectural details not only help reduce landfill waste, they also bring unique character and texture to your home. Choosing the right house renovation materials is key to a sustainable remodel.

2. Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Fixtures

Energy Star-rated appliances, LED lighting, and low-flow plumbing fixtures help conserve resources while keeping your home running efficiently.

3. Improve Insulation & Windows

Well-insulated walls and high-efficiency windows and doors keep your home comfortable year-round and reduce heating and cooling costs.

4. Use Low-VOC Paints and Finishes

Low- or zero-VOC paints are a simple swap that improves indoor air quality, making your home safer during and after construction.

5. Plan for Smart Home Efficiency

Incorporate smart thermostats, lighting, and irrigation systems to better manage your home’s energy use and reduce waste long-term.

Simply Home Bonus Ways

6. Install Under-Sink Instant Hot Water Heaters
To cut down on water waste in kitchens or bathrooms far from the main water heater, consider installing small under-sink hot water units. These systems provide near-instant warm water and reduce the time and water lost while waiting for it to heat up.

7. Add Strategic Insulation Upgrades
Beyond standard wall and attic insulation, focus on overlooked areas like plumbing runs, garage ceilings beneath living spaces, and crawl spaces. These upgrades can drastically improve energy retention and increase overall home comfort—especially in older homes.

A greener remodel doesn’t require a total overhaul, small decisions can have a lasting impact. By choosing eco friendly home remodeling strategies and sustainable house renovation materials, Simply Home helps you create spaces that are both beautiful and better for the planet.

Source: Eco-Friendly Remodeling Ideas

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