SIMPLY HOME / BLOG

How to Install Wallpaper Like a Pro

Ready to use wallpaper to transform your space? I've got all the tips you need to know before you get started!

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)

find out how long my remodel will take

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.

Find out how long my remodel will take Call Simply Home

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?

Dreaming of a Home That Truly Works for Your Family

I’m always looking around my home, dreaming about all the projects I’d love to tackle.
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The bathroom that feels a little too dark and cramped.
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The kitchen that bottlenecks every single morning.
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The living room that never quite functions the way you want it to.
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Or that one space that just… isn’t you. The style, the colors, the way it’s laid out—it doesn’t make you feel how you want to feel in your own home.And then real life kicks in.There are kids. Work. School runs. Sports. Maybe pregnancy. Maybe aging parents.

And suddenly the questions start stacking up:

Who do I trust in my home and around my kids?
How long is this really going to take?
What if the budget gets out of control?
Is this even safe for my family—what’s in the air, what’s in the dust, what are we breathing while all this is going on?

It’s a lot. You’re not dramatic or “picky” for thinking about those things. You’re a mom. That’s literally the job.
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This is exactly why I built Simply Home the way I did.

Renovating isn’t just about the “after” photos

Most renovation stories focus on the pretty “after.” The reveal, the tile, the sconce, the vanity.

But if you’re a mom (or mom-to-be), you’re thinking about the middle:

Can the kids still nap?
Are we going to be living in dust?
Who is coming and going every day?
Will this project take over our whole life?

And underneath all of that is something simpler and really honest: you just want your home to feel like you.
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For most of the moms I talk to, the real goal is not a “perfect” house. It’s a home that actually works for your family and your lifestyle and feels good to be in:

A bathroom where the morning routine doesn’t feel like a traffic jam.
A kitchen that can handle snacks, homework, and dinner all at once.
A living space that doesn’t make you cringe every time you see the tile or paint, but actually matches your style and calms your nervous system a little.

That’s the lens I use for every project we take on.

Step one: you deserve to know what you’re getting into

One of the biggest reasons moms stay stuck in “dreaming” mode is money uncertainty. You don’t want to rip your house apart and then find out what it really costs.
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At Simply Home, we start with a preliminary estimate range. It’s not a wild guess; it’s a realistic ballpark based on your space and goals so you can answer the basic question:

“Is this even in the realm of possible for us right now?”

If it is, we move into a deep planning and development phase. That’s where we:

Get into the details of layout, scope, and selections
Coordinate with any designers/architects
Sort through the “must-haves” vs. “nice-to-haves”

From there, we put together a clear scope and a final estimate, not just a fuzzy number you’ll only see after demo.

Because we front-load so much of that work, we typically carry just a 5% contingency. That’s our way of saying:

“We’ve actually thought this through. We’re not hiding behind a giant cushion because we didn’t plan.”

Is a remodel still an investment? 100%. But you shouldn’t feel like you’re jumping off a cliff without seeing what’s below.

Curious what’s possible for your space? Visit our Wellness Focused page to see how we help Austin families plan their remodel with clarity and confidence.

Wellness isn’t a buzzword. It’s the air your kids are breathing.

If you’re pregnant, have little ones, or anyone in the home with allergies or asthma, you’re not just worried about paint colors.

You’re thinking:

What’s in the dust?
What are we breathing while they’re cutting, sanding, spraying?
Can we even live here while this is happening?

Those are fair questions.

When we say wellness-focused, we’re talking about very practical things:

How we control dust and debris
How we think about air quality and ventilation
How we protect your floors, furniture, and kid zones
How we handle daily cleanup so it doesn’t feel like a construction war zone

We’ve had clients tell us they would “eat off the floor” during construction because the jobsites were that clean. I’m not saying you should eat off the floor—but I am saying you deserve a team that treats your home like a home, not just a jobsite.

Talk to a Wellness-Focused Remodel Expert

The mental load: you shouldn’t have to run the project, too

Here’s the part no one really talks about: the mental load of a remodel.
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If you’re the one everybody looks to for answers—What tile did we pick? When are they coming? Who do I call about this?—it quickly becomes one more full-time job you didn’t sign up for.

That’s why our process is built around proactive communication:

Daily updates so you know what happened, what’s next, and what (if anything) we need from you
Weekly meetings where we walk through progress, decisions, and any upcoming milestones
A dedicated project manager and construction manager on your job so there is always someone whose job is to stay on top of the details

You shouldn’t be chasing your contractor for answers. You should feel like someone is thinking three steps ahead on your behalf.

So… how do you know it will all turn out okay?

There are no truly bump-free renovations. Anyone who promises that isn’t being straight with you.
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Unexpected things come up behind walls. Materials get delayed. Kids get sick. Life happens.
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The real question is:

“Who do I want in my corner when those bumps happen?”

I always say a good contractor is like shocks on a car:

The speed bumps are still there.
You still have to drive over them.
But with the right shocks, you don’t feel every jolt in your teeth.

That’s what we’re trying to be for the moms and families we work with—a buffer between your life and the chaos of construction.

If you’re an Austin mama staring at “that one room”…

If you’re looking around your home, dreaming about updating that bathroom, kitchen, or space that just isn’t you—the one that doesn’t function well and doesn’t make you feel how you want to feel in your own home—but you’re stuck in the “what ifs,” I see you.
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You don’t have to figure it out alone. You don’t have to know every step before you start.
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Our job at Simply Home is to:

Help you understand what you’re saying yes to
Plan the details so you’re not carrying all the decisions in your head
Protect your home, your routines, and your air as much as possible during construction
Get you to the other side with a space that actually works for your family and your lifestyle—and finally feels like you

That’s what we’re trying to be for the moms and families we work with—a buffer between your life and the chaos of construction.

If you’re curious what a wellness-focused renovation could look like for your home, you can reach out for a complimentary consultation. No pressure, no hard sell—just a real conversation about your space, your family, and what’s possible.

Talk to a Wellness-Focused Remodel Expert Call Simply Home

Wallpaper Installation Tips for a Professional Finish

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Wallpaper is making a comeback in interior design, and it's easy to see why. It offers a versatile way to add character and personality to a room, whether you're going for a classic, vintage look or a modern, bold statement. As a contractor with years of experience, I've seen firsthand the impact that well-chosen and properly installed wallpaper can have on a space. In this blog post, I'll share some valuable tips on how to choose the right wallpaper and how to install it like a pro.

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Choosing the Right Wallpaper:

Consider the Room's Purpose: Before you start browsing wallpaper options, think about the room's purpose and the atmosphere you want to create. Different patterns and colors can evoke different moods. For example, bold and vibrant wallpapers work well in a living room or dining area, while calming, subtle patterns are better suited for bedrooms.
Evaluate the Room's Size: Wallpaper can visually alter the perception of space. In smaller rooms, lighter colors and smaller patterns can make the room feel more open, while in larger spaces, you can get away with bolder choices.
Match the Existing Decor: Take into account the existing furniture, fixtures, and color scheme in the room. Your wallpaper should complement these elements rather than clash with them. A harmonious blend creates a more cohesive design.
Test Samples: Always order samples of your chosen wallpaper patterns before committing to a roll. This allows you to see how it looks in your space and under different lighting conditions. It's an essential step in avoiding costly mistakes.

Installing Wallpaper Like a Pro:

Gather Your Materials: Before you start the installation process, make sure you have all the necessary tools and materials. You'll need wallpaper adhesive, a wallpaper smoother, a utility knife, a measuring tape, a level, a straight edge, and a wallpaper brush or roller.
Prepare the Wall: Ensure the wall surface is clean, smooth, and free from any defects or debris. Repair any cracks or holes and sand down any imperfections. If the wall has been previously wallpapered, remove the old wallpaper and adhesive.
Measure and Cut: Measure the height of your wall and add a few inches for trimming at the top and bottom. Cut your wallpaper strips to the appropriate length. It's crucial to match the patterns correctly when cutting multiple strips.
Apply Adhesive and Hang the Wallpaper: Follow the manufacturer's instructions for mixing and applying the adhesive. Start at one corner of the room and use a level to ensure your first strip is perfectly vertical. Smooth out the wallpaper as you go, removing air bubbles and excess adhesive.
Trim and Repeat: Once the first strip is in place, use a utility knife and straight edge to trim the excess wallpaper at the top and bottom. Then, continue applying strips of wallpaper, matching the patterns carefully, until the entire room is covered.
Finishing Touches: Finally, use a wallpaper smoother to ensure a tight bond between the wallpaper and the wall. Trim any remaining excess wallpaper carefully around edges and corners. Wipe away any excess adhesive with a damp sponge.

Choosing and installing wallpaper may seem like a daunting task, but with the right guidance and attention to detail, it can be a rewarding and transformative project for your home. Remember to take your time, follow the manufacturer's instructions, and seek professional assistance if needed. With the perfect wallpaper and a little patience, you can create a stunning and personalized space that reflects your unique style. Happy decorating!

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