Planning a Remodel in 2026? Here’s When to Start in Calvert, Charles & St. Mary’s County

What project is at the top of your list this year? Like many homeowners, remodeling probably ranks pretty high on the list.

Remodeling your home is equal parts excitement and logistics. One minute you’re dreaming about a bright new kitchen or a deck that finally fits the family, and the next you’re juggling drawings, contractor schedules, and permit checklists. This guide will help you plan a home remodel while keeping your schedule, and sanity, in tact. 

In this guide, you can expect to find out:

• When should I begin the permit application process for a major remodel?
• How long do building permit reviews take in Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary’s county?
• What lead time should I expect before construction can begin after permits in these counties?
• Seasonal factors that should influence when to start a remodel in Southern Maryland
• When is the optimal time to start exterior vs. interior remodeling projects in Calvert, Charles & St. Mary’s Counties?
• Where do I start? 
• What should quality remodeling services offer?
• Get things done with villa builders
• Contact us

When should I begin the permit application process for a major remodel?

Start the permit process well before you expect construction to begin. For major remodels, think about structural changes, additions, or projects that touch electrical, plumbing, and roofing, and plan to have your permit application submitted at least 3–6 months before your target start date in 2026.

Why so early? Because a major remodel usually needs:

• Permit-ready drawings from a designer or architect

• Engineer sign-offs for structural work

• Time for the county plan reviewers to request clarifications or corrections

Waiting until a month or two before your hoped-for start date could very well push the project into a later season or cause you to pay a premium to scramble contractors and suppliers.

How long do building permit reviews take in Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary’s county?

Permit review times depend on the county’s current workload and the complexity of your plans. Use these rough ranges as a guide when building your home remodeling planner:

• Simple interior work (no structural changes): 2–4 weeks.

• Medium remodels (kitchens/baths, changes to systems): 4–8 weeks.

• Major remodels/additions (requiring engineering, septic/shoreline/historic review): 8–12+ weeks.

Almost every permit review includes at least one round of comments and resubmission. Each resubmittal can add a few weeks. That’s why the 3–6 month window is a practical rule of thumb for major jobs. Also, county policies and staff levels change, so a quick call or email to the permitting office will give you the most current expectations.

What lead time should I expect before construction can begin after permits in these counties?

Permits are a major milestone, but not the finish line. If your project is scheduled in a busy season, you’ll likely be closer to the 6–8 week side after permits. The off-season can mean faster mobilization, but still plan and confirm with the contractor. But after permits are issued, expect 2–8 weeks before actual construction starts. Reasons for the delay include:

• Contractor mobilization: Booking crews, arranging schedules, and securing subcontractors.

• Material lead time: Custom cabinets, windows, roofing, and appliances can take 6–12+ weeks.

• Site prep: Dumpster, staging, temporary utilities, and pre-construction meetings.

• Inspections scheduling: Some counties require pre-construction inspections or permit postings before work begins.

Seasonal factors that should influence when to start a remodel in Southern Maryland

Planning a remodeling project in Southern Maryland requires you to consider the weather, contractor availability, and supply chains. Here is what each of these aspects mean for your remodel timeline:

Weather
Southern Maryland has milder winters than the northern U.S., but that doesn’t mean winter is worry-free. Freezing days, heavy rain, and muddy conditions can slow or halt exterior work. Summer heat and humidity also affect drying times for paints and finishes.

Contractor availability
Contractors tend to be busiest in spring and early summer. If you want exterior work done in favorable weather, you’ll need to book firms months in advance. Interior work often finds more openings in the fall and winter.

Material lead times and supply chain
Custom cabinetry, windows, specialty appliances, and certain finishes can take 2–3+ months to arrive. That’s longer if you’re ordering non-stock or imported items. Factor these timelines into your initial planning, as the sooner you pick significant items, the fewer surprises you’ll face.

When is the optimal time to start exterior vs. interior remodeling projects in Calvert, Charles & St. Mary’s Counties?

You can choose to start a remodel project at any time, but there are potential challenges to take think about depending on the season. You need to consider your budget, contractor availability, and weather are some important considerations, but there are others to plan around as well. 

EXTERIOR PROJECTS (ROOFING, SIDING, DECKS, MAJOR ADDITIONS)

Best window: May–September. This is the season when weather is generally drier and warmer, so roofing, siding, deck building, and exterior finishes cure and settle properly. You’ll get fewer weather-related interruptions and better conditions for crews using heavy equipment.

Permit timing: Start permitting 3–6 months before your planned start. That usually means getting paperwork in during the winter or early spring if you want a summer build. Big exterior jobs often need more detailed plans and possibly engineering sign-offs, so give the county and your design team enough time to get everything checked and approved.

Why: Better drying conditions, more predictable weather, and easier site access. Summer gives contractors the best conditions for exterior work, and heavy equipment is easier to bring onto the site without mud or frozen ground slowing things down.

INTERIOR PROJECTS (KITCHENS, BATHS, WHOLE-HOUSE RENOVATIONS)

Best window: October–March. Fall and winter are great for interior projects because contractor schedules tend to free up and you avoid the heavy exterior-work rush that fills crews in spring and summer.

Permit timing: Plan 2–4 months ahead for moderate interior remodels; follow the 3–6 month rule for larger jobs. Simple interior permits can move faster, but if you’re changing systems, relocating walls, or doing a whole-house renovation, you still need time for drawings, reviews, and any required engineering.

Why: Contractors are less booked and subs are more available. That often means quicker start dates and smoother scheduling, and you won’t be competing with every exterior crew in town for the same labor and materials.

where do i start? 

Remodeling can be a daunting task, but it is much easier with smart planning. A best practice is to make your own renovation planner. Working with a knowledgeable local remodeler with many projects in their portfolio will also help you as you go through these steps:

1. Define scope and budget. Decide what “done” looks like and build a 10–20% contingency for surprises.

2. Hire design help. For structural work or major reconfigurations, work with an architect or designer.

3. Check with the county permitting office. Ask what documents they want and current review times.

4. Finalize permit-ready drawings and submit. Include engineering and details to reduce resubmittals.

5. Interview contractors for quality remodeling services. Look for local experience, references, and clear timelines.

6. Order long-lead items. Order cabinets, windows, and specialty fixtures early.

7. Plan logistics and staging. Plan for temporary living arrangements, trash disposal, and driveway access.

8. Manage construction. Have weekly check-ins, a signed contract, and a clear change-order process keep things on track.
   
   

what should quality remodeling services offer?

Looking for a remodeling contractor in Southern Maryland requires careful research and thought, as your home is your biggest investment. A reputable remodel contractor will have a clear scope and schedule, proof of insurance and license, references, local experience, and knows how to navigate local permits. Good firms will act as your partner through every phase and treat your home with as respect as they want theirs.

the best projects have the best planning

Remodeling a home doesn’t need to be a headache. Allowing for adequate time to get proper permits and materials and accounting for the weather makes a world of difference. You can also build a detailed home remodeling planner to keep your timeline and budget on track. An experienced contractor familiar with the regulations and climate of Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary’s County will be an invaluable resource as you take your project from design to completion. 

get things done with villa builders

Since 1999, Villa Builders has been taking dreams from off the blueprint to the building grounds. What started as a dream engine went to making a design-build approach to home remodeling. Villa Builders knows permit regulations in Southern Maryland as well as a hammer and nails. We will answer every question you have and see your project through till what you see in your home matches your vision. 

Contact Us

Reach us and take the first step in  making your dream space a real place.