You want to unlock the lifestyle you came for in San Diego, not camp out in a construction zone. If you finalize design choices, CAD plans, permits, and vendor schedules before you get the keys, you can step into a finished space on day one. In this guide, you’ll learn how to make the right decisions in the right order, how to time permits and inspections, and how to run a 60 to 90 day plan that lands you in a beautiful, livable home. Let’s dive in.
Why design before move-in
Renovation dust, permit inspections, and missed deliveries can drag on for months after closing. When you front-load design and scheduling, you avoid delays and reduce change orders. You also give fabricators the time they need to build cabinets and counters, book skilled trades on your dates, and coordinate inspections without pushing your move.
The result is simple. You move in on schedule with high-impact upgrades complete and only minor punch items left.
What to decide first
Lock in the long-lead and disruptive items before anything else. These choices trigger orders, fabrication, and installer dates.
- Kitchen: cabinet style and finish, layout, appliances, countertops, sink and faucet, backsplash. Cabinets and counters often drive the timeline.
- Bathrooms: plumbing fixtures, shower systems, tub, tile for floors and walls, vanities, and grout type.
- Flooring: hardwood, engineered, luxury vinyl plank, or tile. Decide color, finish, and transitions.
- Paint and trim: whole-home palette, sheen, priming, and molding details.
- Lighting and electrical: recessed cans, fixtures, dimmers and switch types, smart home wiring locations.
- HVAC and comfort: tune-up or replacement, thermostat type, duct repairs.
- Built-ins and window coverings: closet systems, media walls, shades, and blinds.
Tip: Finalize selections once, place deposits, and lock ship dates. This reduces costly change orders and protects the schedule.
Use CAD plans to prevent rework
A scaled plan eliminates guesswork and helps every trade work from the same playbook.
What to include:
- Floor plan with furniture placement and clearances for walkways and door swings
- Appliance clearances, cabinet elevations, and a lighting and plug plan
- Door and window sizes, ceiling heights, and existing mechanical runs
Allow 1 to 2 weeks for initial CAD drawings and a revision cycle. Share the final plan with your contractor, fabricators, and movers. Label rooms and furniture on the plan so your moving crew can place items in the right spot the first time.
Permits in San Diego: what to know
Start by confirming if your home is within the City of San Diego or an unincorporated area of the County. Rules and processing times vary by jurisdiction.
Permits are typically required for structural changes, most electrical upgrades beyond simple replacements, plumbing relocations, HVAC installations, and water heaters. Cosmetic work like interior paint and many flooring replacements may not need permits. Always verify with the local authority.
Typical permit steps:
- Submit plans and application
- Counter review and corrections if needed
- Pay fees and receive the permit
- Schedule inspections at required milestones
General timing varies with scope and backlog. Simple mechanical, plumbing, or electrical permits can take about 1 to 4 weeks. Larger building permits with plan review can take 2 to 8 or more weeks. Properties in historic or coastal zones often require more time. If you have a homeowners association, expect 2 to 8 weeks for architectural committee approval when needed.
Consumer protection tip: Hire licensed contractors and confirm insurance. You can verify license status and any complaint history through the California Contractors State License Board.
Vendor sequencing that keeps you on time
Good sequencing prevents trades from tripping over each other and makes inspections easier to book.
- Demo and prep
- Rough framing, plumbing, electrical, and HVAC ducting
- Rough inspections
- Insulation and drywall
- Cabinets and casework install
- Countertop templating and fabrication
- Tile and flooring
- Trim, painting, fixtures, and final mechanical hookups
- Final inspections and punch list
Key coordination tips:
- Template countertops only after cabinets are set and secured.
- Reserve installer windows for in-demand trades like flooring and tile setters early.
- Hold buffer days for inspections and corrections.
- Set clear scopes, payment milestones tied to progress, change order rules, lien releases, permit numbers, and proof of insurance in every contract.
Align the plan with escrow
Your escrow length sets the pace. Many California escrows run 30 to 45 days, while relocations often use 60 to 90 days to accommodate scheduling and work. Use the inspection contingency period for on-site measurements and scope confirmation. If work must extend beyond close, discuss occupancy agreements or delayed possession to manage risk and liability.
Plan a 10 to 20 percent contingency for change orders, permit fees, and unforeseen conditions. Older homes often reveal hidden issues behind walls.
A synchronized 60 day plan
This aggressive path works best when scope is limited, permit needs are simple, and vendors are available.
Week 0 to 1
- Confirm jurisdiction and permit needs
- Retain a general contractor or project manager
- Finalize cabinets, counters, major appliances, flooring, paint, plumbing fixtures, and lighting
- Place orders for long-lead items
- Submit simple permits with complete packets
- Book movers and pencil in appliance delivery windows
Week 2 to 3
- Receive initial permit comments or issuance on simple permits
- Lock demo and rough-trade windows around inspector availability
- Finalize CAD space plan and share with trades and movers
- Order remaining finishes like tile and lighting
- Submit HOA approvals if required
Week 4 to 5
- Start demo and rough-in as permits allow
- Schedule rough inspections and reserve final inspections
- Install cabinets as soon as they arrive, then template countertops immediately
- Confirm flooring schedule and appliance delivery dates
Week 6 to 8
- Fabricate and install countertops, typically 1 to 2 weeks after templating
- Complete tile, finish carpentry, painting, and fixture installs
- Pass final inspections
- Create and close punch list
- Deep clean and walkthrough before move-in on or after day 60
Contingency note: If permit review stretches beyond about 2 to 3 weeks or if you need a full building permit, expect slippage unless you can secure expedited review and ideal vendor availability.
A right-sized 90 day plan
This conservative schedule fits most remodels that involve permits.
Week 0 to 2
- Retain contractor, finalize key selections, and place long-lead orders
- Submit permits and HOA requests with normal review times
- Complete CAD plans and as-built measurements
- Reserve major installer windows for cabinets, templating, and flooring
Week 3 to 6
- Receive approvals and begin demo and rough-in as permits issue
- Install cabinets in parallel with other finish prep
- Schedule countertop templating for the earliest slot after cabinet install
Week 7 to 11
- Install countertops, complete tile and flooring
- Finish electrical and plumbing, trim, and paint
- Pass final inspections, then punch-list and correct
- Deliver appliances and complete final hookups
- Install window coverings and closet systems
Week 12 to 13
- Final deep clean and readiness check
- Move in with buffer days available for minor rechecks
Local lead times and what to expect
San Diego trades are in demand, especially during peak seasons. Build your schedule around realistic delivery and installer windows.
- Cabinets: semi-custom often 4 to 8 weeks, custom 8 to 12 or more
- Countertops: quartz fabrication typically 7 to 21 days after templating
- Appliances: 1 to 8 weeks depending on model and supply
- Flooring: vinyl plank and engineered wood are often available in 1 to 4 weeks plus 1 to 2 weeks to schedule installers; hardwood and custom finishes take longer
- Tile: in-stock options ship quickly, specialty imports can take 4 to 12 or more weeks
- Windows and doors: many custom units run 4 to 12 weeks
For utility work and final service transfers, coordinate with SDG&E so hookups align with your move.
Common pitfalls and how to avoid them
- Permit delays: Submit early, provide complete packets, and consider a permit expediter if timing is critical. Confirm current timelines with the City or County site before you plan.
- Late orders: Identify long-lead items in week one and place deposits to lock lead times.
- Scope creep: Finalize selections, document scopes, and keep a contingency reserve.
- HOA or overlays: Check CC&Rs and historic or coastal overlays early. Submit HOA packets immediately with drawings and cut sheets.
- Misaligned inspections: Book inspection windows early and sequence trades to match.
- Movers arrive too soon: Use CAD furniture plans, label rooms, and keep storage options as a backup.
Quick-start checklists
Decision priority list
- Cabinets and kitchen layout
- Major appliances
- Countertops and edge profile
- Flooring type and color
- Plumbing fixtures and lighting package
- Whole-home paint palette
Pre-submission packet for permits and HOA
- Scaled floor plan and scope narrative
- Cabinet elevations and lighting plan
- Cut sheets for appliances and fixtures
- Contractor license and insurance details
- Completed HOA architectural form if applicable
Vendor contracting essentials
- Written scope, start and completion dates
- Payment schedule tied to milestones
- Warranty terms and change-order rules
- Lien releases and proof of insurance
- Permit numbers and inspection points
Move-in readiness checklist
- Final inspections passed
- Appliances installed and tested
- HVAC serviced, filters in place, smoke and CO detectors working
- Surfaces cleaned and dust-free
- Keys, remotes, and warranties collected
- Final walkthrough completed
How a design-led team streamlines your move
You want a single point of accountability who speaks both real estate and renovation. A design-forward approach pairs AutoCAD planning with hands-on project management so you can make decisions once, then watch the plan run. With local permitting knowledge, curated vendors, and tight scheduling, you can land in San Diego with the heavy lifting done.
Ready to relocate smarter and move into a finished space? Connect with a team that can align escrow, design, and construction from day one.
Get expert guidance and a tailored pre-move plan. Reach out to Unknown Company to start your 60 to 90 day timeline today.
FAQs
What should I decide first for a San Diego pre-move redesign?
- Lock cabinets and layout, appliances, countertops, flooring type, major fixtures, paint palette, and lighting. These choices set orders, fabrication, and installer dates.
Do I need permits for interior work in San Diego?
How do CAD plans help me move in on time?
- CAD plans coordinate trades, prevent rework, and tell movers where items go. They include clearances, cabinet elevations, and a lighting and plug plan.
How long do cabinets and countertops take in San Diego?
- Semi-custom cabinets often run 4 to 8 weeks and custom 8 to 12 or more. Quartz countertops typically install 7 to 21 days after templating once cabinets are set.
How can I verify a contractor’s license in California?
What if permit reviews or deliveries slip past my move date?
- Build a 1 to 2 week buffer, consider delayed possession or temporary occupancy, and sequence remaining work to minimize disruption after move-in.
