How long will your renovation project take? There are several factors that will affect how long your project will take. These include:
- Project scope: The more complex the renovation, the longer it will take. For example, a complete kitchen remodel will generally take longer than updating a powder room or hall bath.
- Size of the space: Larger homes tend to have more square footage to renovate, which means the project will take longer.
- Selections: Some materials may have longer lead times, especially if they need to be custom-ordered. This can impact the overall timeline of your renovation project, but it should not affect the construction time of your project (when you work with us) because we order your materials and have firm delivery dates before construction begins.
- Contractor availability: In-demand remodeling firms are often booked weeks or months in advance. While this can delay the start date of your project, it should not once your renovations begin.
Examples of Renovation Timelines (Construction Phase)
As we alluded to above, it's important to distinguish between the two phases of any home remodel: the design phase (planning) and the construction phase. This article will delve into typical construction timelines for common renovation projects. Understanding these can help you set realistic expectations for the completion of your home renovation.
Related: The Importance of Planning a Remodel Months in Advance
Flooring
NOTE: While we don't do flooring-only projects, we are providing this as an example of what a minor remodeling project timeline looks like.
The timeline for a new flooring project depends on the material chosen, the type of flooring being removed and the square footage. Hardwood flooring, tile or Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP), for instance, requires more time to install than laminate or carpet. Additionally, any necessary subfloor preparation must be factored into the schedule. Typically, a new flooring installation takes 1 to 2 weeks.
Primary Bathroom (En Suite)
Renovating a primary bathroom or en suite requires meticulous coordination because it involves many components and subcontractors, such as plumbing, electrical, tiling, and fixture installation. The timeline will vary significantly based on the project scope and the materials selected. A simple update, such as replacing plumbing fixtures and a fresh coat of paint, might only take a week. However, complete overhauls usually include reconfiguring the bathroom layout, particularly removing the built-in tub and expanding the shower. The construction phase usually takes between 4 to 8 weeks.
Hall Bathroom or Powder Room Remodels
Due to their smaller size, hall bathrooms or powder rooms often take less time than a master bathroom. These projects often take about 2-3 weeks from demolition to completion; however, this assumes that the remodel involves standard updates such as new flooring, vanity, toilet, and paint. More extensive remodels, such as re-configuring the layout or making structural changes, will extend the project timeline.
Kitchen Renovations
A kitchen remodel timeline can vary greatly based on the desired changes our homeowners want. For a full kitchen makeover, including changing the layout, installing new cabinets, countertops, and appliances, and updating the plumbing and electrical, the project usually takes between 6 to 12 weeks. However, often, additional changes in adjacent areas, such as the dining room or opening up the space between the kitchen and family room, are included in this type of makeover, which will extend the project’s timeline.
Related: Navigating Change Orders: A Homeowner’s Handbook
Building an Addition
Adding a room or a bump out to your house is a major home renovation, and the timeline will depend on the factors listed above (the complexity of the design, square footage, and selections). In general, expect the construction phase to take anywhere from 2 to 6 months, but more complex projects could extend beyond this.
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) or Casita
Adding an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) or a guest house to your property is a substantial project, often likened to building a small house. Depending on the project scope and chosen fixtures and finishes, the construction timeline can range from 4 to 6 months.
Major Home Renovation
This is where multiple rooms or even the whole house is tackled at once. As you would expect, this is a substantial endeavor with a lengthy timeframe, and a homeowner would have to move out of their house during construction temporarily. On average, a major home renovation takes between 4 and 8 months, but this could extend up to a year or more. It's also important to consider the possibility of unforeseen complications, such as structural issues, which could potentially extend the timeline.
As with any home renovation project, maintaining an ongoing dialogue with your contractor is key to ensuring you have a realistic understanding of your project timeline. The right contractor will communicate target finish dates with you so that your project moves along at an easy pace to help you avoid the "nightmare project."
If you'd like to get started on the renovation process, Hochuli Design Build Remodeling Team can help. You can contact us to talk through the remodeling process with us.