How Long Do Home Renovations Take? A Timeline Breakdown

Ah, home renovations—the magical (and sometimes maddening) process of transforming your space. Whether you’re updating a single room or gutting your entire house, you’ve probably asked yourself: How long is this going to take?

The answer? It depends. 😅

From minor updates to full-scale building construction, every project has its own timeline. But don’t worry, we’re breaking it down for you, so you’ll know exactly what to expect (and when to expect the dust to settle).

Phase 1: Planning & Permitting (2-6 Months)

Before the first backhoe even touches the ground, you’ve got a lot of prep work to do. This phase includes:

✅ Hiring a general contractor or team of home builders
✅ Creating floor plans and securing blueprints
✅ Getting city permits (which can be a waiting game)
✅ Finalizing the bid and project costs

If your renovation involves structural changes, expect some extra time for engineering and BIM (Building Information Modeling). And if you're adding square footage? That means foundation work, which takes even longer.

Phase 2: Demolition & Prep Work (1-4 Weeks)

Time to say goodbye to the old! This is when your contractor starts knocking down walls, ripping out cabinets, and maybe even uncovering surprise problems—like mold, asbestos, or expansive soils (which can affect the footer (footing) and grade of your home).

If your home is still standing at the end of this phase, congrats! You’re officially in the renovation game.

Phase 3: Structural Work & Framing (4-8 Weeks)

Now we’re talking! If your project involves changes to the home’s structure—such as new walls, a bigger kitchen, or an extra bathroom—this phase will take time.

🔨 Framing begins (think walls, ceilings, and new room layouts)
🔨 Girders, trusses, and glulam beams get installed
🔨 Fascia and exterior elements are reinforced
🔨 Foundation work, if necessary, is completed

If your project involves a passive house design or energy-efficient upgrades, this is when insulation and airtight sealing get incorporated.

Phase 4: Electrical, Plumbing & HVAC (3-6 Weeks)

Also known as the “behind-the-scenes” phase, this is where the magic happens—before you can actually see it.

⚡ GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlets are installed
🚰 Plumbing lines are rerouted or upgraded
🌬 Forced air heating/cooling systems get set up
🚪 Windows, doors, and skylights start going in

At this point, the home will look like a construction zone (because it is), but don’t panic—it’s all part of the plan.

Phase 5: Drywall, Flooring & Interior Finishes (4-8 Weeks)

Now things start looking like a real home again!

🎨 Green board (moisture-resistant drywall) goes up
🛠 Flatwork like concrete patios and driveways is completed
🏡 Fire-resistive materials and damp proofing are added
🪵 Flooring, cabinets, and millwork are installed

At this stage, your contractor is coordinating multiple teams, which means you might hear things like change orders, cost codes, and “we’re waiting on that ready mix concrete delivery.”

Phase 6: Fixtures, Paint & Finishing Touches (3-6 Weeks)

The home stretch! Your renovation is almost complete, but these final details are what bring it all together.

🖌 Walls are painted, and frieze boards (bird blocks) get installed
💡 Light fixtures and final electrical work get done
🚰 Plumbing fixtures and appliances are put in place
🏡 Exterior landscaping and last-minute touch-ups happen

This is also when a final daily report from your construction company will confirm that everything is up to code.

Final Phase: Inspections & Move-In (1-2 Weeks)

The last step is making sure everything is safe, up to standard, and ready for you to move back in.

✅ City inspections and final permits
✅ Walkthrough with your contractor
✅ Last-minute fixes and punch-list items

If everything checks out, your renovation is officially DONE! 🎉

So, What’s the Total Timeline?

Here’s a rough breakdown of how long different renovation projects take:

🛁 Bathroom Remodel – 3-6 weeks
🍽 Kitchen Remodel – 6-12 weeks
🛏 Full Home Renovation – 3-9 months
🏡 Major Structural Changes/Additions – 6-12+ months

Keep in mind, every project is different. Delays happen (hello, cost-plus contracts and unexpected change orders), but with a solid construction site team, you’ll be on track.

Final Thoughts

Home renovations can be long, messy, and sometimes frustrating—but they’re also one of the best ways to boost your home’s value and functionality. Whether you’re working with custom home builders, tackling a green building project, or just sprucing up your space, knowing the timeline helps set realistic expectations.

Need a team that knows how to handle all of this? Contact a general contractor today, and let’s turn that dream home into reality! 🏗🔨