Remodeling or renovating a home is a major undertaking, and homeowners often wonder how long the process will take from start to finish. The timeline for a house renovation can vary greatly depending on the project scope, home size, design complexities, permitting issues, and other factors. While every home renovation project is unique, this guide will provide a realistic timeline and overview of what to expect when remodeling a house.
Average Home Renovation Timelines
The duration of a home renovation can range anywhere from 6 weeks for a minor update to 12 months or more for a major whole home remodel. The typical timeline for remodeling a house falls into these general categories:
- Minor Renovations (1 Room): 6-8 weeks
- Medium Renovations (Several Rooms): 3-6 months
- Major Renovations (Whole Home): 6-12+ months
However, bear in mind that each home renovation project will be different depending on the details and complexities involved. This article will break down approximate timelines for various types of remodeling projects so you can develop a realistic schedule for completing your planned renovations.
Factors That Can Affect Your Home Remodeling Timeline
While the remodeling timelines above can provide a ballpark estimate, it’s important to understand that every home renovation project will have its own unique timeline. There are many variables that can speed up or slow down your remodeling process, including:
- Scope of the Project: The size, scale, and details involved will significantly impact timelines. Replacing cabinet hardware is simpler than a kitchen overhaul.
- Permits/Inspections: Securing proper permits and passing mandatory inspections add days or weeks to the schedule.
- Design Complexities: High-end finishes and intricate details often equate to longer timelines.
- Size of Your Home: Remodeling a spacious 5 bedroom home will likely take longer than updating a small condo.
- Unforeseen Issues: Problems with existing electrical, plumbing, etc can lead to unexpected delays.
- Contractor Availability: Their workload and availability has a direct effect on timelines.
Typical Timeline For Remodeling One Room
If you’re only remodeling one room in your home, such as a kitchen, bathroom or family room renovation, you can likely expect the project to be completed within 6-8 weeks. Here is a look at a typical single-room renovation timeline:
Weeks 1-2: Design, Selections & Planning
Meet with designer and contractor, finalize layout/selections, apply for permits
Weeks 3-4: Permit Approvals & Demolition
Secure permits, remove old materials & prep space for remodel
Weeks 5-7: Installation & Construction
Rough-in work, install cabinets/fixtures/finishes, complete inspections
Week 8: Final Touches & Completion
Final inspection, contractor punch list, install hardware/accessories
Of course minor changes like new flooring or painting can often be completed in 2-4 weeks, while major additions like a master suite may take 10-12 weeks. But in most cases, allotting 6-8 weeks in your schedule is a safe timeframe when remodeling one room.
Typical Timeline For Medium Home Renovations
For medium-sized remodeling projects that involve updating several rooms or sections of your home, plan for completion timelines of 3-6 months. This would include projects like:
- Major Kitchen Overhaul + Half Bath Update
- 2-3 Bathroom Renovations
- Kitchen, Dining & Living Room Remodel
Here is an overview of a typical 3-4 month timeline for a medium multi-room remodel:
Weeks 1-4: Initial Design & Planning Phase
Meet with design team, layout new space, select finishes, apply for permits
Weeks 5-8: Permit Approvals & Demolition
Secure permits, remove old materials, construct new framework
Weeks 9-14: Rough-In & Installation Phase
Plumbing, electric, HVAC, insulation, drywall, begin cabinet/fixture install
Weeks 15-16: Final Construction & Finishes
Install cabinetry, counters, lighting, flooring, paint, complete inspections
Weeks 17-18: Completion & Punch List
Final walkthrough, contractor punch list, install hardware & accessories
For simpler projects focusing on one section of your home, the timeline could be just 3-4 months. More complex renovations involving multiple rooms and details may take up to 6 months from start to finish once permits, inspections, and unforeseen issues are factored in.
Typical Timeline For Whole House Remodels
Extensive renovations that involve remodeling every aspect of your home will likely take 6-12 months from conception to completion. This includes major projects like:
- Complete Home Remodel
- 2-Story Additions
- Luxury Custom Home Renovations
Since whole home remodels impact your entire dwelling, there are exponentially more details involved through all phases of construction. Here’s an overview of typical timeframes:
Months 1-3: Design Development & Approvals
Initial designs, floorplans, models, engineering, finalize selections, approve permits
Months 4-6: Demolition, Framing, Rough-In Work
Gut interior spaces, construct new framing/walls, electrical, HVAC, plumbing
Months 7-9: Installation & Finishes Phase
Insulation, drywall, paint, cabinetry, fixtures, counters, flooring, tiling
Months 10-12: Completion & Move-In
Final inspections, contractor punch list, clean-up, accessories, furnishings
Major whole home remodels often finish around the 10-12 month timeline once you factor in detailed design work, engineering needs, material delays, and weather issues that can slow progress. Very intricate high-end remodels with extensive custom details can sometimes take over 12+ months to fully complete.
How Project Delays Can Impact Your Remodeling Timeline
While the timeframes outlined above reflect average durations, it’s important to prepare for project delays that commonly impact remodeling schedules. Issues like permitting problems, contractor scheduling conflicts, material shortages, bad weather, and unexpected construction issues can quickly derail your completion date.
- Plan a buffer of 2-4 extra weeks in your timeline for potential delays.
- Interview designers and contractors about timelines to get more insight.
- Have your contractor provide estimated start and finish dates in your contract.
- Expect major whole home remodels to take longer as problems emerge.
- Be flexible and patient if your renovation hits unexpected snags.
By understanding what a typical remodeling timeline looks like and planning for contingencies, you’ll be better positioned for a successful, on-time project completion! Connect with reputable local remodeling firms like ABC Renovations to get reliable insight into how long your planned renovation should reasonably take.
Conclusion: Flexible Timelines Are Key With Home Remodels
Renovating a home while living in it can be a major disruption, so having a clear timeline is always desirable. However, flexibility is crucial as no remodeling project goes exactly according to plan. From design changes and product delays to weather and inspection issues, expect your timeline to shift by days or even weeks.
- Discuss time buffers with your contractor upfront
- Prioritize must-have items in case cuts become necessary
- Be prepared to live through dust and noise for longer than expected
- Keep communicating with the renovation team about progress
With reasonable expectations around timeframes plus close coordination with your contractor, your remodeling project will likely stay close to schedule. While delays are frustrating, focus on the final outcome and be patient when they occur. With flexibility and planning, your home renovation will be well worth the wait!
Transform Your Home With Pinnacle Building Group
If you’re considering remodeling or custom building your home in Atlanta, Marietta, and nearby Georgia areas, Pinnacle Building Group has the expertise to make your vision a reality. For over 10 years, we have been creating beautiful, functional spaces that homeowners love.
Discuss your remodeling ideas, custom home plans, project scope and timeline with our team. We’ll provide recommendations tailored to your needs, budget and lifestyle. Call (770) 880-5466 or visit https://renovationsatl.com/ today to get started on transforming your home with Pinnacle Building Group!
